Mu Cang Chai, Yen Bai
From mid-September to the end of October is the “gold” time for tourists to enjoy the yellow rice paddy fields of the Northwest, from Sapa and Y Ty to Quan Ba and Mu Cang Chai. It is quite difficult to point out the most beautiful rice terraces of this season as each destination has its own beauty, but Mu Cang Chai is the most popular. On the way to these famous mountains in the Northwest, you will have a chance to experience thrilling hours of turning sharp curves on the way to the Khau Pha Peak, admire sunrise at Tu Le Valley, enjoy the aromatic sweet sticky rice, and attend the famous weekend market here.
The terraces in La Pan Tan, Che Cu Nha, and De Xu Phinh have become frequent "stops" for tourists who wish to admire the yellow rice paddies. In the afternoon, the sunbeams lightly paint some yellow stripes on the terraces. During your trip, do not forget to spend a night in Tu Le. In the morning, try to get up a little earlier than usual, go jogging while the sun is still shrouded by mist, and admire the panorama of Tu Le Valley reflected by the pure sunshine.
The north India
India is a melting pot of landscapes and cultures, and the Himalayas are perfect for trekking come autumn. One of two divisions in the northern hill state of Uttarakhand, the Kumaon region is India’s best kept secret. With the best time to visit between October and mid-April, autumn is the perfect time to explore this land of magnificent snow-capped peaks, verdant forests and alpine meadows.
Staying at mountain top hotel Shakti 360° Leti offers guests the chance to discover a side of India few people get to see. Many hikes run from this lodge, with everything from gentle walks to strenuous treks.
For hiking enthusiasts, the steep trek up to Bunga Top is a rewarding excursion. A narrow path, or pagdangi, brings walkers up to a flat piece of pastureland. From here, there are stunning views over majestic mountain peaks including the 7816m or 25,623ft Nanda Devi (the highest mountain covering land solely in India).
Japan
In Japan, the seasons seem so much more pronounced than anywhere else, and autumn is no exception. Although not as popular as cherry blossoms in the spring, Japan’s autumn colours are jaw-droppingly spectacular, and just as well celebrated. The best colours are found farther north, so the island of Hokkaido is particularly blessed with spectacular spreads of reds, golds, yellows and browns. Another great place to enjoy the foliage is the historic Kyoto, a city full of temples, shrines and gardens packed with maple and gingko trees Tofuku-ji is a must visit.
Japan’s autumn colours can last about 2 months, from mid-October to mid-December.
Bhutan
Autumn in Bhutan brings warm days, cool nights and clear skies, giving unparalleled views of the country’s many snow-capped peaks. The autumnal colours are understated here, simply the gold of the ripe rice paddies and the colour-changing mood of the mountains, but this harvest time brings an atmosphere of joy and celebration. Bhutan emphasize the traditional culture and values and at this point of the year there are plenty of colourful festivals, such as Thimphu Tshechu and Thangbi Mani, that will give you a chance to experience it first-hand.