Remote Asia: three wilderness destinations that offer mountains, islands, or steppe for solitude and reflection when flights resume

Your jaw will drop as you journey through Bhutan’s Himalayan landscapes to a hidden paradise; the views are just as epic in Mongolia, where you can milk horses

To reach Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago takes two flights and three-and-a-half hours by boat. Jungle, clear water, wildlife and eco-resorts await you

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Boulder Bay in the Mergui Archipelago off Myanmar. At least two flights and two boat rides away, it boasts an eco-resort of 20 bungalows, abundant bird and marine life. Photo: Chris Dwyer

Published: 3:15pm, 15 May 2020Updated: 8:14pm, 16 May 2020

As we look ahead to when some sense of normality returns, many of us dream of heading to culturally rich, beautiful and inspiring destinations that lift the soul.

While some might look forward to being swept up in a mass of humanity, revelling in contact and the energy of the crowd, I hope my first trip will allow for reflection, quiet solitude and an appreciation that things have moved on. Here are three Asian wilderness destinations to offer a truly off-grid experience, and the opportunity to ground oneself.

Land of the Thunder Dragon: Bhutan

The first already has a reputation as one of the most Zen destinations on the planet: Bhutan. Once you land in the Himalayan kingdom known as “the land of the thunder dragon” – and there are only eight pilots registered to touch down at tiny Paro airport – you begin to understand why. Passport control is decorated with elegant hand-painted wooden carvings more befitting a temple.

An archer watching his arrow fly in Bhutan. Photo: Chris Dwyer

The country is famed for its “Gross National Happiness” index, a development philosophy which measures the population’s well-being, happiness and prosperity, instead of gross domestic product. The five-hour drive to our wilderness destination, the Punakha Valley, only confirms this unique approach to life.

Stopping off for coffee in Thimphu, the country’s capital, you may note the lack of any traffic lights, and you cannot help but be charmed by the famous dancing traffic policeman, dressed in an elegant navy coat.