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October brings clear skies and autumn colour across North Asia. China's National Day Golden Week (1 to 7 October) is the busiest travel week of the year in China, so plan Chinese trips for after it.
1. South Korea
Autumn leaves usually peak in mid to late October at Seoraksan and later in Seoul's palaces and parks.
Key sights
- Seoraksan: Korea's best autumn colours, usually peaking mid-October.
- Nami Island: Tree-lined lanes on a river island near Seoul.
- Jeju silver grass: Saebyeol Oreum and the volcanic cones turn silver in autumn.
→ See the suggested day-by-day itinerary
2. Hokkaido and Tohoku, Japan
Japan's autumn colours start in the north in October, in Daisetsuzan and around Lake Towada.
Key sights
- Oirase Gorge: Riverside trail through autumn leaves in Aomori.
- Lake Towada: Caldera lake ringed by colourful forest.
- Ginzan Onsen: Wooden ryokan along a river, lit by gas lamps at night.
3. Nepal
The main trekking season: clear mountain views after the monsoon.
Key sights
- Annapurna region: Treks such as Poon Hill with clear Himalayan views.
- Pokhara: Phewa Lake and paragliding with mountain views.
- Kathmandu Valley: Durbar Squares, Boudhanath and Swayambhunath.
4. Jiuzhaigou, Sichuan, China
Coloured lakes and autumn leaves; best in mid to late October, after Golden Week.
Key sights
- Five Flower Lake: Clear lake with patterns of colour from the trees and minerals.
- Nuorilang and Pearl Shoal waterfalls: Wide waterfalls in the heart of the park.
- Huanglong: Terraced travertine pools nearby.
5. Turkey (Cappadocia)
Calm autumn mornings for hot-air balloon flights and comfortable walking weather.
Key sights
- Cappadocia: Hot-air balloons at sunrise over fairy chimneys.
- Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar.
- Pamukkale: White travertine terraces above the ruins of Hierapolis.
Weather to plan around
Vietnam's central coast (Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An) has its heaviest rain and flood risk from October to December.
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Questions people ask
When do autumn leaves peak in Korea?
Usually mid to late October in the mountains and late October to early November in Seoul. Exact timing varies each year.