Always best used as a sightseeing companion or background reading material, the Insight guides are less useful for logistical information or finding accommodation. Focuses on cultural sights, activities and Kathmandu, accompanied by full-page colour photographs. We do recommend, however, that you buy a more specific guidebook for trekking.
As well as the most comprehensive information on trekking, with 27 detailed route maps, this compact yet comprehensive guide also includes a section on Nepal and Kathmandu with maps, accommodation listings and historical and cultural information.
This decent guide covers eastern and western Nepal, Kathmandu, the Everest and Annapurna regions, and Langtang and Helambu. Also includes a section on Himalayan wildlife, 22 contour maps and detailed notes on treks including less visited alternative routes. Less reliable and detailed, however, than the Trailblazer series.
Essential guide for anyone planning to trek in the country, the author spent four years living in Bhutan so the guide is reliable and informative with excellent maps and illustrations.
A guide to the mythical Shangri-La, this typically useful guide from Bradt focuses on the hikes, monasteries, history and landscape of the magnificent Himalayas.
A somewhat unwieldy guide due to its large format, this is probably the best guide to 15 major treks through the Himalayas with easy-to-read maps, accompanying text and wonderful photographs.
Fully illustrated with colour photographs, this guide is a good sightseer's companion with strong cultural and historical information. Frustratingly, the listings for hotels and restaurants are limited so it may be a good idea to take along a more practical guide for those.
Most detailed guide to both North and South Korea and yet selective in its recommendations. Strong on practical information as well as cultural and historical background.
Another beautifully-designed offering from Wallpaper magazine with their pick of the chicest hotels, trendiest bars, clubs and restaurants, and most glamorous shops.
One of the only detailed guides on Seoul, this is good for hotel listings and practical advice with excellent maps. It is not, however, more extensive than the section found in the Lonely Planet's guide to Korea.
An up-to-date comprehensive guide featuring a good range of accommodation and a selection of photographs. The writing is thoughtful and engaging. Basic city maps throughout.
A recently-updated, photographic guide from Dorling Kindersley. Wonderful colour photographs, bird's eye graphics and good cultural and historical information make this the perfect sightseer's companion.
A brilliant, entertaining road-trip. Ferguson follows Japan's cherry blossom north, writing of his encounters along the way with great insight and wit.
A vital guidebook for anyone exploring Japan by train, with excellent advice on how to get the best out of its world-class rail system. Includes useful city guides with hotel and restaurant recommendations too.