Welcome to Colorado Saram, an Asia-based adventure travel blog created by John Buckley, a skier, hiker, and lifelong traveler raised in the mountains of Vail, Colorado.
After working in ski resort PR, I set off on a round-the-world trip that included a season in New Zealand and months of solo travel across the South Pacific, South America, and Southeast Asia. That journey eventually led me to South Korea, where I’ve lived since 2007 and used as a base to explore much of Asia.
Over the years, I’ve built this site to share real-world travel stories and help others plan outdoor-focused trips across the region. Whether you’re chasing powder in Japan, trekking in Vietnam, or looking for quieter ways to explore Korea, I aim to help you skip the packaged tours and experience more along the way.
Colorado-Inspired Outdoor Adventure Travel in Asia & Beyond
Fresh Tracks
Trending Now: Asia Ski Trips, Treks, and Travel Guides
Start here with some of the most-read content on Colorado Saram, including trip planning tips, detailed destination guides, and firsthand reports from the slopes and trails of Asia.
These posts reflect the spirit of independent, outdoor adventure travel across the region.
Annapurna Circuit vs Everest Base Camp: Which Trek Should You Choose?
Trying to decide between the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp? I went through the same choice and ended up trekking Annapurna. Here’s how they compare.
Oakley MOD1 MIPS Helmet Review
I wasn’t much of a helmet skier, but a trip to Gulmarg pushed me to finally buy one. I went with the Oakley MOD1 MIPS, and it ended up being the first helmet I didn’t mind wearing all day.
Do You Need a Guide to Ski Gulmarg?
Do you need a guide to ski Gulmarg? After a week skiing Phase 2 terrain in Kashmir, here’s my honest take on guides, costs, and navigating the mountain.
High 1 vs Yongpyong Resort, Which Is Better for Skiing in South Korea?
A practical comparison of High 1 and Yongpyong Resort based on access, terrain, lodging, and how each ski trip actually feels. Written from years of skiing both.
Beyond Japow: My Search for the Next Great Ski Destination in Asia
Japow still delivers, but the crowds pushed me to look beyond Japan for my 2026 ski trip. I dug into places like Jyrgalan, Shymbulak, and China’s far west before circling back to Gulmarg in Kashmir. This post walks through the full search and how I landed on my final choice.
The Perfect 5–7 Day Hokkaido Ski Itinerary (2025 Guide)
A flexible 5–7 day ski itinerary for Hokkaido, based on real experience in Niseko and Rusutsu. Includes tips on rental gear, lift passes, where to stay, how to plan around the weather, and what to expect on and off the mountain in 2025.
❄️ Skiing in Asia
Do You Need a Guide to Ski Gulmarg?
Do you need a guide to ski Gulmarg? After a week skiing Phase 2 terrain in Kashmir, here’s my honest take on guides, costs, and navigating the mountain.
Why I’m Skiing in Gulmarg, Kashmir in 2026 (Despite the Risks)
After the 2025 attack in Kashmir, most people assumed I canceled my ski trip. I didn’t. I wrote this to share why I’m still going, how I’m preparing, and what the journey means to me.
Welli Hilli Park Resort Ski Guide: Quietly Excellent Advanced Skiing in South Korea
A first-hand look at skiing Welli Hilli, a lesser-known ski resort in South Korea with steep upper terrain, manageable crowds, and easy access.
High 1 vs Yongpyong Resort, Which Is Better for Skiing in South Korea?
A practical comparison of High 1 and Yongpyong Resort based on access, terrain, lodging, and how each ski trip actually feels. Written from years of skiing both.
Hokkaido Ski and Snowboard Packing List: Advice After Multiple Visits
A practical Hokkaido ski packing list based on multiple trips to Niseko and Rusutsu. What to bring, what to rent, and what’s easy to overlook when skiing in Japan.
How to Get From CTS to Niseko and Rusutsu: My Hokkaido Ski Transport Guide
Figuring out transportation in Hokkaido is one of the biggest hurdles for a ski trip to Niseko or Rusutsu. I’ve done it both on a tight budget and with a rental car, and this guide walks through the options so you can choose what makes the most sense for your trip.
🥾 Hiking & Trekking in Asia
From the rice terraces of Vietnam to the high peaks of Nepal and volcanic trails in Korea, these guides are built for travelers who prefer dirt trails to tour buses.
You’ll find self-guided adventures in Sapa, summer trekking in Gangwon Province, and a detailed write-up on hiking Hallasan, South Korea’s tallest peak. Whether you’re in it for the views, the solitude, or the challenge, this section is where the trail starts.
Annapurna Circuit vs Everest Base Camp: Which Trek Should You Choose?
Trying to decide between the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp? I went through the same choice and ended up trekking Annapurna. Here’s how they compare.
Why Climbing Hallasan in Summer Nearly Broke Me, and What I’d Do Differently
Thinking of hiking Hallasan? I took on South Korea’s highest peak during a steamy August trip.
This guide covers what to expect, what I got wrong, and how to make your own climb smoother.
3 Days in Sapa Without a Guide: A Realistic DIY Itinerary for Independent Travelers
A flexible, f3-day itinerary for Sapa, Vietnam including a self-guided trek, Fansipan summit by cable car, and a colorful village finale.
No tours, no stress.
Yongpyong Resort Summer Guide (2025)
Think Yongpyong is just for skiing? Summer brings gondola rides, scenic trails, and dog-friendly adventures in Korea’s cool mountain highlands — just a few hours from Seoul.
High 1 Resort Summer Guide (2025)
Think High 1 Resort is just for ski season? Summer brings dog-friendly mountain trails, gondola views, and family fun at Water World.
We returned to the Hill Condo for a cooler, quieter adventure—here’s everything you need to know.
Fansipan Peak Cable Car Guide: Cost, Tickets & What to Expect (2025)
Ride Vietnam’s highest cable car to the summit of Fansipan. This self-guided guide covers tickets, transport, summit tips, and what to expect at the Roof of Indochina.
🏝️ Beach Travel in Asia
From volcanic coastlines on Jeju Island to turquoise waters off Phu Quoc, these guides focus on relaxed beach escapes with a dose of outdoor adventure.
Whether you’re looking for ferry tips, island itineraries, or quiet places to swim, this section brings together my favorite beach travel experiences in Korea and Vietnam. More to come as I explore new coastlines across the region.
Phu Quoc 5 Day Itinerary – Beaches, Adventure & Relaxation
Planning a trip to Phu Quoc? This flexible 5-day itinerary highlights the island’s best beaches, hotels, food spots, and activities—based on real, firsthand travel.
Phu Quoc Travel Guide: Dry Season vs Rainy Season – What to Expect
Trying to decide between visiting Phu Quoc in the dry season or rainy season?
This firsthand travel guide compares both—motorbike adventures, beach bars, sudden storms, and what each season really feels like.
Jeju Island 5-Day Itinerary With a Dog: Beaches, Cafés, and Coastal Stops
Planning a Jeju Island 5-day dog-friendly itinerary? This guide includes scenic coastal drives, hidden gems, and must-see attractions—plus the best beaches, cafés, and activities for travelers with dogs.
Whether you’re bringing your own car or renting one, this pet-friendly Jeju adventure is packed with tips for making the most of your time on the island.
Jeju Island Ferry Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know
If you’ve decided to visit Jeju Island, South Korea, you’ll soon confront a crucial question: How do I get there? Unless you’re an Olympic swimmer, you essentially have two options: fly or take a ferry. I share my personal experience and explain why opting for the ferry might be your best choice. I’ll also guide you through the process, including how I brought my own car and dog along, to help you decide if Jeju Island Ferry travel is the best option for you.
✈️ Need Help Planning a Trip to Asia?
I’ve spent the last 15+ years living and traveling in Asia — planning group trips for friends, skiing in Japan and Korea, and trekking across the region.
Now I’m offering free travel planning support for independent travelers who want expert insight without the cookie-cutter itinerary.
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