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Gobi Desert, Mongolia

In ancient times, Mongolia was ruled by horse-lords, nomadic, tribal people who respected the land they trod upon. It’s incredible then that the sweep of that majesty is still present to this day. The Gobi Desert encompasses an incredibly wide stretch of land whose natural beauty has been well-preserved. Fans of Middle-Earth should feel right at home due to the sheer scale of the place, which stretches from eastern China all the way to the edge of Mongolia.

Wikimedia Commons/Severin.stalder

There are plenty of tours available to travelers, and the local population are warm and welcoming to strangers. The serenity of the desert can calm any disquieted soul and the shimmering dunes make for a remarkable sight.