Traditional 11th-century outdoor tannery.

The other side is actually green.

A fortified city, home to a remaining population of five families

World's largest film studio, where visitors tour the decaying sets that litter the harsh desert environment.

Mosaics, storks, and brothels—this ancient city has it all.

One of the most spectacular canyons in the world.

A Moroccan getaway in the mountain range that plays the Himalayas' stunt double.

Founded as a refugee camp, now a popular tourist spot.

Kenyan restaurant is a carnivore's paradise, serving exotic meats at its ultimate 'Beast of a Feast.'

Charnel house at the foot of Mount Sinai.

One of the most ethnically diverse spots on the planet.

18m long sarcophagus of a constantly growing dead prophet.

Final palace complex of the last of 29 Kokand rulers.

These "50 Fortresses" have been unearthed in the ancient oasis of Khwarezm.

Where Stoddart and Connolly suffered in the infamous Bug Pit.

This "tower of death" has acted as an observatory, a religious hub, and an executioner's lair.

Light still pours into the ruins of this ancient Islamic observatory.

The Avenue of Mausolea is a series of grand palatial tombs.

One of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world keeps an eye out in every direction.

Sacred Buddhist home of some spiritual monkeys.

Lonely minaret stump of a destroyed city.

Once a black market electronics marketplace, now an otaku shopper's paradise.

Be careful not to get trampled at this lively two thousand-year-old market.

The western-most fortress on the Great Wall of China has gone from a strategic stronghold to a kitschy tourist carnival.