One of the most ethnically diverse spots on the planet.

Former island in the Aral Sea used to be a top-secret Russian bio-weapons facility.

Ancient barriers wrap around what was once an important stop along the Silk Road.

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

Once a bustling fishing port, this semi-ghost town is now more than 90 miles away from the shore.

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

Tucked away along a riverbend in an area known for its uranium mines is one of the world's tallest locks.

A sober museum housed in the original administrative building of one of Stalin's largest gulags.

This Soviet statue is based on a piece of propaganda that's been elevated to national myth.

At 72 feet below sea level, it's the lowest commercial airport in the world.

This sprawling market is a one-stop shop for traditional Kazakh foods, from mare’s milk to sheep’s head.

A modern tower, symbolizing the legend of a golden egg on top of the tree of life.

In Kazakhstan, a colorful cathedral with many lives once survived the most powerful earthquake in the region.

Avenue of trees planted by cosmonauts before their space departures.

The lovely lake that was naturally dammed, then naturally destroyed, then unnaturally saved.

World's oldest and largest space launch facility, once a secret missile testing site.

Rusting ships sit in a desert where a sea used to be.

Submerged trees jut ghost-like out of an idyllic turquoise mountain lake.

This extremely remote border crossing was closed to prevent smuggling and looting.

Traces of the thriving lake trade that once linked the Soviet Union with Mongolia.

People have been scribbling on this massive chunk of granite for more than 1,500 years.

Dinosaur eggs were first discovered at these fiery red cliffs.

Mongolian Buddhists believe this monastery in the Gobi desert to be the center of the world's spiritual energy.

A huge communist-era propaganda monument and mural that offers stunning views of the Mongolian capital.