There’s Nowhere Like Mongolia

Mongolia camels in the desert
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You can search the world until your heart’s content, but you’ll never really find anywhere quite like Mongolia. The East-Asian country is known for its rugged landscape and sense of otherworldliness, especially because the travel industry is only just starting to realize how much Mongolia has to offer.

Mongolia is underdeveloped by world standards in the best way possible. You can travel to rural areas and meet people who still practice traditions that have been upheld for centuries. Families in the countryside are known to open their gers (or yurts) to travelers but there are also ger camps that you can book in advance. These traditional styles of housing offer visitors an authentic experience that you won’t find anywhere else.

While in Mongolia, visitors have a chance to visit the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, learn about the legacy of Genghis Khan, ride a camel in the Gobi Desert, and attend local festivals such as Naadam.

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A World Of History Awaits In Uzbekistan

Located in Central Asia, Uzbekistan is a former Soviet country with a history that dates back to the Scythians, who inhabited the area at some point in the first millennium BC. With territories once conquered by Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan, Uzbekistan is home to parts of the historic Silk Road.

The country boasts several sites of impressive architecture which visitors will have a chance to see in cities like Samarkand. One of the greatest examples is the square known as Registan, sometimes thought of as the noblest public square in the world.

Bukhara is another tourist highlight located reasonably close to Samarkand, another ancient city boasting an array of mosques and palaces paying tribute to the country’s royal heritage. The capital city of Tashkent still contains examples of fascinating Soviet architecture and is also worth visiting.

Bhutan Is Asia’s Most Exclusive Country

Monastery in Bhutan
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According to World Atlas, Bhutan receives fewer visitors each year than any other country in Asia. This isn’t because there’s nothing worth seeing or doing in the Himalayan nation. Actually, the country remains in control of the number of tourists that are allowed to visit.

For most tourists (excluding those with Indian, Bangladeshi, or Maldivian passports), travel to Bhutan is only possible with a visa and through booking with an official Bhutanese tour operator. But Asia’s most exclusive country is worth seeing. The Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan is home to several mesmerizing landmarks.

One of the most popular places to visit in Bhutan is the cliffside monastery called Taktshang. Here, you’ll find a cave within a Buddhist temple where a deity is said to have spent 90 days fasting with the intention of spreading Buddhism throughout the country. There are also a plethora of other monasteries and palaces to see in this country.

Lebanon Won’t Be Under The Radar For Long

Selfie in Lebanon
Adventurous Kate
Lebanon has flown under the radar in recent years. Following the outbreak of civil war in Lebanon in 1975, international travelers have been wary of traveling to this Middle Eastern destination. But with many areas of the country now considered safe enough to travel to, it is becoming increasingly popular among world travelers. There are several stunning rural areas in Lebanon that are well worth exploring, including the Qadisha Valley, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite being a mostly Islamic country, Lebanon has many Mediterranean influences. In addition to ancient ruins left behind by the Phoenicians and Romans, be sure to explore authentic Lebanese fare, which is reminiscent in many ways of Greek cuisine. NEXT: 10 Best Cities To Go For Your Honeymoon In Asia