Mongolia

A kaleidoscope of endless grassy plains, desolate lunar-like deserts, and untouched alpine tundra as far as the eye can see

Sandwiched between China and Russia and so sparsely populated that horses outnumber people, Mongolia feels like the last frontier — a kaleidoscope of endless grassy plains, desolate lunar-like deserts, and untouched alpine tundra as far as the eye can see. Mongolia is a massive landlocked and unpopulated country (think Alaska), with strong Slavic influence in the north and Kazak influence in the south. Mile upon mile of grasslands, blue sky, and epic views punctuated with tiny, bone-white, felt-domed yurts and the occasional nomadic herders saddled atop burly Mongolian ponies.

There is much to see in Mongolia, but distances are vast, so itineraries should be carefully designed to include all the highlights. The country's dusty capital, Ulaanbaatar, is not the most charming of cities. Still, most itineraries begin here, and travelers will undoubtedly welcome the chance to recover from jetlag in the glitzy Sofitel, Shangri-La Hotel, or Blue Sky Hotel.

Most itineraries include an excursion to the Gobi Desert in the south, with pitstops at the ruins of the Karakorum, the flaming cliffs, the singing dunes of Hongoryn Els, and the Orkhon Valley. 

To the west are the far less frequented Altai Mountains, a magnet for mountain climbers, nature lovers, and fans of the eagle festival. To the north lie the vast steppes and remote taiga forests, home to the mysterious semi-nomadic herders who still ride (and milk) domesticated reindeer. Although road trips are preferable, driving in Mongolia requires patience (lots of it!), spare tires, and a reliable GPS to plot out obscure coordinates and hard-to-find gas stations. Even the hardiest of travelers will appreciate a good guide or driver to traverse Mongolia's many miles of bumpy roads.

And do not expect boutique hotels and swanky eco-resorts along the way; most overnights (except those in the Offbeat Goat collection) are simple barebones gers ( portable, yurt-like circular dwelling), delightfully authentic but nothing fancy.