17th century mosque for Shah Abbas' harem.

Modern-day cave dwellers carve elaborate homes out of volcanic debris.

A 1,500-year-old, 3-story subterranean city where ancient Persians took refuge in times of war.

The palace of the King of Kings, burned by Alexander the Great.

This garden is very fertile.

The small cliffside monastery known as the Tiger's Nest is said to be the meditation site of an 8th-century Buddhist master.

A mere stone's throw from Islamabad exists a spectacular display of three millennia of humanity's progress.

A 17th-century mosque that was used for war more than worship.

Massive fortress bastions in the desert of Cholistan.

A battle between nature and architecture in the Cambodian jungle.

This Cambodian riverbed is covered in ancient Hindu carvings both above and below the waters.

More than 200 statues filled with cryptic symbols give this park spot an aura of horror vacui fantasy.

Bizarre Hindu and Buddhist sculpture park.

Stunning wetlands ablaze with pink lotus flowers.

The skeletons, demons, and corpses serve as a warning of the terrors of Buddhist Hell.

Villagers have recycled bomber fuel tanks from the Vietnam War and turned them into very, very strong boats.

A boat ride through utter darkness, lit only by headlamps, reveals an emerald green pool locals believe is sacred.