The ruins of an ancient Zoroastrian Tower of Silence believed to be the earliest example of the traditional funerary practice.

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

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

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.

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

Home to what was once considered the largest gate in central Asia.

An 18-meter-long sarcophagus of a constantly growing dead prophet.

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

One of the most ethnically diverse spots on the planet.

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

According to one story, this burial mound is made up of stones that represent the casualties of a major battle.

The origin of this sinisterly shaped forest is rooted in mystery.

This village was once a thriving Soviet uranium mining center, but is now semi-abandoned and desolate.

This mysterious complex of abandoned yurts and fading murals was meant to be a center of science and spirituality in Kyrgyzstan.

Lonely minaret stump of a destroyed city.

On the shores of Kyrgyzstan's Issyk-Kul Lake, a family cooks a feast that tells the sad tale of a people's exile.

This retro, UFO-like structure is a remnant of the Soviet-era circus.

Built entirely of interlocking pieces, construction of this Chinese Muslim house of worship required zero nails.

Extremely isolated Silk Road caravanserai in the middle of nowhere.

The highest point in Maine is a grand gift to the state citizens that also happens to be one end of the Appalachian Trail.

The eccentric mansion of one of the most popular horror authors of modern times.

The world's only international cryptozoology museum is host to an unrivaled collection of mysterious objects.

Rock-cut chamber at top of an outcroup, reached by a mountain stairway of forty steps.