This 17th-century Bhutanese monastery is ensconced in Buddhist legend.

The ruins of an abandoned 17th-century fort that was almost completely destroyed by a fire.

This Himalayan airport provides one of the most difficult landings in the world.

A stupa built to protect Bhutan from evil forces and help bring peace to the world.

The largest and, arguably, most scenic fortress in Bhutan.

Strange, gentle beasts resembling goat-cow hybrids roam within this patch of forest.

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

Memorial to the father of the Republic of China.

Air-raid tunnels hidden beneath this opulent hotel provided shelter and an escape route—and one of the world's longest slides.

Only through deep darkness and tragedy did this elaborate royal palace become a sacred temple.

This collection of lakeside pagodas and temples are flanked by giant lions, tigers, and dragons as well as their welcoming maws.

Enormous pendulum helps keep Taiwan's tallest building from swaying.

Established hundreds of years ago, Gandan remains the premier Buddhist monastery in Ulaanbaatar.

The monastery survived the Communist revolution in Mongolia as a religious museum.

History, geography, and shamanism meet in this eye-catching monument to the greatness of three empires.

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

The oldest Buddhist monastery in Mongolia has survived centuries of invasions, political shifts, and religious purges.

Enormous statue of the Emperor of the Mongols.

The world's second-tallest flagpole stands proud despite dropping rank.

The first version of this stalwart construction appeared around 3,000 years ago.

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

Beatlemania is still going strong... at least in Kazakhstan.

Iconic pyramid from famed British architect Norman Foster designed to represent all of the world's religious faiths.

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