Asia's Top 10 Most Extreme Spots

Explore the top 10 most extreme spots the world’s largest continent has to offer.

From the highest mountain to hottest desert, Asia’s home to many of the world’s superlative natural wonders. Discover what makes this continent the most extreme on the planet.

HOTTEST POINT

Lut Desert, Iran 70.7°C

Parked in Iran’s southeast, this large salt desert lays claim to being the hottest location on the planet. The highest temperature ever recorded here was a sweltering 70.7°C, captured by a NASA satellite in 2005. The hottest point is a dark lava plateau called Gandom Beryan, which covers an area of around 480 square kilometres.

EXPEDITION INFORMATION

WHEN TO GO The best time to visit the Lut Desert is during spring and autumn– from March to May, and September to November respectively. Summer, of course, should be avoided, as should winter, when nighttime temperatures drop below zero

GETTING AROUND It is easy to travel within Iran on buses, trains and savaris (shared taxis)

GETTING THERE Tours of the Lut Desert start and end in Kerman, which can be reached via Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani International Airport. The airport has a connection to Dubai as well as various domestic connections. Itineraries typically include the ancient sites at Bam, Rayen and Mahan

COLDEST INHABITED PLACE

Oymyakon, Russia –71.2°C