~ Top 10 Natural Attractions in Asia ~

[MysteRy]

Top 10 Natural Attractions in Asia


1. Dead Sea   



The sinister name of Dead Sea is given because it was perceived that the waters are so salty, that not a single marine creature could survive the harsh conditions. Although this theory was disputed half a century ago, this water basin remains as one of the least populated by underwater life. The Dead Sea is also crowned as the deepest salt lake in the world and stretches more than a thousand square meters amidst the Jordan Valley between West Bank, Israel and Jordan. The water contains nearly ten times more salt than the ocean and the temperatures can reach fifty degrees Celsius during the summer months. Dead Sea has a unique chemical consistency that contributes to some exceptional medicinal properties of its waters. The Healing mud of the lake has the highest effective therapeutic impact on Earth. For these reasons, the area attracts flocks of travellers, willing to experience the amazing qualities of the basin.

[MysteRy]

2. Gobi Desert   



Gobi means simply "desert" and from all the dry and waterless places on the planet, this forsaken region, lying between Siberia and Tibet, has the most mysterious appeal of all deserts. Contrary to the common perception that the notion of a vast waste can inspire, Gobi has many fascinating sides, many of which aside the paleontological context. It is a land of subtle colours, which vary with changes of light during the day. A land of tremendous clear skies and stunning vistas, a silent landscape under the relentless winds. Amongst the few living souls that break the quite setting of Gobi are the local Mongolians and their animal flocks who have adapted in a peculiar, yet astounding way to make a living in the harsh embrace of the desert. The sandy kingdom comprises the Gobi Gurvansaikhan National Park which is the largest nature reserve in Asia and third largest in the world.

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3. Mount Everest   



With its amazing 8848-meters Everest claims the title as the highest peak on our diverse and beautiful planet. The mount is situated in the Himalayas and is on the verge between China and Nepal. While the challenge to climb this monolith may seem next to impossible, more than 2500 people have find the strength and dedication to embark on this task and reach the top. At this height the climate conditions are much different than at lower altitudes to the extent that they cause physiological changes in the human body. Thinking and reaction speed become considerably slower and the risk of altitude sickness is especially high there. Every effort in the exhausting climb is worth it, as there is no greater reward than the absolutely breath-taking view that envelops you at the peak! Not surprisingly, Everest is a top choice for adrenaline seekers and is often assumed as an achievement of a lifetime to conquer.

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4. Maldives   



Often called the Eden on Earth, the Maldives are amongst the natural jewels that can truly stun you with their unparalleled beauty. Warm, crystal clear waters that wash the white sandy beaches, covered with palm trees, a spectacular array of coral reefs, packed with incredible diversity of marine species, combined with the seclusion and luxury of the emblematic beach bungalows - a promise for the most memorable tropical experience contemporary resorts could offer. There, the sunsets and sunrises are stunning to the limit of our senses, as they reveal the work of the greatest artist ever - Nature. The exotic charm of the Maldives will take you in an enchanted and perfect world, far away from the stressful hustle and bustle of the everyday routine. It comes only natural that the islands are amongst the most cherished honeymoon destinations, as they would certainly make the most unforgettable romantic adventure for all newlyweds.

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5. Lake Baikal   



The astounding vast of Lake Baikal can only exalt reverence and rapture, as it stands as the largest, deepest and oldest freshwater lake worldwide. There are plentiful facts that make this basin unique. While most glacial lakes date back no further than fifteen thousand years before losing the battle with time and mire, Baikal is a true natural perpetual mobile, as it began its formation approximately 25 million years ago and continues to reshape. Today, the lake is the biggest reservoir of fresh water and its capacity surpasses the water volume of all North American lakes combined.  The picturesque scenery around of the Blue Eye of Siberia impresses with its variety. Mountains and forests encircle the azure waters, while more than twenty isles dot the aquatic surface. The rich natural setting creates living conditions for thousands of flora and fauna species, more than 2,600 of which are endemic to the region, i.e. found only there.

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6. Tubbataha Reef   



Tubbataha Reef is the pearl of the Philippines! Located amidst the Sulu Sea, distant from any harbour or land, it is spelled as the most beautiful of all islands in the Philippines. Tubbataha was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993 and is best known for its tremendous drop-offs - wall-like areas, where the shallow reef descends drastically to such depths that are unreachable by divers. These locations are filled by caves and cracks, shaping a paradise of underwater commotion. Thousands of fish and other marine animals, as well as an abundance of corals, live in the reef, adding to the colourful array beneath the water surface. Dolphins and sharks make frequent encounters, together with several endangered species of sea turtles that lay their eggs on the beach. The area has acquired the status of a national park and presents some of the best destinations for diving fans and subaquatic photographers.

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7. Ganges   



Ganges is an eternal river - always in motion, constantly changing and yet remaining still the same. Situated in northern India and Bangladesh, it takes the thirty-sixth spot among the longest rivers in the world. Ganges is characterized by exceptionally fertile land, which is the primary reason why about 8% of the world's population has settled along its banks. The river has a great spiritual meaning for the locals and is considered to be sacred. There are many legends and myths, associated with the river and the religious followers believe that it is a gift from the skies - a grace, sent to the people. Ganges can be perceived as a representation of the Indian life, traditions and reality. While at some places the riverside is encompassed by gorgeous palaces, brimming with beauty and finesse, other locations demonstrate the opposite extreme - poverty, famine and death.

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8. Reed Flute Cave, China   



The Reed Flute Cave is a popular destination in Guilin, China that has lured eager visitors for more than twelve centuries. The cave is more than 180 million years old and is famous for the unique lightning effects and rock formation within its dark core. Many stalagmites, and stalactites, together with a great number of whimsical shapes and twisted forms fill the interior of the Reed Flute Cave. Some of the rocks have very poetic monikers that the locals have granted them, such as the Red Curtain and the Fruit Mountain. Interesting attractions within the geological site are the collection of nearly seventy ink inscriptions that date back from the ancient times of the Tang Dynasty. The Cave bares its unusual name because of a specific reed that grows in the area, which is used for the crafting of musical flutes.

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9. Stone Forest, China   



The Stone Forest is located 120 km from the Chinese city of Kunming in the national autonomous county Lunan Yi and covers an area of 400 sq. km. It is composed of a compilation of large and small stone pillars, as well as many other scenic spots. The natives like to say that if you have visited Kunming without seeing the forest, you have wasted your time. Indeed, the place stands as one of the most important attractions in the whole region. Research indicates that about 270 million years ago these lands were covered by extensive water vast with a large stretch of limestone sediment formed on the seabed. Under the influence of natural geo-phenomena and Earth movement, the water has receded, thus revealing this spectacular display of karst formations. Over the decades, the artistic moulding powers of the rain and the wind contribute tremendously to the creation of the breath-taking landscape we see today.

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10. Huangguoshu Waterfall, China   



Crowned as the biggest waterfall in all of Asia, Huangguoshu has the amazing width of 81 meters and the height of a twenty-storey building. One of the best features of this natural miracle is the beautiful, yet rare combination of a massive water cascade and luscious surrounding vegetation. The exceptional mysticism of the waterfall, however, is not associated with its colossal size, but is due to the fact that tourists can enter a cave on the mountain slope behind the water curtain and observe the powerful spray from inside - a sensational experience that attracts crowds of nature lovers every year. The thunderous roar of Huangguoshu is so deafening, that it can be heard from a distance of five kilometres and certainly demonstrates the glorious might of this aquatic gem. During the dry season, the local authorities control the river flow in order to ensure a constant splendour of the waterfall.