Much of the Asian continent is made up of large deserts . Some of them are known worldwide for their extension and for their almost unreal landscapes. There are many tourists who bet to visit them throughout the year, for this reason, we wanted to offer you a list with the 7 most incredible deserts in Asia.
1. The Arabian desert
Located in West Asia, the Arabian Desert is the largest desert in Asia and the fourth largest in the world . With an area of more than 2.3 million km², it covers almost the entirety of the Arabian peninsula, crossing Yemen, Oman and Jordan . Its climate is dry and temperatures reach 46º C.
This desert has red sand dunes and quicksand. Some of these dunes reach 280 meters high.
In its territory there is vegetation typical of the region and species such as the oryx and the sand cat can be seen. However, it is one of the deserts in Asia that has lost the most native species due to hunting and other agricultural activities.
2. Gobi, one of the best-known deserts in Asia
With its 1.3 million km², the Gobi desert is another of the largest deserts in the world. It stretches from southern Mongolia to northern China and consists mostly of bare rocks and extensive plains.
It is one of the deserts in Asia with a greater fluctuation of extreme temperatures. In winter temperatures can reach below -45º C and in summer they can exceed 40º C.
Of great historical value for hosting several transit cities on the Silk Road, the Gobi desert is a reference for both tourists and historians from around the world.
On the other hand, in its territory is the great Gobi National Park . There we can visit the famous Khongoryn Els dunes (the singing sands), its paradisiacal oases and spot unique species, such as the Gobi bear.
3. The Thar desert
Thar is the world’s most populous desert , with a population density of 83 people per km². Another of its particularities is that it forms a natural boundary between the countries of India and Pakistan.
It is one of the deserts in Asia that has a wide variety of protected areas , such as the Tal Chhapar Sanctuary and the Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary. Species such as the Indian wild ass and the caracal are typical of this area. In it, in addition, it is possible to contemplate more than 140 species of migratory birds.
4. Great deserts of Asia: Taklamakan
With a total area of 337,000 km², a size similar to the German territory, the Taklamakan Desert is the second largest sand desert in the world. Its changing dunes are known by many travelers, who recognize the risk involved in their journey.
Surrounded by mountains, it also borders the Gobi Desert . Its geographical situation makes it difficult for the rains to come, which is why the oases are very important. In winter, temperatures reach values below -20 ºC.
5. The Karakum desert
It was named Karakum in the local language for its black sand. It is located in Central Asia and has an almost non-existent population. It has oil and natural gas deposits, as well as oases surrounded by large cotton plantations.
In it we can visit the Darvaza crater , also known as the Door to Hell, which has been lit since 1971. In addition, we can cross it using the Trans- Caspian train , built by the Russian Empire and which converges with the Silk Road.
6. The Kyzyl Kum desert
This desert has an area of 298,000 km² and crosses three countries: Turkmenistan , Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Its landscape presents large sand plains, oases and two rivers that cross it, where we can find farming villages.
This desert, on the other hand, is known for its deposits of copper, gold and uranium . In addition, fossils of great historical value have been found in its territory.
7. Lop, another of the unmissable Asian deserts
The Lop Desert is located in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. Its flat surface is striking , but also its strong sandstorms and its low biodiversity.
It is known to be the last refuge of the wild Bactrian camel . Here is also the Lop Nur Wild Camel National Nature Reserve, created in 2001 in order to preserve these unique camels.