The Most Surreal Desert Landscapes Around The World You Can Actually Visit
21. Dasht-e Lut, Iran – The Hottest Place on Earth
Dasht-e Lut, also known as the Lut Desert, holds the record for the hottest temperature ever recorded on Earth (159°F / 70°C!). But beyond the scorching heat, this desert in Iran is a surreal wonderland of gigantic sand dunes, salt flats, and towering rock formations. Its Yardang formations (wind-carved ridges) make parts of it look like the surface of Mars. Despite its harsh conditions, the landscape is hauntingly beautiful—and adventurous travelers can now visit certain areas with guided tours.
