Changtang, Tibet
Known as "The Roof of the World," Changtang's altitudes range from 4,000 to 9,000 feet.
The 990-mile stretch of land across the Tibetan Plateau is home to a nomadic people called the Changpa. Wildlife like snow leopards and yaks thrive in its cold, arid climate.
You need a permit in order to enter, which can cost several thousand dollars, but it's accessible via the Leh Airport, Udhampur Railway Station, or driving from Manali or Srinagar.