Sulak Canyon River Mountains Sunset, Dagestan, Russia

History flows here

This stunning sight has stopped generations of travelers in their tracks, whether journeying with a merchant caravan to East Asia or just road tripping in Türkiye. Long ago part of the Silk Road, and now a national park intercut with miles of trails, the Botan Valley was carved by (what else?) the Botan River—a tributary of the mighty Tigris. Ancient Baghdad-bound businessfolk have given way to watersports enthusiasts in these parts, so if you find a perch with a view, don't be surprised to spot a few windsurfers way down below.