Here’s a list of some of the most inhospitable places on Earth, known for their extreme climates, conditions, or terrain that push life to its limits.

Lake Natron, Tanzania

This alkaline lake can reach a pH of 10.5, nearly as caustic as ammonia. The lake’s high temperature (up to 60°C or 140°F) and mineral-rich waters are lethal to most creatures, but it’s a haven for flamingos that thrive on its extremity. The lake’s chemical composition can calcify animals that fall into its waters, leaving behind eerily preserved remains.

The Atacama Desert, Chile

Known as the driest desert in the world, some areas of the Atacama have never recorded rainfall. Its barren, rocky landscapes resemble Mars more than Earth. Scientists study this desert to simulate conditions for life on other planets.

Mount Everest, Nepal/Tibet

With its peak soaring at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet), Everest’s "death zone" starts above 8,000 meters, where oxygen is dangerously thin, temperatures plummet, and weather changes can be lethal. Despite the dangers, it’s a magnet for adventurers, with over 300 climbers having perished in pursuit of the summit.

Death Valley, USA

This Californian desert holds the record for the hottest temperature ever measured on Earth: a sweltering 56.7°C (134°F). Its arid conditions make survival a challenge for even the hardiest organisms.

Oymyakon, Russia

This Siberian town is the coldest inhabited place on Earth, with winter temperatures dipping to -67.7°C (-89.9°F). Daily activities like starting a car or staying warm are monumental challenges.

Mariana Trench, Pacific Ocean

As the deepest part of the ocean, it plunges nearly 11 kilometers (7 miles) below sea level. The pressure at the bottom is over 1,000 times that at the surface, making it inhospitable for most life.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

This vast salt flat is a dazzling expanse of white that stretches for over 10,000 square kilometers. Its harsh, high-altitude environment (3,656 meters/12,000 feet) can cause severe dehydration and exposure-related issues. After rains, it transforms into a massive mirror, reflecting the sky in an otherworldly spectacle.

Antarctica

With temperatures plummeting to -89.2°C (-128.6°F), Antarctica is the coldest, windiest, and driest continent. Its hostile environment is nearly devoid of life, apart from specialized species and researchers. The Dry Valleys of Antarctica haven’t seen rain for nearly 2 million years.

Danakil Depression, Ethiopia

This volcanic region is one of the hottest and lowest places on Earth. Temperatures regularly exceed 45°C (113°F), and the landscape is dotted with toxic sulfur pools and bubbling lava.

Sahara Desert, Africa

Spanning 9.2 million square kilometers, the Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world. Its extreme heat, sandstorms, and scarcity of water make it a formidable challenge for survival. Despite its barren reputation, the Sahara once teemed with life when it was a lush, green landscape thousands of years ago.