Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Cold deserts (BWk in Köppen classification) have hot summers but freezing winters, with low precipitation (<250 mm/yr). They occur at high latitudes or high elevations. Major countries hosting them:
| Country | Cold Desert(s) |
|---|---|
| China | Taklamakan, Gobi (northern part), Qaidam Basin |
| Mongolia | Gobi Desert (core) |
| United States | Great Basin Desert (NV, UT, OR, ID) |
| Mexico | Sonoran Desert (northern high-elevation portions) |
| Argentina | Patagonian Desert (Patagonian Steppe) |
| Chile | Atacama Desert (high-altitude Altiplano sections) |
| Iran | Dasht-e Kavir, Dasht-e Lut (central plateau) |
| Afghanistan | Dasht-e Margo, Registan Desert |
| Kazakhstan | Kyzylkum, (Karakum mainly in Turkmenistan) |
| Kyrgyzstan | Tien Shan high valleys (cold desert steppe) |
| Russia | Transbaikal, Tuva basins (Siberia) |
| Pakistan | Kharan Desert (Balochistan) |
| India | Ladakh (cold high-altitude desert) |
These deserts share extreme diurnal and annual temperature swings, sparse vegetation (xerophytic shrubs, grasses), and adaptations like deep roots and winter dormancy.