Kazakhstan

Since Maggie and I are going to be on the far, far side of China, we are looking at the surrounding area to take a few days off.
The closest border to Urumqi (where we'll be in early Sept) is Kazakhstan.

Here's what Lonely Planet had to say about Kazakhstan:

If you're not a fan of endless semi-arid steppe and decaying industrial cities, Kazakhstan (Kazakstan) may seem bleak, but those who enjoy remoteness, wide open spaces, lunar landscapes, long hypnotic train rides and horse sausage will definitely be in their element.