Top Iran Deserts to Visit

– The Dasht-e Kavir
The 24th largest desert in the world, also known as “The Great Salt Desert of Iran,” is situated in the Iranian Plateau, from east to west of Tehran Province. The Dasht-e Kavir is also the largest desert in Iran and is approximately 500 miles long. A Salt Lake carpeted this broad, barren land ten million years ago. Once the lake dried up, layers of salt deposits accumulated at least 6 to 7 kilometers in height. Not only has the desert attracted the natives but also researchers from abroad. The temperature is between 122 to 158 Fahrenheit. Yes! It is a super-hot area but not the hottest desert in Iran. Kavir national park Iran is the only national park where there are no human, mineral, and livestock grazing licenses. The region was so well-known for its fauna diversity in the past that it used to be called the “Little Africa”.

 

– The Kavir-e Lut
An extensive 300 miles of salt desert in Kerman and Sistan and Baluchestan Province is one of the largest desert basins in the southeast mountains of Iran. The word “Lut” translates to bare in Persian. This area is one of the driest and hottest places on Earth. Kavir-e Lut occupies 10 percent of Iran’s land and is divided into three parts according to the type of vegetation and soil of the desert. The northern part is covered with loads of sand and gravel. The central part is the most significant area with unusual yardangs and sand castles protruding from the sandy ground, and the Southern part contains lots of cacti and other vegetation. Kavir-e Lut is a site of an extraordinary natural phenomenon that was also added to the UNESCO world heritage list in 2016.

 

– Rig-e Jen Desert
Rig-e Jen Desert is a mysterious site that has experienced numerous strange incidents making this desert the Bermuda Triangle of Iran. The name of the desert means “the desert of Jinn or Genie.” So due to its bizarre name, many travelers are enticed by its aura. The locals living in a village by Rig-e Jen claim that the spirits have enchanted the desert; however, the reason behind it was the quicksand and the marsh salt causing issues for the visitors back in the day. The Caravan Travelers allege they would hear voices around them during their long journey, but don’t worry; it was just the wind. Today, it is recognized as a prominent place for tourists worldwide. Rig-e Jen is located in Isfahan and Semnan Provinces and is about 3,800-kilometer square. Even though this sounds like an odd place, rest assured it will be an exciting, stimulating trip.

 

– Varzaneh Desert
Varzaneh desert is near Tehran city, so you don’t need to ride for hours to get there. A desert with a length of 170 thousand hectares is where you can perform so many exciting tasks like riding a quad bike, a jeep, a zipline, a paraglider, camping, eating at a restaurant, drinking herbal juice at a local pantry, and more. Going on a Iran safari in this spot will be great because you’ll see a lot of remarkable flora like various cacti and animals roaming around the Varzaneh desert. At night passengers set up campfires and make the best memories together.

 

– Shahdad Kalouts
In Kerman province, a phenomenal ground of golden sand and elongated rocky towers is situated, known as the beautiful Shahdad desert. But what is a Kalout in Persian? They’re simply yardangs, bedrocks that the strong wind has eroded. That is why the place is regarded as Shahdad Kalouts. In the Shahdad desert, these yardangs appear as tall towers, sort of like a historical ruin of an ancient city. This makes the desert very special for sightseers and tourists. It’s like walking into another world! You can feel the gentle warm breeze as you walk around the desert. When the sun descends below the horizon, it’s a beautiful moment to gaze at the hills and dunes of this magnificent Iranian desert. At night the stars shine as bright as little diamonds in the sky, and it would be awe-inspiring to observe the Milky Way. Don’t forget to bring your camera to take the best shots.

 

– The Mesr Desert
The Mesr desert is undoubtedly a mesmerizing location to book a trip for. The perfect place for astrophotography and exciting desert activities. The name of the desert is derived from the Book of Genesis, Joseph’s story. “Mesr” stands for Egypt in Persian because it is believed that the desert is very similar to the early days of Egypt. Several villages are available for the trippers for both accommodation and discovering the traditional architecture of Iran. One of these villages is the Jandagh Village, the oldest. You can also find the fauna in the Mesr desert, such as rabbits, snakes, and caracals. Hotels will be at hand, but if you want to set a camp. Make sure it’s a safe area away from the reptiles. You may come across a prominent Salt Lake called “Doctor Fish,” full of tiny fish that are said to be beneficial for many skin diseases.

 

– The Maranjab Desert
A desert full of beautiful colors is not far from the capital city, generally known as “The Maranjab Desert.” The illustrious soft dunes of Maranjab make it a unique location. Motorists, paragliders, and jeeps commonly wander around the area since it’s an excellent spot for carrying out desert activities. Like the Mesr desert, Maranjab is perfect for Astrophotographers to take the best pictures of nebulae and galaxies. Astronomers from different countries visit this place to study and observe the breathtaking night sky of the Maranjab desert. If you get the chance to bum into one of these experts, you might get the chance to see the universe up close.

Additionally, a historical caravanserai was built in Maranjab by order of Shah Abbas in 1603 for travelers to take shelter after a long trip. It was established in the North of a small city in Isfahan Province. The caravanserai is still open to this day, and you can discover the beauty of Iran’s architecture in our Iran desert tours.

 

– Abouzeidabad Desert
This specific region has fascinated thousands of visitors for years. The giant hot dunes of Abouzeidabad desert are lovely for you to have fun riding a jeep. The experience is as exciting as riding a rollercoaster! The desert is found in Isfahan province near Kashan city, and like Maranjab and Mesr, this place is adored by Iranians a lot. The city of Abouzeid has one of the oldest civilizations in Iran. Thus their culture is highly praised by historians and the natives. We suggest you book a trip to this prehistoric place because we promise you it will be an unforgettable adventure.

 

Frequently Asked Questions
 

An ideal season for an adventurous desert tour is Autumn, around September and October in Iran.

 

The Dasht-e Kavir, The Kavir-e Lut, Rig-e Jen Desert, Varzaneh Desert, Shahdad Kalouts, The Mesr Desert, The Maranjab Desert, and Abouzeidabad Desert.