Captivating Iran: Desert Exploration and Beyond
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Maranjab Desert
Desert Perhaps one of the most well-known deserts everyone knows is the Maranjab Desert. Maranjab Desert is located in the Aran and Bidgol County, a suburb of Kashan in Isfahan Province. It’s only a 4-hour drive from Tehran, making it a tourist attraction-filled desert. The sandy hills, or Maranjab dunes, are so famous that you’ll never find that place empty of tourists. So, if you’re looking for a destination that’s not too crowded, Maranjab is your best option. You can also see Maranjab Castle and the wandering island when you visit here. To visit this desert, you must go to Aran and Bidgol County. You can also stay in a caravanserai to enjoy the starry desert night.
Abuzeydabad Desert
Another desert you can easily visit is the Abuzeydabad Desert, located northeast of Kashan. You can spend hours in the sandy dunes of this desert, away from the city’s stress and the hustle and bustle. Also, near the Abuzeydabad Desert is the Abuzeydabad Caravanserai, where you can become familiar with the architecture of Safavid-era caravanserais. Another attraction nearby is the underground city of Ouee, which some believe to be the oldest underground city in the world. This underground city is famous for its ventilation system. It was a city that could sustain many people for several days, probably those who sought refuge during wars.
Mesr Desert
Mesr Desert is located 55 kilometers from Khur County in Isfahan Province. It was named after a village of the same name where you can stay overnight. The sandy hills of the Mesr Desert are lovely and vast, so much so that you won’t get tired of seeing the sandy dunes as far as the eye can see. Here, you can also experience camel riding and witness a phenomenon called Chahar Soo Konoon, exciting wind formations surrounded by sandy hills. When traveling to the Mesr Desert, you have many accommodation options. In addition to places to stay within the Mesr village itself, you can spend your night in the small towns of Farahzad and Jandagh. Farahzad is a small village surrounded by sandy hills, and Jandagh has an old castle, now one of the tourist attractions in the Khur and Bayazeh regions.
Halevan Desert, Tabas
Tabas, located in the western part of South Khorasan, is one of the most beautiful cities in Iran. Perhaps one of the lesser-known areas is the Halevan Desert in Tabas. This desert, situated near Tabas, has excellent road access, which can be a fantastic tourist attraction. The road from Khur to Tabas passes through this area, and if you take the Jafarabad route towards Tabas and then follow the side roads first to the village of Halevan and then to the village of Khairabad, you will reach this desert. The name Halevan is derived from a village of the same name in Tabas. Other attractions in this village include palm groves and the historic Halevan district, which are highly worth visiting. Halevan is also one of Iran’s beautiful deserts.
Haj Ali Qoli Damghan Desert
Haj Ali Qoli Desert is located in Semnan Province, in the southern part of Damghan city. The Hassanabad River, which enters this desert from the northeast, has formed a 5-meter deep valley. The Damghan Desert has various features, including dunes, salt flats, and wetland areas. You can visit this desert via different routes, including the Damghan to Ma’alaman route. You first need to get on this road, then take the Deh Farat road towards Bear Mountain. However, the safest route to reach this desert is through the village of Khurzan, located after the Damghan police checkpoint on the way to Ma’alaman. After getting to Khurzan village, you should head towards Masihehabad and enter the salt mine road. This desert is also one of our recommendations for visiting Iran’s beautiful deserts.
Varzaneh Desert
Varzaneh Desert is one of those deserts you will never forget. This region is located 100 kilometers east of Isfahan. The sandy hills of the Varzaneh Desert are unlike any other. The winds that blow through this desert have given these hills unique shapes. Going there makes you feel like each of these hills has a separate story. The attractions around this desert are the Gavkhouni Wetland and the Gurtan Castle. For accommodation, there are local houses where you can spend your night and enjoy the beautiful desert sky. Varzaneh Desert is considered one of Iran’s beautiful deserts.
General Tips to Know for Desert Trekking in Iran's Beautiful Deserts:
- Carry a significant amount of water with you (even more than you think you’ll need).
- Choose lightweight clothing for this trip, and be sure to have warm clothing for sunset and the night.
- If you’re not traveling with a tour, having a map or GPS is advisable.
- Carry a neck or headscarf with you to use if you encounter a sandstorm.
