A Complete Guide to Iran Deserts
Iran desert header - A Complete Guide to Iran Deserts
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Like to go on an adventure in Iran Deserts but have no idea which one to choose? Then you’re at the right place! Iran is home to 2 main deserts: The Central Desert (Dasht-e Kavir) and Lut Desert (UNESCO). The most attractive pieces of these 2 deserts are on the classic tourist route of the country, around tourist magnets like Isfahan, Yazd and Kerman. BUT… you’ll also find other beautiful deserts with unique features around Khorasan and Semnan Provinces.

So how can you choose from Iran deserts? With a list of the top deserts of each province! With this list, you’ll discover each province’s most attractive deserts in order of priority, and have the best choice based on your taste and schedule. Here it is:

The Top Deserts of Kerman Province

1. Shahdad Desert

If you go anywhere near the historical attractions of Kerman, I also recommend an unforgettable visit to the Kaluts of Shahdad in Lut Desert (150 km to Kerman). Shahdad is the best place to witness the variety and rare phenomena that make Lut Desert a precious geomorphological collection registered as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage. World-famous Kaluts or Yardangs are of the most fascinating charms of this Iran desert. What are kaluts? They are large ridges of sand made by wind and water erosion. This collection of thousands of kaluts is a rare attraction of Iran’s diverse nature. You can also find a similar collection in Utah, United States. The otherworldly and mysterious landscape of the Kaluts of Shahdad annually attracts visitors from around the world.

Shahdad desert - A Complete Guide to Iran Deserts
Kaluts in Shahdad desert, Lut desert, Iran

Wild cedar trees with giant vase-shaped sand dunes formed around them make this desert even more captivating. Plus, some years, Shahdad also blesses tourists with an unexpected sight: a lovely lake that hosts migratory birds. What else? Experiencing desert safari and desert trekking, and spending the night under the starry sky of Shahdad are made possible by locals and Shahdad Desert Camp. Plus, Tange-ye Roteyl (Tarantulas Gorge) and Zaban-e Mar (Snake’s Tongue) Canyon are 2 other attractions you could include beside your adventure in Shahdad.

Zabane Mar - A Complete Guide to Iran Deserts
Zaban-e Mar, Lut desert, Iran

2. Gandom Beryan Desert

After the Kaluts of Shahdad, I recommend checking out a unique place to the north of the kaluts: Gandom Beryan. This stunning piece of Lut Desert is also known as Rig-e Sukhteh (meaning scorched pebbles) because of the black stones scattered all over it. The volcanic stones that cover this Iran desert have created a scorching area that looks very much like planet Mars. This unique piece of our planet reaches up to 71° centigrade in summer and so no living being can survive there. Stopping by Gandom Beryan and taking a few photos will be one of those experiences you’ll never forget. The weather in Fall and Winter is so pleasant that you needn’t worry about overheating or heat stroke.

Gandom beryan - A Complete Guide to Iran Deserts
Gandom Beryan desert, Lut desert, Iran

3. Rig-e Yalan, Central Lut

Like to check out the world’s largest and highest sand dunes? Then Rig-e Yalan is the place to be! As one of the world’s most breathtaking deserts, this part of Lut Desert is a 10-thousand-hectare land that shows off amazing sand dune landscapes. There, you’ll find sand dunes that reach up to 475 meters and large sand holes that are of the largest in the world. To discover the incredible scene that kilometers of massive sand dunes have created, you’ll need to have a professional guide or local leader beside you.

Rig e Yalan - A Complete Guide to Iran Deserts
Sand dunes in Rig-e-Yalan , Lut desert, Iran

The Top Deserts of Isfahan Province

1. Varzaneh Desert (Khara Desert)

My first recommendation? Definitely Vaheh Eco Camp in Varzaneh Desert! Varzaneh showcases a lovely salt lake and handsome sand dunes. As the largest desert recreation center in Iran, Vaheh Eco Camp (120 km to the east of Isfahan) offers a range of facilities like desert safari, zipline, 4WD motorcycles, camels, paraglider, etc. Since Varzaneh Desert is not far from Isfahan, beside your exciting desert adventure, you can check out the precious historical sites in the city.

Varzane Desert photo @ flickr Roberta - A Complete Guide to Iran Deserts
Varzane Desert, Iran

2. Matin Abad Desert Eco Camp

Another tempting choice near Isfahan is Matin Abad Eco-Resort, Iran’s first desert resort. The resort was built in a region with an incredible nature and wildlife (160 km to the north of Isfahan) for environmental and sustainable purposes. Losing yourself in the beauties of this Iran desert, capturing the charisma of desert sunset, finding the peace of the desert’s starry nights, and discovering the night sky with telescopes and astronomical instruments are of the rare experiences this resort can present you with. But this is only a piece of the entertainments Matin Abad Eco-Resort offers. Camel riding, bike riding, and motorcycling on the sandy hills are of the other charms of the resort.

Matin Abad Desert Camp photo @Flickr Irans window - A Complete Guide to Iran Deserts
Matin Abad Desert Camp, Iran desert

3. Abuzeid Abad Desert

If you like to discover desert beauties beside a city tour of Kashan and Isfahan, Abuzeid Desert is the perfect choice. Located between the two cities (45 km to Kashan), the desert itself showcases historical and archaeological treasures beside its natural attractions. There, you get to enjoy watching giant sandy hills and take a walk on the soft sand. But the nearby historical magnets like Karshahi Castle, Abyaneh Village, Safavid Water reservoir, and Noushabad Underground City are also well worth the visit.

Abu Zeyd Abad desert photo @ Eli gasht - A Complete Guide to Iran Deserts
Abu Zeyd Abad desert, Iran desert

4. Maranjab Desert

Another charismatic choice near Isfahan is Maranjab Desert. A salt lake, Wandering Island (a piece of the salt lake that sometimes features a scenic phenomenon), Maranjab Caravanserai, Karshahi Castle, and Yakhab mountain are of the top magnets of this Iran desert. The interesting geometrical shapes created on the surface of the salt lake when the water evaporates are also a scenic spectacle. Plus, a sweet water well also shows itself off as a wonder of Maranjab Desert. Since this desert is only 60 km to Kashan, it also presents you with the historical magnets of this ancient city.

Maranjab Camp photo @ Flickr Farhad M - A Complete Guide to Iran Deserts
Camping near Maranjab Caravanserai, Maranjab Desert, Iran

5. Mesr Desert

Looking for an unbelievable peace and quiet in the middle of desert charms? Then Mesr Desert is the place to be! Being far from major cities like Yazd and Isfahan (450 km to Isfahan) doesn’t make Mesr any less popular. The beauties of this Iran desert are so endless that you could spend days there and still thirst for more. Golden sand dunes that stretch far beyond are definitely the most fascinating sight in Mesr. The sand in this region is so soft that taking a barefoot walk on them will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Also, when night falls, Mesr desert blesses you with an amazing starry sky that’s perfect for night sky watching. Need more adrenaline? The eco camp there offers facilities for desert safari, 4WD motorcycling, and camel riding. Into a cultural exploration nearby? Jandaq Village (40 km) has a historical castle and a traditional plan that are worth a visit. Finally, don’t worry about accommodation when you are in Mesr Desert. There are suitable ecolodges in Mesr Village.

Mesr Desert photo @ flickr geigerwe 1 - A Complete Guide to Iran Deserts
Around Mesr Desert, Iran desert

The Top Deserts of Yazd Province

1. Caracal (Karakal) Desert

Your best option in Yazd Province is only 140 km from Yazd: Caracal Desert. Why the name ‘caracal’? Because this Iran desert has been home to beautiful wild cats known as caracals. In this beautiful desert, you can choose from a range of desert entertainments like camel riding, desert safari, 4WD motorcycling on the golden dunes, and taking a walk in the palm orchards. The lovely combination of colors in caracal desert is a source of peace. A starry sky, an unexplored world, and a pleasant peace are only a part of the charms of this sandy land.

2. Siah Kooh Desert

Like to lose yourself in a pristine desert where you can enjoy special formations in absolute peace? Then 120 km to the north of Yazd is where you should be: Siah Kooh Desert. This special desert is made for real adventurers. So, you need to have a professional desert guide or local leader beside you. Around this Iran desert, you can find volcanic and lime stones, and scenic conical formations showcase themselves here and there. High amount of salt and high level of underground water have given Siah Kooh Desert an impressive bumpy surface. These nice-looking charms together create a picturesque picture that spices up your desert adventure.

3. Fahraj and Shabahang Deserts

Visiting the most beautiful desert city of Iran, Yazd, and like to enjoy desert entertainments on the sandy hills nearby? Then I recommend Fahraj Desert and Shabahang Desert (30-40 km from Yazd). The desert camps in these Iran deserts offer facilities for camel riding, 4W motorcycling, desert safari, etc.

Fahraj desert photo @ Flickr akcfoto - A Complete Guide to Iran Deserts
Fahraj desert, Iran

The Top Deserts of Semnan Province

1. Kavir National Park

In for an adventure in a desert with rich vegetation, wildlife and historical relics? Then make your way to the south of Semnan and drown in the beauties of Kavir National Park. This national park is the largest and oldest protected area in Iran. The diversity of animal and plant species in this Iran desert have put it in the list of Iran’s 9 natural reserves. Rare animals like Asiatic cheetahs and Persian onagers attract wildlife lovers to this part of Iran. Nature also manifests its beauties in the salt lake, salt domes, and incredible salt mines found around Garmsar. In the national park, you can also see historical relics like Qasr-e Bahram Caravanserai, Eynorrashid Caravanserai, Haramsara Palace, and a piece of the Silk Road.

Kavir National park - A Complete Guide to Iran Deserts
Kavir National park, Iran desert

2. Khar Turan National Park

A variety of wildlife, large sand dunes, less-discovered villages, hospitable people, and precious handicrafts make Khar Turan National Park a great desert destination. This attractive natural attraction is 300 km to the east of Semnan. The rich ecosystem of Khar Turan puts this Iran desert on the list of Iran’s 9 natural reserves and makes it a nice host for rare animals like Asiatic cheetahs, Persian onagers, Persian ground jays (the only bird that is only found in Iran). But Khar Turan is not all about its wildlife. Taking a barefoot walk on sand, watching the sun rise and set over the sandy hills, getting to know the local lifestyle, and shopping for nice handicrafts are also of the must-dos in Khar Turan. The patterns of the kilims the local women weave are all inspired from the nature around them.

wildlife Kharturan Nationl park - A Complete Guide to Iran Deserts
wildlife Kharturan Nationl park, Iran desert

3. Rig-e Jenn Desert

Rig-e Jenn Desert (Dune of the Jinn) is the world’s third largest hamada (gravel land). It is located to the south of Semnan and east of Kavir National Park. In Rig-e Jenn, expect sand dunes, salty swamps, and a poor vegetation and wildlife. This Iran desert is a great place for real adventurers. But you should know that it is one of those deserts that require professional desert gear and a professional guide.

Rig e Gen photo @ Irandesert - A Complete Guide to Iran Deserts
Rig-e-Gen, Iran desert

The Top Deserts of South Khorasan Province

1. Zardgah Desert

Zardgah Desert is not on Iran’s classic tourist route, but its unique features make it well worth a trip. You don’t expect to see date orchards, citrus trees, and springs in a desert. But that’s how Zardgah Desert is! This different desert is on the foot of Nayband mountains, 180 km to Tabas. As the greenest desert of Iran, Zardgah blesses you with hot springs that give you a chance for refreshing yourself after an exploration in the desert. The pleasant peace of the starry nights and the lovely adobe houses of the terraced villages of Zardgah desert make spending a night there a memorable experience.

Like to Discover Any One of These Deserts?

Did you find the desert you were looking for? We are here to take you there! All you need to do is pick from our wide range of Desert Tours. Not finding a tour of your specific desert? No worries! Just contact us for a tailor-made desert tour to any one of Iran’s desert.

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Comments

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April 12, 2022
Thanks for the article. Thanks Again. Much obliged. Lindsey Traub
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April 12, 2022
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April 15, 2022
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April 27, 2022
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April 27, 2022
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April 29, 2022
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May 5, 2022
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Kristofer Pekarek
May 28, 2022
Cool! Really looking forward to Shahdad Desert.
NomadForLife
June 21, 2022
I's love to visit Maranjab someday.

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