Mesr Desert

One of the most unique manifestations of Iran’s diverse nature and one of its most popular tourist destinations is Mesr Desert. With beautiful sand dunes scattered here and there, this desert is a jewel hidden in Isfahan Province. Camels, rural charms and other desert facilities like off-road cars make a trip to Mesr Deset a rare experience. Like to find out the secrets of this desert? Then join me on this post…

Where is Mesr Desert

Mesr Desert is between Damghan and Isfahan, 45 km to Jandaq and 30 km to Khur. The desert is surrounded with mountain ranges in the west, southwest and southeast. It also neighbors a village of the same name.

Mesr village

Mesr Desert’s nearby tourist village is known as Mesr village. The houses there are as simple as any other desert house in Iran. But a distinctive element of the houses in Mesr is their Iwan. The mudbrick walls, domed roofs and wooden doors are all in harmony with the desert that surrounds the village. Beside each house, there is a barn where villagers raise farm animals and camels.

The Story of Mesr Desert

The naming history of the village is interesting. About a century ago, Mesr Desert was known as Chah Deraz (meaning Deep Well) and Mazraeye Yousef (meaning Yousef’s Farm).

The story goes that when the village faced water shortage, a local named Yousef started looking for water and spend days and days on digging a well to reach water. His efforts were finally paid when he reached water. But it took a short time for the water to go down deeper into the ground and for him to start digging again. And that’s what he did. That’s why the village was known as Deep Well. Why did the name change? Because Yousef didn’t like it (LOL). So, he asked the villagers to change it to Mesr. Why Mesr? Mesr means Egypt. Why Egypt? Because it is associated with the prophet Josef. Why Josef? Because his name Yousef is the equivalent of Josef, and like in Josef’s story, Yousef deals with a well and a desert.

How to Get to Mesr Desert

From Tehran to Mesr Desert (642 km), it takes about 9 to 10 hours. Follow Imam Reza Highway from Tehran and make your way toward Semnan and Damghan. Then find Jandaq Village and follow the dirt road that leads to Mesr Village. If you’re heading toward Mesr Desert from Isfahan (536 km), you have to get to Naein and from there to Jandaq. From Jandaq to the desert, there is a 42-km dirt road.

The Best Season to Travel to Mesr Desert

Mesr Desert has a hot and dry climate. So, summer is not recommended at all. But colder seasons bring a more temperate weather to Mesr Desert and make it a suitable destination. Generally, the days are warm and the nights are cold. The best time to travel to Mesr Desert is mid-October to late April.

The Facilities in Mesr Desert

Mesr Village has always been a good host to tourists who visit its surrounding desert. That’s why you can find suitable accommodations and conveniences in the village.  There are shops, public WCs, ecolodges and desert entertainment camps. The camps offer off-road cars, 4-wheel motorcycles, etc.

Things to Do in Mesr Desert

1.Walking on the hot sand

Before anything else, free your feet from your shoes to feel the amazing touch of sand against your them. Enjoy the warmth of the sand between your fingers and let the desert soothe you. Walk up the sand dunes and get incredible views of the vast desert. But you should know that though walking is a simple activity, doing it on sand takes much more energy than it sounds because of the pressure you put on your knees and legs. So you need to be strong and have enough energy.

2. Camel riding

Camel riding is a popular desert entertainment. You can ride a camel near the village and in some special parts in the desert.

3. Night gathering

A night gathering is a nice ending to the hot days of desert. The beauty of the desert at night in indescribable. All the incredible photos you’ve seen of night sky come to life at a desert night.

4. Photography

Don’t miss taking your camera to Mesr Desert. You’ll find so many beauties and endless landscapes that you will like to capture. But take care of your camera against the sand.

5. 4-wheel motorcycling

Discover the joy of sliding down sandy hills on an off-road motorcycle. The ATVs can carry you across sand dunes and fill you with excitement and adrenaline.

6. Off-roading

If you are into excitement, off-roading will be a top attraction of the desert. You can rent off-road cars in Mesr Desert and enjoy riding across the sand dunes.

7. Sand Boarding

One other adrenaline-rush activities you can enjoy in the desert is sand boarding. Take your board to Mesr desert and enjoy sliding down the sand dunes.

What to Take to Mesr Desert

Despite their amazing beauty, all desert areas have a rough and dangerous nature that can put you in danger. So, having the requirements together with a guide who knows the region very well are essentials of traveling to the desert.

• Suitable clothing

Generally, for nature, choose comfortable clothing that is resistant to water and wind and have a color suitable for that specific region. Cotton clothing helps body to cool down and is thus the best choice for the desert. Also, wearing long pants and long sleeves will prevent sunburn.

• Water bottle

For traveling through the desert, you’ll need a large amount of water. Because in case you get lost, there will be no spring or river to take water from.

• Camping equipment

To have a nice night in the beautiful desert, you’ll need a tent and the necessary camping equipment.

• Warm clothes (for the nights)
• Light-weight blanket
• Small pillow
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Cap or sun hat
• Pocket power bank
• Desert hiking boots
• Insect repellant ointment or bracelet
• First aid kit
• Navigation requirements (maps, GPS and compass)
• Mirror (for signaling to others if you get lost)

Note: Avoid wearing jeans, sandals, and jewelry.

To be better prepared for an adventure in Mesr Desert, check out our All About Going on a Desert Trip in Iran.

Where to Stay Near Mesr Desert

Though camping in the desert is a delight you should experience, you can also stay at accommodations found in Mesr desert. They include ecolodges, traditional houses, and desert hotels. Most ecolodges in mesr desert are local houses with lovely traditional desert architecture.

Attractions Near Mesr Desert

Desert entertainments are not the only attractions you can find near Mesr desert.

1. Garmeh Village

Garmeh Village is one of the most beautiful highlights near Mesr. Like many villages found in the desert, Garmeh has a beautiful, peaceful and intimate atmosphere. The mudbrick houses are still traditional and the old alleys invite you to their peace. There, you can find an old spring and locals that make you feel welcomed with their hospitality and smiling faces.

2. Farahzad Village

Farahzad village is in the north of Mesr desert. The caravanserais, camels and palm trees in the village have made it very popular.

3. Khur Salt Lake

One of the most important highlights of Mesr Desert is this lake. Khur Salt Lake is Iran’s biggest seasonal salt lake. When you see it, you might think that the land has cracked because of the heat, but it’s not so. Clay has mixed with salt and created pentagonal shapes on the land. In summer, the salt lake is white, but it turns black in winter.

4. Bayazeh Village and Castle

110 kilometers to Mesr village, there is a historical stronghold known as Bayazeh. The castle dates back to Sassanid era. The dual function of the castle, residential and defensive, made it a good center for supporting Hassan-e Sabbah, the leader of the world-famous assassins of the Medieval world. The mudbrick stronghold includes a Qanat, a mosque and a large palm orchard.

5. Takht-e Aroos

Takht-e Aroos is a flat land that acts like the roof of Mesr Desert. It gives a nice view of Mesr Village and the salt lake in the south and of sand dunes in the north.

Like to go on a Desert Adventure in Iran?

We don’t offer a tour of Mesr desert. But you can enjoy an adventure through Iran’s other beautiful deserts by joining one of our Desert tours.