Shahdad Desert

Shahdad Desert is a land of wonders and on this post, I’m going to give you a picture of how you can have a wonderful adventure through this wonderland. As one of Iran’s rarest natural attractions, Shahdad Desert is a source of peace and quiet. It is also a perfect place for exciting entertainments like off-roading and hiking, and a center for scientific research. This beautiful piece of Lut Desert (on the western part of it) showcases stunning structures known as Kaluts. Like to know more? Then join me…

Why Visit Shahdad Desert

1. It is recorded as one of the hottest places on Earth.
2. In Shahdad Desert Camp, exciting entertainments expect you!
3. Shahdad is home to a fantasy, the city of Kaluts (if you don’t know what Kaluts are, don’t worry, just read on and you’ll find out).
4. The ancient war flag of Shahdad was found in Shahdad historical city.

What is a Kalut

Known as Yardang in English, a Kalut is a ridge of sand that’s formed by wind and water. These ridges are almost flat on the top. And the side that is exposed to the prevailing wind is very sloping. These jewels of the desert are one of the most beautiful attractions of the desert.

The Story of the Kaluts of Shahdad Desert

Now that you know what kaluts are, you might want to know how the amazing Kalut Shahdad Desert were formed. The winds that blow from Sistan caused erosion on the walls of sandy structures and formed these natural wonders. Each rainfall also gives a new look to these Kaluts. These 20 thousand-year-old structures scatter on a 11000-km² region. Some scientists believe that Shur River has had a key role in the shape of the Kaluts.

The Hottest Place on Earth

It is not the same every year, central pit in Lut Desert, which is 75 kilometers to Shahdad Desert, was once confirmed by NASA researchers to be the hottest place on earth and the lowest point in Lut.

The Best Season to Visit Shahdad Desert

The best time to discover the Kaluts of Shahdad Desert is in fall. But you can also count on an enjoyable desert adventure in winter and the first 2 months of spring.

What to Take to Shahdad Desert

Water, prescription medicine, sunscreen, hat, hiking shoes, power bank, main meals and snacks, warm clothes, garbage bag, backpack, first aid kit, lightweight clothes, ID card, mat, sunglasses, sandals, extra shoes, extra clothes and sleeping equipment (sleeping bag, blanket, etc.). For a comprehensive guide on Iran deserts, check out our All About Going on A Desert Trip in Iran.

Entertainment in Shahdad Desert

In Kerman’s Shahdad Desert, there is a chance of experiencing a diverse range of sandy entertainments. This has made Shahdad a top destination for nature lovers and excitement seekers.

1. Off-roading around the Kaluts

For those who are after adventure and adrenaline wherever they go, Shahdad Desert is a great place to go. You can rent a car from the camps in the region and enjoy a ride around the beautiful Kaluts. If you’re not good at off-road driving, you can rent it with the driver.

2. Camel riding in the heart of Lut Desert

One other thing you can enjoy in Shahdad Desert is riding a camel. This rare experience transfers you back in time and brings the mysterious mood of oriental movies into life.

3. Four-wheel motorcycling

ATV 4-wheel motorcycles are the other facilities you can use to spice up your iran desert adventure. Riding up and down sand dunes with these motorcycles will give you a rush of adrenaline that freshens you up for the whole day.

4. Walking and taking incredible photos

If you are not that much into adrenaline-rush activities or need some peace and quiet beside it, Shahdad Desert offers a beauty and serenity that will make you fall in love with it. Walking barefoot on the sand and taking photos of the beauties around can be the experience of your lifetime. Just be careful and protect your camera against the sand.

5. Sky Watching in the middle of an ocean of sand

If you decide to spend the night at the desert camp, don’t miss the amazing sky of Lut desert. The luminous sky of desert is itself a spectacle, now add it up to the amazing look of the Kaluts under the light of the moon.

Staying in Shahdad Desert

If you’d like to stay around the Kaluts of Shahdad Desert, you can stay at the desert camp on the west side of the desert. The camp is sheltered from strong winds and sand storms because it is surrounded with a few Kaluts. With convenience facilities that make the nights comfortable, this camp is the only desert camp of Lut Desert. The facilities include WCs, parking, and 40 arbours. All the domed arbours have electricity. Before going, make sure the camp is open.

Attractions Near Shahdad Desert

• Shahdad Water Reservoir

Also known as Haj Mohammad Taqi Water Reservoir, Shahdad Water Reservoir is a relic of Qajar era. It used to function as the refrigerator of the city. In winter, they filled it with water and they used it as a cold place to store food during summer. It is located in the south of the city, near Imam Hosein Square.

• Shafiabad Caravanserai

On route to Shahdad Desert, in Shafiabad Village, you’ll find a jewels of Qajar era: Shafiabad Caravanserai. The great look of the brick decorations and the round towers of the caravanserai make is a must-see.

• Shazdeh Garden (UNESCO) of Mahan

Shazdeh Garden is a UNESCO-listed Persian Garden. Seeing this beautiful historical garden after enjoying the sandy scenery of the desert will be a pleasantly different experience. The architectural beauties of the garden are sure to fascinate you.

• Shah Nematollah Vali’s Shrine

On of the other cultural attractions of Mahan is the mausoleum of a great Kermani poet and Sufi: Shah Nematollah Vali Shrine. This mausoleum features an attractive architecture and a spiritual atmosphere.

Where is Shahdad Desert

Leave Kerman and follow the old Kerman-Bam road. After about 20 km, you’ll reach a mountainous road that leads toward Sirch, a village with amazingly cool weather and green nature in the middle of desert. Sirch is about 35 km farther. From Sirch, you’ll have a 40-kilometer drive to get to Shahdad Desert. After Sirch, the road branches in two. The one on the right directs leads to hot springs and Golbaf, and the one on the left directs you toward Shahdad City. From the city to the first desert camp, it is about 27 km and you’ll pass villages like Dowlat Abad, Amir Abad and Shafiabad. 20 kilometers into Shahdad-Nehbandan road, the road divides in 3. The one on the right takes you to the desert camp and the straight one leads you to the Kaluts (Shahdad City to Kaluts: 45 km).

Like to go on an Adventure through Shahdad Desert?

Then book a place on one of our Kerman Desert Tours.