40 Things to Do in Iran’s Deserts
Iran is a country that boasts some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the world, including vast deserts that cover a significant portion of its territory. These deserts are not just a barren wasteland, but rather offer a unique and unforgettable experience to anyone who visits them. In this blog post, we will explore the deserts of Iran and forty things you can do when visiting them.
Deserts in Iran
Iran is home to several major deserts, each with its unique features and attractions. The largest and most well-known desert is the Dasht-e Kavir or “Great Salt Desert.” It stretches over 77,000 square miles and covers parts of four Iranian provinces. The Dasht-e Lut or “Empty Desert” is another notable desert, located in southeastern Iran, which covers an area of about 52,000 square miles. The third significant desert in Iran is the Kharanagh Desert, located in the center of the country, covering around 3000 square miles.
Some cities are built near deserts and there are wild deserts that you can visit and enjoy a number of activities, here is a comprehensive list of the activities you can engage in and the cities you can explore on your next visit to Iran.
40 Things to Do When Visiting Iran’s Deserts
- Go on a camel ride and experience the traditional way of life.
- Explore the unique geological formations and rock formations in the desert, such as the Kalouts in Lut Desert.
- Visit the Garmeh Oasis, one of the most beautiful oases in Iran, located in the heart of the Dasht-e Kavir.
- Go on a desert safari and experience the thrill of riding in a four-wheel-drive vehicle through the desert.
- Take a hot air balloon ride over the desert and enjoy the stunning views from above.
- Camp under the stars and enjoy the peacefulness and tranquility of the desert night.
- Visit the Mesr Desert, which is known for its stunning sand dunes that can reach up to 200 meters in height.
- Explore the ancient caravanserais that dot the desert landscape and learn about their historical significance.
- Visit the ancient citadel of Rayen in Kerman province, one of the most significant mud-brick structures in Iran.
- Go on a night tour to see the nocturnal animals that come out in the desert, such as foxes and hyenas.
- Take a hike to the summit of Mount Damavand, the highest peak in Iran, located in the Alborz Mountains, and enjoy the views of the desert below.
- Visit the Shahdad Kalouts, a stunning rock formation in the Lut Desert that is believed to be one of the hottest places on earth.
- Go on a birdwatching tour and spot some of the unique bird species that inhabit the desert, such as the Houbara bustard.
- Visit the city of Yazd, located on the edge of the Dasht-e Kavir, and explore its historic architecture and Zoroastrian heritage.
- Visit the Shour River, a unique river that flows through the heart of the Dasht-e Kavir and forms a series of stunning waterfalls.
- Explore the ancient underground water canals known as qanats, which have been used for irrigation and water storage for thousands of years.
- Visit the village of Meymand, located in Kerman province, which is believed to be one of the oldest human settlements in the world, with a history dating back over 12,000 years.
- Take a tour of the salt flats and learn about the traditional methods of extracting salt from the desert.
- Visit the Jameh Mosque of Isfahan, one of the most significant mosques in Iran, and marvel at its stunning tile work and architectural beauty.
- Visit the ancient ruins of Persepolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the former capital of the Achaemenid Empire, located near Shiraz in southern Iran.
- Take a dip in the hot springs of Larijan, located in the foothills of Mount Damavand, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the mineral-rich waters.
- Visit the city of Kerman, located in the southeastern part of Iran, and explore its beautiful architecture and rich cultural heritage.
- Take a horseback ride through the desert and enjoy the scenery from a different perspective.
- Visit the Kavir National Park, located in the heart of the Dasht-e Kavir, and see some of the unique flora and fauna that call the desert home.
- Go on a photo safari and capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife of the desert on camera.
- Visit the ancient city of Bam, located in southeastern Iran, and explore its historic citadel and other ruins.
- Take a trip to the Bagh-e Fin Garden, located in Kashan, and marvel at its stunning architecture and beautiful landscaping.
- Explore the ancient city of Yazd and learn about its unique wind towers and other traditional architecture.
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Golestan Palace in Tehran, a beautiful example of traditional Persian architecture.
- Take a tour of the ancient city of Shushtar, located in Khuzestan province, and explore its historic hydraulic system and other ruins.
- Take a trip to the city of Mashhad, located in northeastern Iran, and visit its beautiful mosques and other historic sites.
- Visit the historic village of Abyaneh, located in Isfahan province, and explore its traditional architecture and way of life.
- Take a trip to the ancient city of Pasargadae, located near Shiraz, and explore its historic ruins and tombs.
- Visit the Mausoleum of Imam Reza, located in Mashhad, and pay your respects to one of the most important religious figures in Shia Islam.
- Go on a sunset tour and watch the sun set over the desert, casting a beautiful array of colors across the landscape.
- Visit the Zoroastrian fire temples in Yazd and learn about the ancient Zoroastrian religion.
- Take a trip to the city of Tabriz, located in the northwest of Iran, and explore its historic bazaar and other cultural attractions.
- Visit the historic city of Isfahan, known for its stunning Islamic architecture and rich cultural heritage.
- Go on a tour of the Dasht-e Kavir and learn about the traditional ways of life of the nomadic tribes that inhabit the desert.
- Take a trip to the Kerman Province and visit its historic villages, such as Rayen, Mahan, and Bam, to learn about their unique cultures and traditions.
In conclusion, the deserts of Iran offer a unique and unforgettable experience for anyone who visits them. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nature, there is something for everyone in Iran’s deserts. So, plan your trip today and get ready to explore the stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage of this amazing country.
To know more about Iran’s deserts and other travel destinations in Iran make sure to check out our Travel Guide.
About KentalTravel:
Kentaltravel is a leading travel agency that specializes in arranging trips to Iran, including desert tours. We provide assistance in obtaining visas for Iran, and offer customized tours to explore the deserts and other cultural attractions of this beautiful country.
With Kentaltravel, you can experience Iran’s rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes in a safe and hassle-free way.
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