Introducing Desert Resorts Near Tehran
Desert accommodation near Tehran is one of the best options for nature lovers to relax in the desert and watch the starry sky. In the following, we want to get acquainted with the best desert ecotourism resorts for Iran desert tours.
Spectacular Deserts Around Tehran
A short distance from the capital, the desert residence near Tehran is easily accessible to you. Join us to introduce the best desert resorts around Tehran.
1. Matin Abad; The most equipped desert residence near Tehran
Matinabad is one of the most beautiful naturals around Tehran and Matinabad camp and residence is one of the most equipped desert residences near Tehran and has parking, a heating and cooling system, free high-speed internet, TV, a traditional Iranian area, and a variety of local organic food. It is interesting to know that in 2014, UN DESA named this region among the top 18 tourism sites in the world.
Watching the sunrise and sunset, the starry sky of the desert, and riding a camel means a lot to desert lovers. It is possible to visit Matin Abad Eco Camp from September to April.
2. Maranjab Desert; The most visited desert residence near Tehran
Another desert resort near Tehran is the Marnjab Desert. This desert is located in the north of Aran o Bidgol cities (part of Kashan functions). The distance from Tehran to Maranjab desert is about 300 km, which is about three hours drive. This desert is one of the most visited deserts in winter.
Hiking in the sand dunes, a desert lake full of salt instead of water, safaris, camel rides, four-wheeled motorcycles, night walks in the heart of the desert, and stargazing at night are some of the main motivations for those interested in the pristine nature of Maranjab. Maranjab Caravanserai is one of the most important desert residences near Tehran, which dates back to the Safavid era. This caravanserai is located in Rig Dam (the most famous and largest sandbox in Iran). Maranjab Caravanserai is a square castle with an area of 3500 square meters with six towers that welcomes tourists and guests in winter. The nature of the pebbles in the spring is really spectacular; its unique vegetation this season and the movement of sand dunes by the wind create a truly unique landscape. If you’re eager to discover more breathtaking Iran Nature Attractions to enhance your journey, don’t miss our comprehensive guide
3. 400-year-old caravanserai of Abuzeydabad desert
The other desert around Tehran is the Abuzeydabad Desert. It may be interesting for you to know that Abuzeydabad is the cradle of ancient Iranian dialects such as Bizu. The rich culture of the people of the region is one of the most important tourist attractions of this region. Sand dunes, sand dunes, and numerous historical monuments such as Safavid reservoir, Ovi underground city, Noshabad historical city, Karshahi castle, Yakhab mountain, Abyaneh village are some of the beauties of this pristine and extraordinary desert.
The 400-year-old Shah Abbasi Caravanserai of Abuzeydabad is one of the most popular desert residences near Tehran, which until 60 years ago was the resting place of camel herders who passed through this place on their way.
Off-road riding, camel riding, photography, watching the night sky, and four-wheeled motorcycles are among the most exciting pastimes of this desert.
4. Central Desert of Iran; The most pristine desert around Tehran
Kavir plain is part of the desert around Tehran, which is about 300 km away from Tehran. The whole surface of this desert is covered with mud and salt marshes. The air temperature sometimes reaches 50 degrees Celsius during the day. The interesting point is the temperature difference of 70 degrees during the day and night. The plan is deserted for miles without drinking water, and its central core remains unknown.
The strangest phenomenon in the region is the salt dome, which numbers up to 50. These salt domes are the same layers of salt that came out of the heart of Lake Tis and were buried under the mud. After the salt domes, we can point to the extraordinary phenomena of polygons and salt polygons in the central and southern parts.
Remember that the vegetation of this area is almost zero and the fields are very low plains with very soft soil that form dangerous swamps with the slightest rain. For this reason, visiting it without guidance and alone is very dangerous.
Other deserts of Iran
If I increase the distance from Tehran a little, other options can be included in our desert tour list, which we will mention below.
5. Desert of Mesr; The most beautiful desert around Tehran
Among the desert resorts near Tehran are the Mesr desert eco-tourism resorts. This desert, which is located in Khur and Biabanak area (located in Isfahan province) and next to a village of the same name, is one of the most beautiful deserts around Tehran.
Sand dunes, camel riding, safari, off-road riding, and visiting the night sky are all exciting activities that have attracted Iranian and foreign tourists.
If you are going to travel to the Mesr desert by car, note that your car must be equipped with suitable tires, and be sure to bring camping equipment in the desert. Do not forget that the desert, while beautiful, is extremely cruel and violent. Flowing sand dunes, daytime vision loss, thirst, getting lost, etc. are just a small part of the dangers of just traveling to the desert.
The best time to travel to the heart of the Mesr desert is from November to mid-May.
6. Shahdad Desert; Desert residence near Tehran
One of the most magnificent deserts around Tehran is the Shahdad desert. Shahdad is one of the functions of Kerman with a historical background of 6000 years, which is one of the first civilizations and settlements of ancient Iran. It is interesting to know that Shahdad was the capital of the ancient state of Arata in ancient Iran.
The flag of Shahdad is known as the oldest metal flag in the world and the oldest mosaics in the world have been attributed to Shahdad.
One of the most interesting features of the Shahdad desert is the 20,000-year-old ridges called Kalut, the highest level of which is almost flat and the steep windward surface. Geologists attribute these bumps to the ancient sediments of lakes that were in the area millions of years ago. These clods cover an area of 11,000 square kilometers. The only land area with similar Kaluts is the Yona region of the United States.
The name “Kalut” consists of two parts: “Kol” meaning settlement and “Lut” meaning naked (referring to Lut plain).
Shahdad is divided into three parts: green, orange, and red. The green section with an area of two kilometers is suitable for those who do not intend to do professional desert climbing. This area is a part of Shahdad-Nehbandan road where you can see the fantastic clumps of Shahdad. The orange and red areas are the two forbidden areas in the desert that you need to go to for guidance and permission. Note that without guidance, getting lost in these areas is inevitable. For this reason, you must visit this beautiful desert in the form of tourist tours.
The best time to visit Shahdad desert is autumn. The best desert accommodation near Tehran can be found in Shahdad, which will make a memorable trip of desert nights for you.
7. Loot Desert (Dasht-e Lut); The most pristine desert around Tehran
Undoubtedly, the most pristine nature around Tehran is the Lut Desert, located 100 km from the center of Kerman province. This desert has the title of the most beautiful, pristine, and warmest place in the world.
In the heart of this desert, there is an area called “roasted wheat” or “burnt sand”, the temperature of which sometimes reaches 100 degrees Celsius in summer! Access to this area is practically impossible due to the lack of a specific route.
One of the most beautiful wonders of Lut is the night sky as if you can hold the stars.
The best accommodations in the Lut desert are the accommodations located in the Shahdad desert, which can be considered the best desert accommodations near Tehran.
The Wonders of the Lut Desert
Nabkhas: In the desert, the wind always blows and causes the soil to move. This soil accumulates around the plant and eventually surrounds the plant like walls. Eventually, it becomes like a vase that houses the plant.
Gandom-e Beryan: For several years in a row, this region has been called the hottest spot in the world. The heat in the area is so intense that almost no plants or animals can be found there. It is almost impossible to enter this area.
Kal-e-Shor River: In the heart of the desert and in winter, there is a river whose water is very acidic and dangerous. It is this water that has caused clumps and bumps by making the soil sticky.
A Few Final Tips When Traveling to the Heart of the Desert:
- Before traveling, be sure to pay attention to the weather conditions, this should be a general rule for all Iran tours,
- Summer travel is not possible at all,
- Travel to the desert must be done in groups and under a fluent guide,
- It is necessary to have equipment such as a sun visor, compass, GPS, canned food, sunscreen, drinking water, and desert equipment.
Lastly, make sure to check out our 3-Day Varzaneh Desert & Isfahan Tour where we try to balance culture and nature and gain the best of both worlds.
