Mesr Desert

The Mesr Desert is one of the picturesque deserts in Iran. It is in Isfahan Province. This desert is the best destination for nature and desert hiking. It has dunes, which are the aim of tourism and desert hiking. Mountain ranges surround this remarkable desert to the west, southwest, and southeast. Moreover, this desert is near the Mesr Village.

Location of Mesr Desert

To know its exact location, it is 45 kilometers from Jandagh City, 55 kilometers from Khur County, and near the Mesr Village. This desert is about 420 kilometers from Isfahan Province. To get to this desert through the Isfahan Province, go to Naeen and then pass Jandagh City.

History of Mesr Village

The name of the Mesr Village has a stunning story. About a century ago, this village was known as Yousef Farm, and a shepherd named Yousef founded the Mesr Village. When the village’s aqueducts were dry and lacking water, the village faced a water shortage. So, Yousef dug wells to save the region from a water crisis. The underground water sources dried again a few years later, and Yousef dug a deeper well anew. Referring to this action of the shepherd, neighboring villages called that village the Long Well (in Persian, Chah Deraz). Yousef disliked this new name, so he decided to change the name of this village to Mesr because his name was the same as the Yousef (Jousef) Prophet, and the story of the Jousef Prophet happened in Egypt (in Persian, Mesr). Locals accepted this change due to respect for Jousef Prophet.

Time of Mesr Desert

The Mesr Desert is the heart of the Dasht-e Kavir (Kavir Desert). Knowing the best time is essential for having a fun and exciting desert tour experience. The weather in deserts is hot and dry. Moreover, visiting deserts is not attractive during the hot seasons. So, the best time to visit deserts is during the cold season. This timing also includes the Mesr desert. Generally, the weather of the Mesr desert is hot during the day and freezing during the night. The Mesr Desert has favorable weather for visiting in autumn and winter.

Entertainment

In the Mesr Desert, entertainment differs from other scenic areas. The entertainment is unique and fun. When you reach the desert, walk on the soft sand with your feet and climb the golden dunes. From the peak of the dunes, you can see an outstanding view of the vast desert. Then, climb the big golden dunes. This activity is full of excitement.  Camels are in the Mesr Desert, and tourists can go camel riding. This enjoyable activity is available to tourists in select areas of the desert and near the village. It offers a chance to explore the stunning surroundings. After experiencing camel riding, you discover two other activities: off-roading and four-wheel motorcycling. Renting off-road vehicles also has its excitement. This activity allows tourists to experience speed and excitement in the desert. Four-wheeled motorcycles also permit tourists to experience driving in the desert and crossing dunes.

Additionally, people of all skill levels can enjoy sandboarding, whether you are a beginner or experienced rider. The sport offers an opportunity for personal enjoyment. Ultimately, sandboarding promises a memorable experience that combines adventure, skill, and the beauty of the outdoors. Photography in the Mesr Desert is an opportunity to capture the natural beauty of this unique landscape. This activity allows individuals to preserve their experiences and develop a deeper awareness of their surroundings.

Accommodation for the Mesr Desert

When the tourists enjoy the desert tour and have the best experiences from the Mesr Desert, they need to rest in accommodations. There are some suitable traditional hotels and ecotourism resorts. There are the native and local houses with old-fashioned desert architecture. All the accommodations are near the Mesr Village.

Traditional Teeda Hotel

Teeda Hotel is a great place to stay for those interested in exploring the desert. This hotel features authentic Iranian architectural elements characterized by thatched walls, delicate arches, and traditional design motifs that reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Bali Desert Hotel

The Bali Desert Hotel is the biggest one in Iran. Guests can reserve desert tours, camel riding, four-wheel motorcycling, sandboarding, and other entertainment. This hotel has a yard in the middle, and all the rooms surround it.

Kariz Local House

It has fantastic architecture and a traditional yard with Iranian architecture and trees. There are beds where guests can rest and enjoy the space. Also, there is a fire temple for gathering together.

Birahe Local House

 

The Birahe Local House has two parts. The first is a beautiful old house, and the second is a renowned addition to the first one. Both parts have a fireplace, and guests can gather and have fun.

Sightseeing Near the Mesr Desert

In addition to the entertainment options offered in the Mesr Desert, visitors can also discover numerous scenic sites nearby that provide opportunities for enjoyment and exploration.

Khur Salt Lake

The Khur Salt Lake is near the Mesr Desert. It is known as the Salt Lake of Mesr Desert. This lake is in the Khur and Biabanak County. The features of this lake are that it is one of the most ancient sources of salt and the biggest seasonal lake in Iran. Pentagon shapes cover the surface of this lake, presenting a unique attraction. During the winter, these forms merge with the clay, resulting in a black hue, whereas in the summer, they take on a white appearance.

Takht-e Aroos

Takht in deserts refers to the points where the heights exceed the surrounding land. The highest points are flat, like beds. Takht-e Aroos is one of the most beautiful desert areas in Iran. From the top of the Takht-e Aroos in the south, the dune, Chal Selkanun, and the Mesr Village are shown.

Bayazeh Village and Castle

The historical Bayazeh Village is one of the sights of Khur and Biabanak County in Isfahan Province. The village is a notable destination for tourists due to its historical attractions, which include a castle, aqueducts, Sabats, and an ancient mosque. Climbing and walking through the sandy landscapes of the desert, along with the opportunity to photograph the pristine environment, are other attractions of Bayazeh village.

Garmeh Village

The beautiful village of Garmeh is in the central desert of Iran, in the eastern part of Isfahan province. It attracts many tourists and is home to an ancient four-story castle from the Sassanid era. The village offers stunning desert views with rugged hills and the possibility of seeing camels. A mineral spring has existed here for a thousand years, and the hot springs are known for their healing properties. The Garmeh Village is also home to impressive date palm trees that produce excellent dates, and locals make handmade souvenirs from the date leaves. A desert trip is an unforgettable journey that blends adventure, peace, and cultural experiences. It allows you to escape routine activity and reconnect with nature’s beauty. The Mesr Desert Tours create lasting memories, offering solitude, excitement, or insights into the desert’s culture.

 

Introduction to Iran

One of the world’s oldest civilizations is Iran and most probably this country beginning with the formation of the Elamite kingdoms in the fourth millennium BC. Iran first unified by the Iranian Medes in the seventh century BC and reached its territorial height in the sixth century BC under Cyrus the Great, whose Achaemenes Empire stretched from Eastern Europe to the Indus Valley, one of the largest empires in history. Now, we have a brief introduction to Iran to know-how is amazing Iran.

Iran the beating heart of Eurasia

Iran, (officially the Islamic Republic of Iran), known internationally as Persia until 1935, is a country in Central Eurasia, located on the northeastern shore of the Persian Gulf. The name Iran is a cognate of Aryan, and means “Land of the Aryans”. The 18th largest country in the world in terms of area at 1,648,195 km², Iran has a population of over seventy million. Iran is a country of special geostrategic significance, because of its central location in Eurasia.

Iran is bordered to the north by Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and the Caspian Sea; to the east by Afghanistan and Pakistan; to the south by the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman; and to the west by Turkey and Iraq. Tehran is the capital, largest city and the political, cultural, commercial, and industrial center of the nation. Iran is a regional power and occupies an important position in international energy security and world economy as a result of its large reserves of petroleum and natural gas.

Iran is home to one of the world’s oldest continuous major civilizations, with historical and urban settlement dating back to 3200 BC. The Medes established the first government in Iran in 725 BC. They were succeeded by three Iranian dynasties. The Achaemenes, Parthians, and Sassanid which governed Iran for more than 1000 Years.

Iran was once again reunified as an independent state in 1551 by the Safavid dynasty who promoted Shi’a Islam as the official religion of their empire. Marking one of the most important turning points in the history of Islam. Iran had been a monarchy ruled by a shah, or Emperor, almost without interruption from 1501 until the 1979 Iranian revolution, When Iran officially became the Islamic Republic on 01 April 1979.

Iran is a founding member of the UN, NAM, OIC, and OPEC. The political system of Iran, based on the 1979 constitution, comprises several intricately connected governing bodies. The highest state authority is the Supreme Leader. Shi’a Islam is the official religion, and Persian is the official language.

Provinces and Cities

Iran is divided into 31 provinces (Ostān), each governed by an appointed governor (Ostāndār). The provinces are divided into sub-provinces (Shahrestān) and subdivided into districts (Bakhsh) and sub-districts (Dehestān). Iran has one of the highest urban-growth rates in the world. From 1950 to 2002 the urban proportion of the population increased from 27% to 60 %. Most internal migrants have settled near the cities of Tehrān, Isfahan, Shiraz, Ahvaz, and Qom.

Tehran, with the highest population (Around 9 Million) is the largest city in Iran and is the Capital city. Tehran is home to around 11% of Iran’s population. Tehran, like many big cities, suffers from severe air pollution. It is the hub of the country’s communication and transport network.

Mashhad is the second largest Iranian city and is one of the holiest Shi’a cities in the world as it is the site of the Imām Rezā shrine. It is the second-largest city and with a population of 2.8 million is the center of the Khorāsān Razavi Province. Almost 20 million pilgrims go to Imām Rezā’s shrine every year.

The other major Iranian city is Isfahān. Isfahān is the capital of Esfahan Province. The Naghsh-e Jahan Square in Esfahān has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

The city contains a wide variety of Islamic architectural sites ranging from the eleventh to the 19th century. The growth of the suburban area around the city has turned Isfahan to the second most populous metropolitan area. 

The other major Iranian cities are Karaj, Tabrīz, and Shīrāz. Tabriz is situated north of the volcanic cone of Sahand south of the Eynalī Mountain. Tabrīz is the largest city in north-western Iran and is the capital of East Āzarbāījān Province. Karaj is located in Tehrān province and is situated 35 km west of Tehrān, at the foot of Alborz Mountains, however, the city is increasingly becoming an extension of the metropolitan Tehrān.

And at last, Shiraz is the capital of Fars province, the cradle of Iran Culture and civilization. The province has recorded around 3000 monuments on the national heritage list. The existence of four Unesco heritage sites and two prominent poets, having beautiful mosques, Shrines, Known as third religious city as well as the cultural capital of the country, having very unique natural sites, different kind of handicraft, all these features of this province have turned it to one the best tourist destinations in Iran.

Nature and Climate

Iran has long been called the “Land of Seven climates,” and it still seems the best description for Iran’s climate conditions. Iran’s diverse climate conditions provide shelter for several rare and unique species of plant and animal life. In Iran, green fields, thick forests, burning deserts, vast plateaus, and snow-covered mountains are found during all four seasons. with 25 wildlife shelters, 46 nature reserves, more than 500 species of birds, 200 species of reptiles, 360 species of mammals, 12000 species of plant life, 12 rare forests and tens of thick forests, 320 thermal mineral springs, 16 ponds and lagoons, 50 lakes, 16 mountain peaks with altitudes over 4000 meters, 14 mountain peaks with altitudes over 3000 meters and historical constructions in the heart of the nature such as houses, temples, and cathedrals carved in the rock, Iran’s natural attractions rank fifth in the world. Iran’s climate ranges from humid subtropical to sub-polar. In simple words, the mountain climate can be found in the western and northwestern areas, hot and dry climate prevails in central and southern regions and a trip in the north bordering the Caspian Sean enjoys a humid and temperate climate.

Iran Mountain and Geology

Iran’s mountains belong to the Neogene period and especially the Miocene epoch, i.e. 23.7 to 5.3 million before the present time. Some of these mountains are of a volcanic origin. Mount Taftān, a massive cone reaching 4,042 meters in southeastern Iran, emits gas and mud at sporadic intervals. Mount Damavand with an altitude of 5,671 meters has been inactive in historical times. In northwestern Iran, Mount Sabalān with a height of 4,812 and Mount Sahand reaching 3,710 meters from the mean sea level are notable examples of dormant volcanoes. There is no active volcano in Iran today.

In Iranian mythology, mountains are depicted as sacred and mysterious. Alborz Mountains are the abode of the fabulous Sīmorgh—a benevolent mythical bird sharing qualities aspects of Phoenix. In Zoroastrian texts, the three-headed dragon Aži Dahāka was chained within Mount Damavand, there to remain until the end of the world. Recreation

Iran’s mountains make perfect places for mountain climbing and snow skiing. 

Dīzīn ski resort situated to the north of Tehran in the Alborz Mountains is Iran’s most famous ski resort. Because of the altitude, the ski season in Dīzīn lasts longer than European ski resorts (from December to May).

Desert

Iran would be a special place for people interested in the attractions of the deserts. Two vast deserts of a lie in the central region of Iran which together occupy 320,000 square kilometers or one fifth of the country’s land area. The Dasht-e Kavīr’s soil is covered with sand and pebbles; there are marshes, lakes, and wadis. The smaller desert called Dasht-e Lūt has an area of about 51,800 square kilometers. Life is not easy in a desert, but its hard-working people forge subterranean canals– aqueducts or Qanāt in Persian– to water pistachio, apple sand dates orchards. 

The Caspian Sea

The Caspian Sea (Persian: Daryā-ye Māzandarān) in northern Iran is the world’s largest lake. Sefīd-rūd, Atrak and Aras rivers flow into the Caspian Sea. It is the natural habitat for over 350 species of fish. the climate in the coastal areas is temperate (humid subtropical) and there is rich plant life. the Caspian Sea is a major center of producing Caviar of world-class quality.

The Persian Gulf 

In the south, Iran borders the waters of the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman—connected through the Strait of Hormoz. Mangrove forests on the southern coast of Iran, commonly called Hara forests are unique features of Iran’s natural environment. the forests, found mainly near the island of Qeshm, make a major habitat for migratory birds in the cold season, and for reptiles, fish, and varieties of arthropods and bivalves. Iranian islands in the Persian gulf such as Kish, Khark, the greater and the lesser Tunbs, Abu Musa, etc are major recreational and economic centers of the country.

Lakes

Besides the Caspian Sea – the world’s largest lake—there are many other lakes in Iran. Urmia lake (Persian: daryācheh-ye orūmīyeh) in West āzarbāījān province is the largest lake inside Iran. It has a surface area of approximately 5,200 km². The lake has 102 islands.

other lakes include lake Shūrābīl in Ardabil province, the lakes of lār, and āhang in Tehran province, lake hāmūn in Sīstān VA Balūchestān Province, Parishan and Maharlu lake in Fras Province, etc.

Islands 

Iranian islands fall into two categories: those situated in international waters and inhabited by Iranian people and unpopulated islands inside Iran’s lakes which are habitat to various species of plant and animal life. Qeshm, Hormoz, kish, Khark, Lāvān, Abu Musa, the greater and lesser Tunbs and āshūrādeh islands are some of the major populated islands of Iran.

Flora and Fauna

Iran is a very rich country in terms of the diversity of plant and animal life. Iranian forests are habitats for wildcat, wolf, jackal, boar, fox, bear and ram as well as several rare and endangered species of animals such as the Asiatic Cheetah, which is found only in Iran. The lakes, ponds, and lagoons are habitats for frogs, snakes, tortoises, crabs and various species of birds such as duck, goose, swan, pheasant, francolin, stilt, swallow, etc. The Persian leopard is said to be the largest of all the subspecies of leopards in the world. The main range of this species in Iran closely overlaps with that of Bezoar Ibex. Hence, it is found throughout Alborz and Zagros mountain ranges, as well as smaller ranges within the Iranian plateau. Leopard population is very sparse, due to loss of habitat, loss of natural prey, and population fragmentation. Apart from Bezoar Ibex, wild sheep, boar, deer (either Maral red deer or roe deer), and domestic animals constitute leopards’ diet in Iran. Approximately one-tenth of Iran is forested, mostly in the Caspian region. Hyrcanian forest starts stretches southeastern Azerbaijan and stretches to Iran’s three northern provinces of Gīlān, Māzandarān, and Golestān. Hyrcanian Forest contains remnants of the broadleaf forests that once covered most of the North Temperate Zone some 2550- million years ago, in the early Cenozoic Era. When Europe was covered with ice during the Pleistocene, Hyrcanian Forest—or the Caspian Forest, as it is sometimes called– was alive and at the end of the frozen era, plant species of Hyrcanian Forest immigrated to Europe, which makes this forest the mother of European forests. Ten million hectares of oak forests lie in Iran’s highlands in Chahārmahāl Va Bakhtīārī, Kohgilūyeh Va Boyer Ahmad, Fārs, Kordestān, Lorestān, īlām, and Kermānshāh provinces. Acorns, aspens, poplars, and maples would give the visitors another view of Iran’s natural environment. But Nature has much more to offer the curious visitor: cypress trees of a few thousand years of age in the village of Manjīl (in Gīlān) and the village of Abarqū (in Fars Province) or a tree which split rock overtime in the town of Arsanjān in Fars province.

Lagoons

water always creates wonderful scenes in Iran. The lagoons are among some of Iran’s most interesting places to visit. Anzalī lagoon in Gīlān Province is a unique site whose water lilies would catch the attention of every visitor. you can have a wonderful time riding boats on this lagoon. Choqākhor lagoon in Chahārmahāl VA Bakhtīārī is another notable example. Choqākhor has great ecological importance as it is a habitat for migrating birds. There many other lagoons including, for example, Elmāgoli, Fūshāgoli and Māhī Abād lagoons in west Azarbāījān Province and Shādegān in Khūzestān Province.

Waterfalls

There are tens of beautiful waterfalls in Iran. A notable example is Shūshtar’s ancient waterfall. The construction of the Shushtar waterfall compound began during the Achaemenid era (circa 550-331 BC) and later it was expanded during the Sassanid dynasty (224-651 Ce). The waterfall is located near the ancient Elamite city of Susa (Shūsh) in Khuzestan province. The structure was meant to operate somewhat like a water mill. Margun waterfall in Fars province is one of Iran’s largest falls situated in a most beautiful natural environment.

Caves

There are wondrous caves in Iran. The Alisadr cave in Hamadan province is a notable example. water flows inside the cave and allows Boatriding inside the cave. in the town of Dehlorān in Ilam province, you can visit a cave which is the habitat for a rare species of bats. There are also historical caves that besides their natural beauty were shelter to primitive humans. Paintings on the walls of such caves would reveal exciting stories to archaeologists. examples of historical caves of Iran include Shekārchyān Cave in Kermanshah province, Karaftū Cave in Kordestan, the caves of Hūmyān and Kalmākareh in Lorestan province, Kataleh Khor in Zanjan and Chal Nakhjir in Markazi Province, etc. cave Pra in Kermanshah province is the deepest cave in Iran.

Hot Water Springs

There are several hot water springs in Iran. A notable example is Sar’eyn Thermal spring in Ardabīl Province. Bathing in hot water springs is traditionally believed to be useful for various physical problems and so many people travel to thermal springs to soothe their pains. Mahallāt thermal springs in Markazi province, Genū hot water springs in Hormozgān province, bābā Gohar springs in the city of Hamadān and Rāmsar hot water springs in Mazāndarān Province are some examples of Iran’s thermal springs.

Iran Desert

Long ago, it seemed only those seeking solitude would ever plan a journey to a desert. Now, it’s the most adventurous thing a person could do.

Iran’s nature could amaze people in ways they never had ever thought. Iran Deserts are like a great magician, Merlin perhaps, or Dumbledore himself. Many lands with many different shapes could change.

It’s not like if you go to Shahdad salt-pan for instance, the next time, those yardangs would be the same.

Iran offers you various types of deserts and salt pans. Each have their unique features, each has their atmosphere, and spiritually take you to places you have never explored inside you. 

The Desert and Salt-pans of Iran could be divided into five sections. Each section contains a different type of desert and salt-pan that has been known so far.

Iran’s central desert is bounded on the north by the eastern Alborz mountain range and Mount Binalud on the east. 

 

 

Masileh Desert

This is limited from the north to the eastern and central Alborz mountains, from the south to the Rig-e Jenn desert, from the west to the central mountains of Iran and the Karkas mountain range, and from the west to the western deserts.

This particular desert includes the deserts of Maranjab, Rig Dam, Nakhjir Valley, and mountains such as Siah Kuh and also located in the central parts of Iran and the western margin of the central desert. Maranjab desert is located in the south, and Kavir National Park is located in the west.

 

Lut Desert or the Dasht-e Lut 

It is another impassable desert not just in Iran but also in the world. In some parts of this desert, there are no living creatures, not even one single bacteria. The hottest spot on earth is located in this desert.

 

Darreh-ye Khoshk Rud 

Or in English, “the Valleys of the Dry River”, are located in Kerman province and 150 km from Shahdad city in the direction of Nehbandan, northern Dasht-e Lut.

Kal Shor is the only permanent river in Lut. At the same time, other channels flow into the area of ​​Lut pits, the most important of which is the Khoshk River. This route does not have permanent water, but it is the passage of seasonal waters in northern Lut. 

Three parallel paths with a steep slope from north to south fall into Lut’s salt pit.

Water erosion in a vertical direction has affected sedimentary strata with different pressure and has created scattering systems and sedimentary blocks. 

It looks like the ruins of a city known as the city of Lut. This example and complications are specific to this region and have not been created in other areas of Lut.

It extends 20 km to the south of the corner of the dry valley in the form of a claw and is about 400 m above sea level, with vertical walls that intersect in a pyramidal shape. The grooves are created vertically as a result of techno-kite movements.

 

Shahdad Desert

The yardangs of Kerman are located in a plain that is on the southern edge of the Lut desert. 

The shapes you see in Shahdad are the result of wind and water erosion over many years. They seem to be the ruins of an old city doorway, walls, and everything but these shapes are compacted masses of soil, sand, and tall pebbles.

Although, some archaeologists believe that this desert was once inhabited.

Shahdad is full of eerie wonders. You could easily feel invisible people staring at you, and if you shout, the mighty winds will steal your voice.

 

Gandom Beryan

From above it looks like a ladle, and on the surface of the earth, it has almost flat basaltic rocks. These rocks are the result of the eruption of several volcanic craters.

Within the heart of these volcanic plains lies the hottest spot on earth. In Persian, they call it “Gandom Beryan”. In English, it means, roasted wheat.

Some locals believe that travelers would place their wheat grains on black basalt stones and after a while, they would roast due to the heat. Color-infrared Aerial Photography has proven that this special spot is the hottest place on earth.

 

Rig-e Jenn

Ok, the thing about deserts in Iran is that they have weird names. In Persian, Rig means pebbles, that’s fine but Jenn is the word for “Goblin”.  It is the boundary between Tabas and Yazd deserts. This dessert is one of the most impassable areas in the world due to its vast swamps, high and vast dunes. Only a limited number of people have crossed it so far. Tabas and Yazd deserts are also the boundary between the Dasht-e Lut and the Great salt-pan. Gavkhouni swamp is located in this area.

The Lack of water resources in this vast expanse of dunes, along with natural barriers such as salt marshes, have been the reasons why this region has out of human’s reach for centuries. Therefore, it was known as the goblins’ territory.

Folk tales, obscure myths, and legends about Rig-e Jenn have generally originated from the inability of travelers to cross this desert.

Anyway, there is no clear boundary for the goblins’ territory. Briefly, this region is located in central Iran in the western part of the central desert and salt-pans. 

 

Maranjab Desert

Located in Isfahan province and its average altitude is about 850 meters above sea level. Most of this desert is dunes and is rich in vegetation. The vegetation of this area includes saline plants such as turmeric trees and arches and shrubs.

The Maranjab Desert and its beautiful nights can compete with any forest or sea. Maranjab Desert’s features have attracted around 120% of the tourists who come to Kashan in the first four months of the year. 120 percent means over one and a half million people.

Along with the dunes that are the main attraction of the desert, the presence of Maranjab Castle and the island wandering in the Maranjab Desert, gives more motivation to tourists to come and explore this region. 

Contrary to popular belief that the desert plain lacks a sign of human life and livelihood, we must hand it over to the deserts that were once magnificent places for the early humans to live in. 

Evidence from the desert reflects the fact that in prehistoric times, human groups continued to live in their particular social forms in today’s desert, which had different living conditions.

However, because of gradual climate change and under the impact of certain geographical and historical conditions, they have been forsaken.

This is perhaps why, nowadays they look as if they are weird, mysterious, and even scary. But planning a journey to the desert could change your life forever. There is more to the desert and salt-pans than what we hear about or see in pictures. It’s a journey from within.