Why should the Varzaneh Desert be visited?

Varzaneh Desert: Introduction

Located by the Varzaneh Town and the Gavkhuni Marsh, and 117 kilometers away from the city of Isfahan, and 150 kilometers away from the city of Yazd, the Varzaneh Desert is one of the most popular desert destinations of Iran because of its fascinating beauty and also being the largest desert recreational park of Iran where visitors can enjoy thrilling activities. What makes Varzaneh stand out among the other deserts of Iran, is blowing winds from different directions that creates dunes with various curved and pyramid shapes, and different heights from 1-2 meters to even 100 meters. The dunes of the Varzaneh Desert, cover a vast area which is 45 kilometers in 10 kilometers. This desert was known as the Khara Desert in the past, but today it is known as two separate areas, the Varzaneh Desert and Khara Desert.

Varzaneh Desert - Iran

The Flora and Fauna of the Varzaneh Desert

Because of being close to Gavkhuni Marsh, which is a very rich biological resource in this region, the Varzaneh Desert is home to various types of plants and animals.

Eskanbil (Calligonum): Also known as Fire Bush and Arta, Calligonum is a bush-shaped and flowering plant which grows in desert areas of the earth. In Iran, this plant can be found in Khur o Biabanak, Naein, Kerman, Rig-e Jen, and Sistan o Baluchistan. This plant grows during March, and it gets covered with tiny white flowers from late March to April.

Tagh (Haloxylon): Tagh or Haloxylon is a type of shrub or small tree which is resistant to warmth and drought, therefore it is widely grown in deserts. Because of its vast root and keeping a big area of soil and sand around itself, this plant prevents from the spread of desert.

Nesi (Stipagrostis): This plant is another desert plant from Gramineae family which grows in Varzaneh Desert and prevents from spread of desert because of its vide root. Because of tiny pods in its root that keep water, this plant can survive hot and dry desert summers.

The amazing nature of Varzaneh is also a suitable atmosphere for different beautiful animals of desert.

Desert Fox (Vulpus Rueppelli): This cute creature is known for its small body and big ears compared with its body. This fox has long hair on his feet, that helps it in walking on desert sand. This fox is a nocturnal animal and lives in different parts of Iran like Khuzestan, Fars Province, and deserts like the Varzaneh Desert.

Pamsuaki (Jaculus): Pamsuaki is a type of rat with a smaller body than normal rats, and has big eyes and big ears. Jaculus is also a nocturnal animal which can only be seen during dark nights when the moon with no moonlight.

Long-legged buzzard: This is a hunting bird which lives only in Iran.

Jackal, rabbit, wild cat, and snakes are other animals that live in Varzaneh Desert.

Things to do in Varzaneh Desert

As mentioned before the Varzaneh Desert is one of the best desert destinations as there are many relaxing and adventurous activities that can be done here.

Walking on the dunes and the Salt Lake

Taking a long walk on dunes and also the dry Salt Lake which is a wide white plain, receiving the relaxing vibe of the desert through your feet, and enjoying the superb landscapes of dunes, sunsets and sunrise, is an unforgettable experience in Varzaneh Desert which you can enjoy for free.

Varzaneh Desert - Iran

Night photography and star gazing

Because of being far from light pollution of big cities and also the very low humidity of weather, Varzaneh has a very starry and vivid night sky, and this is one of the main reasons that travelers love this desert and many photographers and astronomy lovers spend some nights here for exploring and capturing night sky. Also during times of year, with meteorite showers Varzaneh is packed with astronomy groups.

Zip line

Zip line is a thrilling and fun activity available in Varzaneh Desert, which is 400 meters long and is an exciting activity which offers the experience of flying over the desert dunes.

ATV motors

By riding an ATV motor you can venture through the heart of desert dunes with a super high speed and drive down the steep dills and dunes.

Paraglider in Varzaneh Desert - Iran

Paraglider

Paraglider is the most exciting and amazing activity you can experience in Varzaneh Desert, which lets you fly over the desert from a much higher level and enjoy the scenic sky. Before riding a paraglider, you need to learn some techniques and also you need to make your flight with a professional guide.

Paraglider in Varzaneh Desert - Iran

Camel back riding

Camel back riding is a classic activity that can be experienced in almost every desert you visit. Riding a camel in Varzaneh Desert feels like making a journey through the Silk Road, like caravans did centuries ago.

Chah Gav (Cow Well)

Chah Gav literally meaning Cow's Well is a genius method of managing water in dry land of Varzaneh Desert invented by the local farmers many years ago.

Chah Gav in Varzaneh Desert - Iran

Explore the Silk Road is one of the PackToIran tours which is a combination of cultural and historical attractions in desert cities like Yazd, and Isfahan and natural desert attractions including the Lut Desert and Varzaneh Desert. This tour offers the unique experience of exploring the history of Iran through the Silk Road.