The UNESCO listed Lut Desert - The scenic desert of Iran

The Lut Desert, also known as Dasht-e Lut, is a mesmerizing natural wonder that will leave you in awe. This vast desert spans across the southeastern region of Iran, with its hyper-arid climate making it one of the hottest spots on earth. Despite being described as the land of "no life" in some parts, the Lut Desert boasts a rich variety of outstanding desert landforms and is home to flora and fauna that have adapted to survive in this harsh environment. With its stunning landscapes, the Lut Desert is one of the most scenic deserts in Iran and the world. Its unique features have earned it the prestigious title of being the first natural UNESCO World Heritage Site in Iran. From towering sand dunes to salt flats that stretch as far as the eye can see, the Lut Desert is a photographer's dream come true. While most of the Lut Desert is inaccessible due to its lack of water, the western edge is the only settled part. Here, you can experience the traditional way of life of the local people, who have adapted to living in this unforgiving environment. If you're looking for a unique and unforgettable adventure, the Lut Desert should be at the top of your list.

Shahdad - Kerman - Iran

Lut Desert: An Outstanding Geological Phenomena

The Lut Desert, a natural wonder in southeastern Iran, is a breathtaking destination that will leave you spellbound. This vast and hyper-arid desert is one of the hottest spots on earth, with temperatures soaring to over 70 degrees Celsius. The Lut Desert is a photographer's paradise, with its stunning landscapes and unique features earning it the prestigious title of being the first natural UNESCO World Heritage site in Iran. From towering sand dunes to salt flats that stretch as far as the eye can see, this desert is a feast for the senses. Between June and October, strong winds sweep across the desert, resulting in amazing examples of ongoing geological processes. The sands transported by the wind create huge sand seas that cover 40 percent of Lut Desert in the east and south, forming some of the world's best active dune fields with different shapes of sand dunes like star dunes and funnel-shaped dunes. This wind erosion also creates an exceptional type of Yardang/Kalout (Kalut), which is the best type in the world in terms of height, durability, and extent. While most of the Lut Desert is inaccessible due to its lack of water, the western edge is home to local people who have adapted to living in this unforgiving environment. Here, you can experience their traditional way of life and witness firsthand how they have learned to thrive in this harsh landscape.

Visiting Lut Desert – Shahdad

For visiting the wonders of the Lut Desert, you can take a tour, so you should travel to Shahdad city which is located at the western edge of this vast desert and 95 kilometers away from the historical city of Kerman. Shahdad region was a major Bronze Age center where the ancient bronze and many other objects from the prehistoric era are excavated, and historical castles, caravanserais, and qanats are located.

Located 40 kilometers away from the city of Shahdad you will reach the Shahdad Desert which is one of the most spectacular natural attractions someone can witness in a lifetime. This vast silent area is ornamented with Shahdad Kalouts created 20,000 years ago as the result of wind and saltwater erosion. Here all you see is these natural sculptures with amazing shapes and the endless sky with magically vivid colors during sunrise and sunset and millions of stars and meteorites at night. Going further, you will visit more incredible phenomena of the Lut Desert like Rood-e Shoor which is a saltwater river and creates an even more surreal atmosphere and Gandom Beryan. Gandom Beryan is an area covered with black basalt lava rocks and is known as the lowest spot in Iran, and these are the reasons why this very spot has been recorded as the hottest spot on earth in some years. Nebkha (Nebka) is another natural phenomenon of Lut Desert which is located at the edge of this desert. Nebkhas are dunes that are formed around Tamarisk bushes and therefore they are also known as the desert vases!

Best time to visit Lut Desert

The best time for traveling to Lut Desert is from late February to early June and then from October to the end of November, when the temperatures are cooler and ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius during the day and dropping to as low as -10 degrees Celsius at night. During the months mentioned, the weather will be fine for the Lut Desert tour, although a light jacket for the night and some light shirts for daytime will come handy. This time makes it more comfortable for visitors to explore the desert without being overwhelmed by the extreme heat. Additionally, during this time, the skies are clear, allowing for stunning views of the desert landscape and starry nights. However, if you're interested in witnessing the ongoing geological processes and sand dunes formation, it's best to visit between June and October when the winds are strong. Overall, it's important to plan your visit according to your interests and preferences to make the most out of your experience in this unique and captivating destination.

Shahdad - Kerman - Iran

Where to stay while visiting the Lut Desert?

Camping in the Lut Desert: As your most adventurous choice, camping in the middle of the Shahdad Kalouts is a unique experience, but it is highly suggested that you ask your guide and a local guide to accompany you and take their security tips serious.

Staying at an ecolodge: If you prefer a more comfortable stay, there are now ecolodges available around Shahdad, which have friendly atmospheres and provide simple yet standard services and you can book before you travel to Iran.

Returning to Kerman: Since Shahdad is not far from Kerman, you also have the option to drive back to Kerman after spending the whole day and watching the sunset in the Lut Desert and sleep at your cozy room in the hotel.

Experience the unforgottable and unique joy of visiting the deserts in Iran, especially the Lut Desert, by booking one of these tours right now: Iran Deserts and Shores Tour  or  Mahan and Lut Shahdad Desert Adventure Tour