Travel Guide Iranian deserts | What to do in Iranian deserts

Iranian Deserts – Adventure in Dasht-e Kavir and Dasht-e Lut

Iranian deserts

Iran is home to two of the country’s most iconic deserts: the Dasht-e Kavir (Great Salt Desert) and the Dasht-e Lut (Kalut Desert). These vast, otherworldly landscapes offer adventure, silence, and breathtaking scenery for travelers seeking unique desert experiences.

Dasht-e Kavir – The Great Salt Desert

Located in central Iran, Dasht-e Kavir is famous for its salt flats, sand dunes, and barren plains. Visitors can enjoy both natural beauty and cultural experiences in this stark desert environment.

Top Experiences in Dasht-e Kavir:

  • Maranjab Caravanserai – A 16th-century fortress along the Silk Road, where travelers once rested. Today, it offers stunning views of the desert and a glimpse into historical desert life.

  • Mesr Desert & Sand Dunes – Towering sand dunes up to 80 meters high, ideal for sandboarding, dune bashing, and watching spectacular sunrises and sunsets.

  • Rig-e Jenn (“Sands of Satan”) – A massive dune known for eerie shifting sands and adventurous exploration.

  • Salt Flats – Explore Kavir-e Namak and Howz-e Soltan, vast white expanses offering a surreal, almost lunar landscape.

  • Overnight Desert Camping – Sleep under the stars in a traditional oasis village such as Mesr, Garmeh, Nayband, or Esfahak.

Dasht-e Kavir is perfect for travelers seeking peace, space, and a true desert adventure.

Dasht-e Lut – The Kalut Desert

The Dasht-e Lut (Kalut Desert), in southeastern Iran, is one of the hottest places on Earth, famous for its dramatic landscapes of towering sand dunes, rocky outcrops, and deep canyons.

Top Experiences in Dasht-e Lut:

  • Shahdad Kalut – The most famous part of the Lut Desert, with wind-carved cliffs, massive sand formations, and otherworldly landscapes, perfect for hiking and photography.

  • Kalut Villages – Discover traditional desert life in villages like Keshit, Farahzad, and Deh Salm, and learn about their unique architecture and crafts.

  • Camel Trekking – Explore the desert on camelback with guided tours, including overnight camping under the stars.

  • Stargazing – With clear, dark skies, Lut Desert is ideal for observing the Milky Way and constellations.

  • Hot Springs – Relax in therapeutic hot springs near villages like Mahan.

  • Desert Wildlife – Spot desert foxes, lizards, and native birds while learning about the desert ecosystem.

The Kalut Desert offers adventurous travelers a combination of thrilling activities, natural beauty, and cultural immersion.