Iran Deserts Iran DesertsThe deserts in Iran are probably its main attraction. These deserts are vast and spectacular covering 25% of the entire country. The two main ones are Dasht-e Kavir and Dasht-e Lut, both being gigantic. Dasht-e Kavir, also called Kavir Desert, Iran Central Desert, or in Persian Kavir Markazi-e Iran is situated to the south of the Alborz Mountains approximately in the center of Iran. Lut Desert also called Dasht-e Lut, Kavir-e Lut or Dasht-e Lut Desert is situated in the south-east of Iran. It is also one of the two UNESCO natural sites of Iran that were registered in 2016. You might have visited deserts in other parts of the world but, by comparison, Iran’s deserts are a combination of them all in terms of natural attractions. They are made up of sand dunes, flat desert areas, salt lakes, dry lakes, wetlands, rock formations, canyons, rivers, various mines, birds, animals, flora, caves, high mountains and diverse coloured soils surrounded by villages. It’s possible to find a cluster of oases with agricultural areas in the middle of nowhere where you never thought there could be water. People still follow their customary way of life and live in their traditional houses. There are numerous citadels in these deserts dating back to over one thousand years. There is also an abundance of historical villages with special desert lands and Persian architecture built several hundred years ago. There are countless ancient Qanat “underground water channel systems” in many of Iran’s deserts dating back thousands of years. The Persian Qanat was registered in 2016 in the UNESCO heritage sites of Iran, which is one of Iran's historical phenomena. Persian cuisine is another attraction of our deserts, as you can find a wide variety of Iranian food on every corner. As you may
Iran Deserts Iran DesertsThe deserts in Iran are probably its main attraction. These deserts are vast and spectacular covering 25% of the entire country. The two main ones are Dasht-e Kavir and Dasht-e Lut, both being gigantic. Dasht-e Kavir, also called Kavir Desert, Iran Central Desert, or in Persian Kavir Markazi-e Iran is situated to
Dena National Park Dena National Park, with an approximate area of 250,000 hectares, is located in the middle of the Zagros mountain range covering the whole Dena mountain chain as explained in another article. Dena National Park is protected by the Iranian Department of the Environment. The central part of Dena National Park was registered in 2010 on the UNESCO list as a Biosphere Reserve site. A biosphere reserve is an ecosystem with unusual plants and animals with scientific and natural interests. It is a label given by UNESCO to help preserve this remarkable region. The core area of the park is around 35,000 hectares, a large expanse indeed. The Dena region possesses an extensive number of plants, various native mammals seriously at risk of extinction, and different types of natural resources. Almond and pistachio trees can be seen mostly in the low-lying areas, whereas oak trees stand on elevated regions. Walnut, hackberry, and pear trees are also spread all over this spectacular area. This district has long been a protected habitat for many animals such as brown bears, wild goats, eagles, wolves, various wild cats including Caracas, lynxes, and leopards. In addition, many vast rivers namely the Dez, Karun, and Karkheh originate from this region where they flow into the Persian Gulf and the Oman Sea. Picturesque falls, lakes, and pools make this mountainous area even more remarkably striking. In this geographical area, a significant number of individuals live a nomadic lifestyle. Smaller groups still maintain their medieval lifestyle. The multiculturalism of local residents, like nomadic communities, is totally evidenced by their languages, local cuisine, dress code, dance folklore, various festivals, herding, weaving, and other traditional production and crafts. Moreover, their understanding and way of living with regard to seasonal migration for their livestock are totally unlike
Dena National Park Dena National Park, with an approximate area of 250,000 hectares, is located in the middle of the Zagros mountain range covering the whole Dena mountain chain as explained in another article. Dena National Park is protected by the Iranian Department of the Environment. The central part of Dena National Park was
Dena Mountain Chain Dena mountain chain is the name of sub-range mountains located in the middle of the Zagros mountain range of Iran. It is around 90 km long with an average 15 km width. Most parts of this chain reach nearly 3,000 meters in height with a spectacular view of the whole region. They are home to some of the highest mountains in the entire Zagros range with more than 40 peaks rising to an elevation of 4,000 meters or more above sea level. One of these, the stunning Ghash Mastaan (Bijan 3), is the highest peak of all, with an elevation of 4,450 meters. There are two starting points to ascend the main peaks: The first one is the easiest and the most popular. It starts from Sisakht, the town on the southern west side of Dena. There is a delightful trail that leads you to the shelter and the main peaks above 4000m. The second accessible way to the peaks is called the Northern route. It starts from Khafr village in the lowlands of Dena. If your goal is to just climb the highest peak, (Ghash Mastan), this is the shortest way to do it. Also, on both sides of the mountain there is a shelter above 3000 m which is convenient to stop for refreshments before ascending the peak. Dena National Park and Dena mountain chain, which includes the whole foothill area around the chain, is protected by the Department of the Environment of Iran. For more information, please check DENA NATIONAL PARK With the exception of the mountain range, so amazing for expert hikers, there are plenty of villages in Dena Park, nestled in the mountains with breath taking scenery, wonderful for long distance hiking. In this area, there is a vast
Dena Mountain Chain Dena mountain chain is the name of sub-range mountains located in the middle of the Zagros mountain range of Iran. It is around 90 km long with an average 15 km width. Most parts of this chain reach nearly 3,000 meters in height with a spectacular view of the whole region. They
