Dasht-e Kavir Desert
(Central desert of Iran)
Dasht-e Kavir, larger than the Lut desert, is one of two Iranian deserts situated in the middle of the Iranian plateau, and located southeast of Alburz Mountains. It is about 300 kilometers from the east and southeast of Tehran. Iran is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world, and among them, Dasht-e Kavir, also known as the Great Salt Desert, stands out as one of the most remarkable natural wonders. Covering an area of approximately 77,600 square kilometers, this vast and mesmerizing desert lies in the heart of Iran, stretching across multiple provinces including Semnan, Isfahan, Khorasan, Yazd, and Tehran.
There are a couple of protected areas inside the desert supervised by the Department of the Environment; and likened to a Kavir National Park (Park-e Melli Kavir). Kavir National Park is one of them with numerous wild animals. Dasht-e Kavir, the other, is also known as Iran Central Desert, Kavir-e Markazi Iran, Kavire Namak, and the Great Salt Desert.
This area has a view of salt hills which were formed when the underground salt layers tried to emerge through the mud and rocks. The area is perilous because anyone falling in to a salt hill may get stuck and unable to escape. Due to this, the land is unpopulated with the exception of the mountainous regions. This desert, nearly 800km long and 320km wide, consists of mud and saltmarsh (kavirs). Way back in time this land was covered by an ocean rich in salt that surrounded a small part of the continent in what is currently central Iran. While the ocean dried up, it left a layer of salt approximately six to seven kilometers thick.
With the passage of time, the layer of salt was buried under a large layer of mud. However, salt has a relatively low density in comparison to the layer of mud and rocks. Thus it started moving upward through the overlying sediment, and finally, over centuries, the salt broke through and created a dome. The best examples of this geological phenomenon in the world are possibly the salt domes of Dasht-e Kavir. Geologists have recognized nearly 50 big salt domes in this area, some of which have gradually been eroded by rain and wind exposing its surface.
Despite the fact it resembles a rigid surface, the salt layer is just a few inches deep. Below that sits a treacherous, smooth, oily-like mud that Iranians call “Charbeh”, where falling in is a real death trap and is a great challenge to escape from as mentioned above. Due to this risk, the journey through the Dasht-e Kavir is particularly hazardous. The soil is infertile and therefore not conducive for agriculture. This desert is mostly unpopulated with just some parts of it appropriate for exploring. People have settled in the scattered oases, where wind-blocking houses are constructed in order to deal with the unpleasant weather conditions. Some folk inhabit the hills and mountains. Animals such as camels, wild sheep, goats, and Persian leopards also live in the mountainous regions.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Despite its harsh conditions, Dasht-e Kavir has been an essential part of Iran’s history. Ancient Silk Road routes once passed through its edges, connecting civilizations. Today, remnants of historic caravanserais such as the Maranjab Caravanserai in the northern part of the desert stand as silent witnesses to the past. These rest stops provided shelter for traders and travelers navigating the unforgiving terrain.
Top Attractions in Dasht-e Kavir
For adventure seekers, Dasht-e Kavir offers unique experiences. Some of the top attractions include:
- Maranjab Desert and Caravanserai: A historic caravanserai built during the Safavid era, surrounded by rolling sand dunes.
- Jandaq: A small but historically rich town that has long served as a gateway for travelers crossing the harsh desert landscapes.
- Mesr Desert: A picturesque desert village with stunning golden dunes, perfect for photography and stargazing.
- Khur and Biabanak: An ancient oasis settlement with traditional architecture and desert landscapes.
- Rig-e Jenn: Known as the ‘Dune of the Jinn,’ a mysterious and remote desert region with a reputation for being one of Iran’s most challenging areas to explore.
The Unique Landscape of Dasht-e Kavir
Dasht-e Kavir is characterized by salt flats, sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and dry riverbeds. The desert is largely composed of clay and salt marshes, known as kavirs, which create surreal and ever-changing patterns on the landscape. The intense heat and arid climate prevent significant vegetation from thriving, yet some areas support resilient plant species such as salt-tolerant shrubs, tamarisks, and hardy grasses.
A Land of Extreme Conditions
The desert experiences scorching temperatures in summer that can exceed 50°C (122°F), while winter nights can be bitterly cold. The lack of water sources and extreme conditions make it one of the most inhospitable regions in Iran. However, this has not stopped wildlife from adapting to the environment. The desert is home to Persian onagers (wild donkeys), sand cats, foxes, wolves, and gazelles, along with various reptiles and birds such as eagles and falcons.
Activities and Adventure Opportunities
Dasht-e Kavir is a paradise for those seeking desert adventures. Some of the most popular activities include:
- Desert trekking and camel riding: Experience the vastness of the desert like the nomads of the past.
- 4×4 off-road excursions: Drive across challenging dunes and rugged salt plains.
- Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the desert sky provides an unforgettable celestial view.
- Photography: The contrast between salt flats, dunes, and rocky landscapes makes for stunning visuals.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Dasht-e Kavir is during the autumn and winter months (October to April) when temperatures are more bearable. Spring can also be pleasant, though occasional sandstorms may occur.
Final Thoughts
Dasht-e Kavir is more than just a barren land; it is a place of mystery, beauty, and adventure. Whether you are an avid explorer, a history enthusiast, or a photographer looking for otherworldly landscapes, this vast desert offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of Iran.
Would you dare to venture into the Great Salt Desert and discover its hidden wonders?
Adventure Iran, as an active tour operator, has created many different types of adventure trips to cover activities suitable for all. Most trips conducted in the last ten years were desert trekking tours, long camel trek tours, and long desert trekking expeditions.
SVEN HEDIN TREK is one of our famous tours that we carry out annually as a group tour. In addition, since 2015, we have developed several special routes in different parts of Dasht-e Kavir desert for Mountain Biking and desert cycling. In five different parts of this desert, we have designed and conducted our distinctive cycling tours; our famous Iranian Coast to Coast by Bicycle tour also crosses two different parts of Iran’s desert. We have another desert cycling tour, “Cycling through Iran’s Dasht-e Kavir (Central Desert)” which crosses Dasht-e Kavir Desert, and it is just one of our special cycling tours. We also have a 4×4 desert safari inside Dasht-e Kavir Desert which is another interesting expedition for those who would like to view more places that are unreachable on foot or bicycle.
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