highlight of iran

Varzaneh Desert

Amidst the boundless, golden waves of the Varzaneh Desert, every grain of sand whispers ancient tales of caravans, stars, and timeless winds, weaving a tapestry that seamlessly melds the visceral tranquility of nature with the resilient spirit of its inhabitants. Visitors, while ensconced in the vast, serene expanse of this Iranian jewel, find themselves on a poignant journey through not only the physical landscapes but also through the delicate interplay of solitude, culture, and the unyielding, quiet force of the natural world.

 

varzaneh desert iran

desert is inviting you for a visit.

Situated approximately 100 kilometers to the east of Isfahan, in the robust and diversely landscaped nation of Iran, the Varzaneh Desert unveils a panorama that elegantly oscillates between serenity and austerity, offering an unadulterated immersion into the ethereal realms of desert landscapes. Known for its towering sand dunes, the Varzaneh Desert crafts an orchestra of wind-carved sculptures, casting a sea of undulating, golden waves across the horizon.

How to get to Varzaneh desert by Air, Bus , car or train.

Getting to the enchanting Varzaneh Desert from Tehran opens doors to a world of windswept dunes and starry nights. Let’s explore your travel options:

By Airplane:

While no airports lie within the Varzaneh Desert itself, Isfahan’s Shahid Beheshti International Airport (IFN) serves as your gateway, located approximately 100 kilometers away.

  • Pros: Quickest option, ideal for a weekend getaway.
  • Cons: Requires additional transportation from Isfahan to the desert (taxi, bus, tour).

** By Bus:**

Embark on a scenic journey from Tehran’s bustling South Terminal (ترمینال جنوب تهران), with buses directly connecting you to Varzaneh and the nearby town of Abyaneh. Expect a travel time of approximately 4-5 hours.

  • Pros: Budget-friendly, offers a glimpse into local life.
  • Cons: Longer travel time, limited schedules might require flexibility.

** By Train:**

Experience the comfort and scenic landscapes of Iran’s railways with a train ride from Tehran to Isfahan. Trains take around 3-4 hours, and from Isfahan, you can hop on a taxi, bus, or join a tour to reach the desert.

  • Pros: Comfortable journey, offers stunning views of the countryside.
  • Cons: Requires additional transportation from Isfahan, train schedules might be less frequent than buses.

Bonus Tip:

Consider joining a desert tour from Tehran or Isfahan. These often include transportation, accommodation, and exciting desert activities like camel riding and sandboarding.

Remember:

  • Pre-book your transportation, especially during peak season.
  • Pack appropriate clothing and gear for desert conditions (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat).
  • Respect local culture and dress modestly.

Additional Resources:

How to get around Varzaneh desert

What to eat and where to find good food in Varzaneh desert.

Safe travel in Varzaneh desert

Important numbers in Varzaneh desert

Here are some essential contact numbers for emergencies and general assistance that can be useful when planning to travel to the Varzaneh Desert as a tourist:

  1. Police: 110
  2. Fire Department: 125
  3. Ambulance: 115
  4. Weather Information: 134
  5. National Travel Call Center: 09629
  6. Ministry of Foreign Affairs: +98 (21) 61151
  7. Imam Khomeini International Airport: +98 (21) 51001
  8. Railways: +98 (21) 55121
  9. Roads Management Center: 141

For taxi services, bus stations, clinics, and translation services, it’s recommended to inquire locally upon arrival in Varzaneh or in nearby cities like Isfahan, as these services may not have universally accessible contact numbers. Local guesthouses, hotels, or tourist information centers in Isfahan can provide more specific and up-to-date information for these services

Money, Banks and Exchange in Varzaneh desert

By plane

  • Shiraz International Airport (IATA: SYZ) has regular flights to all major and some smaller cities in Iran. There are International flights to IstanbulDubaiSharjahKuwaitDoha: Turkish Airlines operating daily direct flight from Istanbul to Shiraz and vice versa; Qatar Airways flies 4 times a week (on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays) from Doha to Shiraz and vice versa; Air Arabia operates Daily Flight between Sharjah (UAE) and Shiraz; Iran Aseman Airlines Flies once a week (on Fridays) from Shiraz to Muscat and vice versa; several daily flights are available between Shiraz and Dubai operating by Iran Air, Iran Aseman Airlines and Fly Dubai; there are some weekly Flights between Shiraz and Kuwait City; BoraJet is planning to fly between Istanbul and Shiraz and Fly Baghdad will operate a weekly flight (on Tuesdays) between Najaf (Iraq) and Shiraz soon; there are some charter weekly flights between Antalya (with an hour stop in Adana) and Shiraz operating by Freebird Airlines. These charter flights usually operated from mid-March until late September.

As the metro have not reached the Dastgheib roundabout there is a shuttle bus running from Namazi to the airport. Number is 110 and runs about every 15th minutes. Number 120 (minibus with yellow stripe and approximately 10 seats, located at the outside of the Namazi roundabout/first platform of the bus station) also runs from Namazi on the main street through Shiraz to the airport. Price is 10000 Real.

By bus

Shiraz is well connected to most parts of the country by bus. The main Karandish bus terminal is 4 km from the city center. Buses to Yazd take 6 hours; to Isfahan it is 7 hours. Prices vary as there are different companies and different types of buses. A standard bus to Yazd may cost IRR220,000. There are two kinds of VIP buses: one with 24 seats (IRR350,000), one with 36 seats (IRR250,000). To Isfahan IRR360,000 for a VIP bus. Information: Jan 2017

By car

Motorways connect the city to IsfahanKermanBushehrAhvaz and Yasouj, and Bandar-e Abbas is reachable by highway.

By train

Shiraz Train station has recently been finished and there are Trains to Tehran but not to Esfahan (Oct 2015). However, the bus journey is shorter (2hrs less), so that might be recommended. There is a connecting bus from the train station to GhasroDasht bus and metro station. Price in Aug. 2015 was 10,000 rial for single ticket.

Social Norms and Etiquette in Varzaneh desert

Any questions? call us any time 24/7 at:  +989174257008 – Email: info@IranTravelingCenter.com

Why to visit Varzaneh Village?

As sunlight cascades over the delicate contours of the dunes, shadows dance and play upon the sandy surfaces, forming an ever-shifting tableau of light and dark, whispering tales of timeless ephemerality. The desert is not merely a barren land but an exquisite canvas, illustrating the harmonious existence of life and solitude. Here, an ocean of silence is punctuated only by the faint murmur of the wind, and footsteps are etched, momentarily, into the limitless seas of sand before being gently erased by the caressing zephyrs.

Varzaneh is not only celebrated for its surreal desert panorama but is also revered for its rich cultural tapestry, offering a breathtaking fusion of natural beauty and human endeavor. Local inhabitants, shielded by robust and ancient architecture, have woven a lifestyle intimately tied to their austere surroundings, embodying a spirit of resilience and symbiotic coexistence with the earth’s raw elements.

Visitors to Varzaneh are embraced with a spectacle of the desert juxtaposed against a backdrop of azure skies, offering both an exploration into the otherworldly and an insightful journey through an age-old culture. Activities like sandboarding, camel riding, and observing the star-studded heavens above provide an adventurous counterbalance to the tranquil exploration of this stunning locale.

Under the celestial tapestry of the night, the desert becomes a mystical realm where the universe sprawls out in an infinite mosaic of stars, planets, and galaxies, silently bearing witness to the timeless and transient dance of the dunes below. Astronomers and stargazers are thus bestowed with an unobstructed view of the cosmos, offering a humbling perspective of our place within the expansive universe.

The nearby ancient town, also named Varzaneh, extends the experience from the mystical deserts to the charm of age-old traditions. The town’s historical ensemble, comprising ancient bridges, sacred temples, and pragmatic wind towers, narrates stories of an ancient civilization, meticulously synchronized with the cyclic rhythms of nature. The local populace, adorned in traditional attire and engaging in ancestral customs, invites travelers to step through the portals of time, offering a precious glimpse into a preserved page of human history.

Visiting Varzaneh Desert is not merely a geographic journey but a voyage across the dimensions of time, emotion, and existential contemplation. Its tranquility provokes introspection, while its vastness invokes a profound appreciation for the infinite complexities and subtle simplicities of the natural world. It stands, in stoic beauty, as a testament to the quiet magnificence and latent vitality inherent in our earth’s barren landscapes. Thus, Varzaneh whispers the ancient tales of wanderers, civilizations, and the eternal cosmos, enchanting every soul that treads upon its timeless grains of sand.

Varzaneh Salt Lake (Khara Salt Lake), Varzaneh

Explore Iran, take a daily walking tour or a join us on a multi day travel package with us.

The City Maps

A few places to stay.

Varzaneh Traditional Guest House / Varzaneh

Varzaneh Traditional Guest House, Varzaneh, Isfahan Province, Iran

Chapaker Traditional Guest House / Varzaneh

Isfahan Province, Varzaneh, Beheshti Street, Chapaker Traditional Guest House, Iran

Negaar Traditional Guest House / Varzaneh

Negaar Traditional Guest House, Varzaneh, Isfahan Province, Iran

Hafez Varzaneh Traditional Guesthouse / Varzaneh

Varzaneh Traditional Guest House, Varzaneh, Isfahan Province, Iran

A few places worth a visit.

Historical cities and sites

Persepolis& Necropolic

Isfahan, also spelled as Esfahan, is one of Iran’s most historic and culturally significant cities. It is located in central Iran, approximately 340 kilometers (211 miles) south of the capital city, Tehran. Isfahan is renowned for its stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and rich cultural heritage. Isfahan’s rich history, architectural treasures, and cultural attractions make it a top destination for travelers interested in exploring Iran’s heritage and experiencing the beauty of Persian art and architecture. The city’s hospitable atmosphere and warm-hearted residents make it a memorable place to visit …
Ali Qapu Palace, Isfahan

Desert life

Yazd

Yazd is a city that offers a journey back in time, with its ancient architecture, desert charm, and rich cultural heritage. It’s a destination that provides a unique glimpse into the history and traditions of Iran, making it a fascinating place to explore for travelers interested in cultural and historical experiences …
Seyed Rokn Addin Mausoleum, Yazd

lesser towns

Naeen

Naein offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Iran, with its well-preserved architectural gems, traditional crafts, and desert surroundings. It’s a quieter and more off-the-beaten-path destination compared to some of Iran’s larger cities, making it an excellent choice for travelers interested in exploring lesser-known cultural treasures …
Old Bazaar Traditional Market, Nain/Nai'n/Naeen

Make a hotel, car or transfer reservation in iran

Booking hotline 24/7: +989174257008 – Email: info@IranTravelingCenter.com

spa & wellness

RELAXING WITH a massage or sauna

A relaxing massage would be a good way to end a day of travel.

connect with us

HOW TO GET in touch

our staff

Whatever toys may need, we are here for you. Just ket us know if you have any question.

Hassan Abdolahi
Tour manager
(305) 343 6873
Pari Abdolahi
Information Desk
(305) 321 7897
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