Mesr Desert in Iran | Fabulous Desert

Mesr, named for its Persian meaning "Egypt," is a desert village situated in the Central District of Khur and Biabanak County, Isfahan province. It lies 45 km from Jandag and 371 km from Yazd.

Mesr village, nestled within Iran's central desert known as Dashte-Kavir, is an oasis inhabited by approximately 120 people. Renowned for its breathtaking scenery, it stands as one of Iran's most captivating tourist destinations, drawing visitors from far and wide for Mesr desert tours, which are among the most popular desert excursions in the country.

The oasis owes its vitality to a spring that flows from the nearby foothills, sustaining its lush gardens and majestic date palm trees. Amidst the arid desert landscape, Mesr village stands as a verdant sanctuary, offering travelers the chance to experience camel rides, exhilarating desert safaris across sand dunes, and mesmerizing stargazing sessions under the clear desert sky.

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Why is It Called Mesr?

The Mesr Desert in Iran is named after the nearby Mesr Village. The origin of this name has an intriguing story. Nearly a century ago, a shepherd named Youssef founded Mesr Village. Initially known as Yusef Farm, the village faced a significant challenge when its aqueducts dried up. To solve this, Youssef used diesel and English engines to dig wells, saving the region from a water crisis.

However, a few years later, the underground water sources dried up again, necessitating the digging of even deeper wells. During this period, neighboring villagers began referring to the area as "Chah Deraz," meaning "Long Well." Youssef, however, disliked this name. Drawing inspiration from the story of Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) in Egypt, he requested that the village be called Mesr, the Persian word for Egypt. Out of respect for Youssef, the local people honored his wish and renamed the village Mesr.

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The Beauty of the Mesr Desert

The Mesr Desert is one of Iran's most stunning and captivating natural attractions. Located in Isfahan province, this desert offers a unique and indescribable beauty that truly needs to be seen to be appreciated. Surrounded by mountain ranges from the southwest, south, and east, the Mesr Desert is part of the central plateau of Iran. An interesting feature of this desert is the natural pits at the foothills of these mountains, which are filled with picturesque sand dunes.

In recent years, the residents of Mesr have increasingly turned to tourism-related jobs, providing accommodation and services to visitors. The desert's growing fame has transformed their lives. Previously, the locals were mainly engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry, including planting saffron and wheat and breeding camels.

Animal Species of the Mesr Desert

The Mesr Desert is home to a variety of animal species. Visitors might encounter creatures such as parsley snakes, rabbits, sand foxes, desert cats, and kangaroo rats. The desert also hosts a diverse range of birds and reptiles, including hawks, scorpions, tarantulas, and various types of snakes. It's important to respect these animals and ensure their habitat is not disturbed.

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Starry Sky of Mesr Desert

A highlight of visiting the Mesr Desert is the chance to gaze at its starry night sky. For many, witnessing the clear, star-filled sky in the desert is a dream come true. The experience of stargazing, identifying constellations, and enjoying the profound silence of the desert night is unparalleled. Coupled with the warmth of a campfire and the company of friends, these nights create unforgettable memories for travelers.

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What to Do in the Mesr Desert

The Mesr Desert offers a wealth of activities for visitors. First and foremost, the stunning scenery will captivate you. Walking on the soft, caressing sands and climbing the towering golden dunes provide a unique experience that is hard to find elsewhere. For an adrenaline rush, try jumping from the top of the dunes—while you’ll get sand all over, the thrill is worth it.

Another popular activity is camel riding. Small herds of camels in the Mesr Desert are available for short rides, offering a traditional and memorable experience. If camel riding isn't your preference, you can opt for an exciting safari ride in off-road vehicles. Dune surfing and paragliding are also fantastic options for adventure seekers.

Khur Salt Lake

A remarkable natural phenomenon in the Mesr Desert is Khur Salt Lake, the largest seasonal salt lake in Iran. The lake presents a mesmerizing view of pentagon-shaped salt formations. During winter, these shapes blend with the clay and turn black, while in summer, they appear white. The high salt content in the soil prevents any vegetation from growing in the area.

Visiting Nearby Villages

Several beautiful villages surround the Mesr Desert. Besides the Mesr Village, which is a common starting point for most tourists, Garmeh Village and Farahzad Village are worth visiting. In these villages, you can sample camel milk and traditional foods in local guest houses.

Garmeh Village, an oasis in the heart of the desert, is especially impressive with its lush green palm trees. The village also features an ancient castle from the Sasanid Era. If walking on the hot sands tires your feet, you can dip them in a hot spring in the village center, where "Doctor Fish" will give them a gentle massage.

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Camel Riding and Off-Roading

Camel riding has become an integral part of the Mesr Desert experience. Tourists can enjoy camel rides in designated areas near the village. For those seeking more excitement, four-wheel motors and off-road vehicles offer the chance to drive through the desert and navigate the sand dunes. These activities provide an exhilarating way to explore the pristine nature of the Mesr Desert, creating unforgettable moments.

Surrounding Attractions of the Mesr Desert

Chal Selkenun

Located to the south of Iran's large central desert and north of Mesr Village, Chal Selkenun is a must-see destination in the Mesr Desert. The term "chal" refers to areas that are lower than their surroundings, creating a natural depression. Chal Selkenun is a stunning depression encircled by sand dunes, offering an intriguing landscape.

To visit Chal Selkenun and Lake Selkenun, head north from Mesr Village. After passing Farahzad Village, follow the two roads leading to Chal Selkenun. The northern road will take you to Chal Selkenun, while the northeastern road leads to the salt lake and the Takht-e Arous and Takht-e Abbasi hills.

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Bayazeh Village

Situated in the desert region of Isfahan, 50 km southeast of Khor, Bayazeh Village features lush groves and historical monuments. Notably, Nasser Khosrow's travelogue mentions the ancient Bayazeh Castle, which boasts architecture from the Sassanid era and is over a thousand years old. Besides exploring the castle, visitors can enjoy a stroll through the verdant groves. The Bayazeh Village Hotel, perched high in the desert, attracts both domestic and international tourists with its beautiful views, water features, and comfortable rooms.

Takht-e Arous

Takht-e Arous is one of the most beautiful desert areas in Iran. From here, you can see the flowing sand hills, Chal Selkenun, Mesr Village, Takht-e Shur, and, on clear days, the central desert swamps and the Damghan mountains. The eastern and northern walls have eroded into stair-like formations, creating a mesmerizing sight. Due to strong winds, pebbles cover the top of the bed. The desert people used to call beautiful areas "Arous (bride)," and the breathtaking view from this spot earned it the name " Takht-e Arous (Bride's Bed)."

Mesr Desert Salt Lakes

Khur Salt Lake is the largest seasonal salt lake in Iran, spanning 2,000 kilometers. It is a significant potash mine and resource for the country. This expansive white salt plain is covered with pentagon-shaped salt formations created by water evaporation and temperature differences between day and night. Another salt plain in the area is the Selkenun Salt Lake, located northeast of the Mesr Desert. This salt plain was formed by a flood more than forty years ago, adding to the region's unique landscape.

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Mesr Desert Location and Access

The Mesr Desert is located near the village of Mesr, 55 km from the estuary, along the route from Damghan to Nain and Isfahan. The village houses are built in a simple style typical of Iran's desert areas, featuring occasional walls, domed roofs, and wooden doors, all harmonizing with the desert environment. Next to each house is a small barn where residents keep turkeys, goats, and sometimes camels.

Distance from Tehran to the Mesr Desert

The Mesr Desert is 642 km from Tehran. The journey from Tehran to the Mesr Desert takes about 9 to 10 hours by car. Start on Imam Reza Highway, proceed to Semnan and Damghan, then head to Moallem and Jandagh. Finally, take dirt roads to reach Mesr Village. If you have a high-clearance vehicle, you can take the shorter Semnan Moallem dirt road.

Distance from Isfahan to the Mesr Desert

The distance between Isfahan and Mesr Village is 421 km, which takes about five hours by car. To reach the Mesr Desert from Isfahan, first travel to Nain and then to Jandagh Village. The Mesr Desert is about 42 km from Jandagh.

Distances from Other Cities to the Mesr Desert

1. Mashhad: 748 km
2. Sari: 575 km
3. Tabas: 247 km
4. Kashan: 616 km
5. Isfahan: 536 km

Traveling to the Mesr Desert by Car

Traveling to the Mesr Desert by car requires experience, a well-equipped vehicle, and suitable camping gear. Ensure your car tires are in good condition to prevent punctures, keep your fuel tank full, and check that both your spare and main tires are properly inflated. Carrying enough water is crucial, as carbureted cars can overheat quickly.

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Safety Tips for Traveling to the Mesr Desert

The desert's beauty is matched by its potential dangers, such as flowing sand dunes, the risk of snake and scorpion bites, visual illusions during the day, excessive thirst, and the possibility of getting lost. For first-time visitors, it is advisable to join a guided tour. These tours typically include professional guides, eco-tourism accommodations, and visits to local attractions, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

Suitable Clothing

For desert walks, wear comfortable hiking and mountaineering clothes that resist water, wind, and soil. Opt for colors that blend with nature, and choose pants and long-sleeved shirts to prevent sunburn. Linen clothing is ideal for the Mesr Desert as it helps keep your body cool.

Hydration

Carry a thermos with plenty of water, as finding springs or rivers in the desert is rare.

Camping Gear

You'll need a tent and camping equipment to enjoy the beautiful, starry nights in the desert.

Additional Essentials

1. Warm clothing or cover
2. Thin blanket
3. Small pillow
4. Sunscreen
5. Sunglasses
6. Desert hats or caps
7. Pocket power bank
8. Boots suitable for desert hiking
9. Insect repellent ointment or bracelet
10. First aid kit
11. Navigation tools (map, GPS, compass)
12. A mirror can be useful for signaling your location using sunlight if you get lost.

Important Tips

Avoid wearing jeans, dressy clothes, sandals, sneakers, or slippers. Leave valuable jewelry and accessories at home to prevent loss or damage.

The Best Time to Travel to the Mesr Desert

The Mesr Desert experiences a hot and dry climate, with extremely hot weather prevailing during the summer months. As the seasons change and cooler months arrive, the climate becomes more moderate. Daytime temperatures are generally high due to intense sunlight, but as night falls, the temperature drops, and the air cools down.

The ideal time to visit the Mesr Desert is from November to mid-May. During these months, the weather is more comfortable for exploring and enjoying the desert's beauty, pristine nature, and starry skies. Despite this, the Mesr Desert remains a year-round destination for nature lovers.

Accommodation Options

For those visiting the Mesr Desert, experiencing the desert nights through camping is a popular choice. However, if camping isn't your preference, there are various accommodation options available, ranging from traditional eco-lodges to desert hotels. Many of these accommodations are native houses with traditional desert architecture, providing an authentic desert living experience. Here are some notable options:

Traditional Teeda Hotel

Teeda Hotel is located in the village of Mesr and is ideal for desert and adventure enthusiasts. The hotel showcases authentic Iranian architecture with straw-made walls, arches, and traditional designs. Breakfast is included, and the restaurant serves healthy, organic traditional and Iranian dishes.

Bali Desert Hotel

The Bali Desert Hotel is a mid-range three-star hotel in Khur city, Isfahan province. It's located 55.3 km from the Mesr Desert. It offers amenities such as free parking, TV, internet, bathroom, room service, billiards room, handball, and hourly housekeeping. The hotel also features a coffee shop, a traditional tea house, and an Iranian restaurant.

Atashoni Ecotourism Resort

Also known as the Maziar Al-e Davood House, this mid-range three-star hotel is located in Garmeh. It features coffee shop, internet, and restaurant. The traditional architecture and local decorations create a charming atmosphere. Guests can enjoy local cuisine, and the resort is 85.2 km from the Mesr Desert.

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Final Takeaway

We hope our guide has inspired you to embark on an unforgettable journey to explore the enchanting Mesr Desert in Iran soon. Iran boasts a wealth of sights and attractions, promising unique and captivating experiences year after year. From deserts and forests to plains and mountains, each region tells its own story and offers a compelling invitation to discover its natural beauty and cultural richness.

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