What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word Iran? It might be hard to tell since Iran is a vast country and there are so many famous features about the country.

Today we want to travel deep into the country, to a territory beyond its northern rivers, forests and mountain ranges. We will go to a stretch of the land where life’s hustle is limited to a burning shining sun in the sky together with sun kissed sand hills and barren areas on the ground. You might see unique plant life here and there, and some very rare kinds of animals. Yes, you have guessed it right. Today we want to step into the deserts of Iran. We will talk about the 2 most famous deserts near the city of Yazd, in the center of Iran.

It might be interesting for you to know that about 25% of Iran’s land is covered by deserts. These are mainly concentrated in the central and eastern regions of the country. Dasht-e Kavir and Lut Deserts are the two biggest deserts, which are surrounded by smaller deserts in different provinces of Iran. Today we will learn more about 2 of the beautiful deserts of Yazd, the famous mudbrick city.

Caracal: A Golden Desert in the heart of Iran

One of the most beautiful and peaceful deserts of Iran is Caracal desert in Yazd. The desert is near the city of Bafgh. Caracal desert, which is also called Sadegh Abad desert, owes its name to a kind of wild cat.
Plant life has found little space here as the desert is mainly covered by sand. This means you will see a sandy desert with sand dunes and salt marshes, and scant vegetation including unique plants.

Caracal wild cat

Caracal wild cat can be found in India, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. It is one of the 8 types of cats that live in Iran. The cat’s long ears, long legs, short face, and long teeth make its special features. It has a special sandy color and is usually 40-50 centimeters long.

The Caracal cat is very territorial. This means, over a considerable area of land, from 270 to 1116 square kilometers large, only 1 or 2 Caracal cats live. In addition to this, it is also nocturnal, so it’s really hard to spot. Because of its intelligence, the Caracal cats have been tamed by humans for hunting.

Caracal Desert Tourist Attractions in Yazd

You might not experience the deep silence of the desert anywhere else. Under the mercilessly burning sun of the desert, the life beats like a strange living creature. Perhaps this is why existence takes a more serious nature in the desert. It may be surprising for you to know that there is so much to see and do in the desert. You just need to be patient.

Here, in the Caracal desert and areas close by, humans have lived for over a millennium. Besides experiencing the unique nature of the desert, you can also explore some of the structures and houses built by man. Wondering what we’re talking about? Check out these places.

Bafghi House

The house dates back to 4 centuries ago. Thanks to its unique architectural features, the historical house has been registered as a national monument of Iran.

Kakamir Cistern and Bathhouse

The way people living near the desert have gathered, managed, and used water is one of the most interesting facts to learn about. The Kakamir cistern is one of the largest cisterns in the entire Bafgh county. It goes 4 meters deep under the ground and has the capacity to hold 250 cubic meters of water. The cistern has been built by bricks and has a dome.

Bagher Abad Castle in Bafgh

The castle is located in a 2 kilometers distance from Caracal desert. The historical fort was built about 2 centuries ago to protect the people when in danger, and to help store grains. The fort includes 45 rooms, and special locations for soldiers to shoot arrows and stones at the predators.

Shahid Barzegari Camping and Recreational Site

In addition to accommodation, the site also offers a variety of recreational opportunities in the desert.

Palm trees

The beautiful palm trees of Caracal desert provide nice shade during the day. You can also camp near the trees and enjoy the Yazd deserts overnight.

How to get to Caracal Desert in Yazd?

To get to Caracal Desert, first you need to reach the city of Yazd, then take on the road leading to Bafgh. Once in Bafgh, you need to go to Sadegh Abad village which is close to the Caracal desert.

Golden Sand Desert in Yazd

Also called Moqestan desert, the Golden Sand Desert of Yazd is another must see destination for desert lovers. This beautiful desert in Yazd is located 40 kilometers north of Bafgh desert. The desert is famous for its golden sand dunes and sand hills. If you look at the desert from far away, you can see the sand hills scattered all over the desert.

There are mountains in the middle of the desert, which divide the area into 2 northern and southern parts. The sand dunes can be found mainly in the northern and eastern sections. Also, in the south western part of the desert, there are salt domes.

The Golden Sand Desert spans over an area of 280 square kilometers. As water resources can be found nearer to the surface and the soil contains less salt, you can find unique types of vegetation in the desert. In addition to this, different types of animals such as wolves, foxes, snakes, jackals, hyaenas, different types of lizards, scorpions, and hawks can be found in this desert. Don’t miss the chance to see this hidden desert in Yazd.

How to get to Golden Sand Desert in Yazd?

To get to this desert, you need to go to Ardakan (if you’re coming from Tehran). Then you should take on the road to Tabas, to get to Saghand village. 2 kilometers after Saghand, you will see the sign to Moqestan village. Here, you will have to take a dust road to the desert. You can already see the sand dunes in the horizon.

Important tips for Yazd Desert Rides

Exploring the nature has never been easy and the deserts of Iran are no exception. Before hitting the road or visiting the deserts, you need to remember some important tips.

• The distance between 2 points might be tricky in the desert. You might think the 2 locations are 300 meters apart, but in reality, there may be a distance of 1 kilometer between them.
• Despite its plain appearance, it is easy to get lost in the desert. So, you need to go fully equipped with a group of professional desert explorers and guides. Never go alone!
• Always have more supplies of water than you think you will need. Especially if this is your first time in the desert, how can you tell how much will be enough for you?
• Make sure to let someone other than your travel mates know where you’re going, when you’re moving, how you plan to go, and when you’re expected to be back.
• Sand storms frequently happen in the deserts. So, always carry a scarf that you can use to cover your mouth and nose when it’s necessary.
• You need to be physically prepared to take long walks over the sand, on top of the hills, and in warm tempreatures.