Lut Desert Tour

Lut Desert is located in the southeast of Iran and holds the title of the most pristine spot in Iran. “Lut” in Baluchi language, that is one of the languages ​​of northwestern Iran, means naked, waterless, thirsty and empty of everything, and is equal to the word “lot”, which, with a little exaggeration, describes the characteristics of desert areas. The main part of this great desert is made up of sand and gravel and other parts of it have desert geography; so, one can distinguish between the two terms desert and reconsider using the two instead of each other.

Deserts are areas where the annual rainfall is usually less than 50 mm and has very poor vegetation; But desert is called clay lands that have a very high level of salt and are known as saline. Most of the deserts, that date back to the third geological period, included ancient lakes whose salts, which have evaporated over the years, now prevent any plants from growing in these areas. So, scientists and geologists believe that the vast region of southeastern Iran should be introduced as the Lut Desert; Because the term Lut Desert refers only to a part of this vast desert.

Where is the Lut Desert? 

Lut Desert is a vast area that includes parts of the three vast provinces of Sistan and Baluchestan, South Khorasan and Kerman. This scorching and lesser-known area, that extends from north to south, is bounded on the west by the Nayband fault and on the east by the Nehbandan fault. The average length of the Lut Desert in the north-south direction is 900 km and from west to east, 300 km.

The vastness of the Lut Desert has created different regions with different climates and geographical features; However, those who are interested in desert tourism, enjoy the unique and different attractions of Lut desert, generally choose specific and well-known routes to travel to Lut desert, and desert tours are usually held in these areas. Among these areas, we can mention the area of ​​Shahdad and the clumps of Kerman. About 70% of this vast desert is located in Kerman province and the remaining 30% is located in South Khorasan and Sistan and Baluchestan provinces.

It is about 45 km from Shahdad to the beginning of Kalut region. Note that at the 20th kilometer of Shahdad Road towards Kalut you will encounter a highway that leads to the desert camp on the right side.

Currently, Shahdad and Shahdad Kalut are the only way to reach the Lut desert for those interested, and travel to different areas of Lut, except for the Kalut on the outskirts of Shahdad city, does not have any necessary safety factors for tourism.

The Kalut of Shahdad are actually divided into three parts: green, orange and red. Visiting the green area is open to the public, but presence in the orange and red areas is prohibited, and to enter this area you will need the presence of a guide and the necessary coordination with the relevant devices. The best time to travel and visit the cliffs of Shahdad is autumn and spring.

Different parts of Lut desert

Lut Desert is a mainly lowland area that is asymmetric in terms of altitude and geographical features; Therefore, due to the shape of the roughness and the distribution of geographical features, geologists naturally divide it into three parts:

North Lut

Northern Lut is full of mountains and sedimentary and volcanic hills

The northernmost region of Lut, most of which is in the province of South Khorasan and around Birjand and is also known as “Lut Khorasan” and “Lut Birjand”, is a large area that reaches a height of 1000 meters in the northernmost points and progresses towards In the south, the height is reduced to 500 meters.

Northern Lut is a sandy and sandy area, the southern part of that consists of irregular cuts that lead to the “Birjand Salt River”. What attracts the most attention in this area are the mountains and sedimentary and volcanic hills that have caused numerous earthquakes in northern Lut.

Central Lut

The most different part of Lut desert can undoubtedly be considered as its central part. This area, that is 162 km long and 52 km wide and is also known as “Lut Hole”, is covered with huge and interconnected sand masses. In the central Lut, salt and gypsum deserts are scattered, including the desert of “Malek Mohammad” in the west of “Rig Yalan”.

Southern Lut

The southernmost region of the Lut Desert, that is more fertile than other parts of the country in terms of vegetation and remnants of ancient civilizations. This region is known as “Lut Zangi Mohammad”, it covers a major part of Kerman province and northern Sistan and Baluchestan and is divided into three separate parts in terms of geology or geomorphology

Dasht-e-Sar: This section, which is inclined to the center of Lut desert, is one of the sights of Kerman province and has many enthusiasts. The plain of Sar leads from the west to the place of Kaluts, from the north to the connection route of Shahdad to Nehbandan and Balazard and Pozeh Kal regions, from the east to Rig Yalan and from the south to Hamoon Shoor and South Lut. This area, referred to in foreign sources as Hamada, is covered with large and small stones that seem to have been put together by capable craftsmen. That is why Dasht-e-Sar is also called desert paving. The reason for the emergence of such an area without any vegetation was wind erosion, severe temperature changes and erosion by running water.

Kalut: Kalut are a local term and refer to deep ditches and massive sand pyramids that are formed by soil erosion and are considered a unique phenomenon in the world. The area where the Lut desert clusters are located is located 42 km from Shahdad in an area 80 meters wide and 145 km long. The reason for the appearance of these spectacular clumps, which are perhaps the main attraction of Lut, is the erosion by the Shoor River and the 120-day winds of Sistan.

Sand dunes: In the eastern part of Central Lut and in an area of ​​50,000 hectares, which is covered with sand dunes. The height of some of these crescent-shaped or Barkhan hills is estimated up to 500 meters.

Lut Desert is the hottest spot on Earth

Temperature is a relative and variable phenomenon, and it is certainly not easy to attribute the title of the hottest spot on Earth to one place. Quotes about the hottest spot on earth and the Lut Desert are very different; However, according to available reports, in 2005, NASA’s Aqua satellite infrared radiometer measured the temperature in the central Lut Desert at 70.7 ° C.

Also, a similar temperature was reported between 2004 and 2009 by the Madis sensor satellite in the Lut Desert, which is attributed to the “Grilled Wheat” area in the province. Of course, this has not been confirmed by scientific sources. On the other hand, Parviz Kordavani, a well-known geographer, claims that the central hole of the Lut Desert, located 75 km east of Shahdad, is the hottest spot on Earth. However, although the recorded temperature seems to be 70.7 ° C, the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth, there has been no scientific report since 2009 that this temperature has continued or repeated.

In general, the iron compounds on the ground and the dark sands of lute compared to other areas are considered to be the cause of its very high temperature. However, the 120-day winds of Sistan in summer are a factor in stabilizing and adjusting the temperature of this region.

Lut desert flora and fauna

There does not appear to be any plant or animal life in the central parts of the Lut Desert; But in some times of the year when the weather is more favorable, temporary and temporary life can be observed. For example, in the Dasht-e-Sar region, in the spring, after limited seasonal rains, grasses grow and burn and dry in a short time.

Unlike the central regions, which are devoid of vegetation, the Rig-e-Yalan region includes several species of sand-loving plants, such as Skanbil, Hawthorn, and Nessie. The density of this vegetation is much higher in the east of Lut. In addition, turmeric trees and shrubs can be seen in 20 km of Shahdad region.

The sand pots of the Lut Desert are considered to be the tallest Nebka species in the world

Undoubtedly, one of the most diverse views that can be seen in the Lut Desert is the “Nebka” or sand pots. This amazing phenomenon is one of the unique attractions of Lut desert. The sand dunes, that surround the teak bushes like a pot, are up to 10 meters high.

By analogy, the tallest nebka in sub-Saharan Africa is only three meters high. This amazing natural phenomenon occurs when a smooth, sandy surface has sufficient moisture. Apart from this, there are larger, more complex specimens with more cones than the nebkas called “Robdo” in Lut, which can be seen in less parts of the world.

Lut desert at night

Lut Desert is the most difficult desert in the world

It is interesting to know that camels can withstand 20 days of dehydration; But the camel’s hunger tolerance period is only three days, and this has made it impossible to reach the depths of Lut throughout history. Another reason for the unknown nature of this area is the existence of severe storms that prevent people from reaching. This has led to insufficient information, maps and images of the central areas of Lut, leaving superstitious stories among some desert dwellers.

Lut Desert Lake

It may be hard to imagine running water in the Lut region; But this is true and it is interesting to know that the number of these runoffs, especially in the desert fringes, is not small. The appearance of dry riverbeds and land erosion in the central hole of the river indicates the existence of ancient and watery rivers in the past of this region. Rivers that probably still see little water during seasonal rains.

In the western regions of Lut desert and due to the proximity of the high mountains of Kerman with this vast desert, several rivers enter the central hole from the heights. Most of these rivers have relatively enough water all year round. The Shoor River in the northwest of the region also has a lot of water. The waters of the Saline River eventually spread to the holes in the ground between the Kalut, keeping the ground moist for most of the year.

The ancient city of Shahdad, the capital of the Arata tribes in ancient Iran, is considered to be the site of the discovery of the world’s oldest metal flag called the “Flag of Shahdad”. Although this ancient city suffers from insufficient tourist facilities, the unique phenomenon of the Kluts and the attraction of the imaginary city offer it to those who are interested in the desert. However, due to the limited facilities and many dangers, the Lut Desert and the Shahdad Deserts are probably among the last choices for desert dwellers to enjoy this particular geographical phenomenon.

The Kalut of Shahdad date back to 20,000 years ago

Even after a thorough study of the Kalut of martyrdom, it is impossible not to remember the ancient civilizations after seeing them. The scientific name for this magical geological phenomenon, that in some surveys is referred to as the fourth most amazing natural artifact on Earth, is Yardang.

Clumps are a natural complication, and the term actually refers to bumps that are located between ditches and U-shaped grooves. At the apex of these ridges is a right angle; But on the windward side of the yards, there is a steeply sloping surface.

The Kalut have been carved by wind and water during a 20,000-year erosion, and this art of nature has survived to this day. The reason for such a unique erosion is the presence of sand dunes and sand dunes around the Shahdad area; Because the sand that is blown by the winds and storms of the region, they have been polished by hitting the rocks for many years. The salt river of the Lut Desert, like the old and patient pottery, has played a role in surprising such troubles.

It is good to know that the lowest point on the plateau of Iran, with a height of only 56 meters above sea level, is located in the Shahdad region, and this is one of the miracles of the region.

The Kalut of Shahdad are in an area of ​​11,000 square kilometers, mysterious, unknown and terrifying herd; Because less signs of life are found in this area. In 1965, the body of a 15-year-old cow was discovered in the area, that had survived for many years. This is because the corpse had dried without decomposition due to the high temperature of the area. The salinity of Shahdad soil can also be considered as one of the reasons for this. There are also unconfirmed reports and evidence of the discovery of fossils of some sea creatures in the Shahdad area.

In this trip, we intend to visit the scenic areas of the central desert of Iran. Get to know the people of the desert. Travel in the desert and experience the freshness of the desert. At night, watch the desert sky and enjoy desert tea and enjoy the tranquility of the desert. This trip is planned focusing on the attractions of the central desert of Iran, along with visiting other cities in Iran and visiting the historical and beautiful monuments of Iran.