🌾 5-Day Central Desert Discovery Tour  

Tour focused on a shorter route through the southern deserts and salt plains, ideal for travelers who want a unique desert experience without long overland travel. This tour combines Qom Salt Lake, Rig-e Jenn Desert, and Varzaneh Desert — known for surreal landscapes and accessibility.

🏜️ Tour Summary:

• Great for short trips with limited time

• Balanced mix of wild desert (Rig-e Jenn) and accessible dunes (Varzaneh)

• Experience both natural wonders (salt lakes, dunes) and rural life

• Photogenic spots with fewer crowds

🌾 5-Day Central Desert Discovery Tour

Route: Tehran → Qom → Rig-e Jenn → Varzaneh → Isfahan

🔶 Day 1: Tehran – Qom – Salt Lake

• Depart early from Tehran toward Qom (approx. 2 hrs)

• Visit Qom Salt Lake (Howz-e Soltan) — an ethereal, mirror-like salt flat perfect for reflection photography

• Explore the surreal patterns of salt crystals and shallow pools

• Continue toward Garmsar or Jandagh, at the edge of Rig-e Jenn Desert

• Short desert walk in the afternoon light

• Overnight in eco-lodge or village guesthouse

Fun fact: "Rig-e Jenn" means “Dune of the Jinn” — this area was long feared by caravans due to its vastness and lack of water.

🔶 Day 2: Rig-e Jenn Desert Trek

• Early start for desert hiking or 4x4 ride in the mystical Rig-e Jenn region

• Cross part of the untouched sand dunes where GPS is essential — guide-led only

• Experience absolute silence, shifting sands, and total seclusion

• Optional sandboarding, photography, or camel riding

• Return to camp for dinner under stars

• Overnight in desert camp or tented accommodation

Caution: This region is remote and magical — only accessible with experienced local guides.

🔶 Day 3: Rig-e Jenn – Varzaneh Desert

• Drive south toward Varzaneh (approx. 4–5 hrs), a desert town east of Isfahan

• Arrive in the Varzaneh Desert, known for its smooth white dunes and lack of crowds

• Walk barefoot on the dunes, visit the salt flats, and enjoy the peaceful desert breeze

• Visit Gav Chah – a traditional ox-powered water well

• Watch the sunset over the dunes

• Overnight in a guesthouse or desert ecolodge

🔶 Day 4: Explore Varzaneh Village

• Discover Varzaneh’s cultural heritage:

  • White chador tradition among women

  • Visit Pigeon Tower, Old Bridge, and Jameh Mosque

  • Optional pottery workshop or local cooking class

• Afternoon for rest or more dune exploration

• Overnight in local house

🔶 Day 5: Varzaneh – Isfahan

• After breakfast, drive to Isfahan (approx. 2 hrs)

• Optional stop at Gavart Salt River on the way

• Tour ends upon arrival in Isfahan, with options to:

  • Continue sightseeing in Naqsh-e Jahan Square

  • Connect with other tours in Isfahan

  • Fly or drive back to Tehran

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• Iran is super safe and clean and also pretty cheap if you ask us ;)

• Please be in touch with our super fast and professional team. we are really quick to answer.

• We can tailor-make this itinerary for a deeper experience based on your preferences.

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Pottery Workshop Pottery Workshop

Ghalamkari in Isfahan Ghalamkari in Isfahan

Woodworking in Vakil Bazaar Shiraz Woodworking in Vakil Bazaar Shiraz

Cooking Beriooni and yogurt stew in Isfahan Cooking Beriooni and yogurt stew in Isfahan

Zoroastrian cooking experience in Yazd Zoroastrian cooking experience in Yazd

Experience local life in Ardakan, Yazd Experience local life in Ardakan, Yazd

Experience local Qashqai life in Fars Experience local Qashqai life in Fars

Experience local life in Varzaneh desert Experience local life in Varzaneh desert

Walking experience in Derak Walking experience in Derak

Experience of listening to Gilaki music in Gilan Experience of listening to Gilaki music in Gilan

Shopping in the market and cooking seafood in Gilan Shopping in the market and cooking seafood in Gilan

Experience of picking and drying tea in North of Iran Experience of picking and drying tea in North of Iran

Rice paddies and rice harvesting in North of Iran Rice paddies and rice harvesting in North of Iran

Local life and coastal cooking experience In Qeshm Local life and coastal cooking experience In Qeshm

Overnight stay in Qeshm Geopark Overnight stay in Qeshm Geopark

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