Rig-e Mish-Mast

Rig-e Mish-Mast (also known as "Chah-e Mish-Mast") lies in the southwest of Semnan Province and forms part of Kavir National Park. This sizeable desert area, with its damp, marshy clay soils and its proximity to salt flats, is considered one of the most important and most pristine sand desert areas in the country.

The landscape of Rig-e Mish-Mast is entirely desert in character, with a rare and striking scenery. The sand sea is roughly circular, about 10 kilometres in diameter, and its dunes are mostly less than 30 metres high. The crest lines of the dunes run mainly on a north-south axis, and the general slope of the area tilts gently toward the northeast. Vegetation here is sparser than in many of the country's other sand deserts and consists mostly of hardy species such as saxaul (taghagh), sabt, Zygophyllum (ghicheh), wormwood (artemisia), milkvetch (astragalus), camelthorn, wild almond and harmal (esfand). Alongside this drought-adapted vegetation, the area's wildlife is also remarkably diverse. It is home to notable species including hares, sand foxes, sand cats, caracals and the Asiatic cheetah, one of Iran's most valuable biological and conservation symbols.

To reach Rig-e Mish-Mast, you can take the Kuh-e Gougerd mine road, part of which crosses the bed of the Vargi River. Another access route branches off from inside Kavir National Park; it is used by park rangers, and tourists may also travel on it if they coordinate in advance and follow conservation regulations. The best time to visit is during the mild seasons, especially spring and autumn, when temperatures are more pleasant and the climate is better suited to spending time in the desert. While in the area, it is essential to practise responsible tourism: do not leave litter, do not light fires, and take care not to damage the sensitive, fragile desert vegetation.