Estabraq Salt Desert

The Estabraq Salt Desert is one of the most remarkable natural attractions in Kerman Province. It lies 16 kilometres south of the town of Shahr-e Babak, around the village of Estabraq. The area was once part of a shallow salt lake that gradually dried up as the climate changed. Today it is a salt expanse with a distinctive desert look.

The Estabraq Salt Desert is roughly 4 kilometres long and is estimated to be about 1.5 kilometres wide at its widest point. On the eastern side of this salt flat there is a natural wall that channels and collects water from seasonal floods and runoff from the north and south. Together with the high salinity of the soil upstream, this has allowed a salt pan to form here. Almost no vegetation can be seen in the main part of the desert. Only along its edges do plants that tolerate salt and drought, such as ushnan (saltwort) and tamarisk (gaz), grow. Beyond the salt areas, where the soil is less saline, a variety of plants grow, including milkvetch (gavan), cress, cornflower, mountain poppy, wild iris, melica and camelthorn. Palm groves can also be seen along the edges of the desert.

To reach the Estabraq Salt Desert, the suggested route starts in the town of Shahr-e Babak, passes through the village of Mazar, and continues to the village of Estabraq. Because of the area's sensitive environment and its salt terrain, visitors are advised to go with a local guide or a professional desert tour operator. The best time to visit is usually in the milder seasons, especially spring and autumn, when temperatures are comfortable and the soft sunlight gives the salt flat a dreamlike look. Responsible nature tourism is especially important in this desert. Visitors should not pollute the environment, should keep to marked routes, and should avoid damaging the vegetation and the salt structure of the area.