Lut Desert

The Lut Desert, covering about 120,000 square kilometres, is one of the most mysterious and astonishing natural wonders of Iran and is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a natural site. Because of its vast expanse, the desert spans a range of climates and has a remarkable diversity of vegetation and wildlife. One of its most intriguing features is the ancient sites discovered in the emptiest parts of the desert, which have given rise to many stories and legends. As one of the most difficult deserts in the world to cross, the Lut has attracted photographers, geologists, historians and travellers eager to uncover its secrets and marvels.

Travelling in the Lut Desert is not possible with ordinary cars. It can only be reached with high-powered, high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles. Since buying such a vehicle may be difficult for travellers, renting a suitable vehicle for desert trekking tours is the best option. The desert covers 10 percent of Iran's area and is famous for its special features, such as the central Gandom Beryan depression, known as the hottest place on Earth.

In terms of wildlife, the Lut Desert is less diverse than its plant life would suggest, but around 70 species of birds and animals such as jerboas, snakes, sand cats and foxes live here, all adapted to the harsh desert conditions. In the Lut plain, remarkable natural features include the largest field of yardangs (the "kaluts", or clay cities) in the world, the tallest sand pyramids and the largest nebkhas (vegetation-covered sand mounds), all of which are known as major sights. In addition, the basalt lava flows and rippling expanses of sand create a unique and unparalleled atmosphere for nature lovers and travellers.