Varzaneh Desert
کویر ورزنه
Golden dunes about 100 km east of Isfahan, where you can ride camels, sandboard, and watch desert sunsets and starry skies; nearby are a salt marsh and an old town.
Outside the town of Varzaneh stretches a rolling expanse of golden dunes, the closest desert experience to Isfahan. You can ride camels, drive off-road vehicles across the sand, sandboard, watch the sunset in the evening and the stars at night. Nearby, Gavkhuni Marsh marks the end of the Zayandeh River, and in the dry season it forms a white salt flat. The town has an old bridge and a pigeon tower, and local women traditionally wear white robes. You can hire a car from Isfahan for a same-day round trip (about 1.5 to 2 hours one way), or stay in a traditional guesthouse in town to watch the stars.
Opening hours
Open all day (afternoon visit recommended for sunset)
Nearby sights
- Shahrestan Bridge
- Khaju Bridge
- Jameh Mosque of Isfahan
- Joui Bridge
- Ali Mosque & Minaret
- Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque
- Shah Mosque (Imam Mosque)
- Naqsh-e Jahan Square