Lut is a vast desert that covers about 10% of Iran. Lut Desert is one of the hot and dry regions of the world with an area of ​​120,000 square kilometers. This region is full of unknowns. This scorching and mysterious area has been so attractive that it is registered as the first natural monument of Iran in the UNESCO list of natural heritage.

Lut Desert is located in the southeast of Iran and gets the title of the most pristine spot in Iran. “Lut” in Baluchi language, which is one of the languages ​​of northwestern Iran, means naked, waterless, thirsty and empty of everything. The main part of this great desert is made up of sand and gravel and other parts of it have desert geography.

Where is the Lut Desert?

Lut Desert is a vast area that includes parts of the three vast provinces of Sistan and Baluchestan, South Khorasan and Kerman. This region, which extends from north to south, is bounded on the west by “Nayband” fault and on the east by “Nehbandan” fault. The average length of the Lut Desert in the north-south direction is 900 km and from west to east, 300 km.

The vastness of the Lut Desert has created different regions with different climates and geographical features; But those who are interested in desert tourism and enjoy the unique and different attractions of Lut desert, generally choose specific and well-known routes to travel to Lut desert and desert tour is usually done in these areas. Among these areas, we can mention the area of ​​Shahdad and the Kaluts. About 70% of this vast desert is located in Kerman province and the remaining 30% is located in the provinces of South Khorasan and Sistan and Baluchestan.

Travel guide to Lut desert

A trip to Lut desert, due to the size of the region and the absence of any town or village in it, requires the company of a professional group and familiar with the region. The only way to visit this area is to use SUV cars. To travel to it, you must bring enough food, water, gasoline and in general all the travel necessities. Undoubtedly, watching the grandeur of Lut and Rig Yalan desert is worth the hardships of traveling to this region.

It is important to note that a full visit to the Lut area also requires a permits. The Lut desert is actually divided into three parts: green, orange and red. Visiting the green area is open to the public, but presence in the orange and red areas is prohibited, and to enter this area you will need the presence of a guide and the necessary coordination with the relevant devices.

Lut Desert Wildlife

There is no plant or animal life in the central parts of the Lut Desert; But in some times of the year when the weather is more favorable, short life can be observed. For example, in the spring, after limited seasonal rains, grass plants grow and dry out in a short time.

Unlike the central regions, which are devoid of vegetation, the Rig-e-Yalan region contains several species of plants. The density of this vegetation is much higher in the east of Lut. In addition, in 20 km of Shahdad region, turmeric trees and shrubs can be seen, which is one of the most beautiful landscapes that can be seen in Lut desert, “Nebka” or sand pots. This amazing phenomenon is one of the unique attractions of Lut desert. The sand dunes, which surround the teak bushes like a pot, are up to 10 meters high.

In the eastern part of the Lut Desert live animals that are resistant to dehydration. These include snakes and carnivorous birds, foxes and sand cats, and agamas. About 70 species of birds have been seen in the Lut Desert, all of which have white in common to absorb less heat. These birds get their water from insects or dew, which is formed by the difference between day and night temperatures.

Lut desert at night

The night sky of the desert is the paradise of astronomers, and the pristine nature of Lut compared to other deserts of Iran invites photographers, astronomers and researchers. Due to the remoteness of this desert from the big cities and the light created by these cities, beautiful images of the night sky can be recorded inside the Lut desert.

The best time and season to travel to Lut desert?

The best time to travel to Lut is autumn and winter. In the summer, the Lut Desert is not only one of the hottest spots in Iran, but according to NASA satellite data, this region is one of the hottest spots on Earth.

Necessary equipment for Lut desert Travel?

Although lut is a desert and lowland region, it has cold nights. Therefore, having warm clothes and a sleeping bag is a necessity of travel. The only way to stay in this area is camping and it is definitely an adventurous trip.

What is the best planning to visit the Lut desert?

One of the best routes to visit lut is Shahdad route. After about 120 km from Shahdad to Nehbandan road, you have to enter the side route of Zaban-e Mar (Snake Tongue) Strait. From this point to the Zaban-e Mar (Snake Tongue) strait is about 70 km. Along this route, you can also visit the Kaluts before the strait. After visiting the strait, go to the star sand and then go to Malek Mohammad’s hole. Depending on the desire, you should rest a night in one of these places as a camp and drive to Rig-e Yalan the next day. From Rig-e Yalan, the return route to Shahdad-Nehbandan road is about 120 km, which takes at least 4 hours.

What is needed for visit Lut desert in Iran?

First, you need to have enough knowledge to do. .

Second, you will need camp equipment. Equipment without which it is not possible to stay in desert. 

Third, you need to select an experienced team to enter the desert with. Without an experienced team, entering the desert can be very dangerous.

Trekking tours in Lut desert

It is possible to trekking in the Lut desert, which of course requires professional teams.

Iran desert tour, best team, guide in Iran?

Contact me to introduce the best desert teams in Iran. Teams with whom you can visit each of Iran’s desert in complete safety. You will also not need to bring desert equipment.

Mehdi Gholami.