Nature always has the ability to astonish tourists and travelers with its magical, mysterious presence. When we are near the ocean, or in a jungle with towering trees, we often experience a greater sense of peace and calmness. It is also true about deserts. In fact, in my opinion, desert with its captivating silence and simple, yet amazing landscapes, is one of the best places to chill out and experience an unforgettable sense of peace. Spending a few days in the desert and passing the nights in absolute silence under the starry sky of the desert can wash away all the stress and anxiety that we experience in this fast-paced life.
Iran, as you may already know, is a very vast country with diverse nature. With its snow-capped mountains and astonishing jungles and deserts, Iran can be the paradise of nature lovers. Especially for those who look for more authentic, untouched natural attractions. this country has a lot to offer. And, if you are bored of passing all the holidays near the sea, or jungle, or even mountains, why not trying desert?
There are several deserts for you in Iran to visit (Lut, Maranjab and Matin Abad to name a few). But Mesr will probably be among the greatest destinations among all others. There are several reasons for this. Mesr (Also known as Dasht-e Kavir in Iran) is famous to be “the sea of the sands” in Iran. It attracts many people every year by its mesmerizing views and landscapes. whatever is the reason, Mesr in Iran is among the most popular natural destinations. It is a must-see for those nature lovers who look for a new adventure, too.
Mesr is, in fact, the name of an Iranian village in Khur and Biabanak county. This village, which is like a sandy island in the heart of Iran, is located near Naein city in Isfahan province. So, it would be convenient to visit it while exploring the famous touristic route of Iran which passes from Isfahan and Yazd cities. But, please note that in this vast country, in Isfahan province might mean 420 kilometers away from Isfahan city! In total, Mesr is 700 kilometers away from Tehran. So, you should change the route several times from major cities to reach there.
Mesr in the Persian language means Egypt. There are several stories about the name of this desert. But the most famous one is about a local called Yousef (Jozef) who digs a well during drought and reaches the water. To show his respect and appreciation, he suggests calling the desert Mesr (Egypt) as a remembrance of prophet Josef and his land. Besides, Mesr desert gained more fame since a famous Iranian movie called ‘so close, so far’ was shot here.
Passing time in the desert does not need any manual. Enjoying the silence of the desert, where you can´t see anything except for golden sands and dunes is the greatest pleasure of the desert during the day. At nights, it gets even more magical and mysterious, as the sky meets the earth. The dazzling light of millions of stars in a place where there is no light pollution will leave you with a sense of awe. It’s a sense of appreciation toward all the beauty that exists in this world. Setting up a fire and having a delicious dinner while watching the sky make the desert night unforgettable. And of course, don´t miss out on watching the sunset here, as well. Sunsets and sunrises in deserts are just breathtaking and must not be missed.
Apart from the desert and its mysterious appeal, the village itself is a great attraction. Many call the village oasis, as it is the only sign of life in the middle of miles and miles of sandy desert. With 120 local people living in the village and green palm tree, Mesr village is an emerald land. In fact, when reaching to Amirabad near Mesr, you might completely forget that you are in the middle of the desert. In a land where finding water seems impossible, a nearby well provides enough water for drinking and even for agriculture. Here, the weather getting cooler and the green lands may surprise any eco-tourist.
If by any chance, you are considering the possibility of traveling to Mesr desert, there are a few things you should be aware of. First, deserts are hot, dry lands where you won´t see the signs of life for miles. So, you better travel to Mesr during the colder months of the year. Secondly, it can be dangerous to spend the night in the desert if you are not an experienced desert explorer or do not know the route well. So, it is recommended to reserve a tour with professional guides and appropriate cars, so you can enjoy every moment of your trip without being worried about anything.
