Sandboarding in Iran

Last Updated on August 11, 2022

Iran is home to two major deserts where sand surfing can be practiced: The Dasht-e Kavir, which stretches from the south of the Alborz Mountains to the central region, and the Lut Desert or Dasht-e-Lut, in the south-east, a UNESCO world heritage site and the hottest place in the world, in what is Iran’s most mysterious region.

 Varzaneh Sand Dunes – Isfahan

Sandboarding in Iran can be practiced near Varzaneh, an ancient central Iranian desert town in Isfahan province, 1.5 hour away from Isfahan city by bus, still showing evidence of its 5000-year-old civilization.

The Varzaneh sand dunes, close to Varzaneh historic town, are 5-62m high and very quiet. The Varzaneh desert has the most sand dunes in all of Iran’s deserts and the scenery it offers is breathtaking. The area is ideal for yoga, sandboarding, and paragliding in Iran.

Unfortunately, there is no daily public transportation from Varzaneh to the desert, which is about 15 kilometers away. Luckily, taxis are very inexpensive and can transfer you to the desert.

Since the sand dunes barely move, you can camp there for several nights while still providing easy access to town.

Please keep in mind that, with the exception of late spring and summer, night temperature often falls below 10°C. If you want to camp there, you’ll need desert sleeping bags.

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Moghestan Sand Dunes – Yazd

Another sandboarding spot is Rig Zarin in the Lut Desert, Yazd province. You can walk barefoot on the warm sand and slide down the slopes with your board after visiting Meybod and Chak Chak, the most sacred Zoroastrian fire temple.

There are a number of ways to get to this desert, the most well-known of which are from the cities of Saghand and Moghestan. As a result, this desert is known as the Moghestan Desert or Rig-e Zarin (Golden Sand).

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