 Lut Desert - the vicinity of Shahdad The extensive Loot Desert and its salt marshes occupy the major extent of the north east of the province, salt marshes also form a large section of the northwest of the province. The deserts of Iran bear spectacular and interesting features, with a tolerable climate for at least six months of the year.
A star lit sky, which is a wonderful and breathless sight, a pregnant silence, panoramic views, mirages, the black and white sands, and salty earth are some of the characteristics that one can witness only in desert regions. Furthermore, this mystic hold increases in the other facets that the desert upholds. These are the historical vestiges, such as the caravansaries or ancient and traditional inns, palaces, water reservoirs, water conduits, pilgrimage and religious sites have all amassed in these extensive, mysterious sands revealing the life-style of man in the past. The world's most beautiful desert road The world's most beautiful desert road, Shahdad-Nahbandan Road, will open up its hug to tourists who take resort in the area to visit nice Shahdad desert.  The 293 km road, which was put into operation late February 2008, has cut the road from Kerman to Zabol (Sistan-Baluchestan Province) by 200 kms crossing Lut Desert. The desert makers already had to make a u-turn to visit the heavenly beautiful paradise. A trip to the uncharted desert and the fantastic city of the Kalouts is a special treat, cherished even by native Iranians. You will experience the walk among the fantasy-land structures carved out of sand hills through the blowing desert winds. You will let yourself roll down the soft sand hills, see the Nekbka's (the flower pots of the desert), the incongruent citrus gardens in the heart of the desert and old fortresses. You will experience the historic cities of Kerman, Mahan, and their surrounding villages, and visit the lush green Bagh-e Shazdeh (Prince Garden) known as the "Paradise of the Desert". The inner tranquility that will decent upon you by spending a night or two under the dark and starry skies of Shahdad, in the heart of the Iranian Kavir surrounded by the deep silence of the desert, will add so much more to the pleasures of your trip to the area. The arid and wind-blown desert is east of Iran and is completely surrounded by mountains. In the summer months, it can be one of the hottest and driest spots on the planet. In some areas here rain has not been measured. Enjoy visiting Lout Desert, the most attractive desert in the world!
Lut Desert (the vicinity of Shahdad) - UNESCO World Heritage Centre
Date of Submission: 09/08/2007
Criteria: (vii)(viii)(ix)(x)
Category: Cultural
Submission prepared by:
Iranian Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization
State, Province or Region:Kerman Province
Coordinates:
N30 28 E57 42
Ref.: 5216
DescriptionThe big desert of lut with the area of 5400 km2 is situated in the east and southeast of Iran .In a major part of this desert, there is no animal and vegetable life of any kind.The very beautiful and typical phenomena abound in this desert. This desert has a few universally unique specifications. Due to its vastness only a part of this area (in the vasinity of the historical city of shahdad), that includes the most of its phenomena is taken in to consideration.
Justification for Outstanding Universal Value
Satements of authenticity and/or integrity
Lut desert Due to the rough environmental conditions and the limited facilities of life is almost deserted. Also, because of limited number of roads passing through, the problems and difficulties of urban development resulting from civil industrial activities do not face it and it is perfectly intact and virgin. Its natural and various phenomena have remained intact since far years and it is the only natural changes which lives their usual effect on this desert. Comparison with other similar propertiesLut enjoys 3 probably 4 universal records: The longest widespread system of yardangs in the world (120 km long in 80 km wide).
The tallest sand pyramid of the world (nearly 500 M high)
The hottest point of the world (based on the studies on the satellite images and data).
The biggest nebkas in the world (most probably) In terms of temperature, Shahdad Desert in Kerman with a temperature of 70 degrees centigrade accounts for thermal pole of the earth. |
