Understand

Are you ready to journey back in time? Visit Varzaneh, a fascinating town in Iran with a rich history spanning over 5,000 years. Located southeast of Isfahan and not far from Yazd, this hidden gem is a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic desert experience.

Varzaneh is famous for its breathtaking desert, renowned for being one of Iran's safest and most accessible deserts. Imagine gazing up at the starry night sky, unobstructed by clouds or pollution. During the summer months, be sure to avoid visiting the desert from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., as the scorching sands can reach dangerous temperatures.

As you explore the town, you'll encounter traditional Iran desert houses and guesthouses in every neighborhood. But what sets Varzaneh apart is its unique culture. The local women wear stunning white chadors, a departure from the more common black chadors found throughout Iran.

Get in

Traveling to Varzaneh can be an exhilarating adventure. There are several options to reach this hidden gem in Iran.

From Esfahan:

If you are in Esfahan, head to the Jey terminal and hop on one of the Varzaneh buses or minibusses. The ticket price is only IRR50,000 (approx. USD0.40). No need to worry about reservations; just ask the bus terminal staff at Jey Terminal for the bus or minibus. Buses depart almost every hour from 07:00 to 18:00, and the journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can find plenty of taxis in front of Jey Terminal that can take you to Varzaneh for around 850,000 IRR.

From Tehran:

If you are starting your journey from Tehran, make your way to the Jonub Terminal. Buses depart at 09:00 daily to Harand, a town located about 20km away from Varzaneh. From Harand, you can easily find affordable taxis that will take you to Varzaneh for around IRR350,000.

From Yazd:

If you are in Yazd, you can catch the Yazd-Esfahan or Yazd-Tehran buses from the Yazd Terminal. Ask the driver to stop in Naein, which will cost you IRR150,000. From Naein, you can take a taxi to Varzaneh for about IRR500,000. The whole journey from Yazd takes approximately 3 hours.

From Kashan:

To reach Varzaneh from Kashan, catch a bus to Nain from the Kashan bus station. Although there are no direct buses from Nain to Varzaneh, you can easily find taxis in Nain charging around 500,000 IRR. Make sure to find Falakeh Esfahan square in Nain to locate the taxis to Varzaneh. If you have time, you can also make a stop in Abyaneh, a beautiful village close to Kashan.

The journey from Kashan to Varzaneh, including a stop in Nain and Abyaneh if desired, will cost you around 3,800,000 IRR. Traveling directly from Varzaneh to Kashan without a stop in Abyaneh will be approximately 3,000,000 IRR.

Once you are in Varzaneh, there is a regular bus departing for Esfahan almost every hour until 14:00. The last bus to Isfahan leaves at 14:00, so make sure to plan accordingly. Simply ask the friendly locals for directions to the bus terminal. If you prefer a private taxi, they are available 24 hours a day.

To reach Yazd from Varzaneh, take a taxi to Na'in. From Na'in, you can easily catch a bus to Yazd within 15 minutes since most buses from Isfahan and Tehran pass through Na'in. The journey from Varzaneh to Yazd takes approximately 3 hours.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Dish 1: Persian Kebab (Kebab-e Sabzi)The Persian Kebab is a beloved Iranian dish consisting of skewered, grilled meat (usually beef, lamb, or chicken) seasoned with onions, tomato paste, saffron, turmeric, and other aromatic herbs and spices. It's typically served alongside rice, grilled tomatoes, and savory herbs like parsley and chives.

Dish 2: Tahchin (Tahchin-e Morgh)Tahchin is a comforting, traditional Persian dish made with basmati rice, cooked in a savory tomato sauce, and layered with tender pieces of chicken, then baked until fragrant and delicious. The dish is often garnished with fried onions, barberries, and a dollop of creamy mast-o-khiar (yogurt mixed with cucumber and walnuts).

Dish 3: Ghormeh Sabzi (Herb Stew)Ghormeh Sabzi is a filling, vegetarian stew characterized by its vibrant assortment of aromatic herbs (such as parsley, coriander, dill, and chives), tender white beans, and melt-in-your-mouth potatoes, all simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. This hearty dish is often enjoyed with a side of basmati rice or flatbread.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing