Shahdad Kalouts Desert
- heliya erfani
- 8 months ago
The Shahdad Kalouts of Kerman are the largest sand cliff formations in the world and are among Kerman’s scenic and tourist attractions. This natural attraction encompasses the world’s largest desert and Kalout phenomena and is also the most unique desert feature. The salt springs in this area, which spread across 100 hectares, emerge from the ground, making the natural landscape of this region unparalleled in the world.
Furthermore, the lowest point in Iran, at an elevation of 56 meters above sea level, is located in these Kalouts. Twenty kilometers away from the Shahdad Kalouts, there’s an area named “Gandom Beryan” covering roughly 480 square kilometers. Its surface is covered with dark volcanic residues, and its dark color absorbs sunlight more than usual. Continue with the Sepehran blog to learn more details about the Shahdad Kalouts in Kerman.
“Kalout” refers to a collection of sandy mountains that have primarily eroded due to the flow of desert winds. This erosive flow, when passing through the sandy and clayey bed of the desert, carries sand particles and furrows the surface of the plain where the Kalouts emerge. This process results in the creation of pristine landscapes that are unparalleled anywhere else in the world.
The Shahdad Plain is located in a desert region and encompasses the largest Kalouts in Iran. These formations rank among the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world. So much so, National Geographic magazine has selected it as the fourth most impressive natural attraction in the world.
The term “Kalout” is derived from a combination of two words: “Kal,” meaning “settlement” or “habitat,” and “Lut,” which refers to the Lut desert region.
So, the reason for this name stems from the earthen structures that, from a distance, make the area look like a city situated in the heart of a desert. This region, covering approximately 11,000 square kilometers, is located 40 kilometers from the Shahdad area.
It is referred to as one of the “thermal poles of the Earth” and is dubbed the hottest point on Earth. It lacks any form of animal or plant life, and such extreme temperatures even prevent the existence of various types of bacteria.
The relative height of the Shahdad region above sea level is approximately 430 meters. Located about 30 kilometers west of the Lut Plain, overlooking the Tekab Valley, and 87 kilometers northeast of the city of Kerman, Shahdad is one of the ancient cities of the Kerman province. Known historically as “Khabis,” it dates back 6,000 years. One of its most significant historical artifacts is a metal flag referred to as the “Shahdad Standard,” considered the oldest existing flag in the world.
The water supply for Shahdad comes from a branch originating from the Derakhtangan River. At a location called “Chahar Farsakh Narrows,” the water diverges from the main flow of the Derakhtangan River towards Shahdad. This valuable water source has given rise to various citrus orchards and vast date palm groves in Shahdad.
If you’re looking to stay near the Shahdad Kalouts of Kerman and prefer traditional accommodations, keep the following list in mind:
To visit the Kalouts of Shahdad, no matter where you are in Iran, make your way to Kerman. Take the Bam-Kerman road until you reach Sirch. Continue on this route until you reach the Shahdad-Golbaf intersection. From there, follow the signposts to Shahdad.
After exploring the Shahdad Kalouts, with proper planning, you can visit other nearby attractions to make the most of your trip. Here are three of the most intriguing sites near the Shahdad Kalouts:
“Travel” can have a unique meaning for each of us. Some might choose to stay in a luxurious hotel and enjoy upscale leisure activities during their trip, while others might prefer exploring natural attractions and seeking adventures. If you belong to the latter group, you’re probably excited about getting to know one of the phenomena of the Lut Desert! We hope that after reading this, you’ll make time to visit the Kalouts of Shahdad on your next trip to Kerman.
