Want to wander golden dunes, watch the sun set over endless horizons and sleep beneath a galaxy of stars? Tabas (Halvan) in South Khorasan is the Iranian desert that turns simple trips into lifelong memories.
A trip to Tabas Desert in South Khorasan can create memories you’ll never forget. Visiting the land of sand dunes and starry skies brings calm and silence; it’s a chance for a peaceful solitude. If you want to feel the bright, golden sands under your feet and experience boundless adventure, join Saed News Travel Magazine as we explore every corner of the Halvan (Tabas) Desert.
Tabas Desert is one of Iran’s most famous deserts, located in South Khorasan near the city of Tabas. Tall sand dunes and wide plains create unique vistas across Halvan (Tabas). The region hosts a variety of plant and animal species, and it is therefore environmentally important for Iran.
Beyond environmental value, Tabas Desert’s tourism appeal has grown: more visitors arrive to experience absolute silence, to watch stars and the moon in a clear sky, and to enjoy desert activities. For these reasons Tabas has become one of South Khorasan’s notable attractions.
Address: Halvan Village, Tabas County, South Khorasan Province, Iran.
Located in northeastern Iran’s South Khorasan, the Halvan (Tabas) Desert lies about 80 km from Tabas city and close to the historical village of Halvan. The Central Desert to the north, the Khur–Tabas route to the south, the Asheghan heights and the salt lake of Khur to the west are major landscape references for this desert.
There are several roads to Tabas Desert because the region contains multiple access points and small local tracks. The best vehicle is a private car — ideally a 4×4 or a car suited for desert travel. You can also reach Birjand by bus or plane and continue by intercity taxi. In practice there are three common routes to Halvan (Tabas) Desert:
Route 1: The main Khur–Tabas road, which runs past Chaleh Kavir and the Khur salt lake, leads to the southern reaches of Tabas Desert.
Route 2: A dirt track branching off Khur–Tabas: before the Jafarabad junction look for a few stone shelters (small huts); near these shelters a dirt road leads into a ravine between mountains and rock formations.
Route 3: A secondary road toward Halvan Village: from Khur–Tabas take the turn after the Jafarabad junction, follow the side road to Halvan, then a smaller spur to Kheyrabad village — after a short drive you will arrive at Tabas Desert.
Best transport note: Because tracks can be sandy and tricky, off-road skill and a suitable vehicle make the journey far safer.
Tabas Desert has an arid desert climate: very dry with minimal precipitation. Temperatures are not moderate — the area is either hot or cold.
Spring / Summer: Early spring is warm but bearable; April–May feature warm days and cool nights. Toward summer the heat intensifies and daytime temperatures can exceed 40°C, which deters most visitors.
Autumn / Winter: Autumn is the best season to visit Halvan — days are pleasant and nights cool to chilly. Winters are similar but nights can be very cold (temperatures may approach or fall below freezing), so good equipment is necessary for winter overnight stays.
The plant and animal life of Halvan (Tabas) Desert is unique and fascinating; some species may only be sighted here. A number of these animals are venomous or dangerous, so take caution during desert excursions.
Typical wildlife you might encounter: snakes, scorpions, hawks, partridges, golden eagles, vultures, wolves, bustards, larks, sand cats, sand foxes, rock martens, jird (gerbil species), desert mice and various birds of prey.
Vegetation includes: qīch (a highland grass), tāgh, dormaneh (a thyme-like shrub), askanibl, wild almond, and damgāvi (local shrubs adapted to desert conditions).
Expect limited facilities directly in the desert. Basic cafés, restaurants and restrooms can be found in nearby villages, eco-lodges and guesthouses. With a short drive you can reach Tabas city where hotels, shops, a hospital and pharmacies are available.
Tabas is famed for remarkably clear skies, free of light pollution and smog. On a clear night the stars are astonishingly vivid — you can see meteor showers with the naked eye or bring telescopes for night sky photography.
Walking barefoot on warm sand and exploring the endless horizons is essential Tabas experience. Sunset and the slow rhythm of desert life make for memorable walks — it’s a place for quiet reflection and wide vistas.
Camel rides are a traditional desert activity in Halvan. Today local guides offer short rides for a fee; the experience evokes historic desert travel.
For adrenaline seekers, dune driving and off-road tracks provide intense fun. Desert driving requires skill and local guidance to avoid getting stuck or becoming lost.
Many visitors camp overnight to watch sunsets, stargaze and see sunrise over dunes. Take a proper tent, sleeping bag, warm clothing for nights, cooking gear, water and food.
For adventurous travellers, guided desert expeditions and explorations are recommended. Always use experienced local guides and carry essentials: water, food, compass or GPS, maps, appropriate clothing and footwear.
A local pastime: dig a shallow pit and cover yourself with warm sand for half an hour — a relaxing experience but do it with guides because of scorpions or snakes.
Halvan Village — a historic desert village with palm groves and vernacular desert architecture. Many buildings are damaged by past earthquakes, giving the village a haunting, ancient aura. Distance from Halvan to Tabas Desert: about 1 km (5 minutes).
Halvan Castle — ruins of a once-imposing fortress that protected the village; only five of the original thirteen watchtowers remain. Walking among the ruins offers a short historical detour. Distance to Tabas Desert: ~1 km (5 minutes).
Halvan Cave — roughly 15 km from Halvan village, this cave is an accessible spelunking site with some sections requiring minimal rope work. Fossil bone fragments indicate a Jurassic-era origin. Distance from Halvan: ~1 km (5 minutes) — (note: distances in the source are approximate to local points of interest).
The prime travel window is mid-autumn through late winter: milder daytime temperatures and crisp nights make this the most comfortable period. Early spring is also a good option if you prefer fewer crowds but expect warmer days than autumn.
Avoid summer due to extreme daytime heat; winter nights can be freezing, so packing warm gear is essential.
You can choose hotels, traditional eco-lodges (bāmdāri / būm-girdī) or camping depending on comfort level. Many visitors prefer overnighting in the desert; others stay in nearby towns and drive in for day trips.
If you plan to camp but lack equipment, several local guesthouses and eco-lodges offer basic shelter and may help arrange guided excursions.
Notable eco-lodges / guesthouses near Halvan:
Amu Noruz Eco-Lodge — traditional layout; shared bathrooms; rustic sleeping.
Toranj Eco-Lodge — courtyard property with independent western and Iranian bathrooms; heating/cooling and kitchen available.
Aqa Mirza Eco-Lodge — suites up to 100 m², good for groups; kitchens and breakfast included.
Nakhil va Narges (Palm & Narcissus) — varied room sizes in a historic building (≈300 years old); traditional furnishings.
Setareh Kavir Halvan — large courtyard ideal for gatherings; basic facilities and communal areas.
Most eco-lodges emphasize authentic, simple desert hospitality rather than luxury amenities.
To enjoy the starry sky you’ll need overnight camping. Pack: tent, sleeping bag, warm clothes, food, cooking gear, fire tools, hygiene supplies, lots of potable water and a first-aid kit.
Plan travel for mid-autumn through winter.
Avoid summer due to extreme heat.
Dress light and pale in daytime; pack warm clothing for cold nights.
Wear appropriate desert hiking shoes.
Bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
Always hire experienced local guides for desert exploration — the area is large and unfamiliar terrain is risky.
