SAEDNEWS: Tabas’s Halvan Desert is where golden dunes, moonlit camps and wide-open skies turn a trip into an unforgettable, slow-paced adventure.
A trip to the Tabas Desert in South Khorasan can become a memory you’ll never forget. Visiting the land of sand dunes and star-filled skies brings deep calm and silence — the perfect place to find a quiet moment with yourself.
Kavir Tabas is also known as the Halvan Desert, and in recent years it has captured the hearts of many nature lovers and hosted a growing number of tourists. Dramatic sunrises, walking barefoot on warm sand and the night-time quiet of Halvan Tabas are among the features drawing visitors to the area.
If you want to see the desert’s glittering golden sands and experience boundless adventure, join SaedNews Travel Magazine as we explore every corner of the Halvan Tabas desert.
Kavir Tabas is one of Iran’s best-known deserts, located in the city of Tabas in South Khorasan. Tall sand dunes and wide plains create unique landscapes in the Halvan Tabas area. The region is home to diverse plant and animal species and is therefore important for Iran’s natural heritage.
Beyond its environmental importance, the area’s tourist appeal has increased steadily, attracting more visitors. Many come to experience absolute silence, watch the stars and moon in a clear sky, and enjoy desert leisure activities. For these reasons, Kavir Tabas has become one of South Khorasan’s most notable sights
Address: Iran, South Khorasan Province, Tabas County, Halvan village
The Tabas Desert lies in northeastern Iran in South Khorasan Province. More precisely, the Halvan Tabas desert is about 80 km from Tabas city and near the historic village of Halvan. Central Iran’s desert lies to the north, the road linking Khur to Tabas is to the south, the Asheghan heights and Khod Lake (Daryache-ye Nam Khord) are to the west of the desert.
From | Distance |
|---|---|
Tehran to Kavir Tabas | ~920 km (≈10 hours) |
Tabas to Kavir Tabas | ~87 km (≈1 hour) |
Azmighan to Kavir Tabas | ~121 km (≈1.5 hours) |
Mashhad to Kavir Tabas | ~532 km (≈7 hours) |
There are several ways to reach Kavir Tabas. The desert includes different terrain and local mines, which create distinct routes into the Halvan area.
The best vehicle for reaching Kavir Tabas is a private car — especially off-road vehicles suited to desert terrain. You can also travel by bus or plane to Birjand, South Khorasan’s center, then continue by intercity taxi. In practice, there are three main routes to the desert.
Route | Description |
|---|---|
Route 1 | The main Khur–Tabas road: after the end of Chaleh Kavir and Khur salt lake, this road reaches the southern side of Kavir Tabas. |
Route 2 | A dirt road: on the Khur–Tabas road, before the Jafariabad junction, look for stone sheds; a dirt track beside them leads into the pass between rock and mountain. |
Route 3 | A secondary road toward Halvan village: on the Khur–Tabas road after Jafariabad junction, take the side road toward Halvan village; then a branch toward Kheyrabad village leads to the desert. |
Kavir Tabas lies in an arid desert climate: dry and with little rainfall. The Halvan desert rarely sees mild weather: conditions are either cold or searingly hot.
Early spring brings relatively mild desert weather — warm days that are still bearable and cool nights. During Farvardin and Ordibehesht (roughly late March to May) days are warm and nights cool. Toward summer the desert heats up; temperatures can exceed 40 °C and summer months are generally quiet, with few tourists.
The best time to visit Halvan is autumn, when temperatures are most comfortable. Days are sunny and warm, evenings a little cool and sometimes cold. Winters are similar to autumn during the day but nights grow much colder and temperatures may fall close to or below zero; with the right kit you can still enjoy clear winter desert days.
The plant and animal life of the Halvan Tabas desert is distinctive and worth seeing. Some species are potentially dangerous, so take sensible precautions on desert excursions.
Fauna | Flora |
|---|---|
Snake, scorpion, falcon, partridge, golden eagle, vulture, wolf, houbara bustard, desert lark, sand grouse, sand cat, sand fox, stone marten, jerboa, sand mouse, saker falcon (sargape), desert rat | Qich (haloxylon), tigh (Tamarix-like shrubs), darmaneh, askenibl?, mountain almond, cow-tail (local name) |
You should not expect many services in the desert itself. However, villages, ecolodges and nearby settlements offer basic facilities such as cafés, restaurants and toilets. With a short drive you can reach Tabas city for hotels, stores, medical centers and pharmacies.
Few places rival a desert sky for clarity. Halvan’s distance from light pollution gives a crystal-clear sky ideal for stargazing. You can watch meteor showers with the naked eye or bring professional astronomy gear for dramatic views.
Walking
Walking across the dunes is a must. Strolling barefoot on warm sand, watching endless horizons and desert sunsets, is a tranquil, memorable experience. Desert life moves slowly and offers time for quiet reflection.
Camel riding
Camel rides in Halvan evoke older travel traditions when camels were the primary desert transport. Local operators offer short rides for a modest fee.
Off-roading (4×4)
For thrill-seekers, dune bashing and off-road driving across the sand is exhilarating. This demands skill and experience; drive carefully as desert driving requires specific technique.
Camping
Many nature-loving travelers camp overnight in the desert to enjoy sunset, stargazing and sunrise over the dunes. Camping lets you experience the moonlit landscape and the desert’s quiet.
Desert trekking (Kavir-nawardi)
If exploration and discovery appeal, include desert trekking on your itinerary. Use experienced local guides and never venture alone. Essential equipment includes water, food, compass, maps, suitable clothing and footwear.
A sand bath is another unique desert activity: dig a shallow pit, cover yourself with sand for about 30 minutes and enjoy a calming sensation. Use a local guide, since there is a risk of insect or scorpion bite if you don’t take precautions.
Halvan village
The historic village of Halvan is the first nearby attraction. Palm groves and desert architecture define Halvan. Its old fabric recalls traditional desert life and offers insight into local architecture and culture. Many buildings were damaged and abandoned after an earthquake, but the village route remains scenic.
Attraction | Distance from Kavir Tabas |
|---|---|
Halvan village | ~1 km (≈5 minutes) |
Halvan Fortress
The fortress near Halvan stands as a symbol of the area’s past. Mostly ruins now, it once had 13 watchtowers; five remain. Walking among the old structures evokes a sense of the region’s history.
Attraction | Distance from Kavir Tabas |
|---|---|
Halvan Fortress | ~1 km (≈5 minutes) |
Halvan Cave
About 15 km from Halvan village lies a cave with an estimated age of 160 million years. The route is not technically demanding and requires ropes only in a few places. Fossilized bones found there suggest the cave dates to the Middle Jurassic.
Weather is the main consideration for visiting deserts like Halvan Tabas. The ideal period is mid-autumn through the end of winter. Many tourists travel during this stretch because temperatures are pleasant; note that accommodation and services may be busier and more expensive then. During these months days are mild and nights are cold.
Early spring is also a good time: temperatures haven’t yet peaked and visitor numbers are lower, although conditions are not as favorable as autumn and winter.
You can choose hotels, local ecolodges (bōmgerdi) or camping depending on preference. Many visitors prefer to stay overnight in the desert for the night-sky experience.
If you prefer not to camp, a short drive returns you to nearby towns with better-equipped hotels.
Accommodation | Notes / Features |
|---|---|
Amoo Nowruz Ecolodge (Bōmgerdi) | Traditional building near Halvan; no Western-style beds (use traditional bedding); shared bathrooms. |
Toranj Ecolodge | Courtyard, traditional architecture; offers shared Iranian toilets and private Western-style bathrooms in some rooms; heating/cooling, restaurant and kitchen. |
Agha Mirza Ecolodge | Suites up to 100 m²; suitable for groups; offers breakfast, kitchen, bathroom facilities. |
Nakhleh & Narges Kirêt Ecolodge | Rooms from 9 m² to three-bedroom suites; historically 300 years old; traditional desert atmosphere; shared bathrooms and kitchen. |
Setareh Kavir Halvan Ecolodge | Spacious courtyard; traditional bedding; basic services with community spaces. |
To make your trip to Halvan Tabas memorable, consider the following suggestions pulled from local guidance:
Plan your trip for mid-autumn or winter.
Avoid summer travel because extreme heat limits exploration.
Pack light, pale clothing for hot days and warm clothes for cold nights.
Bring suitable desert footwear.
Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses — make these among the first items in your pack.
Always travel with experienced local guides; the desert is vast and unfamiliar.
