Discover Varzaneh: A Desert City Near Isfahan
Experience the Magic of Varzaneh Desert City
Traveling to Varzaneh, near Isfahan, takes you along a journey that follows the Zayandeh River from the desert to the Gavkhouni Wetland. Varzaneh is one of the tourism cities in Isfahan Province, notable for its women who wear white chadors, creating a unique experience you will cherish.
Varzaneh offers a mix of desert landscapes, historical landmarks, and the opportunity to witness migratory birds at the Gavkhouni Wetland. Staying in a traditional eco-lodge gives visitors a sense of authentic desert living and the unique architecture of the area.
In this article, we take you on a journey to this historic city, exploring the scenic desert vistas and the cultural significance of the white-clad women.
Contents
Where is Varzaneh?
Varzaneh is the last settlement along the Zayandeh River before it ends at the Gavkhouni Marshlands. The city is located in the southwest of Naein County, to the east of Isfahan Province, and near the border with Yazd Province. It falls under the jurisdiction of Ben Rud district in Isfahan.
The residents of Varzaneh primarily work in agriculture, textile weaving, and carpet weaving. The city has both old and new sections: the new section, known as Emam Jafar Sadegh Town, lies north of the Zayandeh River, while the older part is located south of the river, historically protected by a trench.
Varzaneh is known as the “City of White-Clad Women,” a nickname earned due to the white chadors worn by the local women. It is believed that the women choose white over black for their attire because of the intense desert heat, as the white color helps mitigate the effects of the scorching sun.
Varzaneh offers beautiful natural sights, such as sand dunes, the Gavkhouni Wetland, artesian wells, the Shakh Kenar Dam, and the Khara Salt Lake. These attractions, combined with the historical landmarks and desert-style eco-lodges, make it a must-visit destination.
Varzaneh Desert
The Varzaneh Desert and its sand dunes provide one of the most stunning desert exploration routes, located 110 kilometers from Isfahan. Visitors to this desert will encounter several sand formations, including longitudinal dunes, crescent-shaped dunes, sand pyramids, and ripple marks formed by the desert winds.
Walking on the soft sand dunes, feeling the tranquility of the desert, watching the golden horizon, and enjoying activities like off-roading, ziplining, and camel riding are some of the highlights of visiting the Varzaneh Desert.
Khara Salt Lake
Khara Salt Lake is one of the most scenic salt plains and mining areas in Iran, providing an excellent setting for photography. It is located about 50 kilometers from the Varzaneh Desert, along the Salt Lake Road.
Artesian Wells
The artesian wells of Varzaneh are natural springs where water rises to the surface without needing a motor pump, due to underground pressure. The Varzaneh plains are at a lower elevation than the surrounding lands, resulting in underground water trapped under pressure for years that gushes out naturally.
There are about 20 artesian wells located parallel to the northern and southern banks of the Zayandeh River.
Shakh Kenar Dam
The Shakh Kenar Dam is the last stone-and-mortar structure along the Zayandeh River before it reaches the Gavkhouni Wetland. It was built 100 years ago to store water for agricultural use.
Gavkhouni Wetland
The Gavkhouni Wetland lies at the southeast end of the Zayandeh River, southeast of Isfahan. This beautiful wetland serves as a haven for migratory birds seeking refuge from the heat. It also provides a habitat for wildlife, including Persian zebras, wild sheep, boars, foxes, lizards, hedgehogs, bats, and more.
The wetland is located about 167 kilometers southeast of Isfahan and 30 kilometers from Varzaneh, near the sand dunes of the desert.
Varzaneh Anthropology Museum
The Varzaneh Anthropology Museum is located in the personal residence of Haj Hassan Yousefi, who donated the property to Iran’s Cultural Heritage Organization to create the museum. The house is built in the Qajar architectural style, with a courtyard, windcatcher, and rooms with arched ceilings.
The museum provides visitors with a glimpse of the local handicrafts of Varzaneh, such as sufreh weaving.
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Oasis Recreation Site
The Oasis is Iran’s largest desert recreational facility, located in the Varzaneh Desert. It offers a range of recreational activities, such as ATV riding, ziplining, safaris, camel rides, as well as amenities like restaurants, tea houses, and camping options for desert tourists.
Camel Mill
The Camel Mill is a historical attraction with 300 years of history, restored by Ghodratollah Mohammadi for tourism purposes. The mill uses a camel to turn a large axis, which rotates the millstone, grinding up to 300 kilograms of wheat or barley per day. This traditional flour mill provides visitors with insights into the age-old process of grain grinding.
Haj Ebrahim’s Cow Well
The Haj Ebrahim Cow Well is a traditional method of drawing water from a well for agricultural purposes. Using two Sistani cattle, Haj Ebrahim irrigates 3,000 square meters of land daily. The cows pull water from the well using a system of pulleys. Interestingly, the cows have become accustomed to Haj Ebrahim’s singing, refusing to work without his melodies.
The Cow Well is located along the Varzaneh-Hassanabad Road, near the sand dunes.
Kharanaq Caravanserai
The Kharanaq Caravanserai, built entirely of granite and bricks, dates back to the Safavid era. It is one of the 999 caravanserais commissioned by Shah Abbas to provide shelter along major routes.
Visitors will find eighteen halls inside, with a large hall and another room in the southern part featuring a prayer niche. The central area has a water reservoir, while the four corners feature passages leading to stables.
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Conclusion
A trip to Varzaneh offers a glimpse into a historical town known for its white-clad women and the beauty of desert life. Experiencing the unique architecture and traditional way of living, set amidst the tranquility of the desert, will provide visitors with unforgettable memories.
For those interested in experiencing Varzaneh’s history and natural beauty firsthand, consider booking a cultural tour with SURFIRAN to explore the wonders of Iran’s desert landscapes: SURFIRAN Cultural Tours.
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