Discover Aran and Bidgol: The Ultimate Desert Escape You Can't Miss!

Aran and Bidgol county, located just beyond the historic city of Kashan in Isfahan Province, is rapidly becoming one of Iran’s most captivating travel destinations. This region boasts a stunning combination of vast desert landscapes, ancient history, and a vibrant local culture, making it a haven for travelers seeking authentic Persian experiences. From the breathtaking sand dunes of the Maranjab Desert to the intriguing underground City of Nushabad, Aran and Bidgol invites adventurers to explore the heart of central Iran.

In an effort to establish a foothold on Iran’s tourism map, Aran and Bidgol recently hosted the three-day International Festival of Maranjab 2025, which concluded on October 17. This event served as a familiarization tour, bringing together a select group of travel agency owners, representatives from tourism and airline companies, tour operators, and journalists. The festival aimed to showcase the region’s diverse attractions, particularly the iconic Maranjab Desert.

During the familiarization tour, attendees explored the stunning landscapes of the serene desert, a part of the larger Dasht-e Kavir basin. Notable features of this area include:

Vast Sand Dunes: The Maranjab Desert is renowned for its impressive sand dunes, which provide a picturesque backdrop for various outdoor activities.
Salt Pans: Visitors can discover the unique salt flats that characterize this arid landscape.
Seasonal Wetlands: These wetlands attract diverse wildlife, making the area a paradise for nature lovers.

In addition to natural beauty, the festival introduced guests to various cultural and historical landmarks around the county. These included:

Historic Mosques: Centuries-old mosques showcase exquisite architectural styles and religious significance.
Traditional Houses: Visitors observed historic residences that preserve the region’s architectural heritage.
Boutique Hotels: These accommodations highlight traditional hospitality and local craftsmanship.

Traditional restaurants served local delicacies, and visits to heritage sites, such as ancient Assarkhanehs (traditional oil extraction houses), illuminated the region’s historic role in oil production.

One of the festival’s standout moments was a visit to the underground city of Nushabad. This labyrinth of hand-carved tunnels, chambers, and air ducts dates back approximately 1,500 years. Initially unknown until its discovery by a local villager a decade ago, this underground marvel stands as a testament to the ingenuity of ancient civilizations.

The festival also included a series of panel discussions and conferences that addressed critical topics such as:

Preservation of Local Heritage: Experts discussed strategies to protect cultural landmarks and traditions.
Sustainable Tourism Development: The focus was on creating eco-friendly tourism practices that benefit the local economy.
Increasing Tourism’s Economic Contribution: Strategies were explored to maximize the benefits of tourism for the community.

During one of the conference sessions, Ali-Mohammad Yousefian-Arani, the governor of Aran and Bidgol, highlighted the immense potential of the Maranjab Desert as a national and international tourism hub. He stated, “With principled planning, adequate infrastructure, and smart management, the Maranjab Desert can become one of the key tourism poles in Iran and the world.”

Yousefian-Arani emphasized the importance of balancing tourism development with industrial progress, describing tourism as a vital tool for addressing future challenges and a platform for showcasing Iran’s rich customs and culture. He stated, “Maranjab Desert and the nearby Salt Lake area are among Iran’s most beautiful desert landscapes. The historical caravanserai combines history, culture, and nature, offering visitors a unique chance to experience life during the Safavid era.”

The governor also elaborated on the region’s attractions, including:

Stargazing Opportunities: The clear skies in the Maranjab Desert offer unparalleled views of the night sky.
Desert Trekking: Adventurous travelers can explore the vastness of the desert on foot.
Off-Road Driving: Exciting off-road experiences await those looking for adventure.
Sand Skiing: Visitors can enjoy this unique activity on the desert’s slopes.

Yousefian-Arani stressed the need for responsible tourism, stating, “The first requirement for a pleasant experience for travelers is the creation of a safe and peaceful environment. Aran and Bidgol require healthy, responsible tourism based on mutual respect between guests and hosts, preservation of cultural heritage and nature, and adherence to social ethics.”

To conclude his remarks, he called for a paradigm shift in the region’s tourism approach, moving from mere sightseeing to “experience-based, event-driven tourism that offers real and profound experiences.” He noted that achieving such development requires the collaborative efforts of local communities, government bodies, the private sector, and national authorities.

Some key highlights from the festival included:

Handicrafts Bazaar: A live workshop showcased the production of traditional handicrafts, including locks, clothing, ceramics, and handwoven fabrics.
Maranjab Desert: Known for its sand dunes and unique flora, this desert offers various tourism activities, emphasizing sustainable practices.
Nushabad Underground City: This extensive network of tunnels showcases ancient Persian architectural ingenuity and served as a refuge against invasions.
Shrine of Imamzadeh Hilal ibn Ali: This shrine attracts hundreds of visitors daily and features stunning examples of Islamic architecture.

Moreover, the local cuisine played a significant role in the festival. Participants enjoyed traditional dishes such as:

Goosht Loobia: A white bean stew that is a staple in religious ceremonies, made with white beans, meat, onions, cinnamon, and saffron.
Shefteh Somaq: A flavorful meatball soup prepared with ground meat, chickpea flour, onions, and sumac, offering a tangy taste.

With the support of local communities and private investors, Aran and Bidgol aims to gain recognition as one of Iran’s most compelling desert destinations, captivating travelers with its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance.