Zardgah desert has a unique feature that we will mention later. That feature has made Zardgah different from all the deserts of Iran. But first, you have to know the borders of this desert.
Zardgah desert expands on the west and southwest of Khorasan province. Near it is a village called Zardgah, which gave its name to this sandy area. Nearby, a village and a mountain called Neyband offer a different perspective to the Zardgah desert.
Zardgah village is blessed with an ecosystem that we should know more about before learning about the desert. It is a village with stairs, which will surprise every viewer and tourist because we don’t see any desert village in Iran with staircase architecture.
Zardgah village is part of Tabas district and is not far from the protected area of Neyband. Its adobe houses are spectacular, and compared to other desert villages, it has a suitable climate. Alas, droughts have left Zardgah village uninhabited for several years, and there is no sound except the passing of the desert winds. However, it has gardens and groves that can still give signs of prosperity to that deserted village.
Because of the Neyband Mountain, that area has a lot of vegetation and wildlife. We said that the Zardgah desert is different from other desert regions of Iran due to its ecological characteristics and vegetation. Even the air of this desert is pleasant and does not have the endurance of other Iranian deserts. In some places, the Zardgah desert is among the mountainous regions. But this does not mean you can go to Zardgah during the hot seasons. This desert is hot like other desert areas in the summer, although not as hot as other deserts.
Zardgah desert has picturesque scenery that attract desert hikers and tourists. One of them is Neyband Mountain. This mountain has a height of more than three thousand meters and is the highest peak in south Khorasan province. It is also called “Bam-e Birjand.” This mountain rises in the northwest of the Zardgah desert. It is not difficult to climb the eak, and professional climbers can easily handle this task. Let’s not forget that one reason for the beauty of Neyband Mountain is the view that can be seen from the top of this mountain, which presents a plain in front of the climbers that has abundance of scenery.
The gardens and groves of Zardgah, which we have already mentioned has given a special attraction to the desert area of south Khorasan. Dates, tangerine, orange, sour orange, and lemon orchards can be seen there, that attract tourists. In addition, Zardgah trees are shady and catch the rays of the desert sun, which allows desert hikers to sit in their pleasant shade for an hour and catch fresh breath.
It is not easy to go hiking in this desert. One should know the way and be prepared to face a span which is difficult to pave because of the extreme heat and the winds, and the changing shape of the dunes. Sometimes it is necessary to have a guide along, in order to cross the desert safely. Despite all these hardships, desert trekking has its excitement and joy that cannot be ignored. Because its nature and ecosystem are milder and green and fruitful in some places, however, it is good to know that after leaving behind the orchards and groves of Zardgah, the desert and its dry span will appear, and mountains and rocks show up that require a lot of vigilance and knowledge of the area.
