Where is the Egyptian desert? | Key points before traveling

Masr Desert of Isfahan is located in the desert plain and is considered one of the most visited deserts in Iran with its special natural attractions, valuable historical monuments and various entertainments. In this article from tourism magazine fly todayIn addition to introducing these attractions and entertainments, we will examine some features and sights of the Egyptian desert that are special in Iran and even in the world. Also, in order to experience a trip with comfort, we will provide you with a travel guide containing route details and a list of the best accommodations in Egypt. So, if you are interested in desert travel, stay with us until the end of the article.

Where is the location of the Egyptian desert?

Misr desert (Khor and Biyabank desert) is located in Isfahan province, Khor and Biyabank region and in a village called Misr. If you go to Isfahan from Tehran-Damghan road, after Amirabad farms and before reaching Isfahan, you will see Khashti Masr village. This area is also known by other names such as “Youssef Farm”, “Long Well” and “Youssef’s Field”. The location of the Egyptian desert You can also see it on Google Maps.

The story of naming the Egyptian desert The story of Joseph in the well

This village was known as Farm until 100 years ago, until the drought came and one of the residents named Youssef dug some wells in the village. After digging the well, the water shortage problem was solved for several years; But then, the people faced the dryness of the wells, and Yusuf dug a deeper well this time. After digging this well, the people of the surrounding villages called it “long well”. This name was not very pleasant to Yusuf, and he suggested to name it Misr, inspired by the story of Prophet Yusuf and the story of the well.

What season is the best time to travel to the Egyptian desert?

For two reasons, the best time to travel to this desert is the second half of the year, i.e. autumn and winter seasons. We will explain these reasons below.

1. The air in desert areas is very hot and dry in summer and can be very exhausting and even dangerous for travelers. Fortunately, in the autumn and winter seasons, the temperature of the desert drops a little and you will face relatively mild weather. Of course, in this desert, as in all desert areas, the weather gets very cold at night, and it is necessary to have warm clothes with you for overnight stay.
2. The fauna of the Egyptian desert includes various animals such as snakes, scorpions and tarantulas, and if careless, tourists may face the risk of being bitten. These animals hibernate in the cold seasons and you will no longer be in danger.

How to go to the Egyptian desert?

During the cold seasons of the year or when a certain astronomical phenomenon occurs, travel to the desert becomes more popular, and in the meantime, Egypt is one of the popular desert travel destinations. To reach this popular destination, there are two very common ways to travel, which we will describe in the rest of this section.

Traveling by private car ultimate discretion

Traveling by private car is always one of the most popular ways to travel; Because when you are on the road with a private car, you can stop and rest wherever you want, or take pictures of the spectacular scenery. Desert climbing is no exception to this rule; Especially if you have an off-road vehicle, you should not miss this experience. In the following, we will explain the route to Egypt.

How far is it from Tehran to Isfahan desert?

The distance between Tehran and Misr Desert of Isfahan is about 1000 km, and you need to drive for 11 to 12 hours to cover it. In this trip, there are two routes ahead of you, one from Semnan and the other from Qom road will take you to your destination. In any of these routes, you will not pass through the city of Isfahan.

1. Semnan route: On this way, you will go from Tehran to Semnan and pass through the cities of Damghan, Maaleman and Jandaq respectively. Finally, he reached Egypt. (view the route on the map)
2. Qom road: On this route, you will first go from Tehran to Qom and then you will pass the cities of Kashan, Nain, Arkan, Chopanan, Chah Malik and Farrokhi respectively. Finally, you will reach your destination, Egypt. (view the route on the map)

How far is Isfahan from the desert of Egypt?

If you are going to Egypt from Isfahan, there is a 640 km long road in front of you and it takes about 5 hours to travel. In this journey, you must first go to Nain and then reach Jandaq village. About 40 kilometers of this route is a dirt road. You can start from Sights of Isfahan Visit and then go to the Egyptian desert.

Travel with Egyptian desert tour Experience a safe and carefree desert tour

Traveling with leisure and tourism tours is one of the easiest ways to travel; Because you no longer need to think about the route, accommodation, security, etc. Especially in desert tourism that requires knowledge and expertise, the presence of an experienced tour leader will keep you away from all kinds of harm and danger and also help you use the desert’s recreational facilities in the best way. So, if you are planning a comfortable and worry-free trip, this type of trip can be very suitable for you.

How much will it cost to travel to the Egyptian desert?

The cost of traveling to this area is different for each person and depends on the type of your trip. For example, the main difference between backpacking practices is whether you spend the night in a lodge or camp. Each of these items has its own expenses, which we will review below.

Camping in the Egyptian desert The need for all kinds of necessary equipment

At first glance, camping may seem like a low-cost option; But to experience a safe and comfortable camping, you will need a lot of equipment, which will not be cheap to provide all of them. Some of the most important supplies you will need on this trip are listed below:

• sleeping bag;
• power bank;
• Compass or GPS;
• offline map;
• first aid kit;
• thermos and water purification tablets;
• suitable shoes for walking;
• flashlight or headlamp;
• Nutritious snacks and food;
• sunscreen;
• underlay

Residences in the Egyptian desert Peace of mind with security

Lodges are a great choice to spend a safe and comfortable night in the heart of the desert, and while providing you with the fun and tranquility of the desert, they will also provide comfort and well-being. In the continuation of this section, we will introduce some of the accommodations around Egypt and check the cost of staying in them.

Bali desert hotel 3 bright stars in the desert

The 3-star Bali Hotel is considered the largest desert hotel in the country and provides you with modern facilities in the midst of the pristine and peaceful nature of the desert. This building has an inner courtyard, which is surrounded by walls with hotel rooms, and in the middle of it, there is a lovely pond with a fountain.

The rooms of Bali Hotel are for 2 to 4 people, and their check-in and check-out times are at 14:00 and 12:00 noon, respectively. In this place, you can benefit from facilities such as free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, restaurant, coffee shop, desert tour services, library, etc.

T Da traditional hotel The peace of desert life

T Da traditional hotel is a building with beautiful architecture, which was built in the desert and between the sand dunes, so that travelers can experience the peace of the desert nights in addition to having suitable facilities. The sky of T Da Hotel, like other desert areas, is spectacular and beautiful and gives you a chance to watch the stars.

This hotel has 2, 4, and 6-bed rooms, whose check-in and check-out times are at 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., respectively. When reserving rooms at T Da Hotel, you must book them for at least 2 nights. The facilities of this hotel include free internet, toilet and independent bathroom.

Atshoni Ecotourism Residence or Maziar House A gathering around the fire

Atshoni is a 300-year-old local building that has been beautifully restored with raw clay in an old style to welcome the guests of the desert. The name of this residence has its roots in the Pahlavi language and its meaning is “night stay around the fire”. These evenings around the fire are one of the regular programs of Maziar House.

Among the other entertainments of this cozy and peaceful native house, we can mention the possibility of watching traditional music performances and camel rides. Also, in the restaurant of this residence, you can get to know the local dishes of this region. Atashoni residence cannot be booked at the moment (August 1403). To coordinate and get more information, you can call its phone number.

Negarin Ecotourism Residence Manifesting the beauty of native architecture

Negarin Ecotourism Residence is a 90-year-old building that has been renovated by preserving the traditional architectural features. This residence has a central courtyard surrounded by 8 rooms. 2 other rooms of the residence are also located on the roof. Upon entering the yard, beauties such as the blue color of the pond, wooden doors, colored glass windows, windproof arches and mesh flower decorations, attract the eyes.

Since this hotel has been restored by preserving the traditional architectural features, there is no TV, refrigerator, bed or cooling system in its rooms. The services you will receive at Negarin residence include things like free internet, tourist guide, toilet and independent bathroom. The check-in and check-out times are at 14:00 and 12:00, respectively.

Egyptian desert entertainment From pure relaxation to extreme excitement

In this section, we are going to talk about desert entertainment; The same thing that draws lovers to this hot land. One of the reasons for the popularity of desert recreation is that it satisfies different tastes; Because all kinds of calm, exciting, night and daytime entertainments are possible in these areas. The advantage of the Egyptian desert over most of the country’s deserts is that its sands are suitable for a certain type of desert recreation. In the following, we will talk more about the entertainment in this area.

Safari A popular desert pastime

One of the exciting activities in the desert is off-road riding on the slopes of the dunes. In Egypt, there are two-wheel drive off-road vehicles with experienced drivers and they give you a chance to add this exciting pastime to your list of experiences. To enjoy this exciting ride, you can go to Egypt’s off-road track or Chal Selkanun.

Motorcycle riding on sand Easy and exciting

Unlike off-road, ATV riding is an exciting yet easy adventure and anyone can ride it with ease. One of the popular recreational facilities of the Egyptian desert is the possibility of renting desert motorbikes. By renting this device, you can drive quickly through the steep slopes of the sand dunes, reach the top and see the desert sands in front of you.

Skiing on the sand Sandboarding

The word “ski” usually reminds of snow and cold; But the hot and slippery sands of the desert also provide a suitable platform for this sport. In our country, the Egyptian desert is one of the few deserts whose sand grains are suitable for this sport. For SandBoarding, this fun hobby, you need to go to the desert in the morning when the sand is not hot yet, then run to the top of the sand dunes and then slide down with the board on the smooth sand.

Camel riding A different desert climbing

Camel riding is one of the methods of transportation in this area, and it is an opportunity to go far in the silence of the desert without the need for an exhausting walk. This recreation, especially on the dunes with spectacular distant views, will create a peaceful and memorable desert hiking experience for you.

Photography Recording indescribable sights

Of course, words and definitions will not describe all the beauties of this region; So you have to take a picture. Even most of the people who are not photographers, when they see the sandy and golden waves of the Egyptian desert, they start recording the image of these landscapes. We recommend that you have a suitable camera with you when traveling to this desert so that you can capture and describe the beauty of Egypt’s nature. If you are also a photographer, we promise you to create the most memorable photos.

Camping Spending a peaceful night

The desert has two different faces; On one side, there are golden and hot days and exciting entertainment, and on the other side, there are silent, cold and starry nights. Nights free from the hustle and bustle of the desert will be a popular destination for city dwellers to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Camping in the desert watching the sunset, spending the night around the fire, drinking charcoal tea and finally watching the sunrise will become a peaceful and lasting memory for tourists. Of course, to have a more comfortable camping experience, we recommend that you take experienced people with you.

Watching the desert night sky The twinkling effect of the stars

If the earth has a window to the universe, that window is undoubtedly the desert sky. The sky of the desert often has no clouds and light pollution, and through its darkness and transparency, celestial bodies are visible and visible. If you are going with the aim of stargazing, we recommend checking the sky condition or joining a group of astronomers.

Egyptian desert tourist attractions Traces of history and the force of nature

In Egypt, in addition to the common entertainments of this region, there are also various tourist attractions. The sights of this area include various and even unique ancient monuments and natural attractions. One of the attractions of Egypt’s natural sights is that some of them have been created by nature in recent years. In the following, we mention some of the most important sights.

Beyazeh Castle A vast fort with a winding structure

Beyazeh Castle or Citadel is one of the ancient buildings left over from the Sassanid era and has had military and residential uses for centuries. This old desert fort has a deep and wide moat as well as a vast clay complex around it. Beyazeh fortress is built on several floors and has winding stairs and rooms.

In this ancient building, facilities and devices such as the arena, air conditioning for the lower floors, hand mill and old jars can be seen. There is also a grain store in Beyazeh citadel, which was used by the village people until a few years ago.

Salt lake desert mirror

Namak Khor Lake is one of the most beautiful sights in the Egyptian desert and is one of the popular places for photographers. This lake is black in winter; But in summers, its surface is covered with salt crystals and turns white. Sometimes it reflects the image of the sky.

On the surface of Khor Lake, honeycomb geometric shapes are formed, which are called salt shapes or polygons. This lake with an area of ​​2000 km is known as the largest seasonal salt lake in the country.

Potash salt village Home to the world’s only crystal waterfall

Potash village is a spectacular collection of various structures and salt phenomena. In this complex, there is a 25-meter-high salty waterfall that has no other example in the world. Another popular attraction of the Potas complex is the blue salt lake, which has very heavy water, and you can swim and float in it without fear of drowning.

Potash village is a part of potash salt processing and decomposition complex and is considered one of the most special tourist attractions of the Egyptian desert. In this village, you can use amenities such as restaurants, coffee shops, and small dome suites.

Dr. Fish spring The miracle of nature’s caress

The spring of Garme Konj Su village is one of the famous natural attractions of this region. Garra Rufa or Doctor Fish live in this spring and when you put your foot in the water, the fish gather around it. By exfoliating the skin, garra rufa fish help treat skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis.

According to the works that have been discovered around it, humans have settled in this area since very early times, probably from the Sassanid era, and have used the healing properties of the spring. Dr. Fish spring water has useful minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium and has many properties for skin and hair. Due to the popularity of this place, amenities such as restaurants, coffee shops, residences, etc. have also been created around it.

Selconon hole A beautiful reminder of a great disaster

Chal Selkenun is one of the most exciting tourist attractions in the Egyptian desert. Chal Selkonun is a beautiful depression in the desert, deep in which there is a swamp and it is surrounded by sand dunes. This sand wall has a slope of about 30 degrees and is an ideal place for off-road, sand skiing and quad biking.

This hole is not very old and was created after the flood of 1355. The name of this place also refers to this flood. After the flood of 1955, a large lake was created in this area, which became its present form over time. This natural attraction is located in the north of Misr village and after Farahzad village.

Bride’s bed A spectacle over Egypt

Takht Arous is also one of the most beautiful sights in Isfahan Egypt, and in front of it, it has a view of many desert sights. In general, areas that are high are called “flats”. Most of them have been mountains whose peaks have been eroded and flattened by the wind and strong desert storms.

From the heights of Takht Arous, you can see areas such as Misr village, Chal Selkanun, sand dunes and, if the weather is favorable, desert swamps. The name Takht Arous is also rooted in the beautiful scenery of this region; Because Egyptians call every beautiful thing a bride. Among other places similar to this place are the Abbasi throne and Shoor throne, all of which are located near the bride’s throne.

• Address: Isfahan, Khor, Masr village, location 34/09 622 North and 54/45/450844 East.

Nizar | An example of calm after the storm

Nizar is another tourist attraction in the Egyptian desert, which has an important difference from the others. Unlike other attractions in the region, Nizar has a dense vegetation cover; So that it attracts the birds and animals of the region and is considered one of the wildlife watering holes.

Before 1355, there was no trace of this beautiful reed, until due to a devastating flood in this place, a large reservoir was formed and later reed grew in it. This reed is one of the favorite places for wildlife photographers due to the presence of animals such as sand cats, sand foxes, cockatiels, falcons, etc. Nizar route is usually traveled by safari or camel. People who are interested in physical activity will also reach their destination by walking for about an hour.

Egyptian desert animals Nocturnal animals

Misr Isfahan has a significant animal cover, and for this reason, hunting is prohibited in this area. These animals are often active at night and you will not encounter most of them during the day. Animals such as small biped, kangaroo biped, sand fox, rabbit, sand cat, Parsley viper, spotted snake, tarantula and scorpion are some of the animals that have a home in this desert.

Essential tips to create the best travel experience in the Egyptian desert

Staying in the desert, along with all its pleasant relaxation and recreation, also has its dangers. Of course, by paying attention to the following points, the probability of encountering these risks will be much less.

• The desert has dangerous animals such as snakes, scorpions and tarantulas; Therefore, staying in local hotels is safer than camping.
• If you are camping, close all the openings of the tent well so that animals do not enter.
• Travel to the desert during the cold seasons to avoid being bitten by poisonous animals.
• Do not venture far into the desert without an experienced local guide.
• Be sure to bring accessories such as warm clothes, glasses and sunscreen with you.
• Pitch a tent in designated camping areas.
• Read the camp brochure.

Egyptian desert, land of history and nature

In this article, we provided comprehensive information about the Egyptian desert of Isfahan, told about access routes to Egypt, and introduced shelters to get rid of the fatigue of the road there. Then we reviewed the activities that are possible in the desert so that you can have a good time on this trip. At the end, we introduced the tourist attractions of the Egyptian desert so that you can get to know a little more about its unique nature and its history and historical monuments.

We hope this article will help you to have good memories of your trip like a guide. If you are interested in desert travel, we recommend that you include a visit to this area in your plans. If you have already been to this desert, what advice do you have for the next travelers? Write us in the comments section.

Frequently asked questions about the Egyptian desert