Is there really a city where people resemble dwarfs? How can a village in the heart of the desert be so special and different? If you are looking for one of Iran’s most mysterious places, you should know Makhunik village in Khorasan; Where they are nicknamed “Makhunik City of Dwarfs”! Due to the special lifestyle of the people, the different architecture of the houses and the weird local beliefs, the village has attracted the attention of domestic and foreign tourists for years.
Makhunik village undoubtedly one of South Khorasan sightseeing places Seeing it will be a completely different experience than ordinary trips. In this post, join us to take a deeper look at this amazing village, from the exact location to the strange secrets and local narratives. Continue this special adventure in Tourism Magazine Fly Read!
Makhvunik village is one of the historic, pristine and unique villages of Iran located in South Khorasan province near the Afghan border. This village is located in Sarbisheh city and in Dashtiari village. The special geographical location of Makhunik has made it almost separate from other parts of Iran for years, so its lifestyle, culture and even architecture remain significantly different.
Makhunik is located in the heart of the low but extensive mountains of southeastern Iran and has a relatively dry but gentle climate. One of the most important reasons that makes Makhunik special is the architecture of the houses: homes with short ceilings, without windows, made in the heart of the earth using stone and wood. This has led to the title of “Dwarf City”, as people have been genetically short in the past.
In Makhunik, years of using TV, motorcycles and even drinking tea have been banned! These bans have been part of the traditional and conservative beliefs of the villagers who have long been avoiding modern changes. Today, however, Makhonik, by preserving its cultural identity, is one of Iran’s tourist attractions that gives a different experience for each traveler.
Makhunik village distance from Birjand
To access Makhunik, the nearest main city of Birjand is the capital of South Khorasan province. The village is about 2 kilometers from Birjand and takes about 2 and a half hours with a private car or taxi. The route consists of relatively mountainous and soil roads in the final area that requires careful driving.
Distance from Mashhad to Makhunik Village
If you are planning to travel from Mashhad, the center of Khorasan Razavi province, you should travel about 2 kilometers to reach Makhunik. This route takes between 2 and 4 hours by car and passes through the Mashhad -Heydariyeh -Qaen -Birjand route. On the way, you can from attractions such as Lut Desert And visit the Akbari Garden.
Distance from Makhunik village from Tehran
To travel from the capital to this mysterious village, you must prepare yourself for a long route. The distance from Tehran to the village of Makhunik is about 2 kilometers, which takes about 2 to 4 hours with a personal car. The proposed route is Tehran -Semnan -Shahroud -Zazar -Tabriz Heydariyeh -Qaen -Birjand -Sarbisheh -Machunik. Of course, by flying to Birjand and continuing the car, you can dramatically reduce travel time.
Makhunik village on Google Map map
Makhunik village
The village of Makhunik Adam is one of the most special parts of Iran whose name is as mysterious and interesting as its social structure and architecture. In the local language, “Makhunik” is a combination of indigenous words in the region, which, according to some scholars, is derived from the roots of words such as “Mach” meaning a valley or place of residence, and “good” means good or good. For this reason, “Makhunik” can be translated approximately the “good place of life” or “good place”.
But what has made the village world famous is not only its name but also the physical characteristic of its people. For years, due to the average shortness of the people of Makhunik village, this place has been nicknamed the “City of Dwarfs”. Studies show that in the past the average height of the village was about 1 to 2 cm. The causes of this phenomenon are genetic factors, nutritional conditions and the specific lifestyle of the region.
Lack of protein food resources, limited use of technology, and traditional lifestyle have been factors that have affected the stature growth of children. However, the new generation in Makhunik has a taller height than the past, but this physical feature still plays an important role in the fame of the village.

Ways to access the village of Makhunik Birjand
Visiting the village of Makhunik Birjand, you have different options. If you are traveling with public vehicles, Buy train tickets To Mashhad or Tabas, and from there to a taxi or renting car to Birjand, one of the affordable ways. You can also Tehran Birjand ticket (Air) First get to the center of South Khorasan province and from there to Makhunik.
The land route from Birjand to Makhunik is about 2 kilometers and it takes between 2 and 6 hours depending on the road conditions. The route consists of side and mountain roads that may be slippery or snowy in winter. Therefore, it is recommended that you check the weather and roads before traveling.
If you are traveling by a personal car, there are different paths depending on your origin. From Tehran or Mashhad, the best route to Makhunik is crossing the roads leading to Birjand and then moving to Sarbisheh and Dashtiari village.

History of Makhunik Village
Makhunik village of South Khorasan is one of the oldest human settlements in eastern Iran. The village is located in the hearts of the Sarbisheh city and dates back to more than a few centuries. Some local sources and anthropological studies show that Makhunik was formed more than 5 years ago and that it has remained isolated to a great extent from other parts of Iran.
The village of Makhunik in Birjand has always had a more closed lifestyle due to being away from the main roads and being bordering Afghanistan. The people of the village have experienced a simple, unobtrusive life away from modern technologies. Until a few decades ago, the arrival of items such as TV, mobile phones, motorcycles and even drinking tea in the area was taboo.
The early inhabitants of Makhunik were simple farmers and ranchers who met most of their needs. Despite the relative poverty of the region, the morale of collectivism, cooperation and self -sufficiency was among the inhabitants. Many village houses are still traditionally built with native materials such as flowers, wood and stone.
The sights of South Khorasan are not low, but Makhunik has a unique place due to its different lifestyle, special architecture and strange cultural beliefs. Many foreign tourists have put Makhunik on their cultural travel list to take a real look at a semi -traditional society in the heart of the desert.

Sights of Makhunik Village
If planning to visit The sights of Birjand You are, don’t miss a visit to the village of Makhunik. Not only is the village one of the special natural and historical attractions of South Khorasan, but it has gained worldwide fame due to its unique architectural style, social structure and unique culture. Every corner of Makhunik narrates an ancient story of people’s beliefs and their lifestyle.
One of the most interesting parts of the Makhunik village is the architecture of the houses. The houses are built in the heart of the ground in a semi -stained manner to safeguard heat and cold. The height of the houses is very short and most houses do not have windows. This feature is not only the climatic aspect, but it is rooted in the traditional beliefs of the people. Each house consists of two or three main parts:
- The living room is simple and small.
- Food warehouse or “silo”, which is made with great care.
- In some homes, there is a special storage space near or even part of the house.
Other highlights of Makhunik include:
- Youssef Sarbisheh Historic House (the first person to buy TV in the village)
- Old and old
- Traditional gardens and local aqueducts
- Makhunik Local Museum

Architecture of Makhunik Village
The architecture of the village of Makhunik is one of the most prominent reasons that has made this area one of the most amazing villages in Iran. The houses of this village are designed to be perfectly in line with the climatic conditions of the area and the cultural beliefs of the people.
At first glance the houses are very small and pit; That is, some of them are made in the heart of the earth. This clever design makes residents safe from winter cold and extreme summer heat. The height of the entrance door is often less than 5 cm and should be bent over. This has led to the formation of the famous interpretation of the “City of Dwarfs”.
The walls are made of stone, flowers and wood, and the ceilings are often covered with wooden beams and mats. Homes are generally non -windows and only one skylight or entrance door is used for ventilation and light. This helps maintain the internal temperature in the harsh desert conditions. The interior of the houses is simple but practical. They often have a main room for rest and everyday life, and in some, a cereal or place for livestock storage at the bottom of the house is embedded.

Makhunik Village Customs
The customs of the village of Makhunik are among the features that have made this village one of the most special cultural spots in Iran. Until a few decades ago, the villagers were extremely conservative and resisted the manifestations of the modern world.
For example, drinking tea was forbidden for years in Makhunik! It was also banned for a long time for a long time. The inhabitants believed that these devices would cause corruption and change the traditional lifestyle.
Marriages were very traditional in the past and the wedding was simple and family. Men were mainly farmers and ranchers, and housewives were active and active in making bread, cheese and other home -made food items. Beliefs, spells and prayers are also existed among the elderly.
During Nowruz, residents celebrate New Year by wearing local dresses, traditional pastries, and family visits. There is also a great deal of social solidarity among the people in religious ceremonies such as Muharram, Ashura and religious festivals.

The best time to travel to the village of Makhunik
The village of Makhunik Birjand is located in a mountainous and semi -arid area and has a climatic, climate different from other areas of South Khorasan. The Makhunik winters are very cold and sometimes with snowfall, especially because of the specific height and geographical location of the village. This season may have difficulty.
Spring in this temperate area begins with a lush and delicate nature. Spring scattered rainfalls greenery around the surrounding rangelands and provide the best opportunity for nature enthusiasts. Summer in Makhunik, unlike many parts of South Khorasan, is not too hot and is relatively cool and tolerable.
Autumn is also one of the pleasant seasons of travel. Trees, the cool air and the pleasant silence of the village give a poetic space for tourists. Considering the weather and access, the best time to travel to the village of Makhunik is from early May to late June as well as from mid -September to the end of October. In these intervals, temperate weather, roads are good, and the nature of the village is at its best.

Stay in the village of Makhunik
Currently, there is no possibility of staying in the Makhunik village in a wide range of professionals such as hotel or official eco -tourism. While some local families may accommodate tourists for a few hours of rest or meal, the necessary infrastructure is not fully provided for night stay.
However, travelers can travel to Birjand, about 2 kilometers to Makhunik, and return to their place of residence after visiting. Birjand Hotels Are active at different levels of service; From three -star and four -star hotels to economic guests. Some of these hotels provide good amenities for nature and cultural tourists and can be a reliable and comfortable option to travel to the area.

Travel recommendations to Makhunik Village
Traveling to the historic and unique Makhunik village requires relative readiness and some practical tips to have a safe, enjoyable and informative experience. Due to its specific geographical location, lack of urban facilities, and the traditional village structure, tourists must travel to the area with full awareness.
- Before moving, check the weather and roads.
- Use suitable cars on mountain and earth roads.
- Be sure to have drinking water, snacks and essentials.
- Treat the locals with respect and allow people to photograph.
- Wear proper walking shoes on earth and rocky paths.
- If you are planning to stay long, reserve in Birjand.
- Collect your garbage and maintain the village’s environment.
- Take a local guide to get to know the less highly known sights.

A different journey to the village of Wonders
The village of Makhunik is one of the most special and mysterious tourism destinations in Iran that surprises every traveler with its different history, culture and lifestyle. This village is located in South Khorasan and near the city of Birjand and can be accessed through ground paths.
If you are planning to make a different and culturally trip, you can reach the area by booking a train ticket to Birjand or near towns and then on the road. Aerial and bus routes are also available to Birjand. In the end, if you have an experience of traveling to this village or have something to do with others, let us know. Your experiences can be a good guide for other travel enthusiasts.
Frequently asked questions about the village of Makhunik
What is the distance from Mashhad to the village of Makhunik?
The distance from Mashhad to Makhunik is about 2 kilometers and the route is accessible via Birjand.
Why are the village of Makhunik the land of Lillypots?
Due to the short height of the villagers in the past and the very small architectural style of the houses, this nickname has been given to Makhunik.
What is the best time to travel to the village of Makhunik?
Spring and autumn, especially from May to June and September to Mehr, are the best time to visit this mountainous village.
Is there a residence in Makhunik?
No, there is no formal residence in the village; It is best to stay in Birjand hotels.
Is it difficult to reach Makhunik?
Its road route, especially in winter, may be challenging; It is recommended to use the right car and check the status of the roads.
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