Enchanting Polond Desert; nature’s playground in Ferdows
The Polond Desert, also known as the Mozaffari Protected Area, stands out as one of the prominent tourist attractions in South Khorasan Province, located in Ferdows. This region’s unique desert and mountainous topography creates optimal conditions for various wildlife species, including the Iranian zebra. Spanning an impressive 92,808 hectares, the Polond Desert is characterized by the convergence of desert and wasteland with highlands and mountains, resulting in a breathtaking landscape. Visitors can find sandy hills, salt flats, low-lying salt pans, and desert regions interspersed with mountainous terrains, including sandy hills that resemble a cheetah’s tail and striking sand dunes.
One notable feature of the desert is the Dom Yuz Dune (literally meaning “cheetah’s tail”), which resembles a cheetah resting in the heart of the desert, its head nestled among the mountains. To stabilize this dune, earthen barriers have been constructed at its eastern end. Nearby, areas with low and clayey surfaces are home to ancient water reservoirs that once served weary travelers and caravans in need of refreshment.
Another fascinating natural sight in the Polond Desert is Sang Sorakh (literally meaning Hollow Rock). This geological phenomenon features a 20-meter diameter hole created by water erosion in limestone, providing stunning views from above in the heart of the desert.
Sang Sorakh is located along the route to the Polond Desert and the Dom Yuz Dune, approximately 500 meters from the old Ibrahimabad road leading to Kajeh village and Chahe Now. Near Sang Sorakh, a water cave can also be found, offering a unique caving experience in the desert.
The desert marks the end of the earth, the boundary of life. In the Polond Desert, as in every corner of the world, life thrives. The presence of various animal species, including the Arabian Oryx and the Iranian zebra, makes Polond a prime location for wildlife observation. The region’s plant species include sand sagebrush, tamarisk, locust, thornbush, wild almond, and wild barberry. The diversity of animal species in the area is remarkable, featuring mouflon, ibex, wolves, gazelles, and over 33 species of reptiles.
Tourists who choose Polond as their travel destination can create unforgettable memories in this beautiful desert through a variety of activities, outlined below:
Wildlife watching: The unique connection between the desert and mountains in Polond, combined with the presence of a protected area home to rare wildlife species, makes Polond Desert an important site for wildlife observation and birdwatching enthusiasts.
Camel riding: With both wild and domestic camels bred in the region, camel riding is a popular activity that allows visitors to explore the desert in a traditional manner.
Desert night sky: The clear, pristine night sky of the desert provides an ideal setting for stargazing. Spending the night in the desert allows you to fully appreciate its stunning celestial beauty.
Hiking: One of the most enjoyable activities in the desert is walking on the soft, warm sands and exploring the captivating sand dunes.
Off-roading, quad biking, safari, and zip lining: These exhilarating activities are also popular in the Polond Desert and attract many adventure enthusiasts.
Best time to visit: The ideal time for desert exploration and adventures is during autumn, winter, and early spring. We recommend visiting the Polond Desert during these seasons, particularly in autumn and spring.
Near the Polond Desert lies a village of the same name, featuring eco-lodges designed with traditional desert architecture. After a day of remarkable desert exploration, you can spend the night in one of these lodges or set up camp under the stars. This experience allows you to enjoy the luminous skies of the desert while immersing yourself in its tranquility and silence.