Iran
Meybod (approximately 50 km north of Yazd) is a historical desert town. Kharanaq (approximately 70 km northeast of Yazd) is an ancient, abandoned mudbrick village. Chak Chak (approximately 100 km northeast of Yazd) is the most sacred Zoroastrian pilgrimage site.
Choices for travel to these sites include private hire and organized tours.
A flexible choice for day trips. Negotiate price with a driver in advance for half or full-day travel. Hotel or guesthouse assistance with arrangements is common.
Many local agencies and guesthouses in Yazd offer organized day tours that cover one or more of these sites. These tours typically include transportation.
The desert surrounding Yazd offers unique natural beauty and experiences.
Vast desert landscapes around Yazd with sand dunes. Popular for their stark beauty and golden hues.
The Bafgh desert, 1.5 hours southeast of Yazd, suitable for walking, sandboarding, and photography.
Yazd's desert location offers clear night skies for stunning displays of stars. Many desert tours feature stargazing.
Efforts conserve delicate desert ecosystems and ancient qanat systems. The UNESCO World Heritage status of Yazd also promotes architectural preservation.
Minimize waste and plastic consumption. Use a reusable water bottle. Dispose of trash properly.
Beyond the main city, Yazd's surroundings offer further cultural insights.
While on the outskirts of Yazd city, these ancient Zoroastrian burial sites offer profound historical and cultural insight.
Chak Chak (Pir-e Sabz) is the most important Zoroastrian pilgrimage site worldwide.
The inscription of Yazd's historical city as an UNESCO World Heritage site safeguards its unique mudbrick architecture and urban fabric.
Ensure your visit benefits the local economy directly and ethically.
Support local guesthouses, small, independently owned restaurants, and artisan workshops.
Purchase directly from artisans in the bazaar for handicrafts and Termeh.
Use local taxis or ride-sharing apps like Snapp, run by local drivers.
Yazd naturally integrates into longer itineraries with other major cities.
4-5 hours from Yazd by bus or train. Renowned for Safavid architecture, Naqsh-e Jahan Square, mosques, palaces.
6-7 hours from Yazd by bus or train. Famous for Persepolis, Persian gardens, tombs of Hafez and Sa'adi.
Historical houses, traditional gardens, desert architecture. Often visited between Tehran and Isfahan.
Consider renting an apartment or room in a traditional house for several weeks or months.
Focus on learning Persian, engaging deeply with local communities, and participating in daily life.
Explore surrounding villages and natural areas more thoroughly for an authentic, unhurried experience.
