ISFAHANG – After two and a half days of unforgettable exploring the historic wonders of ISFAHANG, it’s time for 100 tour operators from 25 countries to embark on a new adventure: the enchanting Valzane desert Journey.
On February 21st, it was around 2pm and the group visited many Isfahan attractions. From the Grand Masjid Ejameh to the breathtaking Nakshwejahan Square, the intricate beauty of Shelsotong Palace, and the enormous Isfahan Healthcare City to the breathtaking Kaj Bridge, each foreign guest is in the city I was amazed at the combination. History, religion, art, but now they were about to experience something completely different: the vast, calm wilderness of the desert.
After a fun lunch at the Percian Hotel, the group was ready to leave town. The organizers had arranged four large buses and five special vans to direct the group towards the desert.
The mood was full of excitement as some of the guests chatted enthusiastically and found out that the next few hours would bring something special. As the vehicle departed from Isfahan, the scenery began to change. The green streets and historic buildings slowly faded into the distance, giving way to the vast, golden plains of the desert.
Passing through the outskirts of Isfahan, the air felt different, dry and warm, but there was a certain tranquility that could not be ignored. After a nearly 80-minute trip, the group arrived at the ruins of the Fortress of Gurtan.
Going back in time: Glutan Citadel
It was an attractive detour to the ancient fortress. This is a very huge Adobe structure located 110km east of Isfahan. Here, foreign tour operators met local villagers and greeted them with warm smiles, tea and sweet pastries. The local hospitality was heartwarming.
Just as the villagers provided traditional music played on local instruments, their group led foreign visitors through the abandoned ins. The fortress dated back to the Gregorian calendar, dating back to the fifth century during the reign of Bahram V, the monarch of Sassanid, was a fortress that once flourished. Many of them were now abandoned, but their historical significance is revealed in the falling walls and towering watchers. The guide was fascinated by the site’s history and wanted to learn more about this little-known gem of Iran, so that many people could take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions about the ancient structures.
Glimpse into ancient water engineering: Gav Chah
Continuing on their journey into the desert, a few kilometres before reaching Valzane, the group was greeted by another unique sight, Gav Chah.
This ancient water well system, loaded with cows, gave us a truly fascinating glimpse of the old Persian engineering. Using a large humpback cow, I walked up and down the sloped road, pulling a bucket attached to the pulley system. As the cows moved downhill, the bucket rose and brought water in from the depths of the well.
Foreign guests were captivated by the sight. Some of them even tried to sing traditional songs that cattle owners use to call animals, but despite their efforts, the cows were not moved. Gav Chah’s ingenious design is a testament to the wit of ancient engineers who relied on animals to perform important tasks in agriculture long before the advent of modern machines. The group took photos and videos and appreciated the simplicity and beauty of this ancient water extraction method.
To the Desert: Off-road adventure in Valzane
After this charming stop, the group continued towards the centre of the Valzané Desert. The excitement was evident as they approached the golden dunes.
Me and many other guests wanted to experience the off-road thrills on a 4×4 vehicle, but were not disappointed. The vehicles ran through vast, undulating dunes, climbed steep slopes, descended, and flew in every direction to send sand. The experience was thrilling and the guide could only scream in excitement when the adrenaline rush took over.
The beauty of the desert was adored, and the dunes were endlessly stretching to the horizon. The group gathered in an inner area of the desert, where they were given time to reflect on the beauty and tranquility of the landscape. For some of the foreign guests, this was the first time they had become deeply deep in the desert, and it was an experience they would never forget.
As the sun began to set, the group settled down to enjoy the tranquility of the desert. The sky shifted colour from bright orange and red to deeper purple as the sun soaked under the horizon. It was a magical moment, reinforced by the warmth of the desert air and the quiet beauty of the stars that appear in the night sky.
Warm welcome: local hospitality
After sunset, the group returned towards the edge of the desert, where a large tent was waiting for them. Inside, they were welcomed by the locals who prepared an east feast of traditional food. Their hospitality was extraordinary, and the group was delighted with local cuisine, including juicy meat stews and freshly baked breads. Me, me, and many of our guests mixed in with locals, exchanged stories and learned about how they lived on the desert rim.
By the evening, the desert nights were cold, but the food, tea and the warmth of the company kept everyone comfortable. Some of the guests I spoke to stated that this experience was one of the most memorable of their trips. Because they not only witnessed the natural beauty of the desert, but also were accepted by the kindness and generosity of the locals.
The day that began with a visit to the vast Museum of Musical Instruments and followed by the morning of Shelsotong Palace was a perfect blend of adventure, culture and relaxation. From the ancient history of Glutan Fortress to the off-road thrills passing through the dunes and watching the peaceful starry sky in the desert, every moment left a lasting impression on 100 foreign tour guides.
When they returned to Isfahan, the group shared stories and memories of the day’s adventures, knowing that they had experienced something truly special.
Perhaps for many of them, the Valzané Desert is one of the highlights of the Isfahan era, and will remain a land of breathtaking beauty and warm hospitality.
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