INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Isfahan- On Friday, after two and a half unforgettable days exploring the historical wonders of Isfahan, it was time for the 100 tour
operators from 25 countries to embark on a new adventure: a journey to the captivating Varzaneh Desert.It was about 2 p.m., February 21, and
the group had visited many Isfahan attractions
From the grand Masjid-e-Jameh to the breathtaking Naqsh-e Jahan Square and the intricate beauty of the Chehel Sotoun palace, and from the
huge Isfahan Healthcare City to the breathtaking Khaju Bridg, each foreign guest had been dazzled by the city's combination of history,
delightful lunch at Parsian Hotel, the group was ready to leave the city behind
The organizers had arranged four large buses and five special vans to carry the group towards the desert.The mood was filled with excitement
as some of the guests chatted eagerly, knowing that the next few hours would bring something special
As the vehicles departed Isfahan, the landscape began to change
The green streets and historic buildings slowly faded into the distance, giving way to the golden, expansive plains of the desert.As we
passed Isfahan's outskirts, the air felt different, dry, and warm, but with a certain serenity that was impossible to ignore
After nearly 80 minutes of travel, the group arrived at their first stop, the ruins of the Ghurtan Citadel.A step back in time: The Ghurtan
CitadelIt was a fascinating detour to an ancient citadel, an extremely massive adobe structure located just 110 kilometers east of Isfahan
It was here that the foreign tour operators were met by local villagers, who greeted them with warm smiles, tea, and sweet pastries
The local hospitality was heartwarming.As the villagers offered traditional music played on local instruments, a group of them guided the
foreign visitors through the ruins
The citadel, dating back to the 5th century CE during the reign of the Sassanid monarch Bahram V, had once been a thriving fortification
Though much of it now stood in ruin, its historical significance remained evident in the crumbling walls and towering watchtowers
more about this little-known gem of Iran.A glimpse into ancient water engineering: Gav ChahContinuing on the journey towards the desert,
just a few kilometers before reaching Varzaneh, the group was greeted by another unique sight: the Gav Chah.This ancient water well system,
powered by a cow, was a truly fascinating glimpse into old Persian engineering
A large, humpbacked cow was used to walk up and down a sloped path, pulling a bucket attached to a pulley system
As the cow moved downhill, the bucket was raised, bringing water from the depths of the well.The foreign guests were captivated by the sight
The ingenious design of the Gav Chah was a testament to the resourcefulness of ancient engineers who relied on animals to perform vital
tasks in agriculture long before the advent of modern machinery
The group took photos and videos, appreciating the simplicity and beauty of this age-old method of water extraction.Into the desert:
off-road adventure in VarzanehAfter this fascinating stop, the group continued towards the heart of the Varzaneh Desert
As they approached the golden sand dunes, the excitement was palpable.I and many other guests were eager to experience the thrill of
The vehicles sped through the vast, undulating dunes, climbing and descending steep slopes, sending sand flying in all directions
awe-inspiring, with the dunes stretching endlessly into 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 been so deep in the desert, and it was an experience they would never
forget.As the sun began to set, the group settled in to enjoy the stillness of the desert
The sky shifted in color from vibrant oranges and reds to deeper purples as the sun dipped below the horizon
It was a magical moment, enhanced by the warmth of the desert air and the quiet beauty of the stars emerging in the night sky.A warm
welcome: local hospitalityAfter the sunset, the group made their way back towards the edge of the desert, where a large tent awaited them
Inside, they were welcomed by the local people who had prepared a feast of traditional food
Their hospitality was nothing short of extraordinary, and the group was delighted by the local dishes, including juicy meat stews, and
I, myself, and a number of the guests enjoyed mingling with the locals, exchanging stories, and learning about their way of life on the
margins of a desert.As the evening wore on, the desert night grew colder, but the warmth of the food, the tea, and the company kept everyone
Some of the guests that I talked to remarked that this experience was one of the most memorable of their travels, as they had not only
witnessed the natural beauty of the desert but had also been embraced by the kindness and generosity of the local people.The day which
started with visits to a vast museum of musical instruments and was followed by the Chehel Sotoun palace in the morning, had been a perfect
blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation
From the ancient history of the Ghurtan Citadel to the thrill of off-roading through the sand dunes and the peaceful stargazing in the
desert, every moment left a lasting impression on the 100 foreign tour guides.As they made their way back 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
Varzaneh Desert would remain one of the highlights of their time in Isfahan province, a land of breathtaking beauty and warm hospitality.AM
