Rig-e Jin Desert

Rig-e Jin is a desert region of sand dunes in the Central Desert of Iran. It lies south of Semnan, east of the Salt Lake (Daryacheh-ye Namak), north of Anarak and west of Jandaq. It is a popular destination for desert trekking, which demands great courage and strength. Covering more than 3,800 square kilometres, Rig-e Jin is the third-largest sand sea in Iran and is mostly considered part of Semnan Province. The Rig-e Jin Desert is regarded as one of the wonders of Iran and attracts large numbers of ecotourists every year.

Rig-e Jin is one of the most mysterious and frightening areas of Iran, and it does not even appear on many old maps. The region has sand marshes that can easily swallow any creature. Unfortunately, because of recent droughts, the marshes no longer form here. There are no springs or water wells in the Rig-e Jin Desert, and the only river that flows into it is the Vargi River, which rises on Mount Gugerd. Its water is salty. There are also rivers such as the Hable Rud and the Rudsar Darreh on the northeastern edge of Rig-e Jin. Their water is salty too, and they add a distinctive beauty to the region.

Because of its harsh geography and unique features, Rig-e Jin is also known as the "Bermuda Triangle of Iran". In the local language, the word "rig" refers to shifting sands, and "jin" means covered and hidden. The region earned this frightening name because of its mysterious character and the difficult conditions of its terrain. The Rig-e Jin Desert is extremely hot and dry, and the temperature range can sometimes exceed 50 degrees. Travelling here requires experience, skill and a high level of technical preparation. It is recommended that only professionals with suitable equipment, travelling in organised groups, visit this desert.