Rig-e Shagh

Rig-e Shagh, also known as the Matinabad Desert, is an arid area covered with sand dunes, located north of the city of Badrud in Isfahan Province. This sandy expanse is a narrow strip that continues the great Band-e Rig sand sea, stretching from the southeast of Band-e Rig to the north of Badrud.

With its scattered sand dunes, this desert region offers a highly varied and appealing landscape. The tallest dunes of Rig-e Shagh are about 70 metres high and create a stunning view for travellers and lovers of desert nature. The vegetation of this sand field includes species adapted to sand and desert conditions, such as saxaul (taghagh), tamarisk (gaz), natr, nesi and dom-gavi, which are highly resistant to water scarcity. The area's wildlife is also rich, and species such as gerbils (jerd), sand foxes, snakes, scorpions, crested larks and flycatchers can be seen here. It is worth noting that in the past Rig-e Shagh was a habitat of the Asiatic cheetah, which is now rarely seen because of habitat destruction.

To reach Rig-e Shagh, the main route runs from the city of Badrud toward the Imamzadeh Agha Ali Abbas, and the dirt road to the Matinabad Eco Camp also leads visitors to the northeast of the sand field. The best time to visit is early spring or late autumn, when temperatures are milder and the nights are suitable for camping. For responsible nature travel, it is recommended to stay on the established trails, carry enough water, and avoid damaging the area's vegetation and wildlife habitat.