Robat Khan Desert

Robat Khan Desert, known as Reg-e Shotoran (the Camels' Sands), is located in South Khorasan Province, near the town of Tabas. This desert area lies along the Yazd–Tabas road. It is bounded by the Khur Salt Lake to the north, by the Yazd–Tabas route to the south, and by parts of the vast sand fields to the east and west. According to survey data, the desert covers a wide expanse roughly 80 kilometers long and nearly 70 kilometers wide, and it is considered one of the largest sandy areas in this part of Iran.

In the middle of this sandy expanse there is a chain of low sand dunes, the tallest of which rise to about fifty meters and give the sand sea its characteristic look. The vegetation in this part of the desert consists of sand-loving, drought-resistant plants such as saxaul (tagh), eskanbil and nesi, which take root in harsh desert conditions and play an important role in stabilizing the sand. In this dry ecosystem live animals such as snakes and scorpions, sand cats, sand foxes, jackals and wolves, along with characteristic desert birds such as the houbara bustard and the falcon, adding a living touch to the quiet, rugged atmosphere of the desert.

To reach Robat Khan Desert, the main route is via the Robat Khan junction on the Yazd–Tabas road. The best time to visit is usually spring and autumn, when desert temperatures are milder and the starry night sky is better for stargazing. Travellers are also advised to go with professional desert tour teams, bring suitable gear (water, a hat, desert footwear), and avoid damaging the area's vegetation so that the desert's pristine nature is preserved.