Kalmard Caravanserai

Kalmard Caravanserai, also known as Robat-e Kalmard, is one of the historic monuments of Tabas County in South Khorasan Province. It lies about 80 kilometres from the city of Tabas, on the old Tabas–Yazd road and along the historic route linking Tabas with Tehran. The caravanserai stands in a desert area with little traffic, and its setting amid unspoiled desert landscapes gives it a calm atmosphere, free from noise and light pollution. The present building, with its brick architecture and four-iwan plan, dates from the Qajar period and stands beside the remains of an older caravanserai of the same name. In the past, Kalmard Caravanserai was a resting place for caravans and travellers moving along the routes connecting the south, east and northeast of Iran. Since the road was rerouted, it now sits beside a little-used road and has kept part of its historic atmosphere. The building is also listed on Iran's National Heritage List.

The new Kalmard Caravanserai covers about 3,184 square metres. Its architectural features include a central courtyard, four iwans, inner and outer small iwans, an entrance vestibule, wind catchers, hearths and wall-mounted fireplaces. On either side of the entrance are small iwans where caravan travellers once tied their horses and camels, and traces of this use can still be seen in the structure of the building. Other notable features of the caravanserai include the almost equal height of the surrounding walls, the entrance portal, the wind catchers and the brick-paved roof. Beside the newer building lie the remains of the old caravanserai, which covered about 855 square metres and has largely been lost over time. Today, the better-preserved building has been turned into an eco-lodge through private-sector investment, offering visitors guest rooms, a portico, a traditional teahouse-style restaurant serving traditional dishes, a café with herbal teas, a kitchen, restrooms, a bathroom, a pool and a fountain. The caravanserai's location under clear skies with little light pollution also makes it a good place for night-sky viewing and stargazing.

Kalmard Caravanserai can be reached via the old Tabas–Yazd road. Because it is far from urban centres, it is best to coordinate with the staff before your trip if you plan to visit or stay overnight. The caravanserai is surrounded by the sand dunes of the Halvan Desert and by box-shaped heights. Conditions permitting, activities in the area include desert trekking over the dunes, hiking and rock climbing in the heights, and stargazing. The cooler seasons, especially autumn and winter, are best for walking and nature tourism in the desert environment. During your stay or visit, avoid damaging the historic fabric, moving the building's materials or bricks, leaving litter, or harming the area's vegetation. The silence and solitude of the caravanserai are part of its appeal, and respecting the peace of the place and paying attention to local life can make your trip to this historic building and the surrounding desert a more responsible experience.