Na’in : Edge Of Central Desert

Na’in :Edge Of Central Desert

Na’in (also known as Naein and Naeen) lies 170 km north of Yazd and 140 km east of Esfahan. With an area of almost 35,000 km², Na’in lies at an altitude of 1545 m above sea level. Like much of the Iranian plateau, it has a desert climate, with a maximum temperature of 41°C in summer, and a minimum of -9°C in winter.
More than 3,000 years ago the Persians learned how to construct aqueducts underground (qanat in kariz) to bring water from the mountains to the plains. In the 1960’s this ancient system provided more than 70 percent of the water used in Iran and Na’in is one of the best places in all the world to see these qanats functioning.
Unique to Na’in are some of the most outstanding monuments in all of Iran: The Jame Mosque, one of the first four mosques built in Iran after the Arab invasion; the Pre-Islamic Narej Fortress; a Pirnia traditional house; the Old Bazaar; Rigareh, a qanat-based watermill; and a Zurkhaneh (a place for traditional sport).
Besides its magnificent monuments, Na’in is also famous for high-quality carpets and wool textiles.
Some linguists believe the word Na’in may have been derived from the name of one of the descendants of the prophet Noah, who was called “Naen”. Many local people speak an ancient Pahlavi Sasani dialect, the same dialect that is spoken by the Zoroastrians in Yazd today. Other linguists state that the word Na’in is derived from the word “Nei” (“straw” in English) which is a marshy plant.
Get in
From Esfahan, travelers can use the Jay terminal and take the Naein bus or mini bus (20,000 to 25,000 rial). An alternative is an Esfahan-Yazd bus, which leaves the terminal once every hour if they inform the driver that Naein is their final destination and the fare is 35,000 rial.
Do
Desert trekking
Desert trekking is one of the exceptional possibilities for sightseers in this desert town since a desert with moving sand dunes surrounds Na’in. It’s desert trekking on real moving sand dunes.
There are sand hills from 5 to 62 meters that always moving when the wind blows. The highest sand dunes in Iran.
Also sleeping (camping) on the moving sands and having breakfast there if you like.
There is no regular desert transport, so a private taxi or car should be rented.
The same man who rents bicycles can also organize the budget tours to the desert.
Mountaineering there is some desert-type mountain surrounded west and north east of Na’in. The one on north east is worth of visit.
there are some unpaved roads lead there. the downhill bicycle is recommended. but do not visit there alone.
Buy
Naein’s carpets and cloaks are famous and reasonably priced. Woolen textiles are available in Muhammadieh.
Eat
Lale Restaurant, located on Motahari Street, has some typical but high-quality Persian food, with the good service. There is a place for having traditional “abgusht” in front of Masjid Al-Reza. Also, “del’o jigar” is available in a small shop front of Laleh Park. You can have a delicious meal for just 2$. Mirza traditional restaurant is scheduled to open soon.
Drink
Doogh is a sour drink made from yogurt, salt, and water, sometimes carbonated and sometimes flavored with mint or other plants. It is an acquired taste but will rehydrate you quickly in the heat of Iran’s summer. It is the same as Turkish “ayran.”
Sleep
Jahangardi hotel (ITTO) and Gholami Inn are available for both budget and midrange travelers. The government-run, excellent Jahangardi Hotel is south of Imam Square, toward Isfahan Road. It has stylish, split-level, apartment-style rooms. (+98 323 225 3088)
Budget travelers can find good value at Mosaferkhaneh Gholami, about 300m east of Imam Square, toward the Imamzadeh. There is no English sign, but it’s a three-story building placed above a bakery. (+98 323 225 2441).
under the arch, the place to camp
There is a free, quiet, secure place for camping for those who like to stay outdoors. It is popular for cyclists, bikers, and backpackers. It’s the historical complex of Babol Masjid, where the Jameh Mosque is located. The camping area is the open part of Hussainieh. The public rest room is always open. The locals are very friendly and helpful. The Hussainieh is off-limits only during religious ceremonies.
Get out
There is a regular bus to Esfahan almost every half an hour is available in the only bus station of the town. also, private Taxi would be available 24 hours a day on the “Falake Esfahan”, Esfahan roundabout.