The Lut Desert, located in eastern Iran, is one of the most mysterious and harsh places on the planet. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and known for its unique natural forms and extreme climate.

One of Lut's distinctive features are its yardangs—elongated ridges and hills formed by wind erosion. They create the impression of an entire stone city stretching for tens of kilometers. These bizarre landforms not only capture the imagination but also serve as a vivid reminder of the power of natural processes that shape the Earth's surface.

The Lut Desert is also considered the hottest place on the planet. According to NASA satellite observations, record surface temperatures of over 70°C have been recorded here. This combination of heat and aridity makes the region virtually uninhabitable, enhancing its mystical and otherworldly atmosphere.

Another landmark of Lut is the Zaban Mar Canyon, which means "Snake's Tongue" in Persian. Narrow and winding, it resembles the footprint of a huge creature cutting through the earth. The canyon walls play with shades of red and orange, creating fantastic landscapes, especially at sunset.

The Lut Desert is more than just a natural phenomenon; it's a true treasure trove of geology and geography. It demonstrates how diverse and majestic the Earth can be, even in the harshest conditions.

Photo by  Sergey Semenov

19 September 2025