Rig-e Jenn Desert: Iran's Bermuda Triangle

Rig-e Jenn Desert, with its vast stretches of shifting sand dunes, offers an otherworldly landscape that draws adventurers and explorers seeking solitude in Iran's remote wilderness.

Are you an adventure enthusiast fascinated by the mysteries of the desert?

If so, you may have heard of Iran’s Rig-e Jenn Desert—a place shrouded in lore and often dubbed "Iran's Bermuda Triangle."

Nestled in the western part of Dasht-e Kavir, the Rig-e Jenn is more than just a desert; it’s an otherworldly landscape with vast sand dunes, treacherous salt marshes, and a reputation for hosting jinn, or supernatural beings in Islamic folklore.

For centuries, locals avoided this seemingly cursed land, fearing tales of evil spirits and travelers who vanished without a trace. Today, however, adventurers are drawn to its fierce beauty, steeped in tales of mystery and awe.

If you're booking an Iran desert tour, don't miss out on exploring the Jinn Desert. In this blog, we’ll uncover everything you need to know about this fascinating destination, from its unique geography and climate to the wildlife that calls it home, along with essential travel tips for those adventurous enough to visit.

About Rig-e Jenn Desert

The Rig-e Jenn Desert, also known as Iran’s Bermuda Triangle, is one of the most challenging regions in the world. It is located in the southwestern and western parts of Dasht-e Kavir in Iran.

Known as one of Iran’s natural wonders, this vast desert covers an area of 3,800 square kilometers, making it the third-largest sand desert in Iran. It lies along the borders of Semnan and Isfahan provinces and is often associated with Semnan due to its proximity. Its mesmerizing landscapes and challenging terrain make Rig-e Jenn a popular destination for eco-tourists and adventurers.

Geographically situated in central Iran, the Rig-e Jenn stretches from the northwest to the southeast. The southeastern area, known as "Dam Rig," is particularly renowned for its striking beauty.

The desert features wind-swept dunes, salt marshes, and barren plains, all formed by erosional deposits from the Alborz Mountains. With little vegetation to anchor the sand, the winds continuously reshape the landscape.

Bounded by various natural and man-made landmarks, Rig-e Jenn is surrounded by Sorkheh and Garmsar to the north, the national park and Nakhjir Heights to the west, and extends southward toward Anarak and Choopanan. This desert has long been shrouded in mystery, as it appears on few old maps, and its treacherous sand pits have been known to claim lives.

Despite its beauty, Rig-e Jenn lacks fresh water sources. The only river flowing through it, Vargi, brings salt water, adding to the harshness of this unique landscape.

| Read more: Iran's Deserts - Ultimate Guide + Pics

The History of Exploration in Rig-e Jenn Desert

For years, Rig-e Jenn Desert was shrouded in mystery and fear, as it was known for the unexplained deaths of travelers who ventured too far into its salt marshes.

Many creatures and unwary explorers found their final resting place in its unforgiving sands. Without any logical explanation for these tragic events, locals avoided the area, and its secrets remained hidden.

The first records of Rig-e Jenn appeared in the early 1900s through the travel journals of two European explorers. In 1900, Sven Hedin referenced Rig-e Jenn, followed by Alfons Gabriel in 1930. Although they both noted its eerie atmosphere, neither dared to cross it.

It wasn’t until 1997 that Ali Parsa, a prominent Iranian desert researcher residing in the U.S., and Miranzadeh, then head of Iran’s National Desert Park, flew over Rig-e Jenn.

A year later, Ali Parsa journeyed into the heart of the desert by car. Since then, Rig-e Jenn has become a sought-after destination for desert explorers and adventurers alike.

The Origins of the Name "Rig-e Jenn"

The Rig-e Jenn Desert, also known as the "Plain of Spirits," has long been shrouded in mystery due to its harsh geography, earning it the nickname "Iran's Bermuda Triangle."

In local dialect, "Rig" refers to moving sands, while "Jenn" signifies something hidden or unseen, much like in words like “Jannat” (paradise) and “Janin” (fetus), both meaning things concealed from human sight.

The untouched nature and eerie landscape of Rig-e Jenn contributed to its ominous name. With no water sources, salt marshes, and towering dunes, the desert resisted exploration for centuries, remaining one of Iran’s least-known landscapes. Its scorching heat also plays a part in the name; in Islamic texts, "Jenn" is a being created from fire, making this fiery desert a fitting namesake.

In the southern parts of Rig-e Jenn, sand dunes create an eerie sound as the wind sweeps across them, producing an ominous hum. Additionally, the extreme temperature difference between day and night causes rocks to crack, resulting in sounds locals refer to as "the crying of stones." These mysterious sounds and natural phenomena added to the desert’s reputation as a supernatural, haunted place.

| Discover: Darak Beach - The Intersection of Desert and Sea

Legends of the Rig-e Jenn Desert

The name "Rig-e Jenn" suggests a mysterious desert connected to spirits and supernatural beings. Over time, strange, unexplained events occurring in the region led to the desert’s mythic status.

Known for its shifting sand dunes and perilous salt marshes, Rig-e Jenn has become the subject of many eerie local legends.

Some believe the marshes are the most dangerous areas of Rig-e Jenn. When salt-soaked sand gets wet, it can suddenly collapse, creating the impression that unseen forces are pulling travelers downward.

Locals say that spirits guide lost travelers to the desert’s heart and that camels refuse to cross certain areas of Rig-e Jenn. This perception may be attributed to the constant reshaping of sand dunes by the wind, which locals view as evidence of supernatural powers in the area.

Swedish explorer Sven Hedin recorded a tale in his book Deserts of Iran, where he described a “lost paradise” hidden at Rig-e Jenn's center, with a lake and forests where spirits allegedly left behind camel hair. However, reality shows only dry, barren salt flats.

According to local beliefs, Rig-e Jenn's strange sounds—attributed to spirits’ whispers—are actually produced by sand grains rubbing together in the wind. In one legend, it’s said that ghosts lure travelers by imitating the voices of their friends, while other tales tell of large snakes approaching travelers’ fires.

Thirty kilometers south of the desert’s center, black stones dot the landscape, remnants of ancient smelting practices using a local shrub called tagh. This abandoned smelting site adds to the desert's mystique, as the historical record holds no trace of those who once worked there. This mystery fuels the belief that supernatural beings, or “jinn,” are responsible for Rig-e Jenn’s unusual allure.

Popular Activities in Rig-e Jenn Desert

In the expansive days and serene nights of Rig-e Jenn, travelers can feel the awe-inspiring beauty of nature. The challenges of reaching this mysterious desert are well worth the reward of seeing its spectacular, starry night sky.

Sleeping on the soft sands while gazing at the heavens creates a surreal experience, where shooting stars and constellations are visible, even to the naked eye.

Unlike typical desert tourism that includes car rides or camel treks, Rig-e Jenn offers a unique experience focused on adventurers and professional desert explorers.

Equipped with the right gear, visitors can enjoy activities like motorbiking and sandboarding across the shifting dunes. For those who prepare thoroughly, the pleasures of walking on soft, endless sands and basking in the desert’s profound silence are unmatched.

| Suggestion: Lut Desert - The Hottest Place on Earth

Rig-e Jenn Desert Climate

The Rig-e Jenn Desert, like many arid regions, experiences intense sunlight and extremely high temperatures. The Rig e jenn desert temperature difference between day and night can exceed 50 degrees Celsius, creating a challenging environment for life to thrive.

For about eight months of the year, Rig-e Jenn endures hot, dry conditions, while in colder months, the air becomes slightly more humid. This unique and harsh climate has made the desert both fascinating and foreboding, drawing visitors who seek to experience its extreme and untouched landscape.

Best Time to Visit Rig-e Jenn

Generally, desert and dune travel is recommended in the second half of the year. Among the seasons, autumn, especially October, is the best time to explore Rig-e Jenn.

Winter is also suitable for desert trips, though it’s crucial to check weather forecasts due to unpredictable conditions. In summer, the heat in Rig-e Jenn is extreme, making travel quite difficult.

Rig-e Jenn Desert Location and Access

Rig-e Jenn Desert is located west of the Dasht-e Kavir in Semnan Province, covering an area of 3,800 square kilometers. It lies south of Semnan, near the towns of Garmsar, Anarak, and Jandaq.

How to Get There

The route from Jandaq toward Rig-e Jenn is the recommended path, commonly used by desert explorers. First, travelers should reach Jandaq, about 170 kilometers from Tehran, and head west from there toward Rig-e Jenn.

Along this journey, a wide riverbed appears after navigating Jandaq’s winding paths. Past the river, mountains and sand dunes gradually come into view. While parts of this route are flat or feature small dunes, making passage relatively easy, marshy areas soon emerge, marking southern Rig-e Jenn.

Crossing these marshes is both challenging and hazardous, so travelers should bypass them by veering northwest. Moving further northward reveals sights like Mount Damavand, and passing the dried Nakhjir River leads to Malekabad Guard Station near Varamin. This route spans roughly 1,000 kilometers.

Recently, a 70-kilometer road was built through Rig-e Jenn, simplifying access. The best entry is from the northeast section of the Kavir National Park, though this requires environmental permits. For this, travelers start from Garmsar, enter Malekabad’s paved road, and then proceed into Rig-e Jenn.

Tourist Attractions Nearby

The attractions near the Jinn desert in Iran extend beyond the desert itself, offering a glimpse into the history, lifestyle, and architecture of surrounding areas. Here are a few notable sights:

1. Anarak Castle

Located south of Rig-e Jenn in the Isfahan province, Anarak city dates back to the time of Shah Abbas. The historic Anarak Castle was built by Amir Kabir to protect against bandits.

The view of the city from the castle is spectacular. During the Pahlavi era, Anarak was used as an exile destination due to its extreme heat, reaching around 50°C.

2. Varton Village Hot Springs

About 70 km from central Isfahan, Varton village became a popular retreat for royal figures during the Safavid era, due to its natural hot springs. The "Hooz Morad" bathhouse, made of stone, is part of a tourist complex offering mineral springs, baths, and cozy wooden cabins for accommodation.

3. Oshin Village

Located 30 km from Anarak, Oshin is a picturesque village perched on a hill, showcasing Iran's rural charm. The village features traditional adobe houses, a historic bathhouse, and an ancient caravanserai. In 1933, the famous explorer Alphonse Gabriel stayed in Oshin and later described it in his book Crossing the Deserts of Iran.

Where to Stay on a Trip to Rig-e Jenn Desert

The night before venturing into Rig-e Jenn, travelers can stay in nearby villages like Jandaq and Anarak, which offer eco-lodges and rental homes. Hotels in Garmsar and Semnan are also good options.

Exploring Rig-e Jenn typically takes a few days, so it’s essential to bring camping gear. Setting up a tent and sleeping under the desert’s starry sky can greatly enhance the beauty of the experience.

Rig-e Jenn Desert Facts

1. It covers 3,800 square kilometers in central Iran.
2. It is known for its harsh conditions, extreme heat, and unpredictable weather, making it treacherous for travelers.
3. It is often called the "Bermuda Triangle of Iran" due to reports of disappearances, though most are due to navigation errors and lack of preparation.
4. It features vast sand dunes, salt flats, and marshy areas that are difficult to navigate without proper equipment.

Travel Tips for Rig-e Jenn Desert

Traveling to the Rig-e Jenn Desert, despite its seemingly calm appearance, is fraught with risks, requiring attention to technical, safety, and practical skills. It is not an ideal destination for first-time desert explorers, and inexperienced travelers face considerable dangers. Even seasoned adventurers should not venture alone into this vast desert; it is crucial to go with a tour group, equipped with the necessary tools and equipment.

Given the lack of a detailed map of Rig-e Jenn, bringing a GPS and marking important points is highly recommended. It is also essential to have a local guide to help navigate the area.

In this vast desert, there are no cities or villages for miles, so travelers must carry all supplies for several days. A trip to Rig-e Jenn typically takes a minimum of four days, and it's advised to bring enough provisions for up to ten days.

Essential items for the trip include appropriate clothing, such as long-sleeved, light-colored attire made from natural fibers to protect from the sun and insect bites.

For the desert nights, warm clothing is necessary, as the temperature drops significantly. Other must-have items include a compass, GPS, camping gear (tent, stove, sleeping bag), a first aid kit, sunscreen, sunglasses, a flashlight, matches, plenty of water, and enough food and fuel.

Travelers should be cautious of scorpions when starting a fire at night. Also, carrying lightweight, dry food and having recovery tools like shovels and wooden planks for your vehicle are useful.

Finally, respecting the local environment, minimizing noise pollution, and adhering to local customs are integral aspects of the desert travel culture.

Bottom Line

The Rig-e Jenn Desert is a true adventurer's challenge, offering a harsh and awe-inspiring landscape in central Iran.  It is known as Iran’s "Bermuda Triangle," and covers 3,800 square kilometers of shifting dunes, salt flats, and perilous marshes.

Despite its eerie reputation, it’s the unforgiving terrain—not supernatural forces—that has caused unexplained disappearances. For those brave enough to visit, Rig-e Jenn demands meticulous planning and preparation. Bring GPS, proper gear, and ample supplies as there are no settlements for miles.

Share your story!

Comment below and let us know about your Experience.

Your story inspires others!