Aran va Bidgol

Aran va Bidgol is a desert town in the Isfahan province of Iran. Bordered by desert sands in the north and east, it's easily reached as it is only a 12 km drive north-east from the city of Kashan. Aran va Bidgol is home to around 55,000 people and originally consisted of two adjoining but separate villages.

The main way in is via a local road from nearby Kashan, which in turn is reachable via Road 71 and Freeway 7.

As in most comparable towns, the vast desert landscapes are among the main attractions. The Maranjab desert to the north holds salt lakes, sand dunes and vast flatlands with desert vegetation. There's a fairly rich desert flora and fauna, with animals including jackals, sand cats and the odd leopard spotting. The Maranjab caravansary is one of the main sights, reminding of days long past when Silk Road travellers on their way from Europe to Asia or back would find a place to rest here. It now offers accommodation to modern day travellers.

Visitors may want to arrange for a desert trip by camel or horseback.