Kharanaq Caravanserai
An ancient, abandoned mud-brick village near Yazd, offering a captivating glimpse into desert life with maze-like alleys and stunning rooftop views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Full sunshine for best photos
Kharanaq Caravanserai
Best Time
Full sunshine for best photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An ancient, abandoned mud-brick village near Yazd, offering a captivating glimpse into desert life with maze-like alleys and stunning rooftop views.
"This place is simply awesome, one of the best historical places to visit near city of Yazd, the architechture is astonishing."
🎒 Pack Essentials
Bring water, snacks, and wear comfortable shoes. No facilities available! :waterbuffalo: :apple: :athleticshoe:
📸 Photography Paradise
Visit in full sunshine for incredible photos. Explore rooftops for unique perspectives. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Maze-like Alleys
Wander through narrow, winding pathways that create a captivating labyrinth. Perfect for exploration and unique photos.
Rooftop Views
Climb to the rooftops of ancient houses for stunning panoramic views of the village and surrounding mountains.
The Minaret
An iconic structure within the village, offering a glimpse into its historical significance and architectural style.
The Bridge Viewpoint
Head to the bridge for a wide, iconic shot of the entire mud-brick village nestled against a backdrop of mountains.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Ghost Town Vibe
Best Time for Photography & Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎒 Pack Essentials
Bring water, snacks, and wear comfortable shoes. No facilities available! :waterbuffalo: :apple: :athleticshoe:
📸 Photography Paradise
Visit in full sunshine for incredible photos. Explore rooftops for unique perspectives. :camerawithflash:
🧭 Get a Local Guide
A young local named Mahdi can offer great historical insights. :man_detective:
🚗 Easy Day Trip
Located about 1 hour from Yazd, perfect for a half-day excursion. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Pack Essentials
Bring water, snacks, and wear comfortable shoes. No facilities available! :waterbuffalo: :apple: :athleticshoe:
📸 Photography Paradise
Visit in full sunshine for incredible photos. Explore rooftops for unique perspectives. :camerawithflash:
🧭 Get a Local Guide
A young local named Mahdi can offer great historical insights. :man_detective:
🚗 Easy Day Trip
Located about 1 hour from Yazd, perfect for a half-day excursion. :car:
🚶♀️ Explore the Maze
The narrow, interconnected alleys are a highlight. Be prepared to climb! :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Kharanaq Caravanserai's astonishing architecture and unique 'ghost town' atmosphere, calling it a must-see historical gem near Yazd. The maze-like alleys and rooftop views are consistently praised, though the lack of facilities like toilets and eateries is a common point of caution.
"How smart and knowledgeable space the legacy can create?
Sample are all here, check the construction angles and copy them for you place would be ideal."
Bob Callen
"Really ancient village, made of mud and clay. This village is beside small mountains which provides a nice view.
You need to go to the bridge for having a wide view of the village with the big mountain in thr background.
The tiny alleys make this village like a maze. The minaret is cool.
Amazing, you must visit this place."
Ali Amiri
"This place is simply awesome, one of the best historical places to visit near city of Yazd, the architechture is astonishing, and all houses are open to go inside, and you can get views of the city from the rooftops. It's also possible to sightsee all the city from connected rooftops, but narrow pathways in the city itself are also very strange and unique. I highly recommend that people visit this place in full sunshine and spend a 3 to 4 hour time from morning till afternoon to get a full glimpse of the attractions. The historical city itself has no place to stay or to eat, so better be prepared beforehand. There is no toilet, restaurant or coffee shops as the historical city is like a ghost town. I guess you better not stay there at night, it might be dangerous. Also bring water with yourself for sure. The place is not suitable for infants for sure as you have to climb up the buildings. I recommend casual or sport wear for the trip to this place. This place is 80 km outside of yazd, you can visit it when returning to tehran from yazd or when visiting Meybod near Yazd."
farhad hoseini
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kharanaq Caravanserai is located about 80 km outside of Yazd, typically a 1-hour drive. Many visitors rent a car or hire a taxi for the day. It's often visited as part of a tour that includes Meybod or on the way to/from Tehran.
Yes, it's a convenient stop if you're traveling between Yazd and Tehran. It breaks up the journey and offers a unique historical experience.
Absolutely! It's a popular day trip from Yazd, taking about an hour to reach. You can easily spend 3-4 hours exploring the site.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a small entry fee. A local lady often collects a nominal fee (around 1 Tomman) for access to the town.
As an abandoned village, there are no strict opening hours. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and photography.
No, advance booking is not necessary. Entry is typically paid on-site to the local attendant.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the ancient mud-brick houses, wander through the maze-like alleys, climb onto rooftops for panoramic views, and admire the historical minaret. +1
It's not ideal for infants as you need to climb on buildings and navigate narrow, uneven paths. Casual or sport wear is recommended.
Yes, you can access and walk on the rooftops of many houses, offering unique perspectives of the village and surrounding landscape. +1
It's generally not recommended to stay there at night as it's an abandoned 'ghost town' and might be dangerous. Stick to daylight hours.
Comfortable walking or sport shoes are highly recommended due to the uneven terrain, narrow alleys, and the need to climb.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, Kharanaq is an abandoned village and functions as a ghost town. There are no restaurants, coffee shops, or toilets available on site.
You must bring your own water and snacks. Plan to eat before or after your visit in Yazd or Meybod.
📸 📸 Photography
The bridge viewpoint offers a classic wide shot. Rooftops provide unique angles of the village, and the narrow alleys create dramatic compositions. +1
Visiting during full sunshine is highly recommended for the best lighting and to highlight the textures of the mud-brick architecture.
Don't miss the ancient minaret, the intricate mud-brick construction, and the unique archways found throughout the village.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key considerations for families: Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are a must for everyone. While it's not ideal for infants due to the climbing involved, older children might find the 'ghost town' aspect fascinating. Consider hiring a local guide like Mahdi to make the history more engaging for younger minds.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Must-capture shots include: the iconic minaret, the view from the bridge overlooking the entire village, and the intricate details of the mud-brick construction. The play of light and shadow throughout the day creates a constantly changing visual narrative. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the interconnected rooftops for unique perspectives.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Tips for budget travelers: Pack your own food and water to avoid purchasing overpriced items elsewhere. Consider joining a small group tour if you don't want to rent a car, as this can sometimes be more economical. The experience of exploring this ancient, abandoned village is incredibly rich and rewarding, offering significant value for the low cost.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Architecture of Kharanaq
The construction angles and methods used in Kharanaq are particularly noteworthy. The use of mud bricks and adobe allowed for natural insulation, keeping interiors cool in the summer and warmer in the winter. Exploring the remnants of homes, mosques, and the iconic minaret offers a tangible connection to the lives of those who inhabited this resilient settlement centuries ago. It's a living museum of desert living.
While much of the village is in ruins, the preserved sections and the overall layout provide a fascinating glimpse into historical urban planning and survival in harsh environments. The astonishing architecture and the sheer scale of the abandoned settlement make it a compelling site for history buffs and anyone interested in ancient civilizations.
Exploring Kharanaq: A Photographer's Dream
Climbing onto the rooftops is a must-do for any visitor. From these vantage points, you can capture sweeping panoramas of the entire village, with the imposing mountains serving as a breathtaking backdrop. The interconnectedness of the rooftops also allows for interesting shots of the village's layout and the daily life that once thrived there. Don't forget to photograph the iconic minaret, which stands as a proud sentinel over the ruins.
For the best experience, consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the light is softer and the shadows are longer, adding to the dramatic effect. The bridge viewpoint is another essential spot for capturing that quintessential wide shot of the entire village. Remember to bring plenty of battery power and memory cards, as you'll want to capture every angle of this ancient wonder.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit