TEHRAN – In fact, you don’t have to go to Mars to experience the breathtaking beauty of the Martian Mountains! Instead, you may plan a trip to explore a similar mesmerizing destination in southeast Iran!

The Martian (or Miniature) Mountains of Chabahar belong to the category of less-explored and brilliant attractions on Earth, as opposed to the imaginary landscapes often seen in movies.

“I’ve seen this in movies,” may be a common sentiment among tourists setting foot for the first time on the route from Chabahar to the Martian Mountains in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province.

According to Visit Iran, a journey to the Martian Mountains may present a diverse landscape with many ups and downs in the road. Descending the darkish blue hues of the Gulf of Oman and its golden beaches on one side and the multidimensional greyish-white mountains on the other, travelers may find it challenging to decide which side to savor.

As you navigate the twists and turns, the Miniature Mountains come into close view. Positioned at the base of a hill, they may seemingly step away, disappearing behind an area of cleft soil like a mirage. Suddenly, you find yourself surrounded by a cracked desert, under a vast blue sky, with short and high wrinkled mountains in the distance. These mountains, characterized by numerous edgy slits resulting from rapid erosion due to exposure to wind and rain, create a surreal and captivating landscape.

The mountains have also become a source of income for locals who offer camel rides to tourists in exchange for money.

Just minutes away from the Martian Mountains lies Ramin village, featuring an ecotourism residence. The village’s beach hosts a surfing club. For those seeking a tranquil pause, a straw hut near the Martian Mountains offers a cool respite, with the scent of straw enhancing the connection to the natural atmosphere. If planning an overnight stay, accommodations in Ramin Village are recommended for a complete and immersive experience.

According to the Sistan-Baluchestan province’s tourism department, locals still refer to these formations as Kolani or Aryan mountains. However, owing to their distinctive shape, undulating terrain, and captivating beauty, they are also commonly known as Miniature or Martian mountains.

Ranging from five to 100 meters in altitude, the mountains exhibit a highly resistant texture, resembling hard rock when touched. Despite this, few attempts to climb these geological wonders, as the sheer pleasure of the visual spectacle surpasses that of ascending. The grooves on the mountains bear no vegetation, adding to the otherworldly ambiance.

It is interesting to know that similar mountains can be found in the regions of South Khorasan, Bandar Abbas, Khuzestan, and Qeshm Island, contributing to the unique geological diversity of the region.

Geologists offer varying explanations for the formation of these Martian mountains. Some posit that they are a continuation of the Zagros Mountains, a range extending into Pakistan, while others believe they were once buried under tons of soil, gradually revealing their true facade over time due to climate change and seasonal rains washing away the soil cover. Locals also believe that the wide horizon in the region offers an ideal spot for observing the infinite space and stars.

AFM