Publish Date: 27 June 2003 - 01:48

TEHRAN, June 27 (Mehr News Agency) -- Foreign tourists can experience the joy of staying in the Iranian desert for seven nights to gaze at its splendid charm, said the governor of Shahdad District on Sunday.

Mohammad-Ali Salari added: "Facilities for the scheme are now available after a desert station was built and renovation of Shafiabad Castle in Rigan , Kerman Province was undertaken."
 
The station is located 90km away form Kerman provincial capital. "Kerman Headquarters 85" also intends to hold a ceremony dubbed "A Night in the Desert" on September 4-10.  

Several features including the hottest place on earth, breathtaking attractions such as a 200km-long permanent salt river, the oldest metal flag and greatest clay monument of the world, plus several ancient castles, make Shahdad a favorite tourist destination.

Located in northeast of Kerman Province, Shahdad District is about 24,000 square kilometers wide, with a population of 30,000. 

RM/MR