Desert 4x4 Safari in Iran Desert 4x4 Safari in Iran is one of the main activities that most travelers would like to experience on their journey to Iran. As you may know, Iran has two deserts; Dasht-e Kavir and Lut deserts. They are both perfect for a 4x4 safari for all adventurous travelers in search of a new and remarkable experience. Dasht-e Lut lands are quite unusual in comparison with the other deserts of Iran, having eye-catching and unique landscapes. Maranjab, Rig-e Jen, Koreh Gaaz, and Mesr desert make up the Dasht-e Kavir desert all of which are ideal for off-road 4x4 safaris. Maranjab desert is close to Kashan city, where there is a historical caravanserai which is well worth visiting. This desert is unrivaled for a multi-day desert trip for those who would like to have a short and cost-effective desert journey in Iran. Rig-e Jen, in the central desert of Iran, is one of the most adventurous. It is located in the heart of the Dasht-e Kavir desert. Rig-e Jen is perfect for those travelers who would like to have a longer and more complete 4x4 safari as it is not easily accessible. It is also more challenging compared to the other deserts in the area. There are two ways for starting the journey. Anarak is the most accessible town in the Rig-e Jen desert, 222 km from the east of Esfahan. The second way is from Khur which is a town in the heart of Dasht-e Kavir. The least popular deserts for safaris in Iran are the Koreh Gaz and Mesr deserts. Koreh Gaz is also known as Mohammad Abad Koreh Gaz; it is the last oasis in the desert where a couple of people still live. In this region, there is underground water, a few
Desert 4×4 Safari in Iran Desert 4×4 Safari in Iran is one of the main activities that most travelers would like to experience on their journey to Iran. As you may know, Iran has two deserts; Dasht-e Kavir and Lut deserts. They are both perfect for a 4×4 safari for all adventurous travelers in search
Zardkuh Mountain in Iran Zardkuh Mountain Chain, the name of a sub-range of the Zagros Mountain range, stands in the center of Zagros and is one of the most popular mountains in the entire Zagros Range in Iran. It is also spelled Zard Kouh, Zad Koh, Zardkuh, Zarduh Kuh, and Zard Kuh-e Bakhtiari. In Persian, Zard Kuh means "The yellow mountain". The mountain is located in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province in western Iran. Zardkuh is near the two famous cities of Shahr-e-Kord and Koohrang and is one of the most beautiful places in Iran. Karoon and Zayandeh-rud rivers are the two major rivers in the country originating from ZardKuh Mountains. There are a number of mountains over 4,000 m in this mountain chain such as Haft Tanan 4,019m, Shah-e-Shahidan 4,180m, Ab-Sefid 4,050m, Koloonchin (Do-Zardeh) 4,221m, and Khersan 4,050m. There is no specific name for Zardkuh peak in the entire Zardkuh mountain chain. However, most people, even local climbers, mistakenly refer to it as Zardkuh’s peak, “Koloonchin”, because it is the main summit in this chain. This mountain chain has several glaciers. The two main highest mountains of Zardkuh (Shah-e Shahidan and Koloonchin) formed the massive glacier which is the source of water for the two rivers of Kuhrang and Bazoft. Both these rivers are Karun river branches. Karun river is the longest river in Iran and is one of the most important sources of water for the country. Zardkuh Mountains are the main center for climbers from all over Iran during summer. The mountains are rich in various species of plants and wild animals making them even more attractive and spectacular. Zardkuh is also a key ski area for travelers. Chelgerd Ski Resort is located in Chelgerd town which is 200 km away from the west
Zardkuh Mountain in Iran Zardkuh Mountain Chain, the name of a sub-range of the Zagros Mountain range, stands in the center of Zagros and is one of the most popular mountains in the entire Zagros Range in Iran. It is also spelled Zard Kouh, Zad Koh, Zardkuh, Zarduh Kuh, and Zard Kuh-e Bakhtiari. In Persian,
The Caspian Sea North of Iran The Caspian Sea is the largest lake in the world, situated in south-eastern Europe and south-western Asia. It is surrounded by 5 different countries, Kazakhstan, Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Iran. The Sea is home to a wide range of species. More than 850 different animals and at least 500 different types of plants live in this sea. However, the diversity of species can be considered almost too low for the size of this water body, most of them being indigenous like caviar. In Persian, the Caspian Sea is called Daryaye Kahzar, which is doubtlessly one of the most beautiful parts of Iran. In the summertime, millions of people from all over the country, especially Tehran, travel to this coast. In Iran, it is also known as Shomal-e Iran meaning Northern Iran, an area along the coast of the Sea. The forested coastal plains rise up to the Alborz Mountains. This region consists of the three provinces of Gilan, Mazandaran, and Golestan, each with plenty of attractions. The climate of the southern Caspian Sea is perfect for agriculture. There is an abundance of fruits, vegetables, and herbs as well as rice and tea, so important to Iranian culture. Northern Iran, to the south of the Sea, is the rainiest region. In addition, the area is located in the northern part of the Alborz Mountain Range with a lot of high-altitude mountains, where melted snow has created splendid rivers. Furthermore, there are many exquisite dense forests between the Alborz Mountains and the Caspian Sea. One of the most famous is the Hyrcanian Forests, registered on the list of UNESCO natural sites. There is also another UNESCO site in this region. Gonbad-e Qabus tower is a UNESCO world heritage site, being the tallest pure-brick tower in
The Caspian Sea North of Iran The Caspian Sea is the largest lake in the world, situated in south-eastern Europe and south-western Asia. It is surrounded by 5 different countries, Kazakhstan, Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Iran. The Sea is home to a wide range of species. More than 850 different animals and at least 500 different
We are adapting all our trips are adapted to new health standards. Living a memorable and safe adventure has always been the first concern of Adventure Iran and this special year will not be an exception to this rule. When you are able to travel to Iran, we shall continue to make you travel, make you dream and make you discover wonderful places in Iran. We are working with our accommodation providers, guides, partners in order to adapt all our circuits to new health constraints: physical distance, barrier gestures, specific hygiene measures. Transport: Reduction in the number transfers and the number of people in vehicles, wearing of a mandatory mask and regular disinfection of vehicles. Accommodation: We apply all of the strict rules imposed on accommodation. Hotels: We no longer offer rooms to share with people who do not know each other. Family, double or single rooms are available. Private accommodation and mountain huts: Minimum surface area per person, 1 bed out of 2 offered in dormitories, blankets are no longer provided in shelters, you will need to provide a personal duvet. Camping: An individual tent is offered to you for the whole stay, we transport it, you may be asked to pitch it up / dismantle it. Meals: Reduction in the number of dishes shared on picnics, and an increase in individual portions. Food is not in contact with all participants; strict hygiene rules are applied even when hiking or cycling. Activities: Your guide will explain the new health rules implemented in connection with the various players in your trip: accommodation providers, drivers. During the activities, he helps everyone to respect the rules of physical distance (for example, 2 meters when hiking).
We are adapting all our trips are adapted to new health standards. Living a memorable and safe adventure has always been the first concern of Adventure Iran and this special year will not be an exception to this rule. When you are able to travel to Iran, we shall continue to make you travel, make
Nomadic Tribes in Iran Iran is a multi-ethnic country, made up of different ethnic groups who live in every corner of the land. There are also umpteen types of nomadic tribes living in the various regions of the Alborz and Zagros mountain ranges in Iran. They consist of Bakhtiari, Qashqai, Shah Savan (Ilsavan nomads), Mamiand, Boier Ahmadi, Khamseh, Behmaiee, Mamasani, Kord, Taiebi, Jalali, Zalaki, Baluchi, and Afshar. Their customs, language, culture, and food are dissimilar to each other. They are supported by the Nomads Affairs Organization of Iran, a government organization responsible for supplying services to mountain climbers by managing the migration and relocation of nomads. It regulates the essential guidelines and schemes in coordination with the superior organizations such as parliament, government, and the Nomads supreme council. The nomads with their families and herds generally move from lower altitudes to higher mountains during the hot season, moving again to lower altitudes during the cold season. The majority start moving from early spring “depending on the region” till mid-autumn with their families and sheep. The biggest and best-known nomads are the Bakhtiari who live mainly in the provinces of Esfahan, Khuzestan, and Chaharmahal with the remaining ones (approximately 200,000 people), located in the west. Qashghais with around 120,000 people are the second most populous nomads, who have a seasonal life in Bushehr, Fars, and a small part of Esfahan, Chaharmahal, and Bakhtiari provinces. Shahsavans are the third most populous nomads in Iran with around 500,000 people. They live in the northwest in the provinces of East Azarbaijan, Gilan, and Ardabil. The lifestyle of the indigenous people is set to be changed. Iranian nomads are also changing with the times. Comparing the first Adventure Iran nomadic trips (in 2000) with current nomadic tours, we can see the dramatic
Nomadic Tribes in Iran Iran is a multi-ethnic country, made up of different ethnic groups who live in every corner of the land. There are also umpteen types of nomadic tribes living in the various regions of the Alborz and Zagros mountain ranges in Iran. They consist of Bakhtiari, Qashqai, Shah Savan (Ilsavan nomads), Mamiand,
Hiking in Iran Hiking in Iran is one of the most attractive activities for many individuals, especially considering Iran is a mountainous country with many of them over 4,000 m. Hiking is a popular sport for Iranians at weekends. Iran is a vast country with two huge deserts, where even from the desert area it is possible to see these staggeringly beautiful 4,000 m mountains in the distance. There are also a lot of hiking routes in the country. As you may know, there are two long mountain ranges in Iran. Alborz mountain range with around 900 km length to the south of the Caspian Sea and Zagros Mountain Range with 1,500 km length starting from the northeast of the country and stretching to the southeast. There are also numerous high mountains over 4,000 m in other parts of the country for hiking. Most travelers from all around the world come here for hiking, with Iran hiking becoming the most popular activity for many adventurers. You cannot find an IRAN HIKING MAP here as the one you may see in your home country. There are a few organizations and companies that print Iran maps, but, unfortunately, they do not provide a special Iran hiking map for our mountains, or a topographic hiking map with contours and nature signs. On the north side of the capital city of Tehran, there are a number of hiking routes that go up to Tochal Mountain, where the long ridge line is nearly 4,000 m. There are plenty of characteristic cafés and shops around here where hikers have the opportunity to stop and have breakfast on the trail and take in the stunning scenery. There are also a bunch of trails for hiking outside of Tehran city in the country parts. Most
Hiking in Iran Hiking in Iran is one of the most attractive activities for many individuals, especially considering Iran is a mountainous country with many of them over 4,000 m. Hiking is a popular sport for Iranians at weekends. Iran is a vast country with two huge deserts, where even from the desert area it
Alamut Valley in Iran Alamut is the name of a huge valley located on the western edge of the Alborz mountain range, northeast of Qazvin province, Iran. It lies beneath the southern side of the Alborz mountains, between the dry plains of Qazvin province in the south and the densely forested slopes of Mazandaran province, south of the Caspian Sea. The Alamut mountain region was potentially perfect for castle construction due to its height and inaccessibility, providing a natural built-in defense structure against invaders. The Ismailis built two citadels in the Alamut Valley, famous for their enormous size. Ismailis are a branch of Shia Muslims who believe in seven Shia Imams (e.g. seven heavens, seven continents, seven orifices in the skull, seven days in a week, etc.) Hassan-e Sabbah built the castles of Alamut and Lambsar in Alamut Valley. As he lived in the Alamut Castle for many years, it is also known as Hassan Sabbah’s Castle. He was an Ismaili messenger who founded a community in the Alborz Mountains in the late 11th century. Sabbah used the Alamut Castle as the main command center for a decentralized Persian uprising against the Seljuk Turks. He founded a group of fadayeen (hermits) whose members are known in western literature as the Hashshashin or "Assassins". Alamut Castle is located in the Moalem Kalayeh district of Qazvin province. It is situated close to a village called Gazor Khan on its northeastern side. The castle’s height is 2,163 m., built on a 220m cliff. The castle dates back to the 11th century. The cultural landscape of Alamut has been added to the tentative list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. Since 2007, it is still waiting for its inscription. Freya Stark was a British traveler who explored the Valley of Alamut. She
Alamut Valley in Iran Alamut is the name of a huge valley located on the western edge of the Alborz mountain range, northeast of Qazvin province, Iran. It lies beneath the southern side of the Alborz mountains, between the dry plains of Qazvin province in the south and the densely forested slopes of Mazandaran province,
Alborz-e Markazi Protected Area Alborz-e Markazi Protected Area is one of the biggest protected areas in Alborz Mountain Range observed by the Department of Environment of Iran. The area starts north of Tehran city and stretches to the Caspian Sea. It is situated in three provinces of Tehran, Alborz, and Mazandaran. The whole area is around 400,000 hectares and is home to 48 species of mammals, 156 species of birds, 1,400 different species of plants, and 26 species of reptiles who live in this area. It is one of the main sources of water as there are many rivers in this region. The most famous mountains of Central Alborz, above 4,000m, are located in this protected area. Mount AzadKuh 4,400m, Mount Kolonbastak 4,150 m, and Mount Sarakchal 4,250m are its most famous peaks. In addition, Abali Ski resort, the first ski resort in Iran, built around 60 years ago (1960), is located in Alborz-e Markazi protected area. The main ski resorts of Dizin, Shemshak, and Darbandsar are also found here. Adventure Iran is one of the pioneer tour operators focusing on this region to conduct and create action-packed tours in Iran. Short and long mountain trekking, Mountain biking, and Ski touring are a variety of Adventure Iran tours that are carried out during the most suitable period for each activity throughout the year. A couple of tours with fixed departure dates are included in Adventure Iran Group Tours too. Due to the high altitude, the temperature and climate vary in each season. We, therefore, arrange appropriate trips for each season. One of the most popular moderate treks is Hike in Iran through off the beaten tracks which is one-week trekking in the Central Alborz Mountains and includes several protected areas such as Alborz Markazi protected area. For Mountain
Alborz-e Markazi Protected Area Alborz-e Markazi Protected Area is one of the biggest protected areas in Alborz Mountain Range observed by the Department of Environment of Iran. The area starts north of Tehran city and stretches to the Caspian Sea. It is situated in three provinces of Tehran, Alborz, and Mazandaran. The whole area is
Alborz Mountain Range Alborz mountain range is a major mountain range in Northern Iran, located south of the Caspian Sea. In Persian it’s called Resht-e Kouh-hayeh Alborz. There are various spellings of these mountains as follows: Elborz, Alburz, Albourz, and Elburz. The length is around 900 km, stretching from Azarbaijan, (“northeast Iran”, close to the Turkish border), all the way to the Khorasan region in “northwest Iran.” There are many rivers, hot and cold springs, lakes, amazing canyons, national parks, protected areas, wild life, birds, a wide range of forests similar to Hyrcanian forests, “UNESCO natural sites”, waterfalls, and ski resorts in this enormous mountain range. In addition, there are human settlements inhabited by nomads. The mountains, alongside the south side of the Caspian Sea, formed a special ecosystem with particular weather conditions. Surprisingly, the flora on the northern side of the mountain range are quite different from that of the south. There is an abundance of high-altitude mountains above 4,000 m which is the home base for Iranian adventurers; e.g. trekking, mountain biking, Ultra Trail Running, ice climbing, mountaineering, rock climbing, rafting, ski and ski touring. For those who thought Iran to be a flat, desert like country, it’s interesting to know there are 148 mountains above 4,000 m registered in Iran, the majority being located in the Alborz mountains. The three main highest peaks are in this range. There are several mountain clubs in this country catering for all types of mountain activities during the yearly seasons. Iranian climbers are also active in ascending the renowned Himalayas. Alborz mountain range is categorized as three different segments due to its geographical sector, Western, Central, and Eastern Alborz. Each section of this mountain range has its own unique beauty. Adventure Iran conducts a variety of activities in
Alborz Mountain Range Alborz mountain range is a major mountain range in Northern Iran, located south of the Caspian Sea. In Persian it’s called Resht-e Kouh-hayeh Alborz. There are various spellings of these mountains as follows: Elborz, Alburz, Albourz, and Elburz. The length is around 900 km, stretching from Azarbaijan, (“northeast Iran”, close to the
YAZD UNESCO World Heritage City Yazd is one of the most beautiful earthen cities in the world and because of its unique attractions, it draws many tourists and travelers every year from all around the world. Yazd is the first earthen city and the second historic city in the world after Venice, Italy. It is located in the southeast of Iran close to the historic Silk Road. The city is situated between the Shirkuh and Kharang mountain ranges, in a wide valley. Yazd is well-known as ‘The City of Wind-catchers’, ‘City of Sweets’, and ‘City of Bicycle’. In 2017, the historical city of Yazd was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Yazd monuments are very diverse. In this article, we will introduce some of the most important sights of Yazd city. Jameh Mosque of Yazd Jame Mosque of Yazd is one of the most beautiful, unique, and important tourist attractions of Iran which was built in the 6th century AH (12 century AD) and its restoration has continued until the last decade. According to ancient documents, the construction and completion of the Yazd Mosque took close to a century and in different historical periods. The most important of these are the Ilkhanate, Safavid dynasty, the Timurid Empire, The Muzaffarid dynasty, and Qajar dynasty. Jameh Mosque of Yazd is one of the most extraordinary and unique monuments that has fascinated many people all around the world. There are six entrances to this great mosque, and each is built in different parts of the structure. The height of the minarets is over 52 meters and 6 meters in diameter which has earned the title of the tallest minaret among Persian historical mosques. Zoroastrian Temple This valuable monument is one of the spectacular attractions that you should not forget when
YAZD UNESCO World Heritage City Yazd is one of the most beautiful earthen cities in the world and because of its unique attractions, it draws many tourists and travelers every year from all around the world. Yazd is the first earthen city and the second historic city in the world after Venice, Italy. It is
