Chaharshanbe Suri Like other ancient nations, Iranians have their festivals and traditions. One of these festivities is called Chaharshanbe Suri. This impressive festival is one of the most popular celebrations among Iranians. Chaharshanbeh Suri goes back 1700 years BC and is held on the last Wednesday before Nowrouz, (New Year). To be more precise, this festival feasts on the evening of the last Tuesday of the year and is a mixture of great and little traditions. Chaharshanbeh Suri is also the fire dance to welcome spring. "Chaharshanbeh Souri" gets made from two words. ،The first is a day of the week, (Chaharshanbe is Wednesday), and the other, (Suri), means redness. Fire has been respected not only in ancient Iran but also among Indians, Europeans, and other cultures. The ancient Iranians believed in the power of purification by fire. This belief was so strong that to prove a person's innocence of any wrongdoing, the person had to cross a blazing fire. An example of this is Siavash's character in the Shahnameh, (the epic poem), by Ferdowsi, (the Persian poet and author), who passed through fire to prove his innocence. The most important and common rituals related to Chaharshanbe Suri are as follows: Jumping over the fire The main tradition in Chaharshanbe Suri is to make a bonfire, set fire to it in the evening and read the poem "My yellowness for you, your redness for me" (in Persian «زردی من از تو، سرخی تو از من») when jumping over it. This poem has been a prayer that Iranians have long been singing to fire, asking for it to put an end to diseases, boredom, and the worries of the past year to start the New Year afresh with happiness and vitality. Kuzeh Shekani (Breaking the Jug) In many cities,
Chaharshanbe Suri Like other ancient nations, Iranians have their festivals and traditions. One of these festivities is called Chaharshanbe Suri. This impressive festival is one of the most popular celebrations among Iranians. Chaharshanbeh Suri goes back 1700 years BC and is held on the last Wednesday before Nowrouz, (New Year). To be more precise, this
Mount Kolon Bastak in Iran Northern Tehran has countless mountains above 4000 m, which are geographically located in the central Alborz mountains. Mount Kolon Bastak is one of the highest summits in the Central Alborz region in Iran, with an altitude of 4170 m above sea level. The closest village to this summit is Shemshak, 40 km north of Tehran and 60 km from central Tehran. It is the most convenient place to choose for spending the night before your climb. Shemshak village has a 2700 m altitude above sea level. It is famous for being one of the first ski resorts in Iran which opened in 1958. It is the third largest ski area after Dizin and Darbandsar. Mt. Kolon Bastak is an excellent choice for acclimatization before ascending Mt Damavand (5610m) and Alamkuh (4850m), as it is near Tehran city and is not a technical peak. No particular gear or special equipment is needed to ascend the peak in mid-spring, summer, and autumn. You can drive up to 3400 m to the base of the mountain, the starting point of the trek. From the peak, you can continue the trek through the ridge towards the east and then ascend Sarakchal mountain (4210m). There is a renowned mountain trail called Kolon Basatak-Sarak Chal ridge line, another trekking route for experienced hikers who would appreciate a real challenge. The season starts in mid-spring and finishes at the beginning of autumn. In the summertime, the weather is more stable at the peak, making it suitable for all categories of hikers. Kolon Bastak Mountain Ascent (4156 m) is one of the most popular tours that most hikers will benefit from. Mt. Kolon Bastak to Mt. Sarak Chal ridgeline trek is one of Adventure Iran’s special offers for those of you who
Mount Kolon Bastak in Iran Northern Tehran has countless mountains above 4000 m, which are geographically located in the central Alborz mountains. Mount Kolon Bastak is one of the highest summits in the Central Alborz region in Iran, with an altitude of 4170 m above sea level. The closest village to this summit is Shemshak,
Mount Taftan in Iran Active Volcano Peak The massive Mount Taftan is situated only 70 km away from the Pakistan border, southeast of Iran. It is an isolated, active volcanic mountain located in Sistan and Baluchestan province. South of the mountain is Khash, the nearest city. Mt. Taftan has two very famous summits with Chehel Tan peak (Madehkuh) at 3941 m above sea level being the highest one. Iran has numerous mountains over 4000 m, but this, in particular, is one of the more well-known peaks, since it is a solitary mountain in the corner of Iran, with an active volcanic peak. It is attached to Dasht-e lut desert. Taftan volcanic mountain is a sub-range of Iran’s volcanic arc, with Bazman Mountain in Iran and Sultan Kuh in Pakistan. This volcanic arc has formed over Cretaceous-Eocene sedimentary layers and is derived from the subduction of the oceanic Arabian plate under Iran at the Makran trench. There is only a 130 km distance between each base camp from Zahedan, the capital city of the province. The total length of the Taftan mountain range is 12 km, with two very high peaks. The range is surrounded by unspoiled nature, consisting of rivers, lakes, trees, flora and fauna that live around the mountain. There are three lakes at the top of the Taftan mountain range. Two of the rivers have white and fresh water, whilst the third has salty water. The base camp of this mountain is 2500 m above sea level, with the shelter at a height of 3228 m. Taftan peak is not a technical mountain to climb. Most people, with a good level of fitness, can hike up to the peak. The climbing season runs from March to November, with the best period in April and May. Taftan Active Volcano Mountain
Mount Taftan in Iran Active Volcano Peak The massive Mount Taftan is situated only 70 km away from the Pakistan border, southeast of Iran. It is an isolated, active volcanic mountain located in Sistan and Baluchestan province. South of the mountain is Khash, the nearest city. Mt. Taftan has two very famous summits with Chehel Tan
Mount Sarak Chal in Iran Mount Sarak Chal (or Sarakchal) is one of the highest summits in the central Alborz Mountains in Iran, at 4210m above sea level. There are three Sarak Chal peaks which are located on the famous Kolon Bastak-Sarak Chal mountain ridge line. All three mountains are above 4000 m. The closest village to this mountain is Shemshak, the last one on the famous mountainous road of Tehran-Fasham. It is 60 km away from downtown Tehran. As a matter of interest, one of the most notable ski resorts in Iran for professional skiers is in Shemshak village. The altitude of the village is about 2700 m above sea level, which is the starting point of the trek to Sarak Chal peak. There is a shelter at 3492 m on the way to the peak, which is convenient as it is also the ideal location for acclimatization. There is a 15 km famous ridgeline above Shemshak village from west to east, which starts from Mount Koloon Bastak (4170m) in the west and ends at Mount Sarak Chal 3 (4210m) in the east. Between these two mountains, there are the two peaks of Sarak Chal 1 (4080m) and Sarak Chal 2 (4100m), making this ridgeline very challenging. From the peak, you have an excellent view of the immense Central Alborz mountains. In clear weather, you can see most of them, such as the Abak (3520m), Kholeno (4387m), Azadkuh (4350m), and Borj (4326m) mountains as well as the mighty Damavand (5610m), the roof of Iran. The season runs from mid-spring till the beginning of autumn. Summertime is the most popular period for ascending the mountain, as the weather is more stable for trekking. Mount Sarak Chal Ascend is the shortest hiking tour that we offer for this mountain. Hike in
Mount Sarak Chal in Iran Mount Sarak Chal (or Sarakchal) is one of the highest summits in the central Alborz Mountains in Iran, at 4210m above sea level. There are three Sarak Chal peaks which are located on the famous Kolon Bastak-Sarak Chal mountain ridge line. All three mountains are above 4000 m. The closest
Mount Sabalan in Iran Mount Sabalan is the third highest peak in Iran at an altitude of 4811 m. It is located in Ardabil province, the northwest part of the country. Sabalan or Savalan Mountain is an inactive volcano at 4811 m and is one of the most beautiful mountains in Iran. So far, not too many foreign climbers choose this pinnacle as it is in the northwest corner of the country, far from the capital. However, it certainly appeals to enterprising climbers, looking for something particular. Being so far north, the peak is covered with snow for most of the year. At the summit, there is an impressive and alluring lake situated at over 4784 m, making it one of the world’s highest lakes. Mount Sabalan is an inactive stratovolcano in Iran. The lake has been formed in the volcano’s crater, which is covered with ice from October to May. From the peak, there is a 360° panoramic view of the area. When the weather is clear, you can see numerous mountains in the northwestern part of Iran and the Caspian Sea region. Furthermore, flora and fauna are abundant around the mountain which adds to the magnificent view, making it even more attractive. Moreover, many nomads live around the mountain. One of the most famous is the Shah Savan tribe. MT Sabalan Ascent is one of Adventure Iran’s short tours with acclimatization of Mt Kolon Bastak peak.
Mount Sabalan in Iran Mount Sabalan is the third highest peak in Iran at an altitude of 4811 m. It is located in Ardabil province, the northwest part of the country. Sabalan or Savalan Mountain is an inactive volcano at 4811 m and is one of the most beautiful mountains in Iran. So far, not
Mount Alam kuh in Iran Alam Kuh, is the name of a huge mountain in northern Iran, in Mazandaran province, located in the Takht-e Soleyman massif mountain chain. Takht-e Soliman is also a part of the west Alborz Mountain range. Alam Kuh’s altitude is 4,850 m above sea level and is the second highest mountain in Iran after Damavand Mountain (5,610 m). Mount Alam Kuh is known as the Alps of Iran, which is the main center for professional Iranian climbers and hikers. The north face of Mt Alam Kuh is a steep, enormous vertical wall. This feature has made it famous for climbers around the world looking for something different. The height of this granite rock rises to about 480 m to reach the summit. One of the main highlights is that the base of the wall starts from 4,400 m above sea level. Climbers have found this formation extremely inspiring and challenging. Since 1936, there have been several routes to choose from, all created by famous international and local climbers. They are still ongoing. Mount Alam Kuh has at least two desirable hiking routes to reach its peak from various directions. One of the most beautiful is a week-long trail starting from the southern side of Alborz from Alamut valley to MT Alam Kuh. This is the link for the tour: Alamut Long Trek. Apart from this, there is another trail to ascend the peak starting from a city near the Caspian Sea called Kelardasht. Most local climbers choose this route for ascending the summit during the summertime. Locals call this route Hesarchal which is on the south face of Alam Kuh as it is the easiest and shortest route compared to the other trails. Below is the link for that trek, (an excellent choice for an acclimatization
Mount Alam kuh in Iran Alam Kuh, is the name of a huge mountain in northern Iran, in Mazandaran province, located in the Takht-e Soleyman massif mountain chain. Takht-e Soliman is also a part of the west Alborz Mountain range. Alam Kuh’s altitude is 4,850 m above sea level and is the second highest mountain
Lajim Tower in Iran Lajim Tower is located in Lajim village in the county of Savad Kooh in Mazandaran province, south of the Caspian Sea, Iran. It is circular in shape with a conical dome. There are two unique inscriptions on the brick which carry the Kufic, Pahlavi, and Sassanid Scripts. One of them defines the date as 413 AH. After a fundamental renovation, this district has currently become a site of pilgrimage for the residents of Lajim village and other rustic regions of Savadkuh.
Lajim Tower in Iran Lajim Tower is located in Lajim village in the county of Savad Kooh in Mazandaran province, south of the Caspian Sea, Iran. It is circular in shape with a conical dome. There are two unique inscriptions on the brick which carry the Kufic, Pahlavi, and Sassanid Scripts. One of them defines
Kandelus Village in Iran Kandelus is a historical village in Mazandaran province, located in the Caspian Sea region in the north of Iran. The province itself lies between the southern coast of the Caspian Sea and the northern slopes of the Central Alborz mountains. Mazandaran is one of the most densely populated provinces in Iran and has a multitude of natural resources. Kandolus is a breath-taking and blessed village in the heart of dense forests on a mild slope at the foothill of the Alborz Mountain Range. This village, being in a mountainous region, is in one of the most scenic valleys of the Alborz Mountain Range at an altitude of 1,650 meters above sea level. The inhabitants speak in the Mazandarani dialect. The village has a dense residential fiber with householders owning sheep, goats, and hens and boasts a unique architecture. It was registered on the list of national heritage villages of Iran. Due to its distinct identity, the alleys and streets are renovated by the Iran Cultural Heritage and Tourism Ministry. There are many fruit trees and a wide variety of medicinal plants in the forest. The whole area is surrounded by a large and spectacular forest, with an exquisite trail that leads to a mountain called Anaron Peak at a height of 3150 m. There are numerous springs throughout the mountains. Kandelus is also well-known for its worth-to-visit rural museums. Kandelus Museum of Anthropology exhibits a precious range of objects from the ancient time before Christ to the Islamic era. The latest ones date back to the Qajar era. The museum narrates the history and culture of the region showing a wide variety of woven, wooden, metal, and china materials, as well as clothes, statues, and paintings. It will be interesting for culture lovers who travel to
Kandelus Village in Iran Kandelus is a historical village in Mazandaran province, located in the Caspian Sea region in the north of Iran. The province itself lies between the southern coast of the Caspian Sea and the northern slopes of the Central Alborz mountains. Mazandaran is one of the most densely populated provinces in Iran
Hormuz Island in Iran Hormuz Island, Hormozgan province, is an oval island 8 km from Bandar Abbas and is considered to be one of the most exquisite islands in Iran. Situated in the Persian Gulf, it is actually a salt dome with an area of 42 square km. It is regarded as the key to the Persian Gulf due to its geographical location and proximity to the Strait of Hormuz. As a result of its position, Qeshm Island’s proximity to Hormuz Island greatly helped it to achieve importance commercially. Historically, Hormuz Island’s location, in a strategically very important region, has given it a significant commercial status. The island's population may halve in the summer with local migration due to the climate. Hormuz village is the only permanent settlement. Resources comprise of red ochre for international trade. Around 1300, the governor of Hormuz left the mainland to avoid thieves and established New Hormuz on the island. Slowly, it suppressed Qeys as the most important commercial center in the Persian Gulf, dominating other islands in the Persian Gulf and sometimes the land of Oman. The Portuguese seized Hormuz and built a castle there in 1514. The Island remained Portuguese for more than a hundred years. However, together with the rise of the local English combined with the Persian Shah’s rage and displeasure at the Portuguese occupancy, a climax was reached. Thus, the Portuguese on Hormuz Island were overthrown by joint Anglo-Persian forces in 1622. From this ancient and well-known city, nothing has left except for a part of the Portuguese castle. Hormuz was rented out to the governor of Muscat and Oman from 1868 to 1798 with the neighboring larger island of Jeshun and the land port of Bandar Abbas. Breath-taking scenery, colorful mountains, cliffs formed over millions of years of erosion,
Hormuz Island in Iran Hormuz Island, Hormozgan province, is an oval island 8 km from Bandar Abbas and is considered to be one of the most exquisite islands in Iran. Situated in the Persian Gulf, it is actually a salt dome with an area of 42 square km. It is regarded as the key to
Qeshm Island in Iran Qeshm Island, in Hormozgan province, Iran, is the largest island in the waters of the Persian Gulf. We have always heard a lot about the unique beauties and features of this island. The countless attractions have made Qeshm one of the most important tourist destinations in Iran. It is located in the Strait of Hormuz and has long belonged to Iran. Its pristine and beautiful nature, together with its history dating back to the Sassanid era, has made this southern island a popular tourist destination for many Iranians and foreign tourists. Qeshm Island has an area of 460 square miles (1,200 square km). The beaches are generally rocky, except for the northwest coast, with its sandy bays and muddy plains. Irregular hills cover most of Qeshm. Several of them are more than 900 feet (270 meters) high, and one of them, Kish Kuh, reaches 1,331 feet (406 meters). Salt is extracted on the southeastern shores and there are springs of naphtha. The island is largely barren, but cereals, vegetables, melons, and dates are grown there. Fishing and weaving are common in this region. Shipbuilding is also one of the oldest indigenous industries of the people of Qeshm. On the 5th of May 2017, Qeshm Island was designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark. This Geopark has the shape of a dolphin. The world's longest salt cave is also situated on the island. It is 6,600 meters long. In addition to the formation of salt and complex, other sedimentary formations are located in various anticline structures on it. The island has rich wildlife; various birds, reptiles, dolphins, and turtles can be seen in this area. In Qeshm Island, zoo geographical areas of Palearctic and Oriental, and phytogeographical areas of Afro-tropical, Oriental and Eurasian face each other, creating a
Qeshm Island in Iran Qeshm Island, in Hormozgan province, Iran, is the largest island in the waters of the Persian Gulf. We have always heard a lot about the unique beauties and features of this island. The countless attractions have made Qeshm one of the most important tourist destinations in Iran. It is located in
