The Silk Road in Iran and the Persian Caravanserai The Silk Roads, as the oldest trading and communication network across the world, have connected many civilizations for millennia, bringing together peoples, cultures and economies. The roads provided a ground not only for the exchange of goods but also for the interactions of ideas and cultures that have shaped a part of our world today. The people living along the Silk Roads enjoy diverse cultures, religions and languages, and as a result of their interactions, they have influenced each other. The Silk Roads have created architectural elements related to their functions, which reflect regional techniques, arts and even beliefs. Such elements include caravanserais, navigation towers, water cisterns, qanats, mosques and even cities. The caravanserais in particular functioned as meeting points for travellers and places for merchants to conduct their business, trading goods and commodities. Furthermore, they were a place for scientists and many other scholars to exchange their knowledge and ideas. Such places could make it possible to discover new civilizations or to learn new languages. Today, many historic buildings and monuments still stand, marking the passage of the Silk Roads through caravanserais, ports and cities. But the long-standing and ongoing legacy of this remarkable network is also reflected in the many distinct but interconnected cultures, languages, customs and religions that have developed over millennia along these routes. Precious silk Even though a variety of valuable materials, goods and commodities were transported, sold and traded along the Silk Roads – precious stones such as agate and turquoise, spices, salt, medicine, jewellery, etc. – it was silk that captivated Western markets and civilizations from antiquity until the end of the 19th century. The reason behind the huge demand for silk went beyond its superlative quality and extensive use in the
The Silk Road in Iran and the Persian Caravanserai The Silk Roads, as the oldest trading and communication network across the world, have connected many civilizations for millennia, bringing together peoples, cultures and economies. The roads provided a ground not only for the exchange of goods but also for the interactions of ideas and
Iran cancels visa requirements for 33 countries. TEHRAN, Dec 13: In a significant move towards fostering international tourism, Iran has unilaterally decided to cancel visas for 33 countries! Iran’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts has announced a new initiative to waive visa requirements for tourists from 32 countries, in a bid to attract more foreign visitors and counteract negative perceptions of the country. The decision was approved by the Iranian Cabinet, and the government hopes that this move will welcome the world to Iran and foster strong connections with the global community. The move comes as part of Iran’s ongoing efforts to promote its rich cultural heritage, diverse tourism offerings, and traditional handicrafts to a wider audience. By waiving the visa requirements, the government aims to remove barriers for potential tourists and create a more open and traveler-friendly environment. By neutralizing the projects of Iranophobia, the Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts hopes to dispel misconceptions and attract a higher number of foreign tourists. The ministry emphasizes the country’s commitment to showcasing Iran’s true beauty and providing an authentic and immersive experience for visitors from all over the world. Recent statistics reveal that Iran has seen a significant influx of foreign arrivals, with a reported 4.4 million tourists visiting during the first eight months of the current Iranian year. This increase in numbers highlights the growing interest in Iran’s cultural attractions, historical landmarks, and natural wonders. The visa waiver initiative aims to further boost these numbers and position Iran as an attractive destination for travelers seeking unique experiences. By removing visa barriers, the government hopes to encourage more tourists to explore the country’s vibrant cities, magnificent landscapes, and renowned archaeological sites. With this visa-free travel announcement, Iran continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering international connections
Iran cancels visa requirements for 33 countries. TEHRAN, Dec 13: In a significant move towards fostering international tourism, Iran has unilaterally decided to cancel visas for 33 countries! Iran’s Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts has announced a new initiative to waive visa requirements for tourists from 32 countries, in a bid to attract
Bagh Firuze Medicinal Herb Garden Bagh Firuze is a Garden dedicated to Agritourism focusing on Permaculture (sustainable and self-sufficient) farming that started working in the year 2010. Firuze garden offers a variety of programs and events to the general public and it is the best place for Agriculture & Agriculture Operations students to explore and learn about important medicinal herbs of Iran. This garden, placed in one of the villages on the outskirts of Tehran has a unique collection of Medicinal and Aromatic herbs and with the slogan of “A plant a day” takes care of 365 kinds of herbs yearly which you can visit and learn about on the farm. The rest of the farm is for the plantation of common herbs and vegetables. These get planted seasonally and visitors can pick anything they want for their taking and the products of this field can be bought from the farmer’s shop in the garden. Also, a small café is stationed in the garden too that gets its material for their delicious Herbal drinks and foods from the garden as well. Activities of Firuze garden There are 3 main activities you can do in this 4 Hectare farm: 1. The collection The plants in the collection are engrained yearly and each one of them has a special usage and properties in Iranian traditional medicine. Many groups of students visit this part yearly for their scientific research because besides traditional herbs of Iran many foreign herbs get planted in the collection too. A specialist accompanies these groups as a tour guide for a more detailed presentation of the area. The 4 corners of the garden are named after 4 Persian scientists active in the field of medicine and traditional medicine of Iran: Avicenna, Rhazes, al-Biruni and Zayn al-Din Gorgani. 2. Dasht-e
Bagh Firuze Medicinal Herb Garden Bagh Firuze is a Garden dedicated to Agritourism focusing on Permaculture (sustainable and self-sufficient) farming that started working in the year 2010. Firuze garden offers a variety of programs and events to the general public and it is the best place for Agriculture & Agriculture Operations students to explore and
Best Time to Visit Iran? Iran’s four seasons are very well defined. Due to its big size, the various regions that make up the country have very different weather conditions, temperature, rainfall and level of humidity during the year. Depending on where you are, whether in a high mountainous area, a vast desert, a forest, or one of the two coastal regions going from north to south, (the Caspian Sea to the Persian Gulf ), this climate diversity makes it possible to travel all year round. So a question easily arises: What is the best time to visit Iran? High season / Low season As an example, what is known as the LOW SEASON is due to the high summer temperatures in most parts of the country making it unattractive for travelers to visit the cities. However, the Caspian Sea area has its busiest time of the year during this season as many locals from all over Iran, especially from the capital, are traveling there to soak up the sun and swim. For mountain lovers, summer is the best time to ascend the high peaks. Yet another example is the OFF-SEASON. This is the winter season when large parts of the country have very cold weather. Many domestic travelers go to the southern coast to enjoy the sunny weather there. In winter, when most of Iran’s tourist destinations are deserted, travelers will find it extremely difficult to find a vacant room in the Persian Gulf islands or tourist destinations along the southern coast. It's vital to mention the region and name of the destination when we use the term HIGH SEASON and LOW SEASON. As Iran is not yet a popular destination to travel to in the world, most of Iran’s visitors are cultural-historical travelers who come here to
Best Time to Visit Iran? Iran’s four seasons are very well defined. Due to its big size, the various regions that make up the country have very different weather conditions, temperature, rainfall and level of humidity during the year. Depending on where you are, whether in a high mountainous area, a vast desert, a forest,
Maranjab Desert in Iran The Maranjab Desert is the name of a region in the Dasht-e Kavir desert in Iran. Maranjab is located in the eastern city of Kashan in Esfahan province. This interesting desert is one of the most accessible desert regions between Tehran and Kashan. It is surrounded by an amazing Salt Lake, so it is worth visiting the sand dunes and the lake as well as the flat desert of the Kavir National Park (Parke Meli Kavir). The average height of the desert is approximately 2800 feet above sea level with the highest point being around 2900 feet above the sea level. Much of the Maranjab desert is full of golden sand dunes and sabulous. The name “Maranjab” is said to have been chosen by none other than Shah Abbas. The desert was a part of the famous Silk Road that used to connect Europe and China in times past. The name is derived from a Ramesh word that refers to the freshwater canals in the desert. For a desert, Maranjab is quite spectacular and picturesque. One feature that makes the sight breathtaking is the golden sand dunes that give the impression of flowing like water. Some of the dunes are as high as 230 feet. undefined For this reason, some people have described the desert as an ocean of sand. In addition to the sand dunes, the hilly terrain and forests in the desert also make the desert even more beautiful to behold. All this has made the Maranjab desert a famous destination for tourists, nature lovers, and people who love photography. Maranjab Caravanserai Photo Gallery The altitude of the Maranjab desert is about 850 meters above sea level with the highest point of the area being about 880 meters above sea
Maranjab Desert in Iran The Maranjab Desert is the name of a region in the Dasht-e Kavir desert in Iran. Maranjab is located in the eastern city of Kashan in Esfahan province. This interesting desert is one of the most accessible desert regions between Tehran and Kashan. It is surrounded by an amazing Salt Lake,
Alborz Ski Region in Iran Iran embraces numerous ski resorts in different mountains of Alborz and Zagros. The most important Ski Resorts were built before the Islamic Revolution, during Mohammad Reza Pahlavi's ruling, and they are still among the best in the country. Alborz mountain starts from the northwest of Iran near the Turkey border and stretches all the way in the south of the Caspian Sea toward the northeast of Iran near the Afghanistan border. Alborz district is divided into three sections, West Alborz, Central Alborz, and East Alborz Mountains. Central Alborz region has a lot of high-altitude peaks above 4000 m, and Mount Damavand, Iran's highest peak with 5610 m, is located in this part as well. In central Alborz, there is a specific region called Alborz Ski Region that starts from Mount Tochal (3960m)- Tehran's highest mountain- and stretches northward to Kolonbastak-Sarakchal ridge with a width of about 20 km. This region has 4 different ski areas that you can see on the map below. Moreover, some famous mountains outside of the ski area are the perfect place for off-piste skiing or Ski Touring. Ski Resorts in Alborz Ski Region in Iran: Tochal Ski Resort Tehran sits at the foot of Tochal mountain which has a ski resort on its heights. The peak altitude is 3960m and the highest point of the ski resort is 3850m. From the Velenjak neighborhood in the north of the capital Tehran, you will have access to the gondola which will take you up to 3700 m after three sections. From there you can take a lift to go to the highest point of the ski resort which is near the Tochal peak (3960m). The length of the gondola from the first to the last station is about 7.5 km
Alborz Ski Region in Iran Iran embraces numerous ski resorts in different mountains of Alborz and Zagros. The most important Ski Resorts were built before the Islamic Revolution, during Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s ruling, and they are still among the best in the country. Alborz mountain starts from the northwest of Iran near the Turkey border
Darbandsar Ski Resort in Iran ALBORZ SKI REGION Darbandsar ski resort in Iran is one of the main ski resorts in the country, located in Darbandsar village, northeast of the capital. From Tehran, it is only 65km away and takes one and half hours to reach it. The history of the piste goes back to around the time of the Iran Islamic revolution. Before the revolution, many local skiers traveled to Europe for the ski championships. With the help and support of a few ski enthusiasts from various countries, decisions were made to create a new ski resort in the Alborz Ski Region. They bought a brand-new lift from the Poma company in France in 1978. This lift was kept in Iran’s customs control for a period due to the timing of the revolution. This project was suspended until things had settled down so it took longer than originally planned. After a few years, actually, at the beginning of 1982, the Darbandsar piste was born. Subsequently, the locals bought more ski lift equipment to improve the piste and make it more advanced and keep pace with other pistes in Iran. The altitude is 2600m to 3600m. This piste, as mentioned, is located in the Alborz ski region in the Central Alborz Mountains. Darbandsar ski resort was originally a small piste in Iran. Fortunately, it now belongs to a private company that developed the region and purchased new ski lift equipment. It is fast increasing in size, overtaking Shemshak and Tochal pistes. Nowadays Darbandsar is an important and well-known ski hub for Iranian skiers. It is also becoming more popular with locals. Lift Systems: 1st station: 2600m Last station: 3600m The ski resort has two ski lifts, three chair lifts (two 4-seater ski lifts, one two-seater chair
Darbandsar Ski Resort in Iran ALBORZ SKI REGION Darbandsar ski resort in Iran is one of the main ski resorts in the country, located in Darbandsar village, northeast of the capital. From Tehran, it is only 65km away and takes one and half hours to reach it. The history of the piste goes
Shemshak Ski Destination ALBORZ SKI REGION Shemshak is the name of a village, and also a ski destination, in Rudbar-e Qasran District, in Shemiranat County, Tehran Province, Iran. It is a mountain village located in the southern part of the central Alborz Mountains in northeastern Tehran province. Shemshak is one of the highest villages in Iran, situated at an altitude of 2500 m to 2650 m, and is surrounded by mountains above 4000 m. Around a few hundred years ago, many people who bred stocks in the Plateau of Iran in the southern part of Tehran province came to this region with their sheep and goats during the summer as this region has rich pastures, perfect for them for their seasonal migration. They slowly migrated to this region about 100 years ago where they followed their traditional lifestyle. However, at the beginning of the 20th century, they noticed the soil on some mountains in the area was black. The locals realized this was coal. This discovery brought the Germans to the region to extract it, where they created many coal mines approximately 100 years ago. At that time, about 3000 people were employed in the mining industry where the area developed rapidly. This brought change for the locals working and living there with their families. Simultaneously, they had an electrical factory (power station) in the area designed by German engineers. Besides that, they built accommodation for their employees, a hospital, and a cinema. The change came when other fuels became available which replaced coal causing the mine to close. This had quite an impact on the people. At that time, a number of them who used to ski in Abali piste (the first Iran ski area), and a few foreigners who worked in the mine, brought their skis to
Shemshak Ski Destination ALBORZ SKI REGION Shemshak is the name of a village, and also a ski destination, in Rudbar-e Qasran District, in Shemiranat County, Tehran Province, Iran. It is a mountain village located in the southern part of the central Alborz Mountains in northeastern Tehran province. Shemshak is one of the highest villages
Dizin Ski Resort ALBORZ SKI REGION Dizin is the biggest Ski Resort in Iran, located in Alborz province, northeast of Tehran province, which is on the southern slopes of the Central Alborz Mountains. Dizin ski resort was built around 1960 during the reign of Pahlavi (Mohammad Reza Shah) before Iran’s Islamic revolution. The piste is situated in a staggeringly beautiful geographical position, surrounded by a lot of high mountain peaks around +4000 m, which makes for a very cold winter with amazing visibility of the mountains in the Alborz range. You will have a stunning view of Iran’s highest mountain, Damavand (5610m), from the top of the piste on Sichal peak. From the last station of Dizin, you have to ascend a little bit. It takes 10-15 minutes to reach the peak (Sichal), the highest point in the region. From there, you will have a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the numerous mountains in the heart of Alborz. From the peak, you can see Kolonbastak (4150m), the ridgeline of the Sarakckal mountains, a 15km mountain chain above 4000m with 3 peaks. In the south, you will see Tochal mountain (3960m) which is north of the capital, Tehran. Dizin is, without a doubt, the finest place for skiing in Iran. For those who are looking for a more challenging activity, there are a lot of regions around Dizin that are terrific for Off Piste skiing. You will need a local guide or experienced ski instructor for off-piste skiing in Dizin. There are a few mountains around Dizin that are excellent for Ski-Touring at the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Mount Kolonbastak and Mount Azadkuh are two of them, which are fairly close, and ideal for ski touring. Besides ski activities, the attractive Dizin region is
Dizin Ski Resort ALBORZ SKI REGION Dizin is the biggest Ski Resort in Iran, located in Alborz province, northeast of Tehran province, which is on the southern slopes of the Central Alborz Mountains. Dizin ski resort was built around 1960 during the reign of Pahlavi (Mohammad Reza Shah) before Iran’s Islamic revolution. The
Iran's Most Famous Mountains and High Peaks Iran has a long list of mountains above 4000m in different regions in the Alborz and Zagros ranges. Surprisingly, even in the deserts of Iran, there are many mountains above 3000 m plus a few famous mountains above 4000m. Moreover, along these two long mountain ranges, there are numerous special regions such as Dasht-e Lut or Sistan and Baluchistan province embracing some mountains which are not well known to travelers. They have an ideal climate, perfect for a winter ascend. It is impossible to list all of Iran’s mountains here. We have chosen only a few of them for adventurous travelers who would like to specifically experience Iran’s mountains. We considered many factors to create the list below from more than 100 mountain names that local climbers generally choose for their various activities. We appraised the combination of the mountains’ altitude, the levels of difficulty, accessibility, special regions, protected areas, exquisite landscapes, and Off the Beaten Track, to cover a multitude of activities bearing in mind the best season for each activity to cover the whole year. Besides, our 20 years' experience of performing a lot of tours in different regions of Iran was another important aspect as to why we have chosen these specific mountains in our Iran’s Most Famous Mountains and High Peaks List. According to your travel time in Iran and your level of fitness, we have special offers for you. Also included are popular activities such as Trekking, Mountain Biking, and Ski-touring. The list has been prepared by Adventure Iran’s mountain guides’ team. It reflects our point of view of what we think is just right for you. Certainly, there are a lot of other mountains which are not listed in our famous mountains of Iran. If you are looking
Iran’s Most Famous Mountains and High Peaks Iran has a long list of mountains above 4000m in different regions in the Alborz and Zagros ranges. Surprisingly, even in the deserts of Iran, there are many mountains above 3000 m plus a few famous mountains above 4000m. Moreover, along these two long mountain ranges, there are numerous
