Dena Mountains and National Park Trek Dena is the name of a mountain chain located in the middle part of the Zagros mountain range in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province of Iran which is in the north of Shiraz province. The length is about 90 km with 40 mountains above 4000m and it's one of the best locations for Trekking in Iran. On the foothills of the chains, there is a national park with the same name (DENA) which is a protected area and home to a lot of wild animals with a rich environment as it has a lot of plants and a huge oak forest. It's under the conservation of the Iran Environment Organization. Dena region is a very important destination as it is between the two main touristic cities of Shiraz and Isfahan and it’s a marvelous location for those who are interested in hiking in Iran and would like to combine it with Iran Classic Routes. It's the perfect itinerary for Iran first-timers who want to do Cultural and historical tours along with Iran's main UNESCO Heritage sites. Adventure Iran is the first company to create different trekking routes in this region for different fitness levels from a 2-day moderate trek up to a one-week challenging trek on the ridgeline to ascend a few peaks above 4000 m. We have also made a few trips which are a combination of trekking and cultural explorations. Some tours start from Shiraz and some of them start from Tehran. The clip is a short slideshow from a few of our trips that we performed in different years for hikers from different countries and it just gives you an idea about the scenery and landscape of this amazing destination. For those who are interested in moderate treks, we recommend our trip
Dena Mountains and National Park Trek Dena is the name of a mountain chain located in the middle part of the Zagros mountain range in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province of Iran which is in the north of Shiraz province. The length is about 90 km with 40 mountains above 4000m and it’s one of the
The best Off the Beaten Track Villages of Iran Iran has 27 UNESCO registered world heritage sites (till 2023) and it is the 10th country in the world with the most UNESCO sites on the list, but it is still an unknown destination for the world compared to the other touristic countries. As you know, Iran is a 4 seasons country with a long list of untraveled and unknown routes in different region of the country. So for this list, we have chosen different villages from varied climates in the country. From Alborz and Zagros mountains to Caspian Sea and Persian Gulf to forest and desert regions there are many terrains to visit. Below are the 10 Off the Beaten Track villages you should visit on you trip to Iran. 1. Makhunik desert village, South Khorasan province (Best Travel Time : Autumn, Winter and early spring) 2. Darak coast-village, Sistan and Baluchistan province (Best Travel Time : Winter) 3. Kandelus forest-mountain village, Mazandaran province (Best Travel Time: Spring, summer and Autumn) 4. Shahdad desert oasis, Kerman province, Dasht-e Lut Desert (Best Travel Time: Autumn and Winter) 5. Laft Village (port), Qeshm Island (Best Travel Time: late autumn, Winter and early Spring) 6. Qaleh-ye Bala (Qalebala) mountain village, Semnan Province (Best Travel Time: Spring and Autumn) 7. Miankaleh peninsula & Ashooradeh Island, Mazandaran Province (Best Travel Time: Spring, Autumn and Winter) 8. Sar Agha Seyed nomad mountain village, Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari Province (Best Travel Time: Spring and summer) 9. Esfahak oasis village, South Khorasan Province (Best Travel Time: Spring and Autumn) 10.Lahijan tea plantation region, Gilan Province, Caspian Sea (Best Travel Time: Spring, Summer and Autumn) Have a look at Iran’s
The best Off the Beaten Track Villages of Iran Iran has 27 UNESCO registered world heritage sites (till 2023) and it is the 10th country in the world with the most UNESCO sites on the list, but it is still an unknown destination for the world compared to the other touristic countries. As you know,
Bakhtiari Nomadic Land Bakhtiari is the name of one major Iranian nomadic tribe living in the central part of the Zagros mountain range. Bakhtiari nomadic land is very remote and far from civilization. It embraces the last remaining original and authentic nomadic tribes in Iran. Livestock raising is their profession, and their life is divided into two different periods: the hot and cold seasons. Iranian Bakhtiari nomads live in the low lands during the cold season and move to the high mountains with their families and animals during the hot season. In Persian, there is a special world of KOOCH for this kind of movement and lifestyle. The lifestyle based on Kooch is still alive and it is very fascinating to see. This traditional lifestyle would, unfortunately, disappear very soon in this artificial world. The people still live in basic tents with their ships and goats without facilities and electricity. For those who are interested in anthropology, this nomadic region would be one of the most impressive parts of Iran. The nomads still keep their original clothes and customs. Their wedding ceremonies and traditional dance are enchanting as well. The villages and the nomadic camps are other highlights of this region. The Bakhtiari nomadic tribe, their lifestyle, traditions, costumes, and their territory as a whole are must-sees for those who wish to experience them during their travel to Iran. All the abovementioned attractions have made this place one of the destinations for adventurous travelers who are looking for Off-the-Beaten-Track destinations in Iran. Travel to Bakhtiari nomadic region is full of experiences. Depending on your interest, you could have different travel styles and activities. If you are interested in Bakhtiaris’ Kooch and traveling along with them in early spring, " Kooch with Bakhtiari Nomadic Tribes” is a very interesting 15-day
Bakhtiari Nomadic Land Bakhtiari is the name of one major Iranian nomadic tribe living in the central part of the Zagros mountain range. Bakhtiari nomadic land is very remote and far from civilization. It embraces the last remaining original and authentic nomadic tribes in Iran. Livestock raising is their profession, and their life is divided
Lavasan City in Northeast Tehran Lavasan is a gorgeous town and the center of the Lavasanat district in Shemiranat county in the province of Tehran. Located 11 km northeast of the capital, it is the closest summer resort to Tehran city. In colloquial terms, this town is called Lavasoon. Lavasan means the ridge of sunrise or the ridge of the mountain from which the sun rises. The town of Lavasan is surrounded in the north by the mountains of Varjin, Baghdereh, Kand, and Afjeh, in the west by the Qasran Mountains, and in the northeast and east by the mountains of Ira, Phil Zamin, Lavasankooh, and Jajrud, and in the south by the mountains of Telo, Quchak, Zinkooh, and Arakooh. Lavasan is a summer valley with a pleasant climate on the southern slopes of the Alborz Mountains, which is famous for its pristine and beautiful landscapes, the Jajrud River, and the beautiful lake of Latian Dam. Latian Dam is located in the south of Lavasan, which went into operation in 1967. This concrete dam has an important role in providing water and electricity for Tehran. The name of this dam was Farahnaz before the revolution. Jajrud River, which originates from the heights of Darbandsar, Garmabdar, Igal, Zaygan, and the southern parts of Tochal (part of the Central Alborz Mountains), is the main catchment area of the dam. The unspoiled landscapes around this town depict nature as amazing as possible in all four seasons of the year. In addition, Lavasan town is known to be not only one of the safest cities in the world but also the first fashionable city in Iran. Lavasan has such good facilities and lifestyle in some areas that it is known as Switzerland or the Beverly Hills of Iran. This town is home to
Lavasan City in Northeast Tehran Lavasan is a gorgeous town and the center of the Lavasanat district in Shemiranat county in the province of Tehran. Located 11 km northeast of the capital, it is the closest summer resort to Tehran city. In colloquial terms, this town is called Lavasoon. Lavasan means the ridge of sunrise
Sistan & Baluchestan Adventures The video is about our adventure journey to Sistan and Baluchestan, which is Iran's most special attraction. This trip started from Tehran with a night train towards Kerman. A jeep took the group to Dasht-e lut desert. After staying one night in the desert they continued the trip towards the north through Kalouts fantasy city in the heart of the desert. After exploring and doing some photography in the desert they drove towards Zabol city (north east of Sistan & Baluchistan) which is one of the main cities of the province and its nearby Afghanistan border (about 50 km). Zabol civilization has a lot of stories in Iranian history and Kuh-e Khuaja in Zabol, standing as one of the most important Iranian historical city-fortresses, pre-Islamic and early Islamic, in the region is on the tentative UNESCO sites of Iran. We also visited Ghale-Now ancient town in the region that still has its special architecture. Afterward the trip continued towards the south to visit Shahr-i Sokhta, meaning ‘Burnt City’, which is one of Iran’s UNESCO sites registered in 2014. They drove to Zahedan, the capital of the province, and spent a couple of nights there to visit different attractions. In the morning they visited the ground Bazaar and the museum which is one of the biggest museums in the region. They had an excursion to the heights of Taftan Mountain which is the most important semi-active volcano of Iran which has an altitude around 4,000 meters above sea level. After visiting Zahedan and countryside attractions they traveled to Kalpuregan ancient village which is nearby from Saravan. Kalpuregan is like a museum of its own and as the capital of pottery in the world has a lot of history in itself. There’s still a lot of artists
Sistan & Baluchestan Adventures The video is about our adventure journey to Sistan and Baluchestan, which is Iran’s most special attraction. This trip started from Tehran with a night train towards Kerman. A jeep took the group to Dasht-e lut desert. After staying one night in the desert they continued the trip towards the north
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.
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
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
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
Sistan and Baluchistan in Iran Sistan and Baluchistan province (also spelled Sistan and Baluchestan) is in the southeast of Iran on the border with Afghanistan and Pakistan. To the south lies the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman. This province is about the size of Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and Slovenia combined. As a result of its huge dimensions, there is a fair amount of driving from the north to the south. It has 1,100 km of land along the border with Pakistan and Afghanistan together with a coastal stretch of 300 km along the Indian Ocean’s Gulf of Oman. The inhabitants consist of two tribes, one is the Baluchi tribe, who are Sunni Muslims, and the other the Sistani tribe, who are Shi’a Muslims. Both speak Persian. The province is really amazing with huge contrasts between the deserts, snow-capped mountains, peculiar rock formations, an active 4,000 m volcano, Martian scenery, cliff-enclosed fishing villages along the coast, plus tropical rivers with the rare Mugger crocodile. This is a lesser-known destination in Iran but, at the same time, one of the most beautiful areas of our country. One of the places in the province you must visit is the famous Shahr-i Sokhta or “Burnt City”, (registered on UNESCO list in 2015), founded around 3200 BC. It is situated at the junction of the Bronze Age trade routes crossing the Iranian plateau. Another region is the Dasht-e Lut desert. The Lut desert was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2016. It is one of the main highlights of Iran in terms of nature. Since Iranian deserts were on the Silk Road, there are many historical monuments and sites remaining from that period that are well worth visiting. Not only are there many different types
Sistan and Baluchistan in Iran Sistan and Baluchistan province (also spelled Sistan and Baluchestan) is in the southeast of Iran on the border with Afghanistan and Pakistan. To the south lies the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman. This province is about the size of Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and Slovenia combined. As
Highlands of Talesh in Iran Talesh also spelled Talysh and Talish, is a region in northwest Iran, west of the Alborz Mountain range along the southwest of the Caspian Sea. The Talesh area is believed to be the place where the Aryan People first settled (They are Indo-European people who moved down from, what are today, the Russian steppes to Europe, Iran, Central Asia, and northern India in the second millennium BC). It is also said to be the birthplace of Zoroaster, the prophet of the ancient Persian religion, Zoroastrianism. Talesh has a sub-tropical climate with a lush green landscape. The region can be divided into two parts, the lowlands, and the highlands. The lowlands lie along the fertile coastal plain of the Caspian Sea and are abundant with rice paddies and orchards. The highlands constitute almost three-quarters of the area of Talesh and are covered by dense deciduous forests and meadows. The Talesh massif forms a 300 km long natural barrier against the drier climate to the south and west. Its highest peak, Bagharo Dagh, is at an altitude of 3,200 meters. The people of Talesh have their own distinct language and culture which have been preserved over the centuries by the remoteness of their land. A great number of them are pastoralists and semi-nomadic. They migrate to the highlands with their herds of sheep and goats every spring to pasture. They live in wooden houses or a kind of fixed tent, called Kapar, in their summer encampments. During this undiscovered superb trek, we will experience their genuine hospitality firsthand by staying and eating with them or camping next to them. Talesh has wonderful mountainous areas and its virgin and intact nature is a charming place for those eager to immerse themselves in it. Talesh is situated 140
Highlands of Talesh in Iran Talesh also spelled Talysh and Talish, is a region in northwest Iran, west of the Alborz Mountain range along the southwest of the Caspian Sea. The Talesh area is believed to be the place where the Aryan People first settled (They are Indo-European people who moved down from, what are
