Author: Farima Fehrest

5 reasons to visit Iran

If you are still not sure why you should travel to Iran, here are five main reasons that may convince you to travel to Iran.

Land of diversity: diverse climatic condition, food, and ethnic groups

You will never get bored in Iran. Iran is a four-season country which allows adventurers to enjoy their favorite activities. If you like to experience cold mountainous climate, the northwest provinces, covered in snow from early November till March are waiting for you. If you are a fan of mild and pleasant weather by the sea, the northern and southern cities call you. And if dry and hot weather are your favorite combination, the central parts embracing deserts, would be your best options. Imagine visiting loads of eye-catching waterfalls and lakes, walking on the warm, golden sand dunes in a vast desert, clime high mountains, and even ski in the best ski resorts with high quality snow all in a single trip! That trip is definitely Iran. This geographical diversity has been reflected in variety of foods prepared by different ethnic groups. Living with an ethnic group in any corner of the country with their unique lifestyle and hospitality would definitely amaze you. So, there is a lot to experience in Iran depending on your own taste and expectations!

Amazing natural landscapes

Iran enjoys a great variety of natural landscapes due to the diverse climatic condition in different parts of the country. The highest volcanic peak in the Middle East is among the popular destinations for mountaineers during spring and summer. The deserts in Iran offers unforgettable off-road adventures. It may be interesting to know that some of Iran deserts looks like no deserts in the world; think of walking on a place like Mars! Doesn’t sound exciting? Well, that is Shahdad desert with giant structures forming as a result of millions of natural erosion! The hyrcanian forests in the north of Iran would never fail to amaze the travelers passing through them particularly during fall, when you can see thousands of colors in nature! And there are still more since Iran is the land of natural wonders.
Iran’s dreamy roads call many adventurers in all seasons, that is why you can consider traveling to Iran by car, by motorcycle or even bicycle! Over-landing has been quite popular in Iran, particularly after the COVID-19 situation!

Iran embraces any eye-catching natural landscapes.

Rich cultural attractions

It is no surprise that, as the heart of ancient Persian Empire, Iran embraces numerous cultural and historical attractions that you should not miss. The glorious remnants of Persepolis and Pasargadae from the Achaemenian Empire, the gorgeous mosques with eye-catching blue tile works that mazes any tourist, the beautiful pink mosque that stuns many photographs for hours and hours with its reflective colorful mirrors are only some of the cultural attractions. Some part of this rich culture is intangible such as the folklore music, or local traditions, ethnic group’s clothing and lifestyles of the locals in old villages. There is a long list of cultural attractions in Iran, as you may not get the chance to experience all of them, make a list of your own based on your interest!

As the heart of ancient Persian Empire, Iran embraces numerous cultural and historical attractions

Tasting extraordinary cuisine

Iranian cuisine is among the best in the world as good as the Italian or French. Iranian dishes are so diverse and delicious that selecting the best to suggest to the international guests is not easy. Typical dishes include the best types of Kebabs, stews, and soups that you may have never eaten before and you probably will not test them anywhere else. You are recommended to try Iranian Kebab (Koobideh or Shishlik), Abgusht, Fesenjan and Ghormesabzi, and Zereshkpolo. Never leave Iran without trying these tasty foods!

Iranian cuisine is among the most delicious and diverse ones in the world!

Iranian hospitality

Iranians are among the friendliest people in the world. Many tourists have the experience of being hosted by an Iranian family and have enjoyed Iranian hospitality. If you get the chance to be invited, you will taste the most delicious home-made foods and enjoy the company of warm-hearted people, hearing their stories and jokes. Immersing in Iranian culture is all about getting in touch with Iranian families, chatting with them, going on a picnic and camping, and listening to them.
Although you will probably have more chance in smaller cities and villages where the warm-hearted people have more time to spend with their guests; so, why not try it?

Affordable destination for travel lovers

The cost of traveling to Iran is quite low, particularly during the past decade that Iranian Rial has lost its value compared to the US Dollar. This has made Iran to be among the most affordable destinations. You will have the opportunity of having a longer tour with more fun activities to experience, probably more than a weak, if you are a fan of long vacations.
It might be interesting for you to know that; Iran have the reputation of being among the safest destinations as other travelers say. Therefore, do not worry about safety of travel to Iran and what media say about Iran. It would be an opportunity for you to grow your own opinion based on what you experience here!
If you have already been convinced to travel to Iran, click here for Iran visa.
Are you planning to travel to Iran and looking for some adventure? Check out our Iran Climbing & Trekking Tours, Iran Ski Tours, Iran Desert Tours & Iran Cycling Tours. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us via info@adventure.ir.

November 9, 2021
Miankaleh peninsula: Explore natural wonders of Iran

There are many wonders in northern Iran. The climatic diversity of Iran, mountains, and forests, rivers have made the country suitable for living different animal species. During autumn, thousands of species of birds from around the world, such as northern Russia and Siberia, travel hundreds of kilometers and take refuge in Miankaleh peninsula.

Where is Miankaleh?

Miankaleh is a peninsula at the southeastern tip of the Caspian Sea, which is located 12 kilometers north of Behshahr. Mazandaran is in a very favorable condition for tourists in terms of geographical location and climatic conditions. Every autumn, hundreds of migratory birds such as flamingos, cormorants, swans, pelicans, ducks, and sea eagles reach the lagoon and stay there until late winter. This means that you have found the best place for bird watching. So, bird-watching tours will come to visit this lagoon.

Miankaleh peninsula in Mazandaran is a peninsula at the southeastern tip of the Caspian Sea.

Other attractions to visit in the region

Miankaleh peninsula is home to unique wildlife species in Iran. The area is home to free horses and migratory birds, native birds such as pheasants, and animals such as wolves, foxes, feral cats, rabbits, and boars. In addition to Miankaleh peninsula, Behshahr city has many natural attractions that we recommend you to visit. You had better not miss the historical hills of “Gohar Tappeh” and the Abbas Abad Lake. On the way between the city of Sari and Miankaleh, there are many natural attractions that you can visit. For example, Dasht-e Naz is a lovely wildlife refuge and breeding center for Iranian spotted yellow deer, which is in danger of extinction. Also, the Lapoo Zaghmarz lagoon is another spectacular attraction of this region. The sunrise and sunset of the lagoon are unique, and the nature around will immerse you in peace.

Accommodation

The best option for staying in this area is one of the cities around Miankaleh such as Sari that offers suitable accommodation places, suitable for all tastes and budgets, with full amenities. If you want to spend a night in nature, Zaghmarz beach is perfect for camping and setting up tents. There are also indigenous and local resorts in the surrounding villages.

When is the best time to visit Miankaleh peninsula?

Miankaleh offers unique attractions in every season. During warm seasons, traveling to visit the Lagoon and watching native animals is enjoyable. But if you want to see migratory birds, you must visit Miankaleh peninsula from late November to early March.

November 7, 2021
The scary Zaar ceremony in the south of Iran

Do you believe in jinn? What about exorcism? Even your curiousness would be enough to explore it. If you want to experience horror movies in real life, we know a suitable place for you in Iran. Do you think you are brave enough? “Zaar Ceremony” is the name of a special and scary ceremony that is performed in the south of Iran, especially Hormozgan and Qeshm Island, to remove evil spirits and ghosts from people’s bodies. Native people believe that there is a kind of extraterrestrial wind or jinn that rides on the sea waves to the southern coast of the country. So, it penetrates the human body in different ways. The sick people who have not recovered from the usual treatments have probably become Havai and, a demon or ghost has entered their bodies. For this reason, Zaar ceremony is held with music for an exorcism to bring back health to people. The Zaar ceremony is originally from Africa and, the effects of African music is evident in the Iranian ceremony. However, Iran has a different style from North Africa.

“Zaar Ceremony” is the name of a special and scary ceremony that is performed in the south of Iran.

How the scary Zaar ceremony is held? People on the southern coast consider jinns and ghosts as the wind and believe that each wind has its jinn that can enter the human body. When a person becomes ill, they take them to a person called “Baba Zaar” and “Mama Zaar.” These people are specialists in holding funeral ceremonies and removing demons and ghosts from patients’ bodies. It is interesting to know that Baba zaar or Mama zaar has been infected with the Zaar disease several times and has gained enough control over the wind. They keep the patient away from the people for seven days, during this time they prepare the person for the funeral process by using special medicines and oils. This ceremony has its own rules; for example, people should not speak loudly and are not allowed to enter with shoes.

One of the most significant parts of the ceremony is the performance of individual and influential music. Native people believe that music makes the jinn kind and gets them out of the infected person’s body! One of the instruments is the tambourine. Also, not everyone is allowed to play special instruments. People who have recovered are then known as “Ahle Hava.” According to Ahle Hava’s beliefs, the jinn has different names and must be called by their real name to get out! Baba Zaar hits the sick body with the bamboo in his hand and asks the jinn to come out of the person’s body! Of course, there are people in the south who do not believe in exorcism. If you are still not afraid, this place will be exciting for you.

To know more about this local scary ceremony and take a tour to the south of Iran, get in touch with us via info@adventure.ir.

October 25, 2021
Top 10 Iranian dishes you should try in Iran + Photos

Iranian dishes are so diverse and delicious that selecting the best to suggest to the international guests, is not really easy? Traveling to Iran will lead you to get acquainted with tasty foods and amazing cuisine. By looking at the geographical location of Iran, you will understand why there are so many different foods in this country. Now, we want to introduce the most famous Iranian dishes from the point of view of foreign tourists.

1. Ghorme Sabzi

If you ask many Iranians about their popular food, they will probably say Ghorme Sabzi! It is prepared with fragrant vegetables, onions, lemons, red beans (in some parts of Iran, white beans), and meat. But what is the secret of its deliciousness? The secret of a delicious Ghorme sabzi, like many Iranian dishes, is its cooking time. The lower the heat and the longer you cook the stew, the more embedded and tastier it becomes. Some even continue to cook it for up to 3 days! It is interesting to know that Fenugreek is a vegetable used in Ghormesabzi that tastes unfamiliar to Americans!

If you ask many Iranians about their popular food, they will probably say Ghorme Sabzi!

2. Kebab

Kebab is undoubtedly the most famous Iranian food. Kebabs, especially Koobideh, are very popular among Iranians and tourists. As you know, grilled kebabs are usually served with grilled tomatoes and peppers, saffron rice, doogh (an Iranian drink based on yogurt), and fresh vegetables. Sometimes it is served with bread instead of rice, the best bread choice is Sangak! You cannot imagine Iranians without their Kebabs!

3. Dizi

If you want to get familiar with Iranian culture, go to a traditional restaurant and order Dizi! The mutton is cooked with beans and potatoes and sometimes tomatoes. Then they eat it with Sangak bread, vegetables, doogh, and onion. Also, in Iranian movies, family and friends go to a traditional restaurant and eat Dizi together to show intimacy and closeness!

Dizi: The tasty and popular Iranian food!

4. Tahchin

Tahchin is one of the most delicious and beautiful Iranian dishes with a stylish and majestic appearance. It is interesting to know that foreigners also call it “The Iranian cake” because of its appearance. This yellow cake is made from rice, saffron, chicken, meat, eggplant, and yogurt, but the chicken style is more famous than others. Of course, to have a beautiful appearance, you must have learned how to cook it well.

Tahchin is one of the most delicious and beautiful Iranian dishes with a stylish and majestic appearance.

5. Chicken kebab

Iranians love meat! In most Iranian dishes, there is chicken or mutton and beef. Another of the most delicious Iranian dishes is chicken kebab, which is usually inseparable from the kebab. One of the traditions of the Iranians is that when they go camping, they must take the necessary ingredients for preparing chicken kebab and grill them on charcoal and fire! You can serve with grilled tomatoes, saffron rice, and butter, which is a tasty combination.

6. Kofte Tabrizi

Kofte (meatballs) Tabrizi, as its name suggests, is originally from Tabriz. But today, it is cooked all over Iran and is considered one of the most delicious Iranian dishes. Actually, in Iran, you can see all kinds of meatballs. This food is prepared from a combination of meat, chickpeas, and vegetables filled with boiled eggs, plums, walnuts, onions, and barberry. We suggest that you do not forget to eat garlic and Doogh with your Kofte!

7. Aash Reshteh

There are different types of َAash (a kind of thick soup that is cooked only in Iran) in Iran and each region has its own version. Among these, Aash Reshteh is the most famous, and foreign tourists are more familiar with it. It is one of the most popular Iranian dishes and is cooked on days like Ramadan. To prepare this Iranian dish, different beans are cooked with specific vegetables, and then noodles and curd are added to them. Also, decorating is very important, and many Iranians are skilled. Fried Onions, garlic, mint, and curd are the main decoration ingredients. Another situation where cooking Aash Reshteh is common is when someone is planning to travel! We suggest you try this delicious food on a rainy and cold day outside!

Aash Reshteh with a gorgeous design on top.

8. Dolma (Stuffed grape leaves)

There are different types of Dolma; such as leaf dolma, tomato dolma, eggplant dolma, and bell pepper dolma, which the leaf dolma is famous among them. Many Iranians cook this food in the spring when the grape leaves are fresh, sour, and delicious. The ingredients inside are a combination of minced meat, vegetables, onions, and split peas. You can try it with yogurt! Dolma is one of the local dishes of West and East Azarbaijan provinces; however, today this delicious food is cooked all over Iran.

9. Zereshk Polo (Barberry Rice Pilaf)

Another of the best Iranian dishes served in every Iranian gathering is barberry pilaf with chicken or Zereshk Polo. This dish is a combination of chicken, barberry, saffron, and white fluffy rice. In addition to its distinctive taste, it has a beautiful and majestic appearance. This dish is one of the most delicious Iranian dishes and has become very famous in the world.

Zereshk polo; A tasty Iranian dish you should try!

10. Gheimeh

Another Iranian food that is very popular is Gheimeh stew. This stew is often cooked with fried and sliced potatoes and sometimes with eggplants. This food is never separated from the Ghorme sabzi, and they are like two sisters! You can always see that Gheimeh is cooked in the days of Muharram. To prepare it, you should cook the minced meat with onion, split peas, tomato paste, lemon in water until they boil perfectly. Finally, you can add fried potatoes or fried eggplants to the stew and serve with saffron rice.

Are you planning to travel to Iran and looking for some adventure? Check out our Iran Climbing & Trekking Tours, Iran Ski Tours, Iran Desert Tours & Iran Cycling Tours.

October 17, 2021
Pomegranate Festival in Iran

Iranian tribes held different festivals for their agricultural products. “Pomegranate Festival” is one of these ancient festivals in Iran. The villagers go to the pomegranate fields to harvest their crops on Friday, between the 20th and the 25th of October. No one is allowed to harvest pomegranate from their farm before this day! These local and seasonal festivals are a perfect solution for tourism development, and it creates a good interaction between visitors and local people.

To celebrate this Thanksgiving, the people of the region wear special clothes. They play their local musical instruments to make the atmosphere more enjoyable. They are all together in a united and cohesive way and go to their garden and start harvesting. Now, we will introduce you some cities which are famous for this festival:

Pomegranate Festival in Iran

Where do Iranians held pomegranate festival?

Farooq village is in Marvdasht city is a popular village to join this festival. The abundance of pomegranates in this village make people celebrate the pomegranate festival every year. The date of this celebration is in November. You may be interested to know that the Pomegranate Festival is celebrated in the Ishraq Cultural Center and the Khavaran Cultural Center in Tehran.

By mid-fall Pomegranate trees are full of Pomegranates and local people held a special Thanksgiving ceremony called Pomegranate Festival.

Badroud

Naderi Badroud Pomegranate is one of the four famous types of pomegranates in Iran. At Badroud Pomegranate Festival, we see that traditional workshops also make pomegranate paste, pomegranate vinegar, and pomegranate jelly, and you can visit this festival during mid-fall.

Durak

Durak Pomegranate Festival is in Durak village of Kiar city of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. This festival is held every year at the harvest season to thank the blessings. According to the annual tradition, the pomegranate festival is celebrated in Zardavi Paveh village with locals and tourists in the middle of November. In addition, the villagers offer their other hand-made products in this festival as well.

Anbouh village

The pomegranate festival of Anbouh village, located on the border of Gilan and Qazvin provinces, are celebrated spontaneously and popularly every year on the last Friday of October. The women and girls of the village wear local clothes and contribute to picking pomegranates with the men. Then, the pomegranates will be transported by animals such as mule to the side of the road.

We highly recommend you attend this beautiful and ancient tradition. Also, be sure to try the pomegranates presented at the festival. What kind of pomegranate is your favorite?

Are you planning to travel to Iran and looking for some adventure? Check out our Iran Climbing & Trekking Tours, Iran Ski Tours, Iran Desert Tours & Iran Cycling Tours.

October 12, 2021
Kashan Rose water festival in Iran (History, The best season)

Rose water festival is one of the most famous tradition ceremonies among Iranians, which started in Fars province in the past and today a significant part of it is done in Kashan and surrounding areas. This traditional ritual has a special atmosphere in the spring when Rose or “Mohammadi” flowers bloom in Kashan farms. The people of Kashan and the surrounding cities are engaged in rose water making ceremonies with special etiquette and with thanksgiving. Rose water festival of Kashan causes a significant share of economic prosperity in this region and many workers are employed in this industry on a seasonal basis.
At present, thanks to the efforts of the people of Kashan, the rose water making industry of this city, along with the sights of Kashan, has become a phenomenon to attract foreign and domestic tourists. Many travelers and tourists visit Kashan and the surrounding towns and villages during the spring.

Rosewater festival, the ceremony of rosewater making happens every spring in Iran.

History of rose water festival in Iran

Rose or “Mohammadi” flower has been one of the most important agricultural products of Iran since ancient times and is one of the native plants of our country. According to the available documents, the seeds of this flower were first sent from Iran to Turkey and then to Syria and Bulgaria during the Safavid era. Rose produced in Iran has been one of the most important exports of Iran from the past until now. Iranian roses were transported to China and India via the famous Silkroad in the past, and today a significant part of Iranian roses is sent to other parts of the world too.
The planting of Rose flower seeds in Iran is about 7,000 years old and rose picking has been practiced in the traditional way in our country for nearly 1,000 years. Although today there are modern and advanced tools for extracting herbs and fragrant flowers, Kashan rose water making in the traditional way is still common.
Due to the arid climate and desert around Kashan, the growth of Rose flowers in the farms of this city and surrounding villages surprises many tourists. In recent years, the rosewater festival was associated with special rituals, such as carrying camels on farms and celebrating and dancing. In the rose water making season, by traveling to Kashan, you can walk in the flower-growing farms and participate in the festival.
During the season, different cities and villages of Kashan are filled with the scent of Rose flowers, and a trip to this region in May is one of the best choices. The traditional method of rosewater extraction in the cities and villages around Kashan is one of the most efficient extraction methods in the world. In Kashan and the surrounding towns and villages, the rosewater festival is called “Golab Eid”.

The best season for rose water festival

Kashan rose water making season begins in mid-spring and continues until the end of this season.
In the spring, many people in Kashan work in Rose flower farms and rose water making industrial workshops, and this industry has boosted seasonal employment in Kashan. Many residents of Kashan are picking roses in the small yard of their house and watching this is really interesting.
In different cities and villages, due to the temperature difference between the flowering distance of red flowers, the best season changes from mid-May to the end of spring. Rose flower fields in villages and cities located in mountainous areas are fertile in June due to colder weather, and in years when the weather is colder, the ceremony in these areas lasts until the end of June.
In Kashan and the warmer regions around it, Rose flowers bloom from the middle of spring, which is the middle of May, and the rose water making in these areas ends by the end of May. Due to the temperate climate of Kashan at this time of year, you can also spend time visiting the sights of Kashan.

In Kashan and the warmer regions around it, Rose flowers bloom from the middle of spring.

Which cities are great to watch the festival?

Kashan and the cities of Ghamsar, Niasar and Mashhad-e Ardehal are the most important cities for rosewater festival. Ghamsar city is located 40 km south, Niasar city is located 35 km west and Mashhad-e Ardehal city is located 40 km northwest of Kashan city. The fields around these cities will be full of Mohammadi flowers from mid-May, and walking among these flower gardens can be a memorable memory for you.
Ghamsar city, among other cities and villages around Kashan, holds the most famous rosewater festival; The whole city is full of red flowers in May and the rose water making workshops are full of tourists. The people of Ghamsar welcome travelers warmly and explain the traditional stages of rose picking to those who are interested in learning this method.
Many religious places are washed with pure rosewater produced in Kashan throughout the year.
The historical and beautiful village of Niasar is one of the other prominent areas around Kashan, where the residents hold the rosewater festival in a traditional way with joy and dancing. Many tourists also travel to this area in May to enjoy the beautiful nature and flower fields.

Are you planning to travel to Iran and looking for some adventure? Check out our Iran Climbing & Trekking Tours, Iran Ski Tours, Iran Desert Tours & Iran Cycling Tours.

September 30, 2021
Amazing must-see canyons in Iran + Photos

Seas, valleys, forests, mountains, deserts, springs, and life-giving rivers are all signs of God’s mercy. The canyons often have these natural gifts together, which has made them popular among tourists. Nature lovers are looking for less-visited areas. So, they can gain new experiences and add to their memories. Here are some must-see canyons in Iran for you:

Tang-e- Shirez

Tang-e- Shirez is one of the valuable natural monuments and one of the must-see canyons in Iran with numerous attractions. Its main attraction is the various layers of sedimentary rocks that have been formed and carved unique designs in the heart of nature. Passing through high cliffs, you can reach a canyon where only rocks, valleys, and greenery can be seen in front of you. Shirez waterfall is one of the unique attractions in this place that amaze every tourist. The water, flowing from the most pleasant springs of this region, has cold water even in the hottest season of the year. Due to the erosion of rocks, you can visit tall and high columns which are known as Stone minarets. Other attractions in this area include caves. One of these caves is known as the Bridge of God. It has a low height and a depth of about 150 meters that you must enter through cold water. Walking through the canyon and enjoying the beauties of nature is a unique experience for those who go to Shirez. The best time to visit is in spring and summer.

Raghaz Canyon

Raghaz Canyon, among the most gorgeous Canyons in Iran, is a place where water and stone have created stunning natural features. It is located 30 km northwest of Darab city and near Raghaz village. Perhaps you have seen many young people jumping from high altitudes and on cliffs into ponds and valleys in adventure Iranian movies. Some of these films were shot here. Raghaz canyon is full of springs with beautiful and fearless fish. You can approach them in the water, and they will not escape. There are also several waterfalls such as Negin waterfall, Boom Rang waterfall, and Gulab waterfall. There are two ways to reach Raghaz; four hours of mountaineering and two hours of driving. It is better to travel to this canyon between May and early October.

Hayghar Canyon

Fars province is one of the historical provinces in Iran. One of the natural beauties of this province is Hayghar Canyon in Firuzabad. This beautiful and spectacular attraction is very similar to the Grand Canyon in Arizona. This canyon has a kind of vegetation around it. In addition, the rock walls have become stepped due to erosion. What makes this place so exciting is its great depth. When you stand on top of it, it has a stunning and exciting view. You can enjoy the sound of birds singing and swallows and their echoes in your ears and watching the surrounding landscape. You can also go boating. Also, you should be equipped with mountaineering and rock climbing facilities. Another attraction of this place is meeting and talking with Qashqai nomads and getting acquainted with the nomadic culture. Visiting this area in summer is not recommended; because the heat reduces the pleasure of travel.

Must-see canyons in Iran: Hyghar Canyon

Tang-e -Boragh

Tange Boragh is a beautiful paradise in Fars province, which is next to the Boragh village. The height of the walls in some places reaches 300 meters. In the left wall, there is a stunning limestone cave with water dripping from the roof. The humid atmosphere has caused mosses to grow on the rocks, which has created a beautiful and refreshing environment. Another beauty of Tange Boragh is its waterfall, which is about 40 meters high. You can walk along the path between the mountains and under the shade of trees. Everything is ready for a good time and full of fascinating moments. You can dip your feet in clear water and cool down. It doesn’t matter if you are a mountaineer or an ordinary person, you should not miss this place at all. If you decide to go, we suggest you travel in mid-spring and September.

Must-see canyons in Iran: Boragh Canyon

Buchir Canyon

Buchir canyon is one of those places where you get excited, and your adrenaline rises. It is one of the sights of Hormozgan province, which is located in a warm area near the Bouchir village. The path to this canyon is not free of excitement and adventure. You have to both swim in the water and climb the cliffs. When you arrive there, you will be surprised, because it is cool inside the canyon. The temperature is between 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, which remains constant in different seasons. The length of this valley is about 1,000 meters, and the deeper you go, the deeper the valley becomes. You may think that you can not travel here in the summer, but you are wrong!

Must-see canyons in Iran: Buchir Canyon

Chahkooh canyon

Chahkooh canyon is located on Qeshm Island and is considered one of the seven wonders of the island. This place is the result of erosion of sedimentary rocks over many years, which has created a valley 100 meters deep in the heart of the rocky mountain. This canyon is highly sacred to the local people. If you go to this place when it is raining, you will see spectacular pools full of water. First, you see a U-shaped open valley that turns V as you go to the end. You will love watching the strange shapes of the rocks. You will see arches and corridors and involuntarily remember fairy tales. Qeshm is in the southern and tropical regions of Iran. So, the best time to visit Chahkooh Strait is in autumn and winter.

Kal-e-Jeni Canyon

Do you believe in superstitions? In Persian, Jen means Elf. The reason for this naming is the old myths and horror stories that have been passed to the locals from ancient times. They believe that Kal-e-Jeni is the abode of ghosts. It is located in the Tabas desert around Meygan village. When you first enter, you will be amazed to see the spring and the greenery it has brought to the area. Probably no one expects to see such a scene in the middle of the desert. One of the most important attractions of this place is its natural shape. Erosive rocks have reached their current form due to floods, wind, and temperature fluctuations. When the wind blows against the rocks, it creates an imaginary howl. Another attraction that you should not miss is the small ponds and waterfalls. These ponds are very suitable for swimming in summer.

Are you planning to travel to Iran and looking for some adventure? Check out our Iran Climbing & Trekking Tours, Iran Ski Tours, Iran Desert Tours & Iran Cycling Tours.

September 15, 2021
Parau Cave, the most dangerous cave in Iran

In the depths of the Zagros Mountain range in Kermanshah, there lays a cave known as the most dangerous cave in Iran. The deepest cave with a difficult path that calls for the bravest adventurers to pay a visit. A journey over the tall mountains excites many adventurers, who seek anything that most increases their adrenaline and decreases their fear of life. If you are interested in caving and could risk a dreadful trip down to one of the deepest caves of Iran, Parau Cave will welcome you into its dark and fearful walls.

A natural attraction

Parau cave was once the largest vertical cave in the entire world. Parau is no ordinary cave; this is a cold and vertical cave that you have to climb a whole mountain to a height of 3050 meters before you reach its entrance. In this cave, the water flows from the melting of the underground glaciers of Parau Cave, making it to be called Parau, which means full of water. Parau cave was registered as a natural national attraction by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Cultural Heritage Organization.

Parau cave: one of the most challenging caves to explore for adventurers.

Parau cave discovery

The cave was discovered about 46 years ago. In 1971, a group of English cavers went to a depth of 750 meters in Parau cave and discovered it for the first time. A year later, the greed for a world record led to a team of English cavers returning to Parau cave to make further progress in the depths of the cave. At a depth of 751 meters, the 16-member group encountered a 50-meter-long mud pool that made it impossible to continue their advance. Although they had high hopes for the cave to expand, they thought Parau cave had reached its end.

How long does this caving take?

If you decided to go to the unknown world, Parau would lead you to a difficult journey that requires quite a foresight and the knowledge of mountaineering. So, if you have the necessary conditions, do not hesitate and pack your bags and do not miss this challenging experience. You will need not only fitness but also strength. It will not be a program taking just a few hours, so you would better be prepared for hard work for long hours. Some teams have even been in the cave for more than a week!

Safety tips

When going to Parau cave, you should be prepared mentally and physically. While you are climbing down the cave, you should keep in mind that you have to save enough energy to get out of there as well. Vertical caving using ropes to descend and ascend pits requires special skills and special equipment. Vertical caving techniques and gears are indeed different from those used by rock climbers. You are recommended to take vertical caving training from a qualified instructor before caving. Avoid any unsafe act and avoid using unknown ropes, slings, and ladders you find underground.

The best time to visit

The presence of the flowing water and the high altitude of the cave has caused the air to be somewhat freezing and the temperature to be between 1 and 3 degrees Celsius. Therefore, in the autumn and winter that the weather outside the cave is freezing, the cold temperature makes it almost impossible to enter. So, if you are a professional cave climber and seek some adventure, choose spring and summer to explore this cave. During these seasons, the weather is more pleasant while reaching the entrance, and it is also easier to climb the cave.

Special features

A look into a cave is a glance into an underground world. Cavers experience their most challenging journey inside this cave. After entering Parau, the cold weather makes it very difficult to carry on. Due to the presence of glaciers and the high altitude of this cave, no temperature higher than 1-3 degrees Celsius has been recorded anywhere in it, and the cold weather bothers the cavers. The rough and porous stone walls of the cave may cause the clothes to tear during the walk. In this situation, passing through the narrow passages of the cave, with a temperature of near-zero degrees of flowing water, is another difficulty that cavers in Parau cave have to manage. Narrow channels and areas, the collapse of some parts of the cave, dangerous walls, and deep wells have made Parau become famous as a dangerous cave in the world.

Are you planning to travel to Iran and looking for some adventure? Check out our Iran Climbing & Trekking Tours, Iran Ski Tours, Iran Desert Tours & Iran Cycling Tours.

September 6, 2021
Best cycling routes in Iran + Photos

Tourism in Iran is not limited to visiting historical monuments and mosques, and there are other exciting areas await tourists here. Interesting cycling routes provide an opportunity for tourists to visit amazing sights, local cultures, and to meet local people in the best possible way.
Mountain biking tour is one of the exciting, fun and adventurous programs of the adventure tours. Generally, such programs, are carried out either on usual routes, or on mountainous, desert, forest and sometimes off-road roads. Iran is one of the best destinations for cycling. And you will find variety of mountain biking tours in Iran which can be operated in groups with a professional guide and support team and fit your cycling skills. Team members run a variety of programs with various degrees of difficulty. Here, we will explore the best cycling routes in Iran.

Kish Island

Kish Island, located in the beautiful Persian Gulf, is a vast island totally suitable to be explored by bicycle. There are special cycling routes on the island making it an easier and safer cycling destination for tourists. Nights would be the best time for cycling in Kish Island, however, cycling or strolling along the beaches with clear water and the landscape of the Persian Gulf during the day, would also make a memorable time for every tourist.

Kish Island, Iran

Lar National Park

The combination of excitement, nature and culture encourages anyone interested in cycling to visit Lar National Park at the foot of Damavand Mountain. The best time to visit this protected area is in the spring, when flora and fauna are in their best condition and you can take extraordinary photos there. Despite cycling, slight challenges such as climbing hills and crossing rivers and spending time in this park can undoubtedly be a memorable experience for you.

The amazing Lar National Park at the foot of Damavand Mountain, one of the best cycling routes in Iran

Qeshm Island

Qeshm offers the most pristine nature of Iran and although it is the largest island in the Persian Gulf, tourists can explore this beautiful island by bike. In fact, tourists can cycle across the 270-kilometer island, while enjoying numerous attractions such as the Valley of the Stars, the Salt Cave and the mangrove forest, as well as its scenic beaches, and sometimes the presence of camels along the way. Due to the hot and humid climate of this region, winter is the best time for cycling in Qeshm Island.

Abr forest

If you have always dreamed of cycling or hiking in the clouds, you can live your dream in the Abr forest. This forest is located almost on the border of Semnan and Golestan provinces and is known by this name because most of the time the space of this forest is covered by an ocean of clouds. In this forest, the clouds are so close to the trees that you can walk through the clouds.
The forest can be explored among the clouds and is considered to be one of the most gorgeous natural landscapes in Iran by many tourists. Due to the pristine and lush nature of this forest, it is hard to believe that its southern parts are bordered by the Khar Turan National Park. Tourists who aim to cycle along the 150 km route of the forest can start their journey from Shahroud and go through the forest to Aliabad and finally end their journey in Gorgan Province.

The best cycling routes in Iran: Abr forest

Maranjab desert

Maranjab desert is located 60 km northeast of Kashan and is one of the most beautiful deserts in Iran and is an ideal place for cyclists. The diversity of plants and animals, as well as attractions such as the Salt Lake, make this desert one of the most popular destinations for adventurers and among the best cycling routes in Iran.
Cycling in the Maranjab Desert, you will feel the magic of dirt roads and sand dunes, some of which reach a height of 70 meters. Finally, you can spend the night in Maranjab Caravanserai, which dates back to 400 years ago.

Matin Abad eco-camp

Matin Abad eco-camp is the best eco lodge of Iran hosting lots of tourists every year. This eco-camp is a great place for cycling, many cyclists and adventure lovers come here to enjoy the location and atmosphere of eco-camp. There are lots of highlights near the camp including desert, sand hills, special flora and fauna, and most importantly, the amazing sunset and sunrise!

Cycling routes in Iran: Matin Abad co-camp

Gisoom Beach

Gisoom beach is located on the border of the Caspian Sea and is one of the most beautiful and peaceful parks in Iran. The asphalt path of this forest passes in a spiral in the middle of the tall and green trees, which have caused a lot of shade and often has foggy weather. By cycling on this route, you will feel that you are the only one present in this forest, although you may also encounter some harmless animals. The distinctive feature of Gisoom beach is that you finally reach the Caspian Sea and depending on the season, you can dive into the water.

Cycling on Gisoom Forests, you will finally reach the Caspian Sea.

Kurdistan Province

Kurdistan province is known for its fascinating and stunning nature. Cycling in the center of the Zagros will be interesting and memorable for any tourist, because the pristine nature, the remote villages and the hospitable people of Kurdistan and their extraordinary culture create happy moments for them. Due to the rugged terrain and steep slopes in this part of Iran, more experience is recommended for cycling. We suggest starting from Uraman Takht, a village on a mountain slope, and pedaling to the south of the province.

Caspian Sea coast

The route of the Caspian Sea coast starts from the coastal city of Astara and moves along the Caspian coast until it reaches Gorgan in the northeast. This route is about 750 km long offering a good opportunity to explore while cycling. Tourists encounter a combination of diverse nature and culture as they cross the forest, sea, and mountains of Alborz, as well as visiting small villages and local traditions in three different provinces in northern Iran.
There are still lots of routes for cycling in Iran. For more information, send us your inquiry and w will plan your tailor-made program.

Here you can watch a video of our adventure cycling tour in Iran. Enjoy watching.

Are you planning to travel to Iran and looking for some adventure? Check out our Iran Climbing & Trekking Tours, Iran Ski Tours, Iran Desert Tours & Iran Cycling Tours.

September 2, 2021
Top places for bird watching in Iran

Bird watching in Iran is among the attractions of every season, particularly autumn, and its popularity is increasing day by day in Iran. This fascinating entertainment, contrary to popular belief, does not require specific expertise. As a result, it is beneficial for concentration and even calming for the soul. People who are interested in nature and ecotourism can easily start bird watching in Iran. Here are some places to help you get started:

Khartouran National park

One of the options is Khartouran National Park in Semnan. Khartouran has also been called the Little Africa of Iran. It has the most diverse plant and animal species and the largest population of Asian cheetahs. Among the 167 bird species in this park, we can mention partridge, quail, golden eagle, Egyptian vulture. This area is also considered as one of the best habitats of the golden raven, which is the only native bird in Iran. If you get tired, you can spend the night in rural accommodation in the area.

Bird watching in Iran – Podoces pleskei, a well-known species in Khartouran National Park.

Miankaleh Peninsula

When the summer heat is over, and the weather cools down, migratory birds migrate in groups from all over the world to the Miankaleh peninsula in Mazandaran province. Birds such as flamingos, swallows, ducks, wild geese, and pelicans migrate to this peninsula every spring and autumn. So, you will have an excellent chance to see them by visiting there.

Bird watching in Iran – Miankaleh peninsula in Mazandaran province, Iran.

Qeshm Island

We can strongly say that Qeshm is an island of wonders. Qeshm Island’s bird-watching tours can be introduced as a top bird-watching destination. This place is a good haven for migrating birds that fly from Africa to Siberia, and therefore hosts more than 42% of bird species in Iran. Birds like bridled terns, white spoonbills, flamingos, Egyptian vultures, and pelicans are seen in the southern islands of the country, especially Qeshm Island. The people of Qeshm Island have lots of respect for wildlife, particularly birds because they have no motivation to hunt. So, birds and other wild animals can spend a safe time on the island.

Shadegan international wetland

Shadegan International Wetland is one of the largest wetlands in Iran. This place is located in the southwest of Iran in the south of Shadegan city in Khuzestan province. It hosts a variety of native and migratory birds, most of whom are among the rarest birds in the world. All you have to do is go to this wetland in autumn and winter and watch them in silence and peace. During fall, flocks of birds such as ducks, geese, pelicans, and flamingos come to this region from Canada, Siberia, and northern Europe for its mild climate.

Anzali lagoon

Most Iranians have traveled to Gilan province and gone to Anzali Lagoon, but even Iranians may not know that this lagoon is the best bird-watching destination in Iran. Water lilies, reeds, and sea tulips create an amazing view of the lagoon. Boating, fishing, and bird watching are some of the most popular activities you can experience in the area. In Anzali Lagoon, you can watch birds such as teals, whooper swans, black-headed ducks. If you take a nature tour in the spring, you will have the chance to see migratory bird chicks up close. Because many migratory birds lay eggs in some destinations in Iran, such as Anzali Lagoon. This spot would be considered strategic!

Zarivar Lagoon

In addition to being one of the best sights in Kurdistan, Zarivar wetland is also known as the most attractive bird-watching destination in Iran. Also, water lilies with white flowers and tall reeds in the southeastern part have given Zarivar a dreamy view. The water of the lagoon is fresh and supplied from springs and rainfalls. During most winters, the surface of the lake freezes completely. Every year, many migratory birds like swallows, ducks, storks, and less-known species such as the spotted cuckoo migrate to this beautiful lagoon.

Are you planning to travel to Iran and looking for some adventure? Check out our Iran Climbing & Trekking Tours, Iran Ski Tours, Iran Desert Tours & Iran Cycling Tours.

August 24, 2021
9 unique destinations for self drive tours in Iran

Road trips are the most important part of a car trip. Even if you are traveling by bus or in a tour, you have to prepare yourself for hours of traveling. Aside from how much young people today enjoy hiking, it is good to know that some roads of Iran can surprise you! Although most of the roads in Iran do not enjoy a beautiful nature, others have a landscape of paradise and can give you the experience of an exciting road trip due to the many thrilling turns. So, stay with Iran adventure tours to know 9 unique destinations for self drive tours in Iran.

Abbasabad road to Kelardasht

If you are a person of entertainment and travel, it is impossible that you have not heard the name of Abbasabad dream road to Kelardasht. This road passes through 30 km of Hyrcanian forests in the west of Mazandaran and can be reached through Chalous and Marzanabad roads and on the other side of Abbasabad city. Abbasabad road rises, with many twists and turns, the mountainous nature of the region and then loses its height after descending from mountainous areas.

Ardabil road to Astara

Astara is one of the greenest parts of Iran and Ardabil province is one of the best parts of the country in the northwest due to its proximity to the northern parts. Heyran Pass is the name of a famous region that is located in the middle of this heavenly road and has become one of the most beautiful parts of Iran.
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit this beautiful 80 km long road. In spring, you can see a real view of paradise in these areas, but in autumn, you will see the most romantic spot in Iran along this route.

self drive tours in Iran – Heyran Pass: the heavenly road in the middle of gorgeous region.

Asalem to Khalkhal road

Another dream road that starts from Gilan province and leads to the green parts of Ardabil province. In the beginning, you can see a lot of forest trees so that even the sun can be seen through the foliage of the trees, but in the other parts you can see the open and green plains which are a summer life full of grace. This 70-kilometer road passes through the beautiful villages of the north, wooden huts, lakes, waterfalls and pastures in the north part of the country.

Chalus Road

Chalus road is one of the most beautiful roads in the country on the way from Alborz province to Mazandaran, which unfortunately in recent years has been strongly affected by high traffic and many of its beauties are hidden behind the passengers’ fatigue.
This road is also one of the longest attractive roads in the country, with many amenities along the way and it can be said that it is somewhat out of pristine, but if you go to the side roads, you can see many attractions. There are many who will surprise you.

self drive tours in Iran – The fascinating Chaloos Road, Iran

Saravan road to Fuman

This beautiful road is located in Gilan province. Although Saravan Road is not covered with dense trees like the previous roads, there is a pleasant peacefulness along the way that will definitely amaze you. On this route, you can see lush and wide plains, forest lakes, rivers, forests and even the Rural Heritage Museum of Gilan Province. This road is 45 km long and has facilitated access to Rasht. It is better to visit this region in spring so that you do not miss the lush plains and their unique freshness.

Siahkal road to Deylaman

As far as the eyes can see, it is just greenery and freshness, and only an expert psychologist can explain how much these green landscape can bring peace to the soul and mind of the individuals. May is the best time to travel to this area to see a green landscape. In summer you may encounter annoying heat, but it still flows at cool altitudes. If you go through the forests, you can see the growth of yellow and red flowers in the heart of the green plains. Like many other roads in Gilan province, you can see many waterfalls, lakes and attractions in the heart of these forests.

Hajij road to Uraman Takht

If you are interested in geography, you must have heard the name of Hajij village in Kermanshah province and Paveh city. A mountainous road runs from this village to Uraman village (UNESCO world heritage site) in Kurdistan province and is located exactly at the border of Iran. The beauty of this road is so great that it resembles a painting designed by a tasteful artist. You have to be a professional driver to be able to go to Uraman Takht. Not everyone have the courage to drive on long slopes, narrow, winding and crowded roads in this area, and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings while driving.

Shahdad road to Nehbandan

One cannot expect that all the roads in the country should have a green and beautiful nature. Desert roads can also be among the most attractive roads in the country. Even today, many young people are more interested in desert wandering than exploring the dense forests of the north! Shahdad-Nehbandan road, which also provides access to Zahedan, Mashhad and Birjand, is one of the most beautiful roads in Iran, described as desert.

self drive tours in Iran – Shahdad Desert: One of the amazing roads for self-drive ours in Iran.

Tabas road to Biyabanak

This option is also ideal for youth adventure and self-drive tours. Around sunset you can see cars passing in the middle of a clear sea. You ask how? This is due to the saltiness of the area, which creates such an eerie scene through the reflection of sunlight. There are also lots of great roads in Iran for self-drive tours in Iran and for more information on organizing your tailor-made tour, be in contact with us via info@adventure.ir!

Are you planning to travel to Iran and looking for some adventure? Check out our Iran Climbing & Trekking Tours, Iran Ski Tours, Iran Desert Tours & Iran Cycling Tours.

August 15, 2021
The best forest hiking destinations in Iran

Forests have always been a good option for nature lovers. With a few hours’ drive, we can reach forests that are the same age as dinosaurs. There are very few forests in the world with such a long history. However, the forests in the west of Iran are also quite amazing. In this article we are going to introduce the best forest hiking destinations in Iran.

Caspian Hyrcanian Forests: the first forest hiking destinaion

Hyrcanian forests are located from west to east and in the northern provinces of Iran, near the Caspian Sea and the Alborz Mountains. To better understand the area, imagine a forest that has been spread to 5 provinces of Mazandaran, Khorasan, Gilan, Ardabil, and Golestan. This forest is one of the most popular places for camping and sightseeing and among the best forest hiking destinations in Iran. It has also attracted lots of domestic tourists. So, we see that many hotels and resorts have been built in this area so that tourists can enjoy them.
There are fascinating places to visit like; Golestan National Park, Alimestan forest, and Jahan Nama protected area. Also, a place called the Cloud forest has fascinated not only Iranians but also many tourists. It is a place that puts cloud-covered sections under your feet. Instead of looking at the clouds above your head, you will see them below your feet! You can also see different species of animals, birds, and plants. The best season to visit these forests is spring and early autumn, which have the best weather conditions.

Hyrcanian forests are UNESCO-listed natural heritage in Iran.

Arasbaran Forests

Arasbaran is one of the busiest and popular tourist areas in East Azarbaijan province, with its natural and extraordinary landscapes and valuable historical monuments. It is very similar to the Hyrcanian forests in terms of greenery and vegetation. It means that this place is an excellent choice for camping and a perfect forest hiking destination in Iran. There are many summers in the mountainous region of Arasbaran. So, While hiking, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and get acquainted with the culture of the nomadic people. There are various hotels in different cities and villages of Arasbaran forest that you can use for accommodation.
Like any forest, you can see different species of animals and plants. More than 320 different species of animals, from rare birds to amphibians, live here. So, you would see many interesting animals!
Arasbaran is a mountainous and forested region, so as you can guess, it has cold weather. Therefore, the best time to visit is summer. When you are bothered by the hot weather, the coolness of this area can relieve you.

Zagros Forests

The Zagros Mountains are the largest and most important habitat of various oak species in Iran. So, this region is of special importance. Its forests are spread from the northwest to the south wast of Iran.
Nayangiz forests are one of the most beautiful oak forests in Zagros. It is amazingly scenic and has all the elements of natural beauty. Waterfalls, fresh air, the pleasant sound of birds, all these are the attractions that this beautiful forest has gathered. Also, you can find squirrels wherever there is oak!
The most fascinating scene that you can visit in this spectacular paradise appears in spring and May. By visiting, you should be careful about the environment. Nature friends never harm nature!

Are you planning to travel to Iran and looking for some adventure? Check out our Iran Climbing & Trekking Tours, Iran Ski Tours, Iran Desert Tours & Iran Cycling Tours.

August 8, 2021