Author: Farima Fehrest

Top trails for hiking in Iran

The ancient land of Persia offers fascinating natural landscapes for trekking and hiking, which seem to be fulfilling to tourists with a variety of tastes. There are great opportunities for hiking in Iran including hiking in the dense forests, mountains, and deserts; each of these lands offers its own advantages and captivating beauties. If you have a plan for hiking in Iran, this article introduces top trails for this amazing experience in nature.

Mountain hiking in Iran

With 1500 peaks over 3000m, Iran is a dream destination for mountain lovers. Alborz and Zagros are two significant mountain ranges extending from northeast to northwest and from northwest to southeast of Iran, respectively. There are also other mountains scattered mostly in the central parts of the country.

Mount Damavand with 5610m height appeals to many adventurers as a challenging destination for mountain hiking in Iran.

The mountain hiking in Alborz region include:

Mount Damavand

As the highest volcanic peak in the Middle East with an altitude of 5610m, Damavand appeals to many adventurers as a challenging destination for mountain hiking in Iran. You should be at the best level of physical condition to climb the mountain and it takes at least 2 to 3 days to reach the peak including the stops at the camps and depending on which side you plan to hike (Damavand tour)

Alborz Mountains and surrounding

Climbing Mount Damavand would not be possible for every tourist since it is quite demanding. However, hiking in the Alborz region does not necessarily mean hiking Damavand. If you are not a professional climber, you can choose to enjoy the area surrounds Alborz Mountain, this includes Hiking in Lar national park, the ring of Damavand, and hiking in Talysh Mountains. All these options would be a memorable life-long experience for you.

Talysh Mountain

Talysh (Talesh) Mountains are also located on the Alborz mountain range. Tourists who experience hiking in Talysh Mountains have the chance to get familiar with Talysh, Gilac, and Azeri-Turkish languages, their rich cultures, sometimes their nomadic lifestyle, and also the amazingly diverse local cuisine of the region which has been inscribed in the UNESCO worlds intangible heritage list.

Tochal

Located close to Tehran metropolitan area, it is a preferred hiking trail for many residents lives in Tehran. On the weekends, here are usually many hikers in the area having fun. The height of Tochal is about 3900m, welcoming not only hikers but also avid skiers to the altitudes to experience Persian powder from October till June!

Hiking in the Zagros Mountains

Turning to the Zagros Mountains, it also offers its own hiking trails for adventurers. While hiking in Zagros you will have the amazing experience of meeting Iranian nomads live and migrate in this area, especially in spring.

When it comes to the Zagros range region, there will be a long list of natural and cultural discoveries. The exciting experience of eating with nomads, camping in the hillsides, hiking in the valleys and oak forests and taking pictures of the salt lake, wildlife watching in the protected area, are all and all available if you plan to hike in Zagros region in Iran.

Forest hiking in Iran

Forests have covered about one-tenth of the area of Iran. It is interesting to know that more than 2000 plant species live in Iran, and some of them are endemic specious of this country.

Forests in Iran offer a good opportunity for adventurers interested in hiking and cycling.

Caspian Hyrcanian Forests

Known for its rich in biological diversity, the ancient Hyrcanian forests date back to the Tertiary period. It covers parts of five provinces of Iran including Ardabil, Gilan, Mazandaran, Golestan, and North Khorasan provinces. Hyrcanian forests embrace valuable threatened species and areas of unbelievable natural beauty extended on the north of Iran and on the south and southwest of the Caspian Sea. It would be one of the most amazing spots for hiking in Iran and a heaven for photographers, particularly during the colorful fall season.

Arasbaran Forest

Arasbaran forest is also an ecologically-rich region with rich flora and fauna. It is also considered as a Biosphere Reserve in East Azarbaijan province. The region enjoys wonderful plant diversity and is habitat to a variety of mammals, birds, and reptile populations. If you plan to hike through the Arasbaran forest, you will also have the chance to visit Shahsavand nomads living in that region. There are also impressive attractions such as Babak Castle in the area you would not want to miss.

Zagros Forests

The western part of Iran is often known for the picturesque oak forests. A variety of wildlife species and plants live in this region. Therefore, practical solutions are required to protect scenic scenery, wildlife, and plant diversity of beautiful Zagros forests. Zagros forests offer a good opportunity for adventurers interested in hiking and cycling.

Desert hiking in Iran

There are two main desserts in the central part of Iran, providing the opportunity for adventurous activities including. Desert hiking in more relaxing and fun compared to mountain hiking and offers a unique experience, particularly if you are among those who appreciate the endless silence and peacefulness of the desert.

Hiking in Lut desert- Iran

Dasht-e Lut

Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, the Lut desert is considered a valuable natural legacy in Iran. The mysterious nature and unique features of the region attract many adventurers for a variety of activities. According to NASA observations, Gandom Beryan in Lut Desert was recognized as the hottest place on Earth in 2004 and 2005. As the world’s 26th largest desert with incredible geological rock formations and salt plains, it has turned into many hikers’ dream.

Dasht-e Kavir

There are many famous deserts in Dash-e Kavir providing various activities such as camel riding, sandboarding, desert safari, hiking, visiting astonishing landscapes for tourists who wish to experience hiking in Iran. Mesr, Maranjab, Shahdad, and Varzaneh are among the greatest and most well-known deserts you go for hiking.

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.

May 28, 2020
Iranian nomads: lifestyle, clothing, and photos

Living in nature may recall the story of Christopher McCandless, who hiked across North America into the Alaskan wilderness in the early 1990s to explore the beauty of nature in isolation, but after some months he realizes how harsh and uncaring nature is. We all tend to escape to nature for relaxation or to make peace, but living in nature is entirely a different story!
Nomads have found the beauty and joy of life in nature. Their life involves loads of effort and hard work. Migration is a style of nomadic life; during the annual or seasonal migration, the nomads, along with their animals, move from the winter areas (winter base) to the summer areas (summer base) and return to their winter base when the weather cools down. This article introduces two of the most significant Iranian nomads: Bakhtiari and Qashqai.

Bakhtiari nomads

According to the archeological evidence, the current land of Bakhtiari, known as the Lor people, has been inhabited by various human groups for thousands of years.
Natural resources such as water, forests, pastures, good rainfall, abundant ponds, and fields suitable for agriculture, made this land one of the best habitats and gathering places for human groups in the past. In addition, in the highlands of the Zagros and its slopes, it offers fertile soil for the growth of plants and various species of animals.

Although in the early decades of the present century many groups of Bakhtiari tribes, like other Iranian nomads, became unified, they are still part of the nomadic Bakhtiari tribes. Bakhtiari nomads spend the winter in the eastern plains of Khuzestan province and the summer in the western parts of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari.

Lifestyle

The annual migration of Bakhtiari people is one of the most interesting and complex examples among Iranian nomads and also other nomadic tribes around the world. Since Bakhtiari nomads have to cross heights of more than 3,000 meters during the migration. They should also be very careful about the time of migrating so that they do not face premature snow, river flooding in mountain areas, and shortage pastures along the way.

Every year by the end of May, they disperse from five different routes in certain areas of the Zagros and stay in this area for about 4 months. They keep struggling with all kinds of difficulties in nature, crossing rivers, valleys, and climbing the Zagros Mountains.

Bakhtiari people are quite skilled at riding and shooting. Iranian army was mainly consisted of Bakhtiari tribes, during different periods of Iran’s history. Today, every family of Bakhtiari nomads has at least one (licensed) weapon, so that in addition to hunting and preserving the tribe, they can defend the borders of the homeland when necessary to use their skills.

Clothing

The clothing of the Bakhtiari people has a special variety and beauty. Bakhtiari women wear a hat, a silk scarf, a vest over the body, casual pants, and Giweh (a kind of local shoes). The color of women’s clothing is inspired by nature, particularly the use of bright colors is common among young women and girls.

Bakhtiari men’s clothing is one of the most original types of clothing, the history of which dates back to ancient Iran. It is a long-sleeved gown: a special hat, a hooded cloak, a pair of trousers, and a pair of shoes.

The color of Bakhtiari women’s clothing is inspired by nature, particularly the use of bright colors is common among young women and girls

Qashqai Nomads

As one of the largest nomadic populations of Iran, Qashqais are classified into different tribes living in the west and southwest of Iran mainly in Fars province. The role of Qashqais and the story of their courage dates back to the 18th century in the history of Persia. At that time, a person named “Jan Mohammad Agha” was in charge of the Qashqais, and it is said that his sons played an important role in Nader Shah’s conquest of India.

Lifestyle

Qashqais’ livelihood is mainly based on animal husbandry and agriculture.
Qashqais are happy people, you will probably going to participate in different celebrations and happy ceremonies while staying with them.
Dancing is an integrated part of the Qashqai culture in their ceremonies, festivals, and weddings. They stand around a large circle with colorful cloth in their hands and shake the cloth in a rhythmic manner while the local music is being played.
Drinking tea and smoking hookah are other interests of the Iranian nomads, particularly the Qashqai people of this tribe.

Clothing

About two centuries ago, the tribe’s traditional men’s clothing consisted of loose-fitting trousers, sleeveless shirts, and a long robe, which was fastened with a shawl, and a warm black felt hat. But in the following century, the clothing has changed. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the tribe’s women’s clothing was similar to that of other nomadic tribes in southwestern Iran; colorful and varied clothing, which included a multi-layered skirt, tonic, and a short jacket, and a lace scarf over a small hat.

If you are interested in immersing yourself in the rich culture of Iranian nomads, meeting and staying with them would probably be the most amazing experience you could ever have.

Qashqai women’ s clothing; there is a slight difference with Bakhtiari clothing, and that is the skirt and the scarfs on their head.

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.

May 11, 2020
Best Iran beaches for cycling (Photos, Info)

Where is the most amazing route for cycling in Iran? Well, there is probably more than one answer to this question, since Iran is full of amazing routes for cycling, but here in this article, we are going to talk about the southern Iran beaches, just by the fascinating blue Persian Gulf. Stay with us to know more about this enjoyable adventure in Iran.

The Lovely city of Bushehr

Starting from Bushehr, with its impressive and peaceful coast, the city is quite lovely. Bushehr is famous for its amazing traditional architecture which has made it a fascinating destination for many visitors. You will witness a combination of architecture, fascinating coast, and tasty local food. A peaceful coastline is considered among the best Iran beaches and a nice place for cycling and adventure.

If you are looking for a place to relax, we recommend Kohan Café, a historical building that has been inscribed in the list of national monuments of Iran. The breakfast menu is wonderful and the gorgeous green yard offers a good opportunity for taking memorable photos.

Bushehr offers one of the most amazing Iran beaches by the Persian Gulf.

From Bushehr to BandarAbas

Having passed Delvar city, you will reach a great and beautiful beach, named Mohammad Ameri, a perfect sandy beach which is a suitable place for camping and cycling. Here is also among the best Iran beaches.

Mohammad Ameri is connected to a rural beach named Barbu; this place is also a great route to enjoy biking.

Passing through Barbu, there are a few harbors particularly for fishing, Rostami wharf is a nice place worth visiting and there are eco-lodges and local houses to stay overnight.

About 40 to 50 kilometers from Rostami wharf toward Bandar Abas, you will reach to a region named NareKooh with two amazing islands, where you can go for watching whales and the impressive Mongro jungles.

Awesome Siraf

Siraf is the next destination, located near Asalooyeh. Unlike Asalooye that is a polluted city, Siraf is a lovely island with ancient attractions including Graves that were drilled in the rock. Although they were not really graves, they were a system to control the flood.

Siraf lies right beside the Nayband Gulf, a beautiful gulf with a rocky beach that is far away from the pollution of Asalooye. You cannot have a better chance of having fun than watching the amazing sunset here in Siraf, and biking in the impressive coast of Siraf.

Iran beaches: Siraf lies right beside the Nayband Gulf, a beautiful gulf with a rocky beach.

Siraf to Bonud

After Nayband Gulf, you will reach to Bonud; a rocky village with an extraordinary beach by the Persian Gulf. Here is one of the greatest Iran beaches suitable for tourism and beach sports including cycling.

This village has been the filming location of famous films such as “Muhammad the prophet” movie.

Close to Siraf there is another must-see village, Ziarat. It is located near a fishing harbor a rural district. The peaceful quiet beach is also an off-the-beaten-path where adventurers would enjoy cycling.

Bonud: A rocky village with an extraordinary beach by the Persian Gulf.

Ziarat to Mogham

The next attractive destination is the rural beach of Mogham, with a fascinating rocky road suitable for biking. Mogham is one of the most beautiful Iran beaches, a small island named Shidvar or Maroon Island with breathtaking beach, coral in some places and rocky in some others, and a Lighthouse.

There are impressive animal species you can see if you are lucky enough such as a special type of turtles. The colorful beach is a breathtaking place to enjoy biking and will be a life-long experience for you.

Best Iran beaches: The rural beach of Mogham

Mogham to Chirooye

The road from Mogham to Chirooye is a marvelous one you may not have seen before! Although the road is pretty challenging for biking, there are astonishing scenes waiting for you here. Imagine yourself cycling in a fantasy road, while enjoying biking you will face stunningly beautiful trees called “Ficus Benghalensis”, various types of cisterns, camels, and different kinds of birds. The road is strongly recommended to professional cyclists.

Ficus Benghalensis: A tree in the southern parts of Iran.

Chirooye

Chirooye is the closest island to Hendoorabi, an abandoned coral island in the Persian Gulf; however, there are some locals living here. The coral beach is a peaceful and unique place for biking and swimming. You may not want to stop here and take a boat to reach Kish island fast, but if you happen to stop in Chirooye, be extremely careful about Sea Urchin while walking, not to put your feet on these small creatures!

Kish Island

Kish is not really much of an adventure destination, though, it worth visiting without a doubt and let you experience Iran from a totally different perspective; you can see luxury hotels and modern recreational facilities everywhere. There are wonderful cycling paths on this island for biking and top attractions to visit such as Dolphin Park, the Greek ship, Ocean theme park, and Kariz underground city. Kish is recommended for joyful cycling on the south coastline of Iran by the Persian Gulf and relaxing.

Qeshm & Hormoz

You can arrive at Qeshm either through Bandar Abas or Bandar Khamir. Qeshm is a mysterious island, a great choice for nature and animal lovers and adventurers to get familiar with Iran’s stunning natural heritage, and a paradise for cyclists! The great geological masterpiece created by erosion on this island has brought about amazing landscapes to enjoy while cycling.

When you arrive at Qeshm, make sure you spare at least a day on the nearby island, Hormoz. The first thing impressed you on the island, is the colorful soil is which is due to being rich in mineral. The fantastic colorful mountains and multicolored stones that make volcanic scenery offers a good opportunity for hiking, cycling, and taking photos. You are going to remember your awesome travel to Qeshm and Hormoz for the rest of your life!

A view of Star valley in Qeshm Island, the area has been inscribed as a geopark in the UNESCO.

From Bandar Abas to Minab

Many decide to stop this wonderful long trip by the time they reach Qeshm and the nearby islands, but if you have a call to continue cycling on the south coastline of Iran, the next destination would be Minab. Little by little, you go far away from the beautiful Persian Gulf and get close to the Oman Sea. On the way from Bandar abas to Minab, you will see some Mangrove Jungels that are typical of this climate. Tiab wetland is a must-see on this journey, the most important forest ecosystems in Iran. Being home to migratory birds and many fish, Tiab has been registered as a national protected area. The lagoon is a great place for boating and watching the beautiful nature, on cool summer days. There are also local bazaars you can find anything ranging from fresh local products to handicrafts made by the local people.

Jask

ـJask city offers One of the most appealing beaches you can find, the rocky and sandy areas that have created impressive natural hills is quite eye-catching to visitors. Mangrove forests, migratory birds, and hot springs are other attractions of Jask. Two of the most prominent springs are Pouraf and Sadij. Sadij hot spring contains sulfur that is believed to be useful for rheumatic pains.

The Shrimp-breeding area in Jask also worth visiting.

Tang village

There are pristine and unique natural attractions in this small port area; including the sandy and rocky beaches, as well as fig trees, temples, and mud volcanoes are. Baloochi people are famous for their hospitality and fishing is the main livelihood of the locals here. Biking in the beautiful beach of this village would be a lot of fun for you.

Darak Beach

Derek Beach is the cleanest beach in Iran, where the beautiful rocks, corals, and sands have formed a spectacular view. The village is the closest point to the Strait of Hormuz. The best time to be on this beach is without a doubt at sunset. The beach is one of the rare ones, since it offers all four types of rocky, sandy, sandy, and coral beach in close proximity, making this tourist area more fascinating.

Biking in the stone-paved sandy beach lying next to miniature mountains, and forests would create unforgettable memories for you.

Chabahar

Chabahar is considered a free-Trade Zone in Iran, a U-shaped port that attracts many scuba divers and birdwatchers. Chabahar is a gem with lots of hidden wonders, ranging from natural landscapes to cultural beauties. Being right across the equator, Chabahar enjoys pleasant weather, especially in January and February, not to mention all the delicious tropical fruits you will find. The genuine culture, astounding landscape, delicious foods, and hospitable people of southern parts of Iran makes this destination quite worthy of visiting. Just imagine how your biking experience would be in such a captivating landscape!

Beris Harbor and Gwder Gulf

Beris port is where the Oman sea and Indian ocean are connected. A beautiful fishing port with rocky walls that you can climb to see the beauty of the Oman Sea. Standing on the rocks, you can see waves crashing on rocks, the fishing boats, and listen to the sound of seagulls.

Beris port; where the Oman sea and Indian ocean are connected – one of the most spectacular Iran beaches

Bear in mind that are there are many cycling routes in Iran since this country is the land of wonders and amazing landscapes. However, biking on the south coastline of Iran is a unique experience, no professional cyclist would like to miss it!

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.

April 26, 2020
Top destinations for nature lovers in Iran

How well are you familiar with hidden gems in Iran? With a civilization spanning over 2,500 years, Iran has embraced a great number of attractions to be visited. Having made a comeback on the travel scene in recent years is another convincing reason to visit this wonderland. Iran is quite well-known for its Persepolis or Naqsh-e Jahan but there are hidden gems in Iran of cultural or natural value that only the locals might be aware of their existence. There are sometimes discoveries in this ancient land that even the locals don’t know about! So, if you are looking for new pristine places to go hiking and trekking, or camping, visiting Iran would be the right place. Here is our list of top destinations for nature lovers that offer a new perspective of cultural and natural attractions in Iran.

Arvah Lake (Ghost Lake)

Let’s visit a creepy lake among the dense forest! According to the folklore, the lake is full of dead trees! By which they mean the dried trees having grown right in the middle of the lake. The reflection of the trees’ image on the surface of the lake caused the lake to be called “Arvah”, meaning “Ghosts” by the locals. The lake covers an area of 40 hectares with 300 meters long and 70 meters wide. Local houses and eco-lodges are a good option for accommodation in the area if you would like to spend an overnight here. Visiting the lake and the surrounding is recommended only with a four-wheel-drive vehicle and the best time to visit is spring and summer.
To reach here drive to Mazandaran province in the north of Iran, Nowshahr County, and then to Vanosh Village.

Arvah Lake: A lake is full of dead trees!

Uraman Takht

The village of Uraman Takht, according to archaeological reports, is estimated to be between 40,000 to 12,000 years old. The village is a fascinating rural area attracting many tourists to the annual performance of the wonderful local ceremony of Peer Shahriar. The ancient houses are also of great attraction to tourists, arranged in a way that the roof of one house is the courtyard of the other.
The inhabitant of this region and their language is known as Hevarami, Urami dialect, spoken by the residents, is considered one of the most famous dialects of the Kurdish language in Iran. The remnants of ancient fire temples in this region are indicative of the fact that people have been followers of Zoroastrianism before converting to Islam.
You can enjoy visiting the region best during spring and summer since the weather is cool and pleasant. Traveling in winter is not recommended due to the harsh cold weather.
To arrive at the Uraman Takht drive to Kurdistan province in the west of Iran, Marivan, the village is located in Takht Mountains.

The ancient houses are arranged in a way that the roof of one house is the courtyard of the other.

Chal-Nakhjir Cave

Located in Markazi province, this beautiful cave dates back to the third geological period. Chal-Nakhjir means pits on a hunting ground. If you are interested in geotourism, here is the right place for you! The cave has appeared through millions of years. The fault movement caused the creation of corridors and some fabulous ponds in it which are the most outstanding feature of the cave.

The cave is among the top destinations for nature lovers in Iran, the geologists have estimated the length of the cave is about 12 kilometers. Only 6 kilometers of which have been discovered until now. The air temperature inside the cave, is between 7 ° C and 14 ° C., just like other caves. There are eye-catching Crystalline and spongy ornamentations on the walls, ceiling, and floor of the cave which are found to be among the best samples of geological features.

Top destinations for nature lovers: Chal Nakhjir Cave

Zarivar Lake

Zarivar is more than a tourist attraction; it is a lost paradise in the west of Iran! The lake’s name has been got from the Kurdish language, the language of most western inhabitants of Iran, meaning “like the sea”. The lake is not only a lake, it a rich aquatic ecosystem that is of great ecological significance, since a variety of species including fish, birds live in this ecosystem. It is also an important source of sweet water contributing to the agriculture of the province. The freshwater of the lake and the fish swimming inside it offers an opportunity for fishing.
It is located in a large longitudinal valley surrounded by mountains covered with thick forests both on the east and west sides. The vegetation diversity of the area is also outstanding, the amazing natural landscapes are quite fascinating for recreation activities. The best time to visit Zarivar Lake is from April to September.
It is located 2 kilometers west of Marivan city, Sanandaj, Iran.

Zariwar Lake is not only a lake, it a rich aquatic ecosystem in the western part of Iran.

Jahan-Nama Village

Jahan-Nama Village shines like an emerald above the clouds! Located in Golestan province, this pristine village offers spectacular and breathtaking landscapes. Being located in Jahan Nama preserved district surrounded by a large plain, ancient Hyrcanian forests dating back to millions of years ago, and untouched mountain forests in the northern part of Iran has caused this village to be a unique natural attraction for many international and domestic tourists. The preserved district is one of the main habitats for tigers in Iran and is among the top destinations for nature lovers.
It is located in Golestan province, Kordkuy city, Jahan-Nama village.

Jahan-Nama Village shines like an emerald above the clouds!

Dohezar Valley

The astounding Dohezar Valley lies near Tonekabon, Mazandaran Province, a northern province in Iran located along the Caspian Sea. Here is among the top destinations for nature lovers in Iran and the region is truly worth visiting particularly during summer as it has a cool and pleasant climate. The local culture and cuisine are also quite fascinating to visitors. There is a diversity of local foods to be tested in this peaceful region. You can easily rent a local house for a fair price or set up your tent for joyful and memorable camping somewhere among the dense forests.
It is located in Dohezar Valley, Tonekabon, Mazandaran Province, Iran.

Dohezar Valley: Top destinations for nature lovers in Iran.

Shirez (Shiraz) Valley

Lorestan Province is known for offering eye-catching natural landscapes including Shirez Valley. Sedimentary rocks of this place have turned to interesting and unique shapes by the effects of rain, wind and other atmospheric precipitation over millions of years.

Shiraz Valley made of Sedimentary rocks: west of Iran

Surrounded by walls with a height of 150 to 200 meters, Shirez Valley attracts many Iranian and foreign tourists and adventurers every year. The best time for traveling to this region is during spring. It is located in Kuhdasht, Lorestan, Iran.

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.

April 6, 2020
Safari in Iran: Best places for a desert safari + Photos

Safari could be one of the most exciting parts of a trip. There are so many desert activities in Iran that you can explore and make your trip a true journey of discovery. Jaunting through the desert by long walking on sandhills during the day, making fire at night, and watching the sky in the silence of the night, will make your day special. If you are looking for an unforgettable holiday destination in Iran, I suggest you accompany our lovely camels to observe and enjoy Iran’s deserts. Stay tuned for more remarkable and charming places for Overlanding and safari in Iran.

Maranjab

The Maranjab Desert is among the most gorgeous deserts and a dreamy place for safari in Iran. It is located in Isfahan, close to the city of Kashan which only takes 3 and a half hours driving from Tehran to get to the desert. Golden sand dunes, Salt Lake, starry nights, and easy access are some of the reasons why this dessert is so popular among people. It is not only about the desert; Maranjab Caravansarai was built by the order of one of the kings from the Safavid dynasty which used to link the northeast side of Iran to the central parts. Travelers who were crossing the road could use Maranjab Carvansarai to spend the night and get ready for the rest of their journey.
There are so many fun and exciting things to do; for instance, you can have a gathering bonfire, listen to music and dance around the fire, or have a Persian tea while enjoying your time under the night sky filled with shining stars. But nothing could be compared to adventurers’ most exciting hobby: Safari. Maranjab could be among the most amazing places for a safari in Iran. You can rent a professional car or just go along with an expert to experience one of the wildest activities of all time. The soft sand dunes are an excellent feature of the desert for spectacular jeep riding. Don’t forget to fasten your seatbelt on the way to the next desert!

How to Go to The Maranjab Desert:

Find the dirt road from Aran va Bidgol to the Maranjab Desert, you will reach the desert after driving about 45 Km.

The Maranjab Desert is among the most gorgeous deserts and a lovely place to experience a safari in Iran.

Varzaneh

Varzaneh Desert (Khara) is located at the southeast of Isfahan province in Varzaneh city. It takes about 5 hours and a half to arrive in the city if you’re starting your trip from Tehran. Start your trip in the desert by walking on the gold shiny sand and enjoying the peaceful silence. If you don’t feel like walking, you can have a nice riding with many camels. If you’re visiting in May or April, make sure to join the camel riding competition.
Khara Salt Lake is a fascinating attraction of the Varzaneh Desert. The Salt Lake with a beautiful salt cover, making a shiny white landscape, makes you feel like you just landed on the moon. If by chance it has rained the day before you can see the reflection of the sky on the water as the lake works like a mirror. Sometimes the horizon gets pink during the sunset, makes the whole desert glow, fondling your eyes by its beauty. Finally, when it’s nighttime look for the milky way to appear in front of your eyes. An excellent opportunity for photographers who also love deserts is available in Varzaneh Desert. Done with photography?! Then let us finish off your trip in Varzaneh Desert with some lively jeep driving on sand dunes. You will not only live and enjoy the moment but you will also keep fun and a wonderful memory of your trip with your family and friends. So make sure to bring your camera with you to record the best moments of your life in a magnificent part of the world, by your own creativity.

How to Go to The Varzaneh Desert:

You can get to Varzaneh Desert by following the Zayandehrud River eastward (Varzaneh tour)

Safari in Iran: Visiting Varzaneh Desert is an opportunity to have some lively jeep driving on sand dunes

Mesr

Mesr Desert is located near the central Desert of Iran, close to Kashan and Isfahan city. Mesr Desert has always been chosen to be an adventure land for backpackers and adventurers to drive wild on the golden sand dunes with jeeps and ride camels all the way to Egypt! Mesr is the Persian name for Egypt; the story hidden behind the name comes from a young boy named Yusuf who first equipped wells to this dry island of sands. He named the Desert and village Mesr after the story of Prophet Joseph. Today Mesr village is the most popular village compared to the other ones in the desert. Garmeh and Farahzad are two other villages in Mesr Desert in which you can buy handicrafts and all sorts of souvenirs from the shops, taste their traditional foods and camel milk. In the middle of the desert, there is an ancient castle from the Safavid dynasty which is another attraction of the Garmeh village that will amaze you with how it managed to survive in the middle of the driest land. One of the coolest activities you can experience in Mesr Desert besides dunes surfing is Paragliding. Other than that the best thing for increasing adrenaline, is safari. Driving full speed all over the desert can cheer you up. But after all this excitement, it’s time to get relaxed and fill your soul with peace. Autumn and Winter are the best seasons to visit deserts so if you’re visiting the desert by winter, the salt lake’s clay might be changed to black but if you’re visiting in summer, the clay’s color might have changed to white. This is a seasonal feature of the largest lake of salt in Iran; Khur. By the time you visited most of the Mesr attractions, it’s probably night, and the sky’s full of stars. If by chance you found a telescope, make sure to observe the other amazing planets hidden in the darkest part of the world. If you want to experience a camp in nature make sure to bring your tent with you but if you’re looking for a more comfortable place to stay, there are several villages and guest houses in the desert.

How to Go to The Mesr Desert:

After arriving at Mesr Village, you can start your adventures in Mesr Desert by walking on sands. The desert starts right near Mesr Village (Mesr desert tour)

Mesr desert is an impressive place to experience a safari in Iran.

March 29, 2020
Cycling in Iran: Best biking destinations in Iran

Have you thought about cycling in Iran? In fact, according to research at the University of North Carolina, A mere 30 minutes of steady cycling on the road, trail, or stationary bike can improve memory, reasoning, and planning. It also has scientifically proven benefits for emotional and mental health, helping to overcome depression and anxiety. Undoubtedly, cycling has a lot of fun. No matter if you try biking to start a new adventure, for health reasons or simply for enjoying nature, cycling has lots of benefits. In addition, if you choose a great destination like a beautiful forest or a peaceful shore, you are going to double the joy. Biking in nature is a wonderful way to reconnect with it and reduce your anxiety and stress. Here, we are going to explore some of the most beautiful cycling routes in Iran. These amazing biking destinations in Iran will help you to slow down and appreciate the natural surrounding while biking. Enjoy these five biking destinations in Iran:

Matinabad Eco-resort in heart of Desert

While you are in Iran, you can’t miss spending time in its peaceful, mysterious deserts. If you are looking for a memorable stay in the heart of Iran deserts, we recommend Matin Abad eco-camp. Located 60 km from the city of Kashan one of the tourist attractions in central Iran, Matin Abad eco-camp and organic farm welcome tourists and adventurers searching for a different type of accommodation align with sustainability principles. One side of the eco-resort overlooks the highest central mountains of Iran, Karkas Mountains, and the other side faces Dasht-e Kavir Desert and a Salt Lake which would be an ideal place for cycling. In Matin Abad, you will have the opportunity to experience a variety of desert activities such as camel riding, safari, and stargazing at night.

While the whole structure has been inspired by ancient Carvanseraei, the resort offers some tents and also some special rooms named Koome, except the Carvanseraei shaped rooms. The best time to visit deserts is from September to December and March to May.

Matinabad eco-camp: A green accommodation in the central desert of Iran

Heyran tourist region

Are you fond of biking among fog and cloud? Located 30 kilometers to the west of Astara in Gilan province, Heyran tourist region is the right road for you. It has three villages: The Lower Heyran, the Middle Heyran, and the Upper Heyran. Heyran offers one of the most spectacular natural landscape and cycling routes in Iran. It faces the forest-covered mountains on the one side and a valley on the other side where the Aghchai River flows and forms the border between Gilan Province and the Republic of Azerbaijan. Heyran is usually foggy; although its altitude is not very high (the highest point is about 1,500 meters above sea-level). The main reason for this permanent fog is humidity raised from the Caspian Sea. The region has a cable car and is well equipped for those who want to enjoy biking and to have an overnight stay. You may stay, find a spot for camping and enjoy Iranian hospitality. The best time for cycling in Heyran road is from April to September.

Biking destinations in Iran: Heyran road is a stunning road in the northwest of Iran.

Caspian Seashores

Traveling to the north of Iran offers endless adventure opportunities; peaceful shores and dense forests for cycling, hiking, bird watching, trying the best quality caviar, etc. The Caspian Sea is the biggest sweet water lake in the world, located in the northern part of Iran. The Caspian coastal route starts from Astara city in Gilan province and runs along the Caspian shores until it reaches Gorgan city in the northeast in Golestan province. The route is about 750 km and tourists will enjoy a mixture of different natural attractions as well as unique local cultures of three provinces as they cross the forests of Alborz Mountains and the sea.

The best cycling routes in Iran: Caspian seashores

Kish Island

Kish is an amazingly beautiful coral island known as the Pearl of the Persian Gulf. The visibility of the Persian Gulf water is much better than Langkawi and Dubai (triplet sisters) on this island. The regular international flights have made it quite easy to reach the island. Kish is among the ideal biking destinations in Iran that provide many cycling routes to facilitate the activity for adventurers. You are welcomed to experience the most exciting and joyful hours on your favorite two-wheeled vehicle particularly during cool and pleasant fall and winter (from October to March), however, summer evening time also offers its own advantages.

Kish island has provided cycling routes for adventurers, you can enjoy long hours of biking on this peaceful island.

Qeshm Island

Do you know where the largest island in the Persian Gulf is? Qeshm is surrounded by biologically diverse mangrove forests, fascinating beaches, a number of villages that are among the best biking destinations in Iran. Adventurers can experience biking around these fascinating villages, and enjoy its sun-scorched interior features, geologically significant canyons, hills, caves, and valleys. Qeshm is not an ordinary island, it is a huge geopark inscribed in the UNESCO world heritage list as Qeshm Geoparks. Various rare wildlife species, including birds, reptiles, dolphins, and turtles live on this island. The best time for cycling would be during the winter, summers on this island are often hot and humid.

Are you planning to travel to Iran and looking for some adventure? Check out our Iran Cycling Tours.

February 19, 2020
Best ski resorts in Iran + Best time to skiing

It may sound confusing that Iran, which is home to the hottest deserts in the world, has also several amazing ski resorts. The fact is that Iran enjoys various climate conditions, resulting from different altitudes. Depending on where you are, you may experience different climates in this country. The existence of Alborz and Zagros mountain ranges has made the north and northwest of Iran covering with snow about 6 to 8 months of the year, an ideal destination for eager powder-chasers around the world. Stay with us to know 8 of the top-rated ski resorts in Iran. Check the ski season in Iran.

Best ski resorts in Iran: The joy of skiing on the Alborz range

Ski resorts in Iran: Dizin

As an avid skier, you may have heard about Dizin, one of the best ski resorts in Iran. Reaching an altitude of 3,600 m, it is the biggest, liveliest, and most popular ski resort in Iran with international standards.
Dizin Ski Resort was founded by a group of travelers who were searching for mines in the central Alborz Mountains.
The resort was formally declared suitable for skiing, and in 1965 the area provided the opportunity for skiers to practice by installing a lift here.
Speaking about its facilities, Dizin is equipped with three cable cars, two chair lifts, seven-button lifts, and a platter lift. There are also other facilities including two hotels, 19 cottages, five restaurants, and private apartments which make it possible to stay over the night.

How to get there?
Dizin is 120km north of Tehran and takes around 2 hours to get there if the road is open, and around 2.5 hours to get there if the road is closed. You can either drive or take a cab. Check out Dizin tour.

The best time to ski:
early December until late May

Shemshak ski resort

Being a part of Shemiran town, Shemshak ski resort is about 50 kilometers from Tehran with an elevation range of 2550 to 3050. This resort is the second largest ski resort in Iran which is of accepted international standards, equipped with two chair lifts, two-button lifts, and two platter lifts. The yellow projection lights in this resort make skiing feasible even after dark. Facilities offered include two chair lifts (Télésiège), two-button lifts, and two platter lifts,
hotels, and four restaurants. However, if you have decided to spend a night here, renting an apartment is also a viable option.

How to get there?
Shemshak is about an hour’s drive from the eastern part of Tehran. Other transportation systems such as minibus, taxi, and hitchhiking are also available.

The best time to ski:
Early December until mid-April

Darbandsar

60 kilometers to the northeast of Tehran, on the slopes of Mt. Seechal, there is a small resort which is one of the most challenging ski resorts in the region. In spite of being small, the area offers off-piste skiing and snowboarding due to the vast area at the top, therefore it would mostly be appropriate for skilled skiers and yet a place for those who are about to practice before experiencing an extreme ski in Damavand.
Darbandsar is equipped with four lifts and offers not only the potential to enjoy bare slopes but also various ranges of activities including hiking, ice climbing, cross country skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, and mountain biking.

Best ski resorts in Iran: Darbandesar is equipped with four-seat chairlifts, which carry about 1200 meters with the best view.

How to get there?
The resort is accessible by driving either Lavasanat, lashkarak – Fasham road, or Karaj-gachsar (only in summer). Taxi is also available.

The best time to ski:
December to April

Abali

Abali lies about 57km northeast of Tehran, at an altitude of 2250m with a vertical drop of 250m. Abali has the reputation of being the closest ski piste to Damavand and one of the first ski resorts in Iran, established with 5 tracks, each equipped with lifts and chairlifts.
There is an opportunity of being trained by skilled coaches for those interested in learning ski here. There are also non-skiing activities available such as hiking and trekking, kiting, and climbing. Facilities include restaurants, hotels, tennis courts, medical centers, and recreational facilities making the area an attractive destination for skiers.

How to get there?
It is approximately an hour’s drive from east of Tehran, except for the weekends (Thursday and Friday in Iran) that traffic congestion on Haraz road as usual.

The best time to ski:
December to March

Tochal

As the closest ski resort to Tehran, Tochal is equipped with a cable car about 7.5 kilometers long which is one of the longest in the world and among the top ski resorts in Iran. It takes about 50 minutes to go from the first station to the last. Tochal has three ski terrains in different altitudes starting from 3850 meters, with a ski length of 1200 meters.
This resort usually experiences early snow and is one of the first ones to be opened to visitors from November.
The other two terrains are located on the west and northwest slopes. One with a length of 900 meters and the other one with 5500 meters. The latter one is quite new and unequipped yet.
There are two chairlifts, a nice hotel called Tochal hotel at the height of 3550m, with 30 rooms and suites to spend a night at the resort.
Tochal is recommended for convenience and price and is usually visited during the first days of the tour, however, if you are a professional skier, you can find better terrains at other resorts not far away from here.

Best ski resorts in Iran: The Tochal gondola lifts and chair lifts carry between the elevation of 2,000 and 4,000 meters

How to get there?
Since Tochal is quite close to Tehran, you will not have any difficulty arriving here. You can take a taxi from the Parkway bridge in Shahid Chamran expressway, it is rather cheap and easy.

The best time to ski:
November until June

Alvares

Sitting in the northwestern of Iran, there is a mountainous province called Ardabil which is famous for its awesome climate and breathtaking landscapes. The bare slopes of Mount Sabalan, the third highest peak in Iran, would offer an amazing opportunity to nature lovers. Alvares ski resort is located 30km away from the city of Sarein at an altitude of 3200 meters and is considered the largest ski area in terms of size. Let us not forget to talk about the chairlift which is as popular as the resort itself and could give you a great view of these gorgeous slopes. During summer, the pleasant and cool weather makes other activities such as hiking, trekking, and mountain climbing full of joy.
Ardabil is also famous for its thermal springs in Sareyn, Shorabil Lake, and some cultural attractions which are intriguing for every traveler.

How to get there?
To reach the resort, take the Sarab-Ardabil Road all the way towards the Alvares Complex Road, which is about 70 to 80 minutes driving, or takes a taxi for a good price to make this 53 km trip.

The best time to ski:
November to May

Ski resorts in Iran: Pooladkaf

You may be surprised to know that there is a snow resort even in lower altitudes of Iran. Pooladkaf is the southernmost ski resort in Iran, situated in Fars province near Sepidan city. Ski-in Iran is not only possible around Tehran, but also in Shiraz. It has the reputation of being convenient for families. In spite of being small, it offers a wide range of activities besides skiing such as horse riding, hiking, mountain biking. In fact, it’s a multidimensional choice to ski in Iran. Turning to the facilities, the resort is equipped with a cable car, a ski lift, two lifts on the red slope, eight snow motors, four restaurants, and a hotel. However, for on the budget accommodation, staying in Shiraz or Yasuj is recommended. The off-piste terrains also offer an exciting experience to skilled skiers. During the summer, skiing on the grass is entirely popular due to the cool and pleasant weather.
Apart from the Pooladkaf ski resort, the region is famous for Dena protected area and the graceful Margoon waterfall which attracts thousands of visitors all through the year.

How to get there?
Since there is no public transportation available here, you should take a taxi. Hitchhiking also seems to be an alternative, as Shirazian families visit the area most often and they are quite warm-hearted. Check Zagros ski tours here.

The best time to ski:
December to March

Sahand

You will experience the lowest temperature in the northwest of Iran, therefore the longest ski season is here, Sometimes until June! So, we are obviously talking about one of the most popular ski resorts in Iran.
Sahand ski resort with a length of 1200 meters and altitude of 3000 to 3200 meters is located in the north of Sahand Mountain, East Azerbaijan province. Long ski season and cool fresh weather have made the area an attractive destination. A great number of skiers, both professionals, and beginners come here to ski in winter and to enjoy activities such as hiking and paragliding during cool and pleasant summer. Regarding the facilities, there are 2 ski lifts, a restaurant, a rental shop and a ski school for beginners. There are no lodging facilities available, however, the main building is equipped for hosting. To stay overnight, it would be better to go back to Tabriz where suitable accommodation is accessible. Do not miss visiting the amazing village of “Kandovan” with its unique cave-like architecture, mineral waters, natural products, and handicrafts while you are here.

ski resorts in Iran – Long ski season and cool fresh weather have made Sahand area an attractive destination.

How to get there?
There is no public transportation from Tabriz to Sahand ski resort. Therefore, taking a taxi seems the most possible option.

The best time to ski:
December to May

Watch this exciting video of experiencing ski in Iran.

February 1, 2020
7 reasons why you should ski in Iran

Eye-catching landscapes covered with powdery snow have made Iran an attractive place for ski. It is among a few countries in the Middle East enjoying natural ski resorts with a wide variety of terrains. While many travel to this country to enjoy its mild pleasant weather in the Persian Gulf islands, adventurers prefer to visit its unique snowy slopes, in search of fantastic skiing in Iran. Here are the top convincing reasons why you should ski in Iran and immerse yourself in this exhilarating adventure.

1. Breathtaking altitudes

From north to south, east to west, there are mountain ranges with many ski runs, so it is the right place for this exciting sport. The ski resorts in Iran may not be as developed as those in European countries, but the altitudes dominate those of even the highest resorts in the Alps to offer an unforgettable experience. The immense mountains with ski facilities range from 2540 to 3850 meters in height are usually covered with snow from November/early December until late May, providing a great opportunity to ski in Iran.

High mountain ranges with many ski runs are inspiring factors to attract skiers to Iran

2. Low priced skiing

Iran is an undercover gem for budget travelers. You can enjoy a great vacation in this country without having a lot of money. A variety of services such as hotel rooms and good quality restaurants are available for a good price and recreations like the ski is not an exception. Skiers can ride the highest ski slopes for a fair price. There are also rental shops available for ski equipment, so you do not need to bring yours.

3. Longest ski season

Being a mountainous country, there are many summits higher than 3000 meters covered with powdery snow for quite a long time during the year in Iran. Actually, most ski resorts run from November till May. Although many skiers and snowboarders traveling to Iran think of spring skiing with sunny and blue sky, there is usually fresh snowfall late-season; that consequently provides a great opportunity to experience Persian powder even in spring.

4. Safety

Winter sports like snowboarding and skiing involves safety concerns. Besides the risks of injuries and collision, skiers are exposed to natural threats such as avalanches. Unlike many other resorts around the world, there is a lower risk of avalanche occurrence in Iran’s ski resorts. They offer a quite safe experience to ski in Iran. However, you must be cautious while skiing off-piste.
Another issue is the quality of snow; poor snow quality like thin snow or icy cover may also cause severe injuries. The snow quality is comparable to that of the Alpine resorts, in some areas up to three meters thick. The safety concerns give the most compelling reason to ski in Iran.

5. Huge and convenient resorts

Tourists will find many slopes to ski in different regions, most of them equipped with ski facilities. A hotel, apartment or guesthouse is available near these resorts to spend a night. Here are just some of the most known ones:

Ski in Iran: Shemshak ski resort near Tehran

Dizin
Under a two-hour drive from Tehran, you will arrive at Dizin ski resort; the most important ski resort in Iran and one of the most popular in the Middle East and among adventurers who like to ski in Iran. Since Dizin was the first resort confirmed by International Ski Federation for ski games, it is of acceptable international standard; the slopes and length of the trails, location for holding competitions, facilities like three cable cars, two chair lifts, seven-button lifts, and a platter lift. Other facilities provided in Dizin include two hotels, 19 cottages, five restaurants, and private apartments, which has made it an ideal destination for planning a long stay tour. The lowest and highest point here is between 2650 to 3600 meters and the best season to go skiing in Dizin is from early December to late May.

Shemshak
Shemshak is the second largest ski resort in Iran after Dizin, 50 Kilometers northeast of Tehran near Shemshak village. To arrive there, drive either Lashgarak or Zarband and Karaj roads. The elevation range in Shemshak is between 2550 to 3050 meters. It is equipped with two chair lifts (Télésiège), two-button lifts, and two platter lifts. The yellow spotlights make skiing possible until midnight. The best time to ski in Shemshak is from early December until mid-April. Two hotels and four restaurants are available at this resort that offers stunning landscapes to the guests.

There is a wonderful downhill skiing available around the north, northwest, and west of Iran.

Abali
Being one of the oldest ski resorts, Abali is located 75 kilometers from Tehran on the Haraz road. It has five tracks, each equipped with lifts and chair lifts. Tennis court, horseback riding, jumping, and kiting are among the recreation facilities in this center. A hotel and three restaurants with a medical center are also accessible here.

Darbandsar
Darbandsar is the most recently established ski resort in Iran, 60 kilometers northeast of Tehran. It is facilitated with 4 lifts. The best time to ski in this resort is from early December until late April. There is a ski school in the area offering educational services. The highest point in Darbandsar is 3050 meters.

Tochal
Located in the vicinity of Tehran, down to the Velenjak Street in Shemiranat area, Tochal is one of the most important ski resorts. The area has three cable car routes, three chair lifts, all together with a length of 7500 meters which rivals the longest cable car routes in the world.
The resort has three separate tracks, one in the summit, one in the west slope and one from 5th to 7th station. The track in the summit has an altitude of about 3850 meters. Due to this altitude, the resort is open to visitors about eight months of the year.

Alvares
Skiing in Alvares is a unique experience that one may not have had before. There may be hundreds of ski resorts more developed and well-equipped, but what makes skiing in Alvares so memorable is the off the beaten path place and the opportunity of companionship with hospitable locals.
Lying 3200 meters above the sea level, it is covered with snow all through fall and winter. Alvares is open to visitors 6 to 8 months of the year. This resort is also equipped with chairlifts and lifts.

Pooladkaf
Pooladkaf or Sepidan is the name of a ski resort in Fars Province. The area enjoys facilities such as lifts, cable cars, and snow motors and is absolutely convenient for families. In the vicinity of Pooladkaf, there is another ski resort that is open to visitors all year round.

Sahand
Located 39 Kilometers to the southeast of Tabriz city, the ski area of Sahand covers about 1200 meters length. The best time to ski here usually starts from January to March. There are 12 lifts, a five-star, and a three-star hotel, apartments, and sports facilities in this resort.

6. Après Skiing in Iran

Almost all the resorts offer restaurants and cafes, so skiers can enjoy a delicious meal out. Tourists can also be entertained by getting together which gives them a well-deserved rest after spending a day out on the slopes.

7. Other advantages

Although there are rules which must be respected, tourists can fully enjoy their trip to ski in Iran. Iran has a great number of historical and cultural heritage. With ski resorts such as Dizin and Shemshak, which are close to cities, organizing cultural tours seems entirely favorable.
It is worth mentioning that Iran is considered a gold mine for adventurers, providing outdoor recreations such as ice climbing, rock climbing, paragliding, animal, and bird watching which would be exceptionally interesting activities to experience.

Watch this exciting video of experiencing ski in Iran.

December 8, 2019
Longest ski season in Iran
Nothing would make a skier feel more excited than reaching high altitudes and the fact that all ski resorts in Iran are located above 2000 meters with the highest peak at 5609m, Mt. Damavand, sounds like imaginary! It is even more interesting when you find out Iran has a very long ski season and these summits are covered with good quality snow from November till May and since many people do not go off-piste skiing, there is a lot of virgin powder to be explored even days after the last snowfall. Sometimes, skiing is possible even in June at the resorts with higher elevations! If the long ski season in Iran convinced that this country is a must-ski destination, here are some practical tips:

Good quality snow and long ski season, usually from November to April attract many skiers to this country in winter.

Where to Ski in Iran?

There are many ski resorts in different parts of the country, most of them equipped with ski facilities. Depending on the ski season in Iran and where you stay, you can visit these ski resorts. Follow the season guide to enjoy skiing in a powder paradise.
- Tehran – Alborz Mountain
  You will find many slopes to ski around Tehran which are actually the most convenient and facilitated resorts; however, if you are looking for the resorts with the most durable ski season in Iran, it starts with the ones in the highest altitudes.
- Tochal
  You might get pleased to know that Tochal is not only famous for the most durable snow season, but also for being the nearest resort to Tehran. Therefore, it is quite convenient if you plan to stay in Tehran. This resort usually experiences early snow and is one of the first ones to be opened to visitors from November. The snow usually lasts until June at the altitude of 3600 meters.
- Dizin
  About 120Km north of Tehran, you will have access to the largest, liveliest and most equipped ski resort in Iran. Reaching an altitude of 3600m, Dizin ski resort with its international standards, hotels, and restaurants is open from early December until late May.
- Shemshak
  Similar to Dizin, this resort is of accepted international standards, but with an elevation range of 2550 to 3050. It is only about 50km from Tehran and is open from early December until mid-April. This resort also offers hotels and four restaurants.
- Darbandsar
  Interested in off-piste skiing? Then you are welcomed to Darbandsar to ski the bare slopes covered with the best quality powder. Even if you are a beginner, there are training activities available here. Snow season is not as long as Tochal, however, it lasts from December to April.
- Abali
  Sitting in an altitude of 2250m, Abali has the reputation of being the closest resort to Damavand Mt. It offers skiing as well as non-skiing activities such a hiking, kiting and climbing; however, Abali’s powder lasts from December to March.
  Western Iran
  There is also wonderful downhill skiing available around northwest and west of Iran, two of the most well-known are:
- Alvares
  Have you tried skiing in the bare slopes somewhere off the beaten path? Alvares is not only a ski resort but also an infinite natural landscape of fresh snow, that would astonish you! The slopes of Mt. Sabalan, the third highest peak in Iran, lies in an altitude of 3200m which is available for skiing from November until May. This resort is famous for pleasant and cool weather that attracts nature lovers to the region even during summer.
- Sahand
  You will experience the lowest temperature in the northwest of Iran, therefore the longest ski season is here, Sometimes until June, as local people admit! Located at an altitude of 3000 to 3200 meters, this resort attracts many skiers, both professionals, and beginners. The resort usually experiences its first snow in November and it continues until June. Summer activities such as hiking and paragliding are also possible.
- Zagros Mountain
  The Zagros range is about 990 miles (1,600 km) long, extending from northwest to southeast of Iran. Some parts of these ranges date to Precambrian time (that is, before 541 million years ago). The highest peak is Dena with an elevation of 4400m, and there are more than 40 peaks above 4000m. So, not only northern and western Iran but also central and southern parts offer high mountains and long ski season in Iran. It may be surprising to know that in some areas of “ZardKooh” which is one of the highest peaks of Zagros, the snow height reaches 15 meters! However, it does not mean that you can ski in all of these regions!
- Pooladkaf
  Pooladkaf is the southernmost ski resort in Iran, situated in Fars province near Sepidan city. If you are a skilled skier looking for an exciting experience, the off-piste terrains here would offer a great opportunity. The snow at Zagros may last shorter but it is worth experiencing. The resort is usually covered with white powder from December to March. In spite of being small, it offers a wide range of activities you can enjoy during summer besides skiing such as horse riding, hiking, mountain biking.
- Chelgerd (Koohrang)
  Chelgerd is located on the eastern foothills of the Zagros mountain range, in Chahar Mahaal Bakhtiari province. This province is called “The Roof of Iran” due to its high altitude. If you plan to visit the amazing nature of the roof of Iran, skiing is available from early December until late March. To make the most of your trip to Chahar Mahaal Bakhtiari, do not miss visiting the breathtaking landscapes and spectacular waterfalls in this province.
You will find many slopes to ski around Tehran which are quite convenient and facilitated.

The ski season in Iran

The ski season in Iran varies from one resort to another; in Alborz Mountain, where most resorts are located, it starts from November and lasts until late April. However, in Dizin and Northwestern resorts it lasts longer, usually until late May. If you plan to ski at Zagros, you are welcomed from December to March. Remember in mind that, nearly all slopes are crowded during weekends (Friday and Thursday in Iran) and busy with diplomats on Saturdays; other days it would be quiet. If you are a skilled skier and prefer to get off-piste, finding untouched powder would be easy for you even on Fridays.
And last but not least, it is not only the long ski season in Iran; there are many reasons why you should ski in Iran; tasty local food, traveling to on a budget destination and warm-hearted people will completely change your point of view about this country.

Are you planning to travel to Iran and looking for some adventure? Check out our Iran Ski Tours.
December 8, 2019