Aug 21, 2017 BY Luke Rees
It is only relatively recently that Iran opened up to the wider world and become a travel destination. A surprise to many is the huge rage of exciting Iranian activities available, which coupled with the culture, history, setting, price and hospitality are set to make the best Iran adventure holidays very popular.
Known as the cradle of civilisation, this ancient country is brimming with UNESCO heritage, including some of the world’s most important historical sites. However, it’s not all about the past. With an exceptional range of popular and unique activities to try, Iran is a great place for adventure too.
Iranian activitiesIf you are looking to plan the best Iran adventure holidays then below are ten great Iranian activities to experience . Welcome to Iran can arrange any of the adventures below, providing transport, guides, accommodation and support to ensure you have the trip of a lifetime.
Iran is a land of vast landscapes and endless skies. With rugged deserts, towering mountain ranges and bountiful wildlife. So exploring the remote areas of this country by 4×4 offers a unique driving experience.
Explore the dunes of the Lut Desert (the hottest place on earth and a UNESCO heritage site) and dramatic Kalouts of the Shahdad. Or follow the ancient Silk Road route through the desert, recreating ancient journeys using the most modern forms of transport.
Iran’s varied landscapes are also suitable for exploring on foot. With more that 40 mountains over 4000m high, the tallest of which – Mount Damavand – stands at 5610m there is plenty of mountainous terrain to trek and climb. In fact Iran has many peaks that mean mountaineering is well respected int he country.
For something a little easier, set out to discover the gardens and rivers in Darband, or explore the caves at Damavand. If you’re looking to go green, there is eco trekking available in the forests of Asalem and the chance to spot leopards in the Golestan National Park.
For a historic hiking adventure, discover the ancient architecture of Masuleh. You’ll pass through towns and villages that have remained virtually unchanged for centuries. Exploring the country by foot is without doubt one of the best Iranian activities.
You might associate Iran with deserts and searing heat, but high altitudes also means it gets very cold. Combine this with mountainous terrain and you’ve got some of the world’s most unique ski and snowboard destinations.
The Dizin resort is situated in the northern mountains of Tehran, with a high point of 3,600 metres above sea level. But Dizin is only one of 16 ski resorts across the country, with a variety of runs from long cruisers to narrow chutes.
With a rich culture dating back thousands of years, Iran is overflowing with art, music, literature and architecture. From a nomadic desert tent experience to beautiful mosques, including the Imam and Sheikh Lutfullah, a cultural and religious tour in Iran has many highlights.
Of course, as with any religious or cultural experience, you need to be respectful of the importance of these places within the Iranian culture. So it’s a good idea to go with a guide, you’ll also get more from the experience which is key to the best Iran adventure holidays.
The former ceremonial capital of the ancient Achaemenid Empire, Persepolis was built around 500 BC by King Darius I. It’s opulence was legendary but it was destroyed by Alexander the Great in 330 BC with only its UNESCO-listed ruins remaining.
You can also visit the citadels of Shiraz, the UNESCO bazaars of Tabriz and Zoroastrin Fire Temples. Iran’s cultural and religious history dwarfs most other countries on the planet, offering visitors a spectacular view into the past. In fact, some of Iran’s archaeological sites date back as far as 7,000 years.
With over 70 national parks, reserves and sanctuaries there is a huge amount of wildlife to see on safari and wildlife tours in Iran. Some of the most unique animals include the Asiatic cheetah and Persian fallow deer.
You might also spot African ibis and the Caucasian black Cock. Plus you can view crocodiles and more tropical species on the gulf coast. Beneath the waves there is even more to see making wildlife watching one of the Iranian activities you won’t want to miss out on.
The vast deserts of Iran were once only accessible via camel. The deserts around 200km south of the capital Tehran offer you the chance to follow some of the ancient Silk Road.
Spend a night or two in the desert in a nomadic tent, staying near the old Maran Job caravansary, for an unforgettable experience that links you to centuries past. This is truly one of the best Iran adventure holidays.
In the warmer waters of the Persian Gulf it’s possible to dive with the largest mammal on earth, the blue whale. However, if you’re not lucky enough to catch a rare glimpse there are plenty of other highlights on the coral reefs.
Queshm and Kish islands are two of the country’s main dive centres. With certified instructors offering single or multi day trips, along with opportunities to work towards your own PADI certification.
Iran is well suited to bike touring, with relatively good roads and great hospitality it’s one of the top Iranian activities. Must see destinations include the UNESCO-listed cities of Esfahan, Yazd and Shiraz but the scenery along the way is pretty special too.
For a more adrenaline-fuelled experience, there is also plenty of scope for mountain biking. There are many challenging mountainous with miles of downhill. The deserts of central Iran offer the chance for some dune riding on fat-bikes, with the forests of the north near the Caspian Sea another top destination.
For the best Iran adventure holidays we recommend you combine all of the above together in an overland tour. Stumble upon ancient Persian ruins and cultures, reaching places way off the tourist trail, while getting involved in many adventures.
With a combination of travel including 4×4, camel, trekking, biking, hiking and more, you can visit some of Iran’s pearls. Be sure to head to Persepolis and Esfahan (home of the Naqsh-e jahan Square and Masjed-e Jame UNESCO heritage sites), as part of your tour.
Travel overland in Iran and you’ll find out why it’s regarded as one of the most hospitable places in Central Asia. If you don’t want to go it alone, Welcome to Iran can arrange your tour from start to finish providing guides and support to ensure your trip runs smoothly.
With fewer than half a million tourists a year visiting Iran, this is just a tiny trickle when compared to the incredible heritage and activity range on offer. There are 21 UNESCO heritage sites in the country, ranging from untouched deserts to bustling bazaars, most of which very few tourists witness.
The best Iran adventure holidays offer a chance to genuinely discover some of man and nature’s most incredible destinations, without queues or hordes of selfie-taking tourists.
If you like the sound of these Iranian activities and want to plan an adventure holiday in Iran, then Welcome to Iran can sort all the logistics for you. Find out more at: www.welcometoiran.com
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