Hiking & Trekking in Iran which is truly one of the world’s beautiful countries, not just in nature but in its culture and variety of ethnic groups inhabiting it. A country with an ancient civilization embracing various cultural attractions! This is the image that crosses one’s mind when thinking about Iran. Trekking in Iran is easy and comfortable due to its better serviced trekking routes compared to other countries. As Iran is a four season country, to get the best experience, it’s important to visit the right region in the right season.
The beautiful and undiscovered places, stunning landscapes and fascinating sights in Iran’s nature, the inhabitant’s ethnic group’s variety, and also the hospitality and culture of locals in small villages or nomadic parts which are suitable for trekking, make Iran a perfect destination for these sort of activities. Not only mountains, but a diverse range of flora, remote deserts with a diverse range of wildlife, and many more different environments, like wild barren mountains, huge forests and hidden waterfalls inside them must destination for you as a trekker in Iran.
The Valleys of the Assassins: Trek through the Alborz mountains to the Caspian Sea and explore Masule, Anzali and Rudkhan castle. This trekking destination will provide you a more quiet, green and traditional side of Iran. For start, you have to travel to Alamut. Normally the trekkers visit the impressive Roodkhan Castle and the beautiful and traditional village of Masule. Through this route you will experience stunning mountain landscapes and if lucky on time, you may pass the nomadic Shahsavan, pastoralists. If you’re not tight on time and eager to complete you journey in North-West of Iran, just drive along the Azerbaijan border to reach Jolfa and visit its Armenian monastery and at the end, go to the great city of Tabriz with its worldwide famous traditional bazaar and blue mosque. Jolfa and Tabriz bazaar are both among UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Alborz Mountains and the surroundings: To start, the base camp is two hours from Tehran. This camp makes Damavand one of the most accessible 5,000-metre-plus mountains in the world. For experiencing Alborz, you don’t necessarily have to go for the Damavand summit, especially when you’re not up to a professional climb or just want to have normal trekking.
Hiking in Lar National Park: Pass through Lar National Park, if you already have your plans for Alborz Mountains. This region is a great protected area because of its diverse fauna and flora. Through the way, besides meeting nomadic people who stay in this region for the summer, you might get a chance to see some wildlife such as wild goat, wild sheep, vipers, eagles and etc. Then, you will walk through the northern ridge of Mt. Damavand to access the Nandal, the north-eastern plain.
The ring of Damavand: It can be said that Iranians look up to highest mountain in Iran, Damavand, as one of their national icons and heritage since it has a special place in the Persian ancient and modern literature and mythology. If you don’t want to climb Damavand peak, this giant white volcano, go for a trek in the ring of it.
Zard Kuh: Located in the Zagros Mountains in the Châhârmahâl and Bakhtiâri province, Zard Kuh is named for its yellow dirt, and the highest peak, Kolunchin, stands at 4,221 meters. It’s recommended to start at Shahre Kord, the center of the province, and head toward Fârsan and Chelgerd before arriving at Kohrang Lake, where the Bakhtiâri nomadic tribe makes their summer migration. While spring is the best time to visit, there are slopes that make skiing possible in the winter.
Neor Lake to Subatan Village trekking trail: It is said that Talesh is where the Aryan People first settled and also the birthplace of Zoroaster, the prophet of the ancient Persian religion, Zoroastrianism. Trekking from Neor Lake to Subatan Highlands can be the dreamiest trekking of your life. The evergreen landscapes are exactly what you need to break the cliché of Iran and its deserts. Talesh Mountains with its sub-tropical climate, are at the northwest of Alborz along the southwestern coast of the Caspian Sea, a misty green area full of meadows and lush Hyrcanian forest in Gilan province.
Trekking In the Ever Green Javaher Dasht: If you’re interested in misty mountains and the sound of woods and birds in nature, Javaher Dasht will be a nice choice. The calmness you’re going to experience is beyond your expectations. To reach the perfect starting point you have to ride about 20 Km through paved road and then about another 20 Km drive through a mountainous dirt road in the middle of the jungle. Having a Jeep ride in this route is also one of the suggestions that will make you fall in love with it.
