| Duration: | 15 Day(s) - 14 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Eco Tours |
Abyaneh Village, Kashan
This village is one of the well-known villages in Esfahan Province and boasts a pleasant climate. It is located on the northwestern slopes of the Karkas Mountains, at a distance of 28 km from the city of Natanz.
The architectural beauty of this village, along with the rituals and traditional apparel of its inhabitants, is truly a sight to behold. The Jame Mosque of this vicinity, with its historical wooden altar dating back to 776 AH and its wooden pulpit dating to 466 AH, is highly valued as both a historical and religious monument. An inscription in the Kufic script further enhances its significance.
Mt. Damavand (South Face – 5671m)
Damavand is the highest peak in Iran and the highest volcanic peak in Asia. Different levels of climbing can be undertaken in all seasons. It has four main ridges for climbing and three major glaciers. The normal climbing route is from the south ridge, and many mountaineers come here for climbing and skiing.
The South Ridge has two shelters: one at approximately 3000m, used as a base camp, and another at 4150m. In winter, these shelters are usually not full and can be used, but carrying a tent for emergencies is recommended.
Day 01: Home / Tehran (Iran's Capital City)
(Arrival Day) After welcoming you at Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport, our guide will transfer you to a hotel in the city center. For the rest of the day, accompanied by an expert foreign-language-speaking guide, visit the Niavaran & Saad Abad Palaces (Pahlavi Dynasty), located in the north of Tehran. Overnight stay at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast.
Day 02: Tehran / Ovan Lake
Today we are going to leave Tehran for a 4-day trekking tour in the western part of the Alborz mountain chain.
After having the first Iranian meal (breakfast) at the hotel, transfer to Qazvin City (Qazvin Province via the Karaj–Qazvin Highway). We will have a half-day sightseeing tour of Qazvin. After lunch, transfer to Zerabad Village via the Alamut Valley beside Ovan Lake. Overnight in a tent or a local house. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.
Day 03: Ovan Lake / Piche Bon
After having breakfast with a picturesque view beside Ovan Lake, transfer to Gazorkhan Village. We commence a light trek to the re-excavated Alamut Castle (Hassan Sabbah), which takes approximately two hours. The castle belongs to the Hashashin period. After returning and taking a short rest, drive toward the small town of Garmaroud and continue to Piche Bon Village (visiting both places). Overnight in Piche Bon (local house or tent), which is located in a very beautiful and calm area. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.
Day 04: Piche Bon / Maran
After a good sleep and breakfast in the village, start trekking toward Ebatar (2400m) and then to Salanbar Pass (3250m). Continue toward the Sehezar Valley (3000m) and the mountain villages in this beautiful area. Overnight in one of the villages in a tent or local house (Maran). Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.
Day 05: Maran / Ramsar
Today you will trek toward the last point in this valley, called Ghazi Mahale (around noon). Then drive (with the driver who is already waiting for us) along a very beautiful road through the valley to Tonkabon City (a Caspian seaside city). Enjoy lunch at a restaurant by the Caspian Sea, then drive to Ramsar. After a short rest at the hotel and a shower, visit the Javaherdasht area, which is located below Soumamous Peak. Overnight at the hotel. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.
Day 06: Ramsar / Raineh – Damavand Base Camp (South Face)
Today, from our hotel, we will transfer to the Damavand South Face Base Camp. We drive toward Haraz Road via the Caspian seaside and continue to Raineh. On the way, you will have picturesque views of Damavand for photography. After having lunch at a local restaurant in Raineh, drive up to Goosfandsara (Damavand Base Camp). Overnight in a tent at Goosfandsara. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.
Day 07: Damavand Base Camp / Damavand Shelter
We wake up early in the morning, and after breakfast, start climbing (with lunch boxes). If the weather conditions are favorable, it will take about 4 hours to reach the second shelter at 4150m. Overnight at the shelter. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.
Day 08: Damavand Shelter / Summit / Damavand Shelter
We wake up at 5:00 AM, have breakfast, prepare our backpacks, and begin the ascent. If the group is in good condition, we will reach the summit in about 6 hours. From the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. We will have time for photography before descending. After approximately 3 hours, we return to the shelter. After a meal, we rest and sleep after a challenging day. Overnight at the shelter. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.
Day 09: Damavand Shelter / Damavand Shelter
Reserve a day for bad weather conditions. Overnight at the shelter. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.
Day 10: Damavand Base Camp (South Face) / Tehran
Today we are not in a hurry. We have breakfast, pack our belongings, and descend. In about 2 hours, we reach the first shelter (Mosque/Goosfandsara), rest for a few minutes, and continue toward the main road. The driver will already be waiting there, and we will return to the local guest house.
After lunch and some rest, we visit the mineral hot springs for a relaxing hot bath (spa). After enjoying the hot springs, we drive back to Tehran and stay overnight at a hotel. Breakfast/Lunch.
Day 11: Tehran / Shiraz
Early in the morning, take a flight to Shiraz and directly proceed for an excursion to Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostam, the famous cliff face bearing four rock-cut tombs of the Achaemenid Dynasty (500 B.C.) and Sassanian rock reliefs. Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast.
Day 12: Shiraz / Isfahan
Today we will visit Eram Garden, a 19th-century historical site, and the Quran Gate of Shiraz. Then we will drive to Isfahan and check into the hotel. In the evening, visit the three famous bridges on the Zayandeh Rud River. Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast (3*).
Day 13: Isfahan / Isfahan
Full-day sightseeing tour of Isfahan, including Chehel Sotoun Palace, located in the center of a large garden and decorated with marble and impressive gilded artwork (the Palace of Forty Columns), Meidan-e Naghsh-e Jahan (Imam Square – a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Jameh Mosque, Shah Mosque, and the Bazaar. In the evening, walk along the Zayandeh Rud riverside. Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast.
Day 14: Isfahan / Tehran
Today we will drive to Tehran and, en route, visit Abyaneh, a historic village demonstrating desert architecture and traditional lifestyle and clothing, as well as Kashan. Then visit the Borujerdi House and Fin Complex. Overnight in Tehran. Bed & Breakfast.
Day 15: Tehran / Home
The group will be transferred to the international airport for the return flight home. Bed & Breakfast.