Raghaz Tour

Necessary Equipment:

Harness, helmet, descender, jumar, carabiners, canyoning rope (static rope), slings, canyoning backpack, and canyoning apparel.

Description:

Raghaz is one of the best canyons in Iran. It lies among dry mountains, and few would imagine that such a spectacular valley exists in this rugged landscape. For this reason, it has only been explored in recent years.

The canyon is surrounded by massive limestone cliffs, and the area also contains untouched caves.

A permit from the Iranian Department of Environment is required to visit this valley.

Day 01: Arrival in Tehran

Upon arrival at Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel in the city center. After breakfast, enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour of Tehran, including the Traditional Bazaar, the National Museum of Iran, the Glassware and Ceramic Museum, and Niavaran Palace. Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast (B&B).

Day 02: Shiraz

Early in the morning, transfer to Tehran Domestic Airport for your flight to Shiraz. Upon arrival, enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour of Shiraz, including Vakil Bazaar, the holy shrine of Shah Cheragh, and Narenjestan Garden. In the evening, drive to Darab, located south of Shiraz. The journey takes approximately two hours. Overnight at a hotel in Darab. We will wake up early the next morning.

Day 03: Trekking, Swimming, and Camping

At 6:00 AM, we wake up, have breakfast, and transfer by car to the north of Darab.

We begin trekking alongside a small stream and gradually ascend. The weather is usually very warm, and after approximately one and a half hours, we reach the entrance to the canyon. You will be amazed to discover that all the waterfalls and pools are fed by small natural springs.

We waterproof our belongings and carefully check all equipment. Once you descend the first waterfall, the only way forward is to continue through the entire canyon.

At 9:00 AM, we put on our gear and begin our canyoning adventure.

The route starts with swimming through narrow passages, jumping over small waterfalls, and crossing crystal-clear pools. The water is so clear that you can see deep into the pools below.

Many of the pools are deep, so backpacks are thrown ahead before jumping in and swimming across. After about one hour, we reach the first technical waterfall. We set up the ropes and descend while small fish swim fearlessly beside us in this untouched environment.

Some pools are up to 50 meters long and require extended swimming. A buoyancy aid is essential, as the pools are deep and the force of the waterfalls can be strong.

We descend waterfalls one by one. In some places, natural anchors are used, while in others, bolts are installed.

By the end of the day, we had passed 33 waterfalls and reached the only suitable campsite in the canyon.

The weather is warm, so a sleeping bag is generally not necessary. After changing clothes, we enjoy dinner under the stars. The beauty of the canyon often makes you forget about lunch.

Protecting the environment is extremely important. All participants must carry their rubbish back to the city.

Towering limestone walls rise approximately 200 meters above the campsite. During the night, you can listen to the sound of waterfalls and sleep under a sky full of stars, using your buoyancy aid as a pillow.

Day 04: Waterfall Tour and Sweet Lemon Gardens

We wake up at 6:00 AM, have breakfast, and begin descending the first major waterfall.

After passing several impressive waterfalls, we reach a breathtaking section where the water has carved large limestone bowls filled with fish.

In some parts of the canyon, the walls are so high that sunlight reaches the canyon floor for only about 30 minutes each day.

After traversing several narrow sections, we descend the final major waterfall, which is 45 meters high, and exit the canyon.

Soon afterward, we arrive at sweet lemon gardens, where we relax in the shade and enjoy fresh sweet lemons.

Our vehicle will be waiting for us. We return to the hotel for lunch, and in the evening we drive back to Shiraz. Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast (B&B).

Day 05: Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostam

Early in the morning, we depart by car to visit Persepolis and Naqsh-e Rostam, the royal tombs of the Achaemenid kings. In the afternoon, we visit the Tomb of Hafez, one of Iran's most celebrated poets. Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast (B&B).

Day 06: Shiraz to Isfahan

In the morning, transfer to Shiraz Airport for your flight to Isfahan.

Upon arrival, enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour of Isfahan, including Chehel Sotoun Palace, Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Jameh Mosque, Imam Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar.

In the evening, take a pleasant walk along the Zayandeh Rood River. Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast (B&B).

Day 07: Tehran via Kashan and Abiyaneh

Drive to Tehran, stopping en route to visit the historic village of Abiyaneh and the beautiful city of Kashan.

Upon arrival in Tehran, check into your hotel. Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast (B&B).

Day 08: Departure

Transfer to Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport for your departure flight home.