At the Heights of Persia

Tour details

Origin City: Tehran

Visited Countries:

Visited Cities:

description

The first part of your trip will be dedicated to the activities in northern Iran and the second half to the classic sightseeing. Alam Kuh is one of the highest mountains in Iran. The ascent begins after driving from Tehran to the Alam Kuh region. The ascent will be in stages and depending on the stage, the mountain offers very good opportunities to experience different landscapes and degrees of difficulty. Iran's highest mountain Damavand (literally the steaming mountain) is the next stage of your active trip. The mountain, which is also the highest in Asia, can be climbed from different sides of the mountain. Various breathtaking views can be enjoyed on the way to the summit. After you have driven back to Tehran, you set off for Shiraz, in Shiraz the highlight is Persepolis and in Isfahan there are the architecturally exciting buildings from the Islamic era. In between, the village of Abyaneh, known by the name of the red village, will be a relaxation unterwegs.

Day 1

Arrival Tehran

You will be met on arrival at Shiraz Airport and transferred to the hotel.

Day 3

Alamkuh : 40 km

Transfer through Khoram Dasht Valley (3300 m) by 4*4 to the starting point of hiking activities for the days. Hike to your camp Hesar Chal (3800 m) in Takht-e Soleyman (Solomon’s throne) Massif. In the evening you enjoy the relaxation and quiet in the mountains.

Overnight in camping tent.

Elevation Difference : 500 m 

Hiking Time : 3 hrs.

 

Day 5

Alamkuh : 20 km

You will hike higher today. The Alamkuh summit (4850 m), the second highest mountain in Iran, is perfect for that. As an easier path, you can climb to the summit of Marjikesh (4580 m), instead of Alamkuh. Back to your camp site.

Iran Mountaineering and Sport Climbing Federation Campsite.

Elevation Difference : + 1100, – 1580 m

Hiking Time : 8 hrs.

Day 7

Polur-Bargah Sevom : 13 km

Drive to Goosfand Sara (2950 m) by jeep then go hiking to Bargah-e-Sevom shelter (4200 m).

Overnight in shelter.

Elevation Difference : 1200 m

Hiking Time : 4 hrs.

Day 9

Damavand-Tehran : 90 km

You use this day as a reserve day if the ascent didn’t work yesterday. If you don’t need the reserve day, you will descend Goosfand Sara and drive to Tehran.

Overnight in the hotel or camping tent depending on the program.

Elevation Difference: – 1200 m

Hiking Time : 3 hrs.

 

Day 11

Shiraz 

Today, you go sightseeing in Shiraz, the city of love and poetry. First, you explore Nasir-ol-molk Mosque; also known as the Rose Mosque. Afterwards, you visit Qajar-era Narenjestan e Ghavam Garden where you can also visit a pavilion in which there is a museum. Proceed your sightseeing to Hafiz Tomb where you meet the Iranians who show their respect to their great poet who was also admired by Goethe. Finally, visit Ali Ibn Hamzeh Holy Shrine and Vakil Bazaar; a traditional covered bazaar located at the center of Shiraz enjoying natural air conditioning, arches and stunning architecture.

 

Day 13

Isfahan 

You spend whole day on sightseeing in Isfahan, known as one of the treasures of art and architecture in the world. First, visit Chehel Sotoun Palace (Forty Columns), a brilliant example for Persian garden listed in UNESCO Word Heritage Site. Next, Head for Naqsh-e Jahan Square, the second largest square in the world, and the monuments around including Imam Mosque, known for its amazing tiling; Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, known as the mosque of women and the bride of Islamic architecture; and Ali Qapu Palace in which the important meetings of the king with ambassadors and other politicians were carried out in the Safavid era. At the end, visit Grand Bazaar of Isfahan, one of the greatest and luxurious trading centers in the Safavid era. In the evening, go for a stroll alongside the Zayandehrud River and visit Si-o-se Pol Bridge, constructed in the reign of Shah Abbas ІІ, and Khaju Bridge; known for its unique architecture, decorations and tiling.

Day 15

Departure Tehran

You take a transfer to IKA Airport for your flight home.

 

Day 2

Tehran-Alamkuh : 220 km

After late breakfast, depart Tehran for Alamkuh region. Drive via Roudbarak (1400 m) to Vandarbon (2400 m), the starting point for all mountain activities in this area.

Overnight in the house of the Iranian Mountaineering Federation.

Day 4

Alamkuh 

You ascend in south direction of Lashgarak Peak (4320 m). The way back leads you first over a small path then over two other peaks, South Gardonkuh and North Gardonkuh.

Overnight in camping tent.

Elevation Difference : + 870, – 870 m 

Hiking Time : 7 hrs.

Day 6

Alamkuh-Polur : 267 km

Today’s drive to Damavand (5671 m), the highest mountain in Iran and in the Orient, leads past the Caspian Sea. Through a partially small path you continue to Polur (2250 m), a small town at the southwestern side of the Damavand.

Overnight in the Iran Mountaineering and Sport Climbing Federation Campsite.

 

Day 8

Damavand 

In the early morning you set off for Damavand summit (5671 m). After 5-6 hours the ascent is finally done and you are on the summit. Descend and after 2-3 hours you reach your tents at the mountain shelter.

Overnight in shelter.

Elevation Difference : +1500 m, -1500 m

Hiking Time : 9 hrs.

Day 10

Tehran-Shiraz 

Leisure time in the morning, then flight to Shiraz.

 

Day 12

Shiraz-Isfahan : 489 km

In the morning, depart Shiraz for Isfahan. On the way, you get to visit Persepolis, the ancient capital of Persia with its wonderfully well-preserved remains, and Naqsh-e Rustam, the necropolis of the first Achaemenid Emperors; Darius the Great, Xerxes, Artaxerxes I and Darius II; carved into the cliff.

 

Day 14

Isfahan-Abyaneh-Tehran : 500 km

Today, you continue your sightseeing in Isfahan. First, go for a stroll in Armenian Quarter and visit the Vank Cathedral, constructed with an inspiration from Saint Stepanos Monastery and influenced by Iranian and Italian art, and its Museum. Then proceed to the Abyaneh and stroll in the village. In Kashan visit Fin Garden, UNESCO World Heritage Site as a brilliant example for Persian Garden.