Iran Day to Day Itinerary
From the sprawling capital, Tehran, we travel north to the towering Damavand, the highest peak in Iran. The Alborz mountains neatly cushion northern Tehran as we journey through stunning terrain en route to this beautiful mountain. Damavand can be climbed via a number of routes and weather permitting, we will climb by the Gezenak (north-east) route. The early part of the climb traverses many shepherds’ fields, before embarking on the more strenuous slopes. The summit offers incredibly pristine mountain views with rough environs demarking east and west. Looking north we peer across the lush green slopes which fall gently to the Caspian Sea.
After the climb, and throughout the journey, we travel to Tehran to explore this capital first established by the Qajar rulers in the 19th century. We will visit the cities numerous and famed museums, including the world-famous carpet and archeological museums. We will also visit the small town of Rey, an ancient city destroyed by the Mongols, which holds the sacred spring of Chesmeh Ali and a number of old ruins including Tepe Mil. (Zoroastrian fire temple).
After completing our tour of Tehran, we fly over the famed Persian arriving in Shiraz, our base for visiting Persepolis. Persepolis truly evokes the powerful culture of the great Persian kings and is the is the cradle of Persian civilization. After touring the palace of Daruis, Hall of a Hundred Columns and Harem of Xerxes, we move down the road and visit the tombs of the great leaders carved into the mountainside. We will also visit sites in the tree-lined city of Shiraz including the Mausoleum of the poet Hafez and a number of ornately designed gardens. These classical Persian gardens are rich in design and horticultural expertise.
From Shiraz we fly to Esfahan, as we repeat the aging rhyme, Esfahan nesf-e jahan, (Esfahan is half the world), we are graced with exquisite Islamic architecture, the crown jewel being Masjid-e-Emam. The harmony of proportions, marble cornices, inscriptions, calligraphy and mosaic tile ornamentation mark the crowning height of Islamic architecture during the Safavid era (1620A.D). The mosque itself stands at one end of the Naqsh-e-Jahn square. This former polo field now forms a garden area, and is surrounded by an enormous traditional bazaar, with fine domed cupolas gracing the skyline. Other Esfahan sites include ancient finely crafted bridges, covered markets, fantastic gardens and glorious palaces. For the seasoned or first-time traveler, Esfahan is simply breathtaking.
From Esfhan we fly back to Tehran for a day of touring and final shopping. Iran is a country which offers the traveler a unique chance for touring in a relatively untouristed land. The combination of climbing in the Alborz and exploring this rich region easily earmarks this as a rare and tremendous opportunity. We believe that Iran may quickly return to the tourist popularity it achieved in the 1970’s and encourage you to visit soon.
ry of Iran. Woman travelers are asked to wear long coats and a head scarf while traveling. During the climb, women can wear western style climbing clothes.August 14-16 - (Days 1-3): Fly via Europe, USA to Tehran, Iran. Small tour of Tehran.
August 17 - Day 4: Travel via the Firuzkuh road to Seyabad where we visit Rudashna cave then onward to Harandeh village. Upon arrival we will hike to better acclimatize while visiting famed bridges and local caves. Lodging in tents or local home.
August 18 - Day 5: Trek to Varzeneh and Garivdeh travling to altitude of 3500meters.
August 19 - Day 6: Return to road head and passing small Iranian villages to Nandal.
August 20 – Day 7: Further acclimatization and moderate hikes at this altitude to Takhte e Feridon (4300 meters)
August 21 - Day 8: Acclimatization hikes at this altitude (4300 meters)
August 22 - Day 9: Travel to summit of Damavand (5671 meters) and return to camping shelter.
August 23 - Day 10: Traverse different route down to Gazaneh Village – return to Tehran. 2
August 24 - 25- Days 11&12: Depart Tehran by air to Shiraz. Excursion to ancient sites of Persepolis and the tombs of Nagshe Rostam. Travel to Esfahan.
August 26 - Day 13: Esfahan is arguably the most famous and beautiful city in Persia. We begin by visiting the famed Masjid-e-Emam. The mosque itself stands at one end of the Naqsh-e-Jahn square, this former polo field now forms a garden area, and is surrounded by an enormous traditional bazaar, with fine domed cupolas gracing the skyline. Other Isfahan sites include ancient finely crafted bridges, covered markets, fantastic gardens, glorious palaces, and the Atah Gar or Zoroastrian fire temple. Return to Tehran
August 27 - Day 14: Final shopping in Tehran – depart for US
August 28 – Day 20: Arrival USA