Dowlatabad garden

Things to Do in Yazd (Photos, Timing)

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A must-see location and a UNESCO World Heritage City situated in the heart of Iran, the city of Yazd is home to various cultural attractions and houses two of the most important deserts of Iran. Yazd is a city where you can feel the kindness of people and the hospitality of its locals. Describing the city of Yazd in one article is a difficult job since the vibes and atmosphere of this city, its attractions, and its people are more than you can imagine. If you are ready let us start getting familiar with Yazd and Things to do in Yazd to experience a different lifetime back in ancient Iran.

Towers of Silence

Yazd towers of Silence (Zoroastrians’ Dakhmeh) are located far from the city center where old buildings and wind catchers get you familiar with Zoroastrians’ traditions. After exploring the disused Zoroastrian buildings at the foot of the hills, climb up the hill to the towers and you will be amazed by the atmosphere and tranquility of the towers. The towers are made out of adobe and although they are starkly simple, there is a solemn majesty about them. The history behind these towers is fascinating.

In the Zoroastrian religion, the bodies of the dead were placed at the top of the towers for birds of prey to dispose them of. They believe in the sacredness of the earth, fire, and water, and back in the old years, their dead bodies were not buried in the ground to prevent contamination. There is an interesting fact about this tradition which is the way the bodies were laid in circles; men in the outermost layer, women in between, and finally children in the center. By visiting this place, not only you will discover the secrets of this old monument, but will you have the whole town at your feet. And it is among the top places to visit in Yazd.

The nearest bus station to Zoroastrian’s Dakhmeh is the Sarv bus station. However, taking a taxi from this place is a better choice. If you have already decided to go by car, Find Isar Square in the southeast of Yazd. Zoroastrian’s Dakhmeh is on the boulevard that connects this square to Emam Hadi Blvd.

Opening hours: 8 am – 5 pm

tower-of-silence- Yazd

Things to do in Yazd – The towers are made out of adobe and although they are starkly simple, there is a solemn majesty about them.

Yazd Khan Bazaar

No matter every place you go in Iran, visiting the local bazaar should be one of the must-do activities on your list. Visiting the local bazaar of every city provides a beautiful perspective and a lovely image of the culture of the local people and introduces their souvenirs.

Yazd, one of the cultural cities of Iran, has a local marketplace that dates back to old times. Yazd Khan Bazaar is where you feel the real vibes of the city. It is a vibrant and historic location that is filled with a variety of shops and traditional stores. The architecture of the Khan Bazaar is a marvel itself. The maze-like structure features narrow alleyways, vaulted ceilings, and traditional brickwork, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of the artisans of Yazd. Within the Khan Bazaar, you’ll find a variety of food stalls and traditional eateries. Indulge in delicious Persian snacks, sweets, and traditional beverages.

Old City

If you are into photography, you will love Old City! A calm and peaceful place to wander around which presents a photo opportunity at every turn and by no doubt one of the best places to visit in Yazd. You can walk around the houses and through alleyways for hours and not get tired. The narrow streets, the amazing color of the walls, and the structure of the buildings are all delightful. Muddy alleys, arches that connect walls and rooftops, and a historic atmosphere all give you a time travel feeling.

The families live in the houses built inside the protecting walls, behind the richly decorated doors. There are many little shops, cafes, and museums that can be found by exploring the narrow streets of Old City. While exploring Yazd’s famous Old Town, stop by the Art House Café; a nice and lovely place for having drinks and meals with a spectacular view from the rooftop. For having a memorable day in the Old City, find a traditional bakery, and buy some fresh and tasty bread. Then sit in the park with its pomegranate surrounding trees, watch the kids playing hide and seek, and get ready for the next destination.

The old city, Yazd

Things to do in Yazd – The old city, Yazd

Yazd Water Museum

Yazd is a historical city that provides a fascinating glimpse into the rich history of Iran. Yazd Water Museum is another location that you should add to your list; it is the best opportunity to introduce yourself to the history of water in Iran and learn more about the culture and identity of Iranian people living in Yazd. Yazd Water Museum is also known as the Ab-Anbar Museum. The museum is dedicated to historical water management and conservation in the desert city of Yazd, which is a brilliant idea if you put your thoughts into it.

Moreover, the city of Yazd has a long history of ingenious water management techniques that have sustained the city for centuries. Yazd Water Museum provides an insight into the old methods of water management used by the Yazdi people. Visiting Yazd Water Museum is a great journey of intelligence and history, which will give you a better sight of old techniques of water management in a deserted city.

Jameh Mosque of Yazd

Jameh Mosque is the main mosque in Yazd with nice architecture which is another example of Islamic art and architecture. Jameh Mosque of Yazd used to be a fire temple back in the Sasanid dynasty. The tall minarets, reaching high above the Old City, are the highest minarets in Iran that bring their beautiful tiles up to the sky. A gorgeous and overwhelming facade locks up your imagination to be immersed in various shades of blue as if you found yourself in front of the gate of heaven.

The beautiful exterior shines brighter when sparks of sunshine reflect the blue sky-colored tiles. Spring and Autumn are the best seasons for visiting the breathtaking Jameh Mosque. This masterpiece is particularly stunning in the evening when it’s all lit up. The way that the light is provided on the dome and walls, makes a spiritual and holy atmosphere at night. It’s like a jewel shining in the darkness of the night.
If you’re driving to the Jameh Mosque you can go either by Gole Sorkh or Imam Street but if you’re on foot get on Seyed Gole Sorkh Street and then Larde Keyvan.

Opening hours: 8 am – 9 pm

Top places to visit in Yazd: Jame Mosque

Things to do in Yazd: Jame Mosque

Dowlat Abad Garden

The structure of the building, the highest windward in the world, and a mesmerizing courtyard are all reasons to visit DowlatAbad Garden. This historic monument has been registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List as one of the masterpieces of traditional gardens in Iran. As was mentioned before, the highest windward in the world is inside a magnificent house with colorful windows, beautiful terraces, doors, and water passages. It is better to visit the house in the daytime so the glory of the stained glass windows can be well appreciated.

Inside of the windward is a good and cool spot for photography! conditioning air without using expensive energy, creating natural ventilation back in the Afsharid era is so impressive. It’s not only windward, but the water storage (Ab Anbar) is also another impressive creation located at the corner of the garden. The garden itself adds to its serenity; by looking at the garden and the entrance, you’ll see the long pool in the shade of the tall cypress trees leading you to the main entrance of the building. On the way to the building, there are a lot of beautiful pomegranate and grape trees, making your journey through time more delightful.

Find Dowlat Abad Boulevard which attaches Enghelab Street to Motahari Street. Dowlat Abad Garden Postal is located in the eastern direction in the middle of the boulevard.

Opening hours: 7 am – 11 pm

Dolat Abad Garden - Yazd

Things to do in Yazd – Dolat Abad Garden is among the top places to visit in Yazd.

Amir Chakhmaq Complex

Architectural Masterpiece and an amazing cultural heritage situated in the center of Yazd, the Amir Chakhmaq Complex is the icon and symbol of this city. If you are into photography, you will fall in love with this complex as it displays history, beauty, and majesty at the same time.

The complex dates back to the 15th century (Timurid Era) when Iran experienced major cultural events. The complex is composed of several interconnected elements, making it a remarkable attraction. Amir Chakhmaq Complex includes a mosque, a caravanserai, a bathhouse, a large square, and a tekyeh, which is a religious place. The architecture of the Amir Chakhmaq Complex is one of its admirable features, showcasing Islamic architecture and the cultural identity of Iranian people during the Timurid Era. Of course, the complex has undergone various renovations and additions over the centuries. The Amir Chakhmaq Complex is accessible by car, taxi, and also by foot as it is in the center of the city.

Zoroastrian Fire Temple

Zoroastrian is one of the oldest religions in the world. The ceremonies and the history of Zoroastrians are unique and the Fire Temple is still being used by them for their prayers. It is really interesting to see a specific holy place for Zoroastrians. The building resembles Achaemenid architecture itself. A place for Zoroastrians to practice their religion by the eternal fire! What makes this monument so special is the fact that a fire that was once made, is still burning since 1500 years ago. Fire is a holy element in the Zoroastrian religion and there are some chosen people in their own religion who are called whisperers; these whisperers are supposed to take care of the fire and don’t let it lose its power.

Things to do in Yazd – Zoroastrian Fire Temple

When you arrive at the temple, you will be welcomed by the Fardvahar statue (a winged deity of the Ahura Mazda). The courtyard at the entrance is beautiful and relaxing with many seats and trees and a nice and spiritual atmosphere inside and out. A lovely pool in the middle of the yard proves the fact that every ancient fire temple had to be built near a pool. By visiting the Zoroastrian Fire Temple not only you can learn about the ancient history of Iran and the Achaemenid Empire, but also you can understand their importance.
Find Basij Blvd. and Kashani Rd. intersection as your landmark. Turn to Kashani Rd. and then turn to the third street (Atashkade) on your left.

Opening hours: 7:30 am – 9:30 pm

Yazd Desert Tour

Traveling to a desert city provides a great opportunity for Desert Tours with an offroad car. The desert surrounding Yazd is a stunning expanse of vast dunes, rugged mountains, and dramatic rock formations. Desert tours are one of the most unique experiences that everybody should try once in their lifetime. Watching stars in the clear sky of the night, looking at the sunset in peace and a tranquil feeling, and exploring the endless deserts with a 4×4 car are some of the must-try activities that you should try at a desert city with a desert tour. Yazd Desert Tours can provide an array of thrilling activities for adventure enthusiasts. You can indulge in exhilarating activities such as dune bashing, sandboarding, and camel riding across the desert. These experiences allow you to feel the adrenaline rush while exploring the vastness of the desert terrain.

Rooftop Cafes of Yazd

Offering a unique and tranquil experience, the rooftop cafes of Yazd are the best places to enjoy the atmosphere of the city and have a perfect view of Yazd. Many charming rooftop cafes in Yazd aim to deliver the visitors the tranquil and relaxing atmosphere of the city while enjoying your tea and sweet local Persian bread. The stunning views of the city create a memorable experience.

The rooftop cafes in Yazd exude an authentic and laid-back ambiance that reflects the city’s traditional charm. These cafes also host live music. Immerse yourself and escape from the problems of your mind at the rooftop cafes of Yazd.

Final Words

Yazd is a beautiful city and a must-visit destination located in the heart of Iran, connecting two important deserts of the country. If you have traveled to other cities in Iran, and it is your first time visiting Yazd, you will quickly notice how different the vibes of Yazd are. People, atmosphere, attractions, and other things to do in Yazd will provide a unique and never-before-seen experience. The City of Windcatchers is famous for its uniqueness. Therefore, if you want to have great moments and experience an amazing trip, Yazd is the one-stop destination you should check out.

kashan

Things to do in Kashan (Photos, timing)

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Known as the city of flowers and rose water, you may have heard a lot about Kashan’s magnificent historic houses and arts. It is a great city where you can stay at least for a day to enjoy the architectural houses, beautiful mosques, carpets, and pure rosewater. Being close to Tehran (244 Km, about a three-hour drive) is a positive point about Kashan, and you can visit it at either the beginning or end of your trip to Iran. Below, we have introduced you to the best Things to do in Kashan.

Fin Garden

Fin Garden is one of the nine Persian Gardens that UNESCO registered as a World Heritage Site in 2012. Fin Garden in Kashan was built under the command of Shah Abbas I as a symbol of paradise and an entertainment resort for Safavid rulers. Some repairs were carried out during the Qajar Era, while the overall design remained the same. A pretty significant political issue has happened in this garden. Minister Amir Kabir (a famous and well-liked Iranian Chancellor in the 19th century) was murdered here during the Qajar dynasty.

Turn northeast on Shahid Ardahal Square, and after three kilometers on Amrkabir Street, You will reach Kashan Fin Garden.

Fin Garden

Things to do in Kashan – Fin garden; a symbol of paradise

Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Agha Bozorg Mosque

During the late 18th century, this magnificent building served as a mosque and a school. The building was constructed to house Agha Bozorg’s prayers and preaching sessions. Aqa Bozorg Mosque has a unique symmetrical architecture with two courtyards and a stunning domed chamber. This four-story mosque has an interior courtyard with a pool, minarets, and wind towers. The ceiling of the mosque is something you should look up to. Don’t forget to bring your camera with you since every corner of this historical monument is worth a shot.

On the west side of Kamal-ol-Molk Square, at Fazel Naraqi Street, you will find Agha Bozorg Mosque.

Agha Bozorg mosque

Things to do in Kashan – A unique symmetric architecture in Agha Bozorg mosque

Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

National Museum of Kashan

The National Museum of Kashan is one of the oldest museums in our country and one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Kashan, located within the historical Fin Garden. The National Museum of Kashan was built in 1966, and you can find it on the west side of Fin Garden. There are more than 400 pieces from the 7th millennium BC to the very contemporary era- in the National Museum of Kashan. This museum is a single-story building with multiple halls and a large basement. Make sure to take pictures and share them on your social media, it will definitely be unique.

Head southwest of Amir Kabir Street, and you can find the National Museum of Kashan at the end.

Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Kashan Bazaar

There are different stories about the construction time of this bazaar. Some believe it goes back to the Seljuk era, while others think it is a masterpiece of the Safavid Dynasty. There are many mosques, tombs, baths, and Timcheh in Kashan Bazaar. If you are visiting this bazaar, don’t miss Amin-o-Dowleh Timcheh. Amin-o-Dowleh Caravansari, also known as Amin-o-Dowleh Timcheh in the Kashan Bazaar, is a three-story caravansary where people used to trade goods.

On the west side of Imam Khomeini Square, on Mohtasham Street, turn right at 15th Nikuii, and you can see the grand Bazaar of Kashan.

Kashan bazaar

Things to do in Kashan – Kashan Bazaar and its ceiling

Opening hours: 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse

This traditional bathhouse -or as they call it in Persian, “Hammam”- goes back to the Seljuks’ Era (11th century). The magnificent decorations and traditional structure catch each visitor’s eyes to deepen in the ancient lives of the local people. The bathhouse is divided into two parts; the dressing hall and the bathing hall. The ceilings and walls feature turquoise and gold paintings and tilings. Additionally, make sure you visit the rooftop with its many domes and spectacular city and mountain views.

Head south on Alavi Street, and within a 400-meter distance, you reach Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse.

Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse

Things to do in Kashan – Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse

Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Kashan Jameh Mosque

The Kashan Jameh Mosque, which is about 800 years old, is one of the astonishing historical treasures in the city and has long been a tourist attraction. The Jameh Mosque, generally known as the Kashan Friday Mosque, dates back to the pre-Islamic and Seljuk eras. In addition to its brick dome, the mosque features a mausoleum and a high porch below it. Outside is a large courtyard, two large naves, a lower nave, and a basin in the middle. This mosque was registered in the list of national monuments of Iran. Visit Kashan’s Jameh Mosque, a relic of the Seljuk era, and get a sense of the style of the mosques of that period when you are there.

Kashan Jameh Mosque is located in the Meydan Kohne (Old Square) neighborhood on Baba Afzal Street.

Jameh mosque of Kashan

Things to do in Kashan – The Jameh Mosque of Kashan

Kashan Traditional Houses

Kashan is quite well-known for its beautiful architectural masterpieces, which used to be luxury houses belonging to wealthy export-import traders. Most of these houses date back to the 29th century. Some of these houses have been renovated, while others have been divided into smaller units. However, a few of them have been preserved. Below, you can see the traditional houses in Kashan which have been preserved:

Tabatabaei House

If you want to get more familiar with Persian culture, roaming around Persian houses might be the most fulfilling experience as you will be able to observe where and how the local people used to live. Stained glass windows and stone reliefs are two features of the Tabatabaei Historical House. Almost most of the historical houses of Iran have this stunning architectural style. The spectacular monument was built under the command of Jafar Tabatabai, a well-known carpet merchant. The house has an area of 4700 square meters, including 40 rooms, 4 yards, 4 basements, and 3 windcatchers. In addition to its endless beauty, the interior includes multi-colored mosaic windows and paintings that add to its everlasting beauty.

Head south on Alavi Street, and enter Sultan Amir Ahmad Street, and find Tabatabaei House.

Abbasi House

Things to do in Kashan – Abbasian Historical House in Kashan city

Opening hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Abbasi House

The astonishing stained glass windows at Abbasi Historical House catch any visitor’s attention. If you want to face a kaleidoscope of colors through windows, it is better to visit this house on a sunny day. Located in the central part of Kashan, the Abbasi house is protected by the Iran Cultural Heritage Organization, partly renovated, and turned into a public museum. The interior of the house is decorated with lattice, mosaic windows, stucco reliefs, and carvings.

Head south on Alavi Street, and within a 210-meter distance, you reach Abbasi House.

Opening hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Manouchehri Historical House

Functioning as a hotel these days, Manouchehri Historical House was built in the 17th century. This house is one of the most unique traditional residences with 9 individual rooms, a restaurant, a movie house, a velvet, and zari weaving workshop, a gallery, a handicraft store, and a book store. Khaneh Manochehri restaurant in Shahneshin on the Eastern front of Shahneshin is one of the most beautiful dining spaces. A room with straw walls and colored plaster grids above the doors reflects the Iranian style.

From Mohtasham Street, head southeast on Sabet Alley, stay on Sabet Alley and then continue on 7th Emarat Alley.

Manouchehri house

Things to do in Kashan – Manouchehri House

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khaju bridge

Things to do in Isfahan (Photos, Info, Timing)

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Isfahan is filled with wonderful structures belonging to the Seljuk and Safavid Dynasties. It is a city of rich Persian art, history, culture, and handicrafts that you should not miss. There are beautiful palaces, bridges, mosques, and bazaars in Isfahan that are a great representative of the beautiful four-season Iran. In this article, we have included the best Things to do in Isfahan.

Wandering around Naghshe Jahan Square

Don’t mistake it for the usual square right in the heart of the city. Naghshe Jahan Square known also as Imam Square is a significant square full of wonders and archaeological masterpieces belonging to the Safavid Era. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has great attractions on each corner and there are a lot of stores all around the square presenting the remarkable Isfahan handicrafts and art.

You can find Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque on the east, Shah Mosque on the south, Ali Qapu Palace on the west, and Qeisarie Gate on the north side of the mosque which are the prominent attractions of this square.

There are so many colorful tiles and calligraphic inscriptions in the Sheikh Lotfollah and Shah Mosque. Geisarie Gate is actually the main portal to the Isfahan Grand Bazaar. By passing Qeisarie Gate you will be welcomed to a labyrinth of wonders of the bazaar where you can find an opportunity to get a better understanding of local lives. The arched ceilings and domes are a great representative of a typical Persian bazaar. You can find different types of handicrafts, well-known Isfahan carpets, various delicious spices, traditional and modern clothes, and so on in the bazaar. This roofed bazaar belongs to the 16th century.

Isfahan grand bazaar

You can find different types of handicrafts, carpets, various spices, traditional clothes, and so on in the bazaar.

Visiting Naghshe Jahan Square may take more than half a day, but it’s totally worth it. Since you will be able to deep into the rich Isfahan culture, do not rush into visiting Naqshe Jahan Square because you will miss a lot. Just take your time and explore each corner’s beauty slowly. By the way, you can get on a horse and go through the square from an upper view.

Naghshe Jahan Square is close to Darvazeh Dowlat Square. With a 1- km walk, you will reach there, just go on the east side wide of the square on Sepah Street and within a 10- minute walk, you reach Naqshe Jahan Square.

Opening Hours:

Spring and Summer: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Autumn and Winter: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Walking through time in Jameh Mosque of Isfahan

Wondering what walking through time might mean for an attraction in Isfahan? Well, Jameh Mosque of Isfahan has undergone gradual changes during the last centuries, that is why you will be confronting changes through time in this mosque. In different dynasties, there were some remodeling and reconstructions in the mosque styles. Its magnificent architectural design has a prominent effect on Iran and Central Asia. Besides, Jameh Mosque has an open area with a magnificent view of the sky.

Jameh Mosque of Isfahan

The magnificent architectural design of this mosque has a prominent effect on Iran and Central Asia.

To get to Jameh Mosque, you need to head north on Majlesi Street and Jameh Mosque is just on the right side of the street.

Opening Hours:

9 – 11 a.m. & 1- 4:30 p.m.

Enjoy the Beauties of the Zayandeh rud River

One of the great features of Isfahan is the Zayandeh rud river and its bridges right in the middle of the city. Just in the south of the beautiful Chahar Bagh Abbasi Street, you can reach the eye-catching Sio-se-pol Bridge. This bridge spans the Zayandehrud River and is a two-story bridge with 33 arches that stretch across the Zayanderud River. Unfortunately, due to the climate changes, downstream of the river has dried up several times in recent years. But if you are lucky, you will be amazed by the beauty of the river and the Sio-Se-Pol bridge as well. The great point of this bridge is that you will find local people singing or reciting a poem on the bridge at night and the scenery is just wonderful.

A few meters away, you can see Khaju Bridge. This bridge was built during the Shah Abbas II Kingdom. In the two-story Kahju bridge center, there is a pavilion where you can enjoy the landscape.

The river is just across Bozorgmehr Square. Just head to the west of the square and within a 1- kilometer walk you will reach the Khaju Bridge after crossing one extra kilometer, you will get on the magnificent Sio- Se- Pol Bridge.

Khaju Bridge

The magnificent Khaju Bridge, on Zayanderood.

Marvel at Isfahan Vank Cathedral

Right in the center of the Jolfa area -which is the Armenian quarter of Isfahan-, you can find Vank Cathedral also known as Amenaperkich Cathedral. The multicolored murals and frescoes in the church are a must-see when visiting Isfahan. This church has vividly depicted biblical stories. Bear in mind that cameras are not allowed to capture these brilliant patterns and paintings on the ceilings and walls. It is on Middle Nazar Street right along the Zayandeh- rud River.

Opening Hours:

8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Walk around Chehel Sotun Palace

Chehel Sotun Palace is one of the Persian Gardens registered on the UNESCO World Heritage Site List. Its name (“Chehel Sotun” means “40 pillars” in Persian) comes after the palace’s 20 pillars and it is said with the reflection on the water in the front pond, you can see forty pillars; which is actually not true. This palace was also built under the command of Shah Abbas II. This site was constructed as an entertainment center for the king’s guests. You can see magnificent frescoes and paintings on the ceiling and walls. Unfortunately, a great number of its ceramic panels have been dispersed and you will find them in European museums. On the east side of Darvazeh Dowlat Square, on Sepah Street, you can see the magnificent Chehel Sotun Palace.

Opening Hours:

8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Chehel Sotoon Palace_Isfahan

Chehel Sotoon Palace is made by Shah Abbas for his entertainment and receptions.

Listen up Carefully in Isfahan Music Museum

If you have artistic taste and specifically you are a fan of musical instruments, Isfahan Music Museum is a MUST-VISIT in the Jolfa area. It has a collection of more than 300 traditional Iranian instruments. The remarkable point about visiting this museum is that the guides at the museum play the instruments for you to showcase their differences and their specific sounds. Besides, in peak times, you can enjoy live Iranian folk music by the musicians of the museum. For getting to Isfahan Music Museum, just head North on Tohid Street and turn left at Mehrdad Street, you can see the museum.

Opening Hours:

9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Hike up Sofeh Mountain

If you hike on a regular basis and you are searching for a place around Isfahan to exercise a bit, Sofeh Mountain is a good option. Note that it is 590 meters above sea level and it takes you less than two hours to reach the peak. Besides, the route to the peak is almost paved, so don’t worry if you don’t have suitable hiking shoes with you.

To reach Mount Sofeh from the Darvazeh Shiraz Square, just head east toward Hezar Jerib Avenue and turn left onto Soffeh Boulevard. You will easily get there in a 10- minute ride.

Atashkade; Zoroastrian Fire Temple

The Atashkade belongs to Sasanian Era and is located on a hillside that is a few kilometers to the western part of Isfahan. With a little bit of hiking, you will have an excellent panorama of the scenery at Zoroastrian Fire Temple of Isfahan. The temple is on east Nazar Street along the Zayandeh- rud River.

Opening Hours:

8 a.m. to 12 p.m. & 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Zoroastrian Fire Temple of Isfahan

The Zoroastrian Fire Temple of Isfahan belongs to Sassanid Era.

Arrange an Overnight Trip to the Varzaneh Desert

There are numerous well-known deserts in Iran and we highly suggest visiting at least one of them. If you have limited time and Isfahan is on your list, Varzaneh is a great option to visit since it is right next to Isfahan. At Varzaneh, you can either have a night camping tour in the desert or stay at its beautiful traditional guesthouses. Varzaneh is within a two-hour drive distance to Isfahan. Bear in mind that it is not just limited to its desert; there are some historical sites and the beautiful Salt Lake you can visit during your stay.

Varzane desert_ Iran

The mysterious Varzaneh desert with golden sand dunes.

This was just a shortlist of a few attractions in Isfahan, but as it is said “Isfahan Nesf-e Jahan” means that Isfahan includes half of all the culture, history, and beauties of the world. If you are lucky enough to have extra time, try visiting Hasht Behesht Palace, Monar Jonban, Saeb Tomb, Avicenna Tomb, Majlesi Tomb, Angorestan, Malek Historic House, Bird garden, and Pigeon Tower.

This is not where it ends, Isfahan is a tasty city where you can find delicious foods, sweets, and snacks. Don’t miss trying Beryani and Khoresh Mast -the famous Isfahani dishes-, and buy some Gaz -Isfahan pretty delicious sweet- for your loved ones.

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Shahsavan nomads in Iran

Where to visit Iranian Nomads? Bakhtiari, Turkmen & Qashqai

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The history of nomadism in Iran dates back to the second millennium BC, the arrival of Aryans to the central plateau of Iran. The tribal lifestyle has been alive until today in four corners of Iran, and 19 Iranian tribes are still migrating for survival, from the hillsides to the plains. Among all those tribes, some are still totally committed to their values and have maintained their culture, language, and lifestyle for centuries. Traveling with these people reveals a lot of hidden treasures of Iranian culture, and this journey is possible in both winter and summer. Stick with us to know more about Iranian nomads.
Iran Nomads Tour gives you a chance to make unforgettable memories and outstanding opportunities to meet and travel with nomads, understand their culture, visit their tents, and taste their traditional food. The feeling of living with Iran nomads is something you have never experienced before. With the surrounding nature and magnificent scenery before your eyes, accompanying a tribe of nomads is all you need for your next exciting tour. You can experience what it’s like to be a shepherd, a nomad living in the deep wilderness with Iran nomad tours.

Are nomads tourists?

Both tourists and nomads enjoy traveling a lot, but their purpose for doing so is very different. Tourists plan their travel for a short period of time to take a break from everyday life. On the other hand, nomads travel endlessly. Nomads do not have a limitation on how long to stay in a place, but it is usually around months, not weeks. They experience their everyday life while traveling. They are moving their whole belongings to live from place to place. Nomads also don’t have to set up a time to do all the sightseeing in just one or two days; they always have the next day. But that is not the case for tourists!

Who are nomads in Iran?

Nomads are the kind of people who do not limit themselves to a fixed home. They travel from place to place every time winter and spring arrive, searching for food, water, and pasture for their animals to feast on. Iran nomads raise sheep and goats and then sell the meat, wool, and dairy products of these animals to buy other food to feed their families. Iran has one of the largest nomadic populations of any country, and among them, there are some famous ones with more populations.

Bakhtiyari Nomads

What if every single scene of “The Grass_1925” still takes place in reality on the hillsides of the Zagros mountain range? Bakhtiyari nomads call themselves “brave as Iranian lions”. They migrate twice a year between Khuzestan and Lorestan (both historical and touristic regions of Iran, with some sights dating back to more than 6,000 years ago). Since livestock is considered the main source of income in nomadic life, everyone in the tribe, both men and women, is in charge of animal husbandry. Bakhtiari women also weave small rugs known as “Ghalicheh” in their free time. A quick Google search for Bakhtiyaris will give you a clue that finding a golden planet in the galaxy is much easier than finding a Bakhtiari man without a Mustache! The Bakhtiyari style has been the same for years: the black and white coat reminds me of a piano named Chogha with loose pants and black hats for men and long colorful dresses with adorable bead embroideries for women. Kooch with Bakhtiyari nomads to hear the old travelers of Zagros speak the Lori dialect of the Persian language. Opening your eyes to the pristine nature before any birds wake up, and sleeping with the Lori lullaby in a tent, is not an occasion to miss!

Bakhtyari Nomad

The black and white coat reminds of a piano named Chogha with loose pants and black hats for men.

Qashqai nomads

The Bakhtiari people are not the only migrants of the Zagros hillsides. The Qashqai tribe is another great nomad tribe in the southern part of the Zagros mountain range. Thinking of the Qashqai word, for me, I personally recall tulip-shaped hats and big populated parties, including traditional music and dance in nature (mostly wedding parties). These people hold the title of “best nomad rug weavers” in the Persian Carpet category. Although Qashqai nomads immigrate between the Zagros hills and Fars province, they are mainly Turkish speakers! The same as their Bakhtiari neighbors, the Qashqai people earn their livelihood from animal husbandry and carpet weaving. Do not forget to taste their food if you do not want to miss a delicious organic dish cooked on fire!

Qashqai nomad

Qashqai people immigrate between Zagros Hills and Fars province

Balochi Nomads

The Baloch are Iranian people who live mainly in Balochistan in Iran and Pakistan, alongside neighboring areas of Afghanistan. The Balochs speak Balochi, and they are originally Iranian. Baloch nomads live in tents (gidam) made of palm matting stretched on poles. More recently, houses are made of sundried brick. They are scattered along narrow, long village lanes. Both old and newer buildings have an open courtyard in front, enclosed by a low mud wall or palm fence. Balochi customs and traditions are conducted according to codes imposed by tribal laws. Baloch men wear long shirts with long sleeves and loose pants. A pagh (turban) or a hat occasionally accompanies the dress on their heads. In contrast to Pakistan, the Iran Balochi dress code is more conservative in terms of length and material. Some Baloch women in Iran cover their faces with thick red wool (Burqah) and wear colorful scarves and chadors. Seeing their way of clothing alone is something you want to keep forever in your memories.

Turkmen Nomads

The Turkmen Nomads are an ethnic minority who speak Turkish with the Eastern Oghoz accent, which is the same dialect spoken in the Republic of Turkmenistan. They live in the Turkmen Sahra district in the Gorgan Province in the northern part of Iran. The area is a fertile plain near the Iranian border with the Republic of Turkmenistan. The district extends from the Atrak River in the north to the Caspian Sea in the west, the Quchan Mountains to the east, and the Gorgan River to the south. They have been living in Iran since 550 AD, but they began to form a tribe in 750 AD. They can be considered the descendants of Central Asian Turks who retained their ethnic identity during the Mongol invasion. The most important tribes of Turkmen living in Iran are the Kuklans and Yamotes. Turkmen’s men’s clothing consists of parts, such as costumes, trousers, hats, and shoes. Turkmen women’s clothing is simple to make, but they use a lot of decorations on it. They are masters in terms of carpet waving as well.

The Turkmen nomads

The Turkmen nomads

Shahsavan Nomads

Shahsavan nomads are one of the best-known and important tribes living in the northwestern provinces of East Azarbaijan and Ardebil. They begin their migration to their traditional summer camps on Mount Sabalan in early May. With the availability of the pastures and many mountain springs, the Shahsavan tribes graze their animals with ease. They earn a living by breeding livestock and grazing them on the pastures of mountain ranges in Ardabil. They live in dome-shaped tents stretching almost five meters, usually decorated with bells, colorful cloth, rugs, and cushions. Usually, men take responsibility for setting up tents and being shepherds. At the same time, women produce a variety of colorful and intricate flat-woven rugs, storage bags, blankets, and some knotted pile carpets.

Shahsavan nomads in Iran

Shahsavan nomads live in high dome-shaped tents stretching usually decorated by bells and colorful clothes.

Shahsavan men wear dark loose pants, collarless shirts, and jackets with a belt, while women wear colorful long skirts and dress with a headband with a scarf that twists around their heads. Their rich history, lifestyle, customs, and traditions attract many tourists annually.

Are you planning to travel to Iran? Check out our Iran tours.

Instagram photography in Iran

Best places for Instagram photography in Iran + Photos

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The dominance of social media in our lives has created new trends in every aspect of our life and traveling is not an exception. Instagram photography in Iran has become a strong reason for many travel lovers around the world to travel to this ancient land. Iran is full of stunning beauties that can enrich your Instagram feed, here in this article we would like to introduce some of these places letting you take the most incredible photos.

Shah Mosque, Isfahan

Having been built about 400 years ago by the command of Shah Abbas I Safavi, Shah mosque is the best example of Islamic architecture. Traveling to Iran, no tourists tend to miss this graceful mosque with its picturesque architecture.

The unique architectural feature of the Imam mosque is its acoustic characteristic. Speaking under the dome, you will be clearly heard by anyone standing inside. However, the variety of blue tilework here is also an amazing visual feature of this mosque which can make fascinating shots.

The entrance door is known for its perfect Muqarnas technique, which has been ornamented by the shrubs. The entrance is also one of those impressive photography spots.

Spending about a day visiting the whole Imam Square, you could take enough time for Instagram photography in Isfahan.

Imam Mosque- Instagram photography in Iran

Imam Mosque in Isfahan is famous for its outstanding architecture.

Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, Shiraz

Nasir al-Mulk mosque or the “Pink Mosque” is one of the most photographed tourist attractions in Iran. You may have known Iran through the photos which have been taken in this mosque. The place is also known as “Iran Museum of Colors” due to the diverse patterns of light reflected through the colorful mirror works out of the window bringing about an irresistible photo spot.

The Pink tilework of the mosque is quite fascinating by themselves despite many other mosques in Iran and around the world enjoy blue tilework which is typical of Islamic architecture. The graceful place of worship is a frequently-visited attractions in Iran, many tourists spend days to take impressive photos as the unique architecture employing various colors is so eye-catching.

The best time to visit the place is from 9 to 11 in the morning.

Pink-Mosque - Shiraz-Iran

Nasir al-Molk also known as Pink mosque is well known for Instagram photography in Iran.

Golestan Palace, Tehran

On your travel to Iran, you would probably visit Golestan Palace which is a fine example of Persian art, history, and architecture. Located at the heart of the capital in Tehran, this great palace is carrying memories from Safavid to Pahlavi era, about 400 years of Iran’s history. Golestan palace is the most exceptional structure in the core of historic Tehran. Registered on UNESCO world heritage list in 2013, the palace is full of astonishing aesthetic features and is a well representative of Iranian fine art mixed with European architecture and technology and is definitely one of the most impressive places for Instagram photography in Iran.

Golestan palace - Instagram photography in Iran

Both the interior and exterior designs of Golestan Palace offer an amazing opportunities for Instagram photography in Iran.

Vank Cathedral, Isfahan

The whole district of Jolfa, where the migrated Armenians have been settled from 400 years ago, attracts many visitors every day. There are more than 13 churches in the districts, and Vank is the most famous one. Displaying a mix of Islamic and Armenian architecture, the interior walls of the building are covered with unique collections of beautiful frescos that display stories mainly from the holy bible. The display of frescos on tiles with glorious gold and blue frames has created a pleasant and lovely setting inside the church for photoplay lovers. Looking for amazing architectural beauty and interior design to take photos? Vank Cathedral is a not to be missed one!

Vank Cathedral- Isfahan-Iran

The interior walls ofVank Cathedral are covered with unique collections of paintings displaying stories mainly from the holy bible.

Eram Gardens, Shiraz

Searching for more places for Instagram photography in Iran? Then you are strongly recommended to visit Eram garden in Shiraz. Pesian gardens are famous for their outstanding features and Eram garden is a gem among them! Being a botanical garden has brought about variety of plants including tall cypress trees and gorgeous flowers to be grown up here which are quite impressive for Instagram photography, especially during spring, you can find many people in the garden walking and taking photos. Fall is also another amazing time here to nourish your Instagram page with colorful leaves on the ground.

You will regret not visiting this stunning garden, add it to your list right now!

Eram Garden- Instagram photography in Iran

Eram is an outstanding typical of Persian garden.

Iran Deserts

No matter where you come from, Iran enjoys the variety of deserts with diverse geological and aesthetic features you can never stop yourself appreciating them.

Iran deserts are mysterious landscapes; you could easily be attracted to the infinite golden sand dunes and get lost in the silence of the place. Talking about photography, every time of the day offers its own captivating beauty you would not like to miss; shining sunrise in the morning, direct sunlight on the golden dunes at noon, gorgeous sunset and countless luminous starts at night.

It is interesting to know that not all Iranian deserts looks the same; while Maranjab desert is famous for its pretty soft sand dunes, Shahdad or Kalout desert resembles much like the surface of Mars with their giant geological structures formed due to severe erosion.

For Instagram photography in Iran, the deserts are strongly recommended!

Persian Gulf, Qeshm & Hormoz Island

Surrounded by the endless blue waters of the Persian Gulf, biologically diverse mangrove forests, magnificent beaches the island is quite rich in terms of geotourism and ecotourism sites which are amazing spots for Instagram photography in Iran.

Visiting the star valley that pretty much resembles Hollywood cities is specially suggested around sunrise or sunset hours.

Visiting Hormoz island would probably be the integral part of your trip to Qeshm to take more fascinating landscape photos. The island is famous for its colorful sandy beaches. The geological features in Qeshm and Hormoz would absolutely satisfy your aesthetic taste and will make your Instagram page more eye-catching than ever.

It is interesting to know that both islands are free-trade zones, and as a foreign tourist you would not require visa for up to 14 days.

Chahkooh - Qeshm island

Chahkooh: An Amazing canyon in Qeshm.

The rooftops, Yazd

Yazd rarely resembles other cities you have visited before! The architectural features and the materials used in this city, that well match the climatic condition, have been stable for thousands of years. You will be truly fascinated by the extraordinary beauty and the atmosphere of this city.

The most recommended way to make the best of Yazd is visiting the rooftops. The mud-brick houses and labyrinth-like alleys in Yazd can normally be seen in movies, not the real life. That is why the typical architectural features of this city such as fascinating Badgirs (meaning wind catchers) acting as natural ventilators, the domes and the mud-brick light brown view of the rooftops are picked by travelers who are fond of photography.

Yazd- Instagram photography in Iran

The mud-brick houses and labyrinth-like alleys in Yazd can normally be seen in movies, not the real life.

Are you planning to travel to Iran? Check out our Iran tours.

Saffron

Iran lux souvenirs: Caviar, Saffron, turquoise + Photos

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Traveling to Iran and not bringing back souvenirs with you, is like being in Santa’s house, but not taking your present. Each region in Iran has particular handicrafts and souvenirs, but some are among the most special ones. As they are almost expensive, there might be some fake simples in stores. Stick with us to know how to recognize the originals!

Turquoise

The Turquoise stone is extracted almost around the world, but the most famous turquoise-made jewelry belongs to the range by the quality: Iran, Tibet, and the USA. Iran has remained the most important source of turquoise for at least 2000 years. The finest turquoise in Iran extracts from Neyshabur mines. the original Neyshabur turquoise has some qualities which are not found in other types. Here are some points to differentiate valuable turquoise stone from the fake ones.  The turquoise is categorized in different groups based on its color, the veins and the mines it’s extracted from.

Iranian Turquoise

Iran lux souvenirs – the original Neyshabur turquoise has some qualities which are not found in other types

Types of turquoise

  • Based on color:
    Turquoise has a very wide color spectrum. From the pale to the greenish-blue.  The stronger the blue shade is, the more valuable that’ll be.
  • Based on the mine which is extracted from:
    Respectively the mines of Neyshabur, Damghan, and Kerman produce the finest turquoise in Iran. To make sure that the turquoise you’re buying is original ask for identifications or check precisely the veins and color.
  • Based on veins:
    Some turquoises have veins, while others are perfectly homochromatic and blue with no streaks or fractures on their surface. Although neither of the mentioned types has superiority over another in terms of stone quality, the golden veins turquoises also called spider turquoises are usually more popular.


How to make sure the turquoise is original?

To differentiate the original Iranian turquoise from the fakes is totally difficult even for professionals. But there are some easy tips for shoppers to identify the counterfeit stone.

  • Turquoise stone generally turns Blue, chrome or vanadium green or in the range of pale blue to greenish-blue as well as yellowish-green, because of the existence of copper and iron in its Chemical Formula.
  • The original turquoise color should somehow be opaque. The exaggerated glossy stone arouses suspicion.
  • The High-quality turquoise is almost blue sky. Even though the original turquoise of Neyshabur might have some black veins or spots on it.
  • You can heat a needle or key on the lighter and then put it on the stone. If it smells like resin or plastic and leaves a deep trace on the turquoise, it absolutely is fake.
  • Scrape slightly the surface of turquoise with a sharp needle-shaped object. The original turquoise doesn’t get scratched this way and it can also scratch the glace no matter what its shape is.

How to take care of turquoise jewelry?

Being scratched, exposure to hot water, chemicals, and household detergents are the main hazards for the fine turquoise. Follow the instructions to take good care of your turquoise:

  • The turquoise should not be in contact with lotions, body oils or perfumes. Otherwise, it changes color.
  • Remove the turquoise jewelry while washing your hands. Detergents and chlorine-containing water damages turquoise.
  • Avoid polishing or contacting turquoise stone with greasy substances.

The most reliable way to buy turquoise is to buy it from Mashhad (Reza Bazar) and Neyshabur.

Iranian Caviar

The southern coast of the Caspian Sea, part of Iran, is a natural habitat for sturgeon species that has provided clean water, abundant nutrition, and an ideal environment for the growth of these species. About 90% of the natural caviar marketed in the world comes from the Caspian Sea. These fish, having a cartilaginous structure from prehistoric times, have remained the same, as many biologists call this fish a living fossil. There are 27 species of “sturgeon” in the world, 5 of them are found in the Caspian Sea :

  • The Beluga sturgeon
  • The Starry sturgeon
  • The  Russian sturgeon
  • The Persian sturgeon
  • The golden sturgeon
Iranian Caviar

Iran lux souvenirs – the Caspian Sea, part of Iran, is a natural habitat for sturgeon species

As we all know the Sturgeons are endangered and rare and it takes that Sturgeons a long time to develop roe. That’s why caviar has always been rare and expensive.  Despite being expensive, the Caviar has always been demanded because of its numerous properties. This makes the fraudsters think of producing artificial caviar. Read the following tips and be precise while buying this Iran souvenir:

  • The fake caviar beads are black and exaggerated translucent, while the real caviar beads are somehow grayish and opaque.
  • The real caviar beads are not perfectly round and have no adhesion, actually, they are more oval-shaped. But the fake caviar has a smooth, round and sticky surface. The raw material of such a product is paraffin which is not nutritionally valuable and is even detrimental to health. The paraffin made beads melt and stick together in case of being kept in a warmer place.
  • Counterfeit black caviar is usually dyed artificially and repels if left for a while.
  • Lower prices and large volumes of packages and amateur colorful package designs are the most obvious signs of a fake product.
  • The color of caviar is mostly in black, gray, white and gold, in Iran.
  • Note that if you buy a product in Iran and the package has Russian or Turkish notes on it, it is likely to be fake.

The most reliable Caviar brands in Iran are Raibod caviar, Talesh caviar, Mira’s caviar, and culture group. All mentioned companies have the possibility of online shopping.

Saffron

Almost 90 percent of the world’s saffron is produced in Iran, for 3000 years. This magic spice, with the enchanting odor, is called  “the red gold” in Iran. The best quality of the spice of joy grows in the northeast of Iran, Khorasan province. It is not so easy to differentiate the real and fake saffron, but keeping the followings in mind can give you a clue :

Iranian saffron

Iran lux souvenirs – The best quality of the spice of joy grows in the northeast of Iran, Khorasan province

  • Slide a small amount of the saffron, in a paper, if the oil is extracted from the saffron it’s fake, but being powdered with no trace of oil indicates the pureness of saffron.
  • Original saffron has a lower coloring speed than counterfeit saffron. Put some saffron in boiling water, and wait for 5 minutes if the color of the silks didn’t turn white, it’s original. If the silks turn white within 5 minutes, it absolutely is fake.
  • The normal silk of saffron shouldn’t be too glossy, being too glossy means it’s not pure.
  • The taste and odor of saffron is a sort of constant indicator itself. The taste of the original saffron is a bit bitter but it has a pleasant aroma.

The most reliable and famous saffron in Iran belongs to these companies: Keshmoon group, Bahraman Saffron and Saharkhiz.

Are you planning to travel to Iran? Check out our Iran tours.

Gahar Lake- Iran local attractions

5 Best Hidden gems in Iran (Photos, Info)

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What does Iran remind you of? Probably the Persepolis or the Pink Mosque. But this is not all about Iran, there are loads of hidden gems in Iran only known by the locals. This article introduces some of Iran local attractions you should not miss while traveling to Iran.

Alamut Castle

Have you ever been to an eagle’s nest? Alamut means eagle’s nest, due to its strategic position and design of the castle structure and walls, it is given this name. Located in the northwest of Qazvin province and close to Gazer Khan Village,  Alamut Castle was built by Hasan Sabah, the propagator of Shiite Ismaili, who chose this area for himself during the Seljuk period. The castle was taken by Mongolia Hulaku Khan in 654 AH and there are still the remains of it where visitors can pay a visit. In order to visit castle, you should go by van, it usually takes about four hours to get there, at some points the altitude is 2200 meters above the sea level. Alamut region has a mountainous winding road with a spectacular and picturesque landscape that you can enjoy relaxing in such pleasant weather.

alamut

Hidden gems in Iran: The impressive Alamut Castle

Raghe canyon

Rafsanjan is one of the important cities in Kerman province, located 100 km near Kerman. Raghe Canyon has situated a short distance from the city of Rafsanjan, which is a fascinating natural phenomenon in Iran also known as the “dead valley”. This valley is created by alluvial erosion caused by the Guivdary River, for several thousand years. The length of the valley is about 20 km and the depth is 70 meters, the opening of the valley is about 180 meters. Diversity of wildlife here is amazing due to being close to a protected area; eagle, partridge bird and gazelle are some of the wildlife species in the region. Another interstring point about Raghe is that it is in the middle of a path where two important natural historical attractions of Kerman (the village of Meymand and the Lut desert with its spectacular Kalouts (enormous and extraordinary geological figures emerged as a result of severe erosion) as the UNESCO World Heritages are located.

Rage canyon- Unknown local attractions in Iran

Hidden gems in Iran – Rage canyon: A natural attraction created by alluvial erosion caused by the Guivdary River.

Babak castel

Let’s visit Babak castle, a castle belonged to a national hero! Located 16 km southwest of Kaleybar, East Azerbaijan province, Babak Castle is also known as the Immortal Castle, was constructed on top of a mountain with 2600 meter height. Babak Khoramdin was an activist and a militant leader who fought bravely against Arab invaders. There are facilities on the east side of this two-story castle including some rooms and reservoirs, the roofs of reservoirs are chevron and rocking. There is a corridor right before the entrance gate of the castle which used to be under the control of guardians in the past. Having passed this corridor, you will face another entrance with irregular steps through which you can reach the castle. In the northwest side of the palace, there are some stairs which were used to make arriving at the castle more convenient, however, not much has remained today. It takes about two hours to get to Babak castle from Tabriz and the best time to visit is from April to September.

Babak Castle- Iran local attractions

Hidden gems in Iran – Babak Castle: A man-made fort built on top of a mountain in the northwest of Iran.

Gahar lake

In the heart of Zagros mountains, beside Oshtorankuh massif, in the province of Lorestan, there is a lake with gorgeous scenery attracting many visitors to the off-the-beaten-path region all around the year. It is 2360m above the sea level, 1700m long and 500m wide. The depth of the lake is 28m maximum. The region has been under good protection lately, so the environment, the flora, and fauna in the area have almost remained unharmed. Located among Oshtorankooh mountain chains which have a striking similarity to glacial lakes, Gahar lake has come into existence as a result of a landslide. The area is accessible through Dorood and Aligoodarz cities and the lake is feed from rills and springs flowing from the near highland. The thousands of visitors visit Gahar lake every year. The area is strongly recommended for staying overnight. You can easily set up your own tent and have a picnic while enjoying fishing in the lake. The best way to get there is a climb to Tpaleh Straight from Aligoudarz and then enjoy hiking to the lake.

Gahar Lake- Iran

Hidden gems in Iran – Gahar Lake, Lorestan: A natural attraction mostly visited by local people.

Izadkhast Castle

located on the ancient Silk Road between Shiraz and Isfahan, Izadkhast is not only a castle but also a whole complex consisting of Castle, a caravanserai, and a bridge dating back to Safavid period in Iran. Different architectural styles from different periods of Iran history including the Sassanid and Qajar periods have been incorporated into the castle which has brought about a valuable and unique construction and made it worth a visit.  Many travelers heading Isfahan or Shiraz enjoy a stop on the way and have a picnic lunch around the beautiful scenery of the construction.

Izadkhast Castle - Iran

Hidden gems in Iran: Izadkhast Castle

Are you planning to travel to Iran? Check out our Iran tours.

Maranjab desert

Maranjab Desert, Iran: Photos, Things to do, Location

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Varzaneh, Mesr, Chah Aroos, and the Maranjab Desert are the well- known Iran deserts, among which the Maranjab Desert is an astonishing one. The desert consists of so many cultural and historical monuments such as Shah Abbas Carvensarai, Dastkand Wells, Salt Lake, and huge sand dunes which makes it the best. The magnificent Maranjab Desert is located in the north of Aran va Bidgol County in Isfahan Province and is an inevitable part of top Iran tours. Besides, you can reach the astounding Matianabd Desert in a thirty-minute ride.

The stunning high dunes, being adjacent to a salt lake and a national park makes it a perfect destination for desert lovers. The vegetation is mostly covered with Haophyte plants like Tamarix trees, laoxylon trees, and Zygophyllum bushes. Wolf, fox sand, sand cat, lizard, snake, eagle, and hawk are the main animal coverage in this desert.

In case of traveling without a guide, don’t forget to download the latest version of the desert map and also carry both light and warm clothes with you since the weather is extremely either hot or cold.

Sand Dunes

In the eyecatching Maranjab desert, you can wander around the beautiful sand dunes for hours. The height of the sand dunes in some areas reaches to 70 meters. Besides, you can hike “Kolang Mountain ” that has a breathtaking view of the desert. We highly suggest you not miss walking barefoot on the sand dunes which relieves all the daily stresses and tensions. Notice that the temperature is so high in the middle of the day, so roam around there in the early morning or late afternoon.

Maranjab desert

Golden sand dunes are the most popular feature of the deserts.

Shah Abbas Carvensarai

The beautiful Shah Abbasi Caravanserai is a famous Iranian Caravanserai and is one of the features of Maranjab Desert. Being right on the Silk Road, this caravanserai is built under the command of Shah Abbas in the Safavid epoch as an accommodation for travelers passing the desert. This caravanserai used to function as a trading center with about 500 soldiers on top to watch over all the trading between China and Europe. A prominent feature of this is its Qanat which provided fresh cool water right in the heart of desert. These days, this caravanserai is a traditional guesthouse where you can enjoy living in the heart of an amazing desert of Iran. The square structure has an area of 3500 square meters and entails 29 rooms.

Maranjab desert

Shah Abass caravanserai was built under the command of Shah Abbas in the Safavid period for silk road travelers passing the desert.

Dastkand Wells

Dastkand Historical Well is within a five-kilometer distance to the east of Shah Abbas Carvensarai. It is a storage for freshwater. The interesting point about this well is the high quality of the water. Since there are different layers of sand in the well, the salt and other stuff are extracted from the water and it purifies it as well.

Salt Lake

In a nine- kilometer distance to Shah Abbas Carvensarai, you can see a unique natural attraction of Maranjab -Salt Lake-. You shouldn’t miss this lake while visiting the Maranjab Desert. The lake’s surface is 1800 square kilometers and is shaped like a triangle. The depth of the lake varies from 5 to 50 meters. Its water mainly pours from the Rud Shur River. Since the water is mostly evaporated and the lake is dried and covered with salt, it is called Salt Lake. Remarkably, you can find various Polygons made of salt crystals in this lake.

If you are lucky enough to visit the lake during September, October, and November, you will visit the awe-inspiring flamingoes migration.  You can catch there either from Aaran or the Shah Abbasi Caravanserai. After passing about 35 kilometers on Aran- Maranjab route or in a 10- kilometer distance from Shah Abbasi Carvensarai, you can see the beautiful Salt Lake.

Maranjab Desert - Salt lake

The lake in Maranjab is usually covered with sal due to the excessive water evaporation and the lake is often dried.

Sargardan Island

Also known as Wanderer Island, right across the desert, you can find this floating island in the salt. It is actually not an island surrounded by water but salt. The movements are quite bizarre which makes it like a moving island. Since there are only about one to two months of rain in this area, the moving island is only visible during that time. The rest of the year, the island is nothing but a salt marsh.

The remarkable point about Sargardan Island is that when you watch it from a far distance, the ends of the island just disappear on the horizon and the island looks like a ship moving in the ocean; that is where the name Sargardan (meaning Wanderer) comes from.

How to get to the Maranjab Desert?

For reaching the Maranjab Desert, you can take the route from Kashan to Aran va Bidgol, it is a 45- kilometer distance and takes one and half an hour to reach there.

Are you planning to travel to Iran? Check out our safari tour to Iran.

isfahan music museum

Where to Hear Traditional Iranian Music? (photos, timing)

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Music as the next trending diet? Sounds easy enough! According to research, the combination of soft lighting and music leads people to consume less food and enjoy it more. Iran has very rich music in every genre. From years ago, many songs have found their way to people’s hearts and became an undeletable part of their lifetime. Iranian music has always played an important role in Iranian culture, with each region having its own specific style and sound. Iran has different styles of traditional and folk music. In every city and village from north to south and west to east, there is no single place without its own traditional music. There are different places to get involved in Traditional Iranian music during your cultural tour to Iran.

Zoorkhaneh and Varzeshe-Pahlavani

Have you listened to music in the old reservoir? Varzeshe-Pahlevani is an Iranian sport dating back to ancient Persia. It is a place that Iranian athletes train with live music playing with Zarb (Persian drum) and poems of Shahnameh, the brilliant masterpiece consists of epic poems written by Ferdowsi thousands of years ago. Zoorkhaneh has completely a different atmosphere you have experienced in sports clubs; it has its own music, exercises, and equipment. The exercises take place in the Gowd, which is a round or octagonal shape hole in the middle of the place where the athletes with colorful uniforms exercise and show their performance. Their performance will be managed by Morshed (the singer). Saheb Al-Zaman Zoorkhaneh is the best example of Zoorkhaneh in Iran, located in Amir Chakhmagh square in Yazd, the place was built five hundred years ago. The building consists of four floors and five Badgir (wind catcher structures, typical of architecture in Yazd).

You may visit Saheb Al-Zaman Zoorkhaneh from 5 am until 8 pm.

Zoorkhaneh-Iran

Traditional Iranian Music – Zoorkhane was a traditional system of athletics originally used to train warriors in ancient Iran. Today, it is a place to practice a kind of sport.

Vahdat Hall

Let’s visit the biggest opera house in Iran! Opened in the year 1967, the whole complex was called Rudaki Hall, then after the revolution, it was given the name of Vahdat Hall. This stage is designed specifically for band and orchestras performance. The main stage consists of three levels and the auditorium has 1,200 seats and two tiers of boxes and balconies. The end of this stage is dedicated to performing choirs and orchestral groups. There was a restoration in 2007, during which the hall was equipped with modern sound and lighting systems.

It is located in Hafez Avenue, Shahryar, Tehran, Iran.

Vahdat Hall-Tehran

Traditional Iranian Music – One of the highest prestige and ranking halls of Tehran; a lovely place to sit and see plays and concerts.

Tehran Music Museum

Visiting unique musical instruments in a romantic garden is quite fascinating! Iranians are well-known for performing various types of art. Covering an area of 3650 square meters in three different stories, Tehran Music Museum is one of the best museums representing this taste for art and is quite worth to be visited. If you are one of those interested in music, particularly Iranian folk music, the Tehran Music Museum would be a perfect place to get to know Persian music and different types of instruments. The museum has been opened to the public in 2009 and started by presenting more than 200 different Iranian instruments from all over this vast land which are well representative of Iranian rich culture and also Iranians good taste for this valuable art.

It is located in Mouze Street, Darbandi Street, Tajrish District, Tehran, Iran.

Opening hours: Every day except Saturday 9 am- 5 pm

Tehran music museum displays different Iranian instruments from all over the country.

Harandi Garden

Harandi garden, established by the Pahlavi dynasty is a beautiful and wonderful building of the recent period that gained its historical value since Reza shah Pahlavi stayed here in his last exile. Even the automobile used by Reza Shah during his short stay has been put on display at the site. The main building has got two floors, on the first floor there is an impressive array of musical instruments, and on the second-floor archaeological finds from sites near Jiroft and Shahdad. The Harandi Garden Museum was opened in 2002 with 250 musical instruments created by masters on display. The masters plan to purchase rare instruments in Kerman and other regions for the museum complex. If you are interested in music make sure to visit this museum. It is located in Kerman city quite close to the city center which is called Shariati Street.

Harandi Garden Museum: Iranian music

Traditional Iranian Music – The Harandi Garden Museum was opened in 2002 with 250 musical instruments created by masters on display

Isfahan Music Museum

Let’s play music in Half The World! The Isfahan music museum which has been operating for almost four years, it is the only music museum in Isfahan. There are different halls to show different types of national and local instruments. There are about three hundred instruments then you have a chance to see a live musical performance and also to try some instruments. It is located in Shahid Ghandi Street, Mehrdad Street, Towhid Miani Street, Isfahan, Iran.

Traditional Iranian Music – You will see a variety of ancient instruments and also how they are made in the Isfahan music museum.

Sharze Restaurant in Shiraz

Have you eaten Iranian cuisine while listening to music? If you want to get familiar with Iranian live music you can go to Sharze restaurant in Shiraz. You’ll help yourself with the salad bar, and you may experience some Iranian food and kebabs while listening to Iranian live music. The architecture reminds you traditional Iranian style. That is an interesting choice for those tourists who want to get acquainted with the real Iran used to be in the past. Furthermore, you may have vegetarian meals. It is located near Vakil Bazaar.

Are you planning to travel to Iran? Check out our Iran tours.