Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Other Accommodation
Along the Caspian Sea coast and in those northwestern rural resort-villages most frequen-
ted by Iranian tourists, you'll find locals renting out rooms, bungalows and self-contained
apartments ('suites') in their homes, gardens or above shops. In the low season prices can
be very reasonable, but in summer prices rise by up to 400% and bookings are essential.
Some suites and almost all rooms/homestays are unmarked in Farsi let alone English so
it's just a case of asking around for an
otagh
. Food is generally not included.
Activities
Cycling
Iran's main highways can be terrifyingly truck-dominated, but secondary routes are well-
suited to cycle touring (
Click here
)
. Few locals push the pedals, but a steady stream of
overlanders brave the traffic en route between Europe and Asia.
Diving
Scuba diving and snorkelling is limited to sites around Kish Island and Qeshm Island in
the Persian Gulf. Qeshm is the better option.
Mountaineering
It may come as a surprise to learn that Iran boasts dozens of high mountains, some of
them permanently snow-capped. Many can be climbed by anyone fit, without the need for
special equipment, experience or a guide, but you should always check the situation be-
fore embarking on a mountain trek. Early June to late August is the climbing season.
Start your research at these websites:
Iran Mountain Zone
(
www.mountainzone.ir
)
Mostly in Farsi, but with trip logs in Eng-
lish, a mountain index and contacts for local climbing clubs.
Peakware
(
www.peakware.com
)
Including summit logs for several Iranian peaks, includ-
ing Damavand and Sabalan.
Summit Post
(
www.summipost.org
)
Search Iran for dozens of detailed trip reports - some
with maps - by 'Nader'.
The magnificent Alborz Mountains contain about 70 peaks over 4000m; those listed
here are the most notable.
