https://virgool.io/IranAmaze/feed IranAmaze is an Iranian tour operator and travel agency, also registered as a travel agency in Austria. You can book our unique Iran tours under EU laws. visit our website: https://iranamaze.com fa 2026-06-17 00:25:41 https://files.virgool.io/upload/publication/rjl9xl7shmc4/klslwb.png https://virgool.io/IranAmaze https://virgool.io/IranAmaze/iran-through-mount-damavand-mythology-gnwia6kblpnt Complete version of This Article : mount damavand mythologyMany might know Damavand as the highest mountain in Iran or the most popular destination for trekking in Iran. But apart from Damavand trekking, it’s more than just a mountain. Damavand is a symbol that unites the whole country. Also, some of the most famous Iranian myths happen in Damavand. I believe the best way of knowing what Damavand means for Iranians is through learning about Mount Damavand mythology. In other words, Mount Damavand facts are not enough for knowing this mountain! Following, I will tell you more about some of the most famous Damavand Myths so that you can learn more about this magnificent beauty. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=253Rx-ocXgM Mount Damavand Mythology in Ancient IranThe roots of Mount Damavand in the Iranian Mythology date back to thousands of years ago. Mount Damavand has always been enigmatic to the ancient Iranians. Therefore, it has always been bound with magical and holy beliefs.What Does Damavand Originally Mean?There are different ideas about the origin of this name. Some say that we should separate the word Damavand into two parts: “Dama” and “Vand.” The word Dama means breath and “Vand” is a suffix showing ownership. In other words, people thought of the smokes coming out of this volcanic summit as its breaths. There is another opinion saying that Damavand is the changed form of Dunbāvant. Dunbāvant is a word dating back to the Sassanid era meaning “the mountain of many faces.”Ancient Iranians and Mount Damavand MythologyAs the tallest peak in the Alborz mountains, Damavand has always had great significance for the Iranians. The Mount Damavand mythology of ancient Persia is extensive and here we will point out only some of them. According to the beliefs of the ancient Iranians, earth and sky were a mountain in the first place. Its hillsides formed the earth and its peak formed the sky.The Divinity of Sun Lives in DamavandBefore the emersion of the Zoroastrian religion, Mithraism was very popular among Iranians. Mithra was the divinity of sun, justice, friendship, and oath. The importance of Mithra for the Iranians is so immense that Zoroastrian books mention its name. Also, The Yashts, Zoroastrian holy hymns, mention Damavand Mount as the place of Mithra.A Festival to Celebrate AutumnOne of the ancient Iranian Festivals is Mehregan Festival when Iranians celebrate the beginning of Autumn. This celebration dates back to more than 4000 years ago, begins on the 16th day of Autumn, and lasts six days. However, you can find the traces of Mount Damavand mythology in it. Many believe that Iranians celebrated it because they believe Fereydun defeated Zahaak on this day and imprisoned him in Mount Damavand.In this ancient ceremony in the Iranian culture, people thanked Mithra for the blessings it gave them. They used to set a table almost similar to the Nowruz, the Persian new year. The only difference was that the items on the table including the tablecloth had to be purple. Also, during the Achaemenid era, this festival was held in Persepolis. Rulers from different regions of the Persian empire would gather in Perspolis to pay their taxes.Mount Damavand Mythology in Shahnameh EpicYou can find a considerable part of Mount Damavand mythology in the Shahnameh epic, Ferdowsi’s poetry book. Mount Damavand has an important role in the story of characters in Shahnameh. Keyumars, Jamshid, Arash, Zahاak, Arash, and the White Devil are some of these characters.Damavand, Home to The First KingShahnameh mentions Keyumars’s name as the first king in the world. He landed on Damavand Mount from the heavens and was the first king who brought justice to the people. Also, he taught his sons and the others to make and wear clothes. This legendary king found the caves of Damavand to be the best site for the ruling. This way, his kingdom would be safe from the attack of other armies. He and his companions wore clothes made of leopard skin.King Jamshid Flying Over DamavandAnother story related to the Mount Damavand mythology in Shahnameh is the story of King Jamshid. King Jamshid, the fourth Shah of the Pishdadian Dynasty bravely fought with demons, fairies, and pucks and defeated them. He started ruling them and ordered them to build a glass chariot.The White Devil Hiding in DamavandOne of the other Characters in the Mount Damavand mythology is the White Devil. The White Devil (Div-e Sefid) was the ruler of the demons in Mazandaran and lived in Damavand Mount. After King Kay Kāvus and his army attack Mazandaran, the White Devil defeats them with a magical storm. Then, he blinds them all and holds them captive in a dungeon in the Mount Damavand. Rostam, the mythical Persian hero, decides to save his king. Therefore, he goes after the White Devil, fights with him and defeats him. Then, he uses the blood of the White Devil to cure the blind king and his army.The Archer on Damavand PeakArash the Archer is the symbol of losing life for saving Iran in Iranian mythology. Damavand has an important role in this story, and it is one of the most significant myths in Mount Damavand mythology. It is the place where Arash dies to save his country.One of the most famous ancient Iranian festival, Tirgan festival, is celebrating the day Arash shot the arrow. Iranians used to celebrate Tirgan Festival on the 13 thday of Summer. Still, people in a few regions of Iran celebrate this day by reading poetry and cooking special food.Damavand, Zahaak’s PrisonOne of the most famous stories in Mount Damavand mythology is Zahaak’s story. Zahhak, son of King Merdas was a handsome man who didn’t have a stable character. Ahriman (the Devil) chose to reach its goals. At first, Ahriman came to Zahaak in the shape of a wise man and deceived him into killing his father.Damavand, The Valuable Iranian SymbolFrom a magical mountain as the center of the world to Shanameh myths, Damavand has always been mystical for Iranians. The most momentous parts of Iranian stories take place in Damavand. So, by taking a look at Mount Damavand Mythology, it’s not hard to guess how valuable it is for Iranians. But, there is another thing that makes Damavand more special. Damavand is the symbol of union, and this is why all the Iranians respect this mountain. So, whenever they look at this white beauty, they remember that they should stay together no matter what happens.Originally published at https://iranamaze.com on September 7, 2020. IranAmaze IranAmaze - Iranian Travel Agency Tue, 08 Sep 2020 11:10:18 +0430 https://virgool.io/IranAmaze/public-holidays-in-iran-k1np33jl6otr Complete version of This Article : Public Holidays In IranFrom the man with painted face in his red costume dancing among the hordes of laughing people for the New Year tradition to the gatherings of grief and mourning people in black outfits from head to toe during Muharram festival, you will see many surreal and unique sceneries of prominent public holidays in Iran.All the Calendars of IranThat’s not strange if you wonder why there are a lot of holidays in Iran and what Iranians do during all these public holidays.In Iran, we use three calendars for our different purposes: the official one is our old and solar Iranian calendar. Also, since we live in an Islamic country, there is a semi-official calendar that is based on our religious chronological calendar. It is lunar.The Most Important Holidays in IranThe public holidays in Iran are both national and religious events. Some of them are also important great festivals in Iran. Among the Iran national holidays, the new year holidays are the peak of our vacations. It’s about two weeks off! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ne23U3vHVqM Traditional Holidays According to the Iranian CalendarThe burning piles of wood are everywhere on the streets in the final days of winter. Yet, it should not worry you. There is no street fight or a military coup.Every year we are looking forward to celebrating the Iranian new year during these days. On the last Wednesday eve, we get ready to embrace the upcoming year as well as spring by lighting up fires. This is our ancient festival, Chaharshanbe Suri. Then, the longest Iran’s holiday starts from the last day of winter and lasts for 14 days.Nowruz HolidaysSpring in Iran starts on the 21 stof March. Also, it is the first day of Iranian New Year and the most extended public holiday in Iran. It is when many Iranians hit the road to spend their new year in different regions.Also, if you would like to get familiar with Nowruz traditions, you could book customized Nowruz tours from among various tour packages of Iran. That can take you deep into the cultural rituals of Iran during this occasion.It depends on you and what kind of vibes and moments connect to you during your trip to Iran. If you’d like to experience more interactions with locals while wandering in the beautiful nature of Iran during spring, Iran’s public holidays are the right time for you to take a trip to this land.Religious Holidays and FestivalsReligious ceremonies and festivals have an important place in Iran. Many Iranian perform their rituals on these festivals related holidays.Traveling During RamadanLife in the holy month of Ramadan in Iran starts from the night. It would be quite an experience for a non-Muslim visitor to visit Iran during Ramadan. Besides, there are some exceptions for the travelers that you can get to know about on our website.Traveling During Muharram FestivalIf it happens that you visit Iran during the Muharram festival, you’ll see unique ceremonies of religious rituals in different regions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uy0qLWZ61TU If you are not interested in crowded places or cultural events, you can postpone your trip for a month. It’s the beginning of fall when the weather is cooler and as pleasant as spring.Iran Holidays in 2020Jan 06: Funeral of General Qasem SoleimaniJan 29: Martyrdom of Lady FatimahFeb 11: Islamic Revolution DayMar 08: Imam Ali’s BirthdayMar 19: Oil Nationalization DayMar 20: NowruzMar 21: Nowruz HolidayMar 22: Nowruz HolidayMar 22: The Prophet Muhammad’s AscensionMar 23: Nowruz HolidayMar 31: Islamic Republic DayApr 01: Nature DayApr 09: Imam Mahdi’s BirthdayMay 14: Martyrdom of Imam AliMay 24: Eid e-FitrMay 25: The Day after Eid-e-FitrJun 03: Demise of Imam KhomeiniJun 04: Khordad National UprisingJun 17: Martyrdom of Imam SadeqJul 31: Eid alAdhaAug 08: Eid-e-GhadirAug 28: Tasoua HosseiniAug 29: AshouraOct 08: ArbaeenOct 16: Death of Prophet Muhammed/ Martyrdom of Imam HassanOct 17: Martyrdom of Imam RezaOct 26: Martyrdom of Imam Hassan AskariOct 29: Birthday of Prophet Muhammad and Imam SadeqThe Best of IranYou are always welcomed to Iran in any season and occasion. All the things we said about the public holidays in Iran and Iranian traditions are just some hints to help you organize a better and more convenient plan for your trip so that you can enjoy the best of your time to visit Iran.Originally published at https://iranamaze.com on September 5, 2020. IranAmaze IranAmaze - Iranian Travel Agency Sat, 05 Sep 2020 10:39:19 +0430 https://virgool.io/IranAmaze/the-sweet-story-of-persian-desserts-and-sweets-iranamaze-k5nhonta1gk6 Full Article & Photos : https://iranamaze.comPersian PastryThe Persian sweets vary regarding the region you’re visiting. During the centuries, Iranians have found out about the Persian dessert recipes, developed them, and forwarded them to the next generations. Some of these recipes even date back to ancient Persia. Some recipes are common everywhere. But, some depend on the available ingredients, such as Persian sweets with rose water, dates, rice flour, and wheat germ. Some sweets and desserts are sugar-free, and some are vegan ones.The Exclusive IngredientsLet’s give you a clue to recognize a pure Persian sweet. Cardamom, saffron, and Kashan rose water: wherever they join together, expect a yummy time! You will find these three buddies in most of the traditional Iranian sweet recipes.SaffronRose WateThe next essential ingredient is rose water. You can find it in different regions of Iran. But, Kashan rose water is the prototype. If you happen to visit the city in early May, you’ll have the chance to see the Kashan rosewater festival.CardamomDesserts or Sweets? That’s the questionThe Persian sweets have always had an independent place from Iranian meals. They weren’t only a concluding part of lunch or dinner. It wasn’t among Iranian customs to taste desserts right after their main course. Rather, there has been a separate ceremony after the main course: drinking the Iranian brewed tea together with the Persian pastries.Tea and its FriendsFrom the simple sugar cubes to the enriched local Persian sweets, they never let the aromatic Iranian tea be alone. As soon as you get to know the Iranian hospitality culture, you can make sure that after having tried the best Iranian dishes, you are going to the next level — the tea party.The Origins of the Persian Sweets & DessertsActually, you can find various kinds, forms, and tastes of cakes and cookies in every region and city of Iran. Yet, some Persian sweets and their related cities have become more well-known and popular. Here we are going to introduce them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBv8pkbNErc 1. Koolooche2. NougatThe great and noble city of Tabriz in the northwest of Iran offers you this specific sweet. It’s a chewy sweet made with sugar or honey, roasted nuts, and whipped egg whites. Nougat became more famous when Google named its android seven after it.3. Nan Berenji4. Aard Nokhodchi Cookies5. Sohan6. GazOne of the most famous souvenirs of Iran and amongst the traditional Persian sweets. It is a chewy sweet made from sugar, egg white, rose water, stuffed with pistachio, almond, and walnut. Gaz is Isfahan’s renown sweet. But it’s also made in other central and western cities like Share-Kord and Kerman.7. BaklavaA delicious dessert sweet in the Middle East, Central Asian countries, as well as Greece. It has a long history with hundreds of developed recipes from ancient times.8. QottabSmall pieces of almond and walnuts filled crescents that are deep-fried and sweetened by rolling in the sugar powder. They are specific sweets of Yazd.9. FaloodehA traditional dessert which is served cold and is suitable for summer. It consists of thin vermicelli-sized noodles made from starch. Faloodeh is floated in a semi-frozen syrup containing sugar and rose water. Some prefer to have it with lime juice or cherry sorbet. This unique Persian dessert originates from Shiraz. Thus, some call it Faloodeh Shirazi.10. Saffron Ice CreamA freshening dessert made from milk, eggs, sugar, rose water, saffron, and pistachios crumbs. It is an ancient Iranian dessert. This creamy ice cream was first invented during the Achaemenid dynasty (500 BC).11. KolompehA stuffed small, flat and round cake from Kerman. It is filled with smashed dates, cardamom powders, and other local flavors. Crushed pistachios are used for decoration.12. RanginakThere are different recipes for Ranginak based on the mentioned ingredients in the southern region of Iran. This region’s main product is various kinds of dates.Sweets for Special OccasionsLike every other culture in the world, we have special desserts or sweets for special occasions like New Year, festivals, mourning ceremonies, and memorials. These occasions are included in Iran holiday packages where you may have the opportunity to experience the process of making Persian sweets and desserts like Samanu and Shole Zard.NowruzThe ancient festival of Nowruz is also a festival of baking colorful Persian sweets for entertaining the guests. These sweets and pastries vary in different regions of Iran. But, Persian sweets Baklava, Qottab, Nan Berenji, Aard Nokodchi are common ones you’ll see in most of the Iranian houses.Besides, there is a special and ancient Iranian dessert that is specific to the new year ceremony: Samanu. This Iranian sugar-free dessert dates back to about 500 AD. Traditional Samanu only has two ingredients: wheat germ and water. Thus, it is also a vegan Persian dessert. It has a special process of preparation that takes about a week. Samanu is one of the elements of the Nowruz Haft-sin table.YaldaEvery year we celebrate Yalda, the last night of the fall. Based on an ancient custom, Iranians stay together at this longest night of the year to avoid loneliness and darkness. They tell stories, recite poems, and eat nuts and a sweet dessert, Baslogh. It’s a small half-round sweet made of starch, sugar, cardamom, and designed with walnut.RamadanWhen you have been fast a whole day, and you want to break it at sunset — as Muslims do during the holy month of Ramadan — you need energizing things to eat. In Iran, besides the special meals we serve for this purpose, there are sweets and desserts as well that can be good starters after hours of hunger.The main Persian sweet that decorates our dish is Zoolbia (Jalebi) and Bamieh. A crispy juicy sweet made of flour and sugar syrup. Also, some kinds of puddings are common these days.The next favorite pudding is Shole Zard (saffron pudding), cooked rice with saffron, cardamom, rose water. It is also a special dessert for mourning ceremonies like the Muharram festival.Please Your Sweet ToothWe have traveled through all the directions in Iran to bring you the famous Persian sweets and desserts, their preparation, and history. But, these were just a small list of the Persian sweets. There are still many more left that you can discover through Iran’s cultural tours and navigating deep into the cities and villages.Originally published at IranAmaze.com on August 4, 2020. IranAmaze IranAmaze - Iranian Travel Agency Wed, 05 Aug 2020 12:49:58 +0430 https://virgool.io/IranAmaze/kerman-travel-guide-iranamaze-xgw4azdc2xkl Complete version of This Article : Kerman Travel GuideHook!“Aliens were here, for sure!” I muttered. “Otherwise, who could build these structures out here under the scorching sun? I mean, look at them. They’re so tall and majestic.” I looked around and realized I was talking to nobody. Where is the rest of the group? They were here with me a minute ago. I guess I became too enchanted with these alien structures.But I stood there, small and insignificant. Compared to these Martian architectural wonders, I was only human. For a second, I thought a spaceship would hover above my head and abduct me. Not that I would mind that, anyway. “Hey, we’re leaving, you don’t want to get left behind, do you?” I heard a distant call. Hoping it was the Martians, I looked back. As the sun was going down the hills behind her, I saw that it was Sarah, my Kerman tour guide. “Coming!” I shouted and let out a sigh. “One day, I will come back to you, mysterious Kalouts of Shahdad. One beautiful day.”General FactsThose who travel to Iran for the first time talk about the diversity of the country, both in natural and historical terms. “Iran is a vast country,” they say to their friends, “where you can see epic desertscape, lush forests, charming beaches, and tall glorious mountains.” To know if that’s true, we recommend traveling to a unique area. Kerman province shows off the beauty of the diversity of Iran. The city of historical adobe citadels offers a lot in various forms: the mysterious Shahdad Kalouts, the verdant Shazdeh Garden, the lively village of Meymand, or the majestic Bam Citadel are among the top Kerman attractions.Population in KermanThe province is enormous; it is almost as big as Syria and a tad smaller than the United Kingdom. It is the largest province in the country, taking up about 11% of the country’s land. But, the population –due to the vast desert – is scattered around the area, with Kerman as the most populous city. Less than a million people live in the city, but more than two million live around the province. They’re not only Persians, but also since Kerman is located in the south-east of Iran, many Baluch and southern minorities live in the city. It’s a beautiful mix of racial diversity in the country. It’s the major point where Persians and Baluchis meet.ClimateAs with most desert destinations of Iran, Kerman has a generally dry and hot climate. If you don’t like heat, travel to Kerman in colder seasons. Yet, even in the warmest seasons, Kerman’s diverse geographical conditions provide shelter for those who seek beauty and are willing to leave the city of Kerman. Located in the south of the province, Dalfard and Rayen offer pleasant changes from the scorching heat. Both cities are home to waterfalls and green spots where you can take shelter and go on a picnic and drink tea while munching on your delicious Kolompeh, the Kermani pastry.When To Visit KermanThe question of when to visit Kerman depends on the type of activity you plan to do in the city. Generally, as you will read on most Kerman travel guides best time to visit Kerman is during either spring or autumn, as those are the times with the fairest weather throughout the year. But, what if you’re fascinated by Kerman’s iconic deserts and the Kalouts (as you should be) and want to experience the day and the night in the deserts? Well, what then? When to visit Kerman in that case? We generally don’t recommend visiting during summer as it gets too hot. But, if your itinerary is in summer and you can’t avoid it, the best thing to do in Kerman province is to explore Rayen and Delfard, which are cooler in hot seasons.  The best periods are in the autumn as well as around the end of winter when the days are mild and the nights aren’t too chilly. You want to explore the area during the day with the help of sunscreen creams and sleep under the starlit skies during the night. It’s among the best things to do in Kerman.History Of KermanWalk in the city of Kerman, and you’ll come across many historical sites, especially around the bazaar and the famous Ganjali Khan complex. Built during the Safavid dynasty, more than 400 years ago, these places were once filled with merchants from faraway lands and buzzing with business talk. But Kerman’s history is way older than that – going as old as 3100 BC with Jiroft Culture, which was a Bronze Age agricultural culture in the south-east of Kerman province.Heart Of The CityLocated in the center of Kerman’s historic neighborhood, the Ganjali Khan complex is among the most beautifully architecturally ornamented buildings of the city. The complex consists of a square surrounded by the bazaar, a mosque, and a quaint and picturesque caravanserai with many nostalgic shops. The caravanserai is one of the most photogenic Kerman attractions. Walking into the complex, many small surprises may come your way. You might hear the sound of music coming from a small shop, making traditional instruments.Kerman’s EconomyWhen Marco Polo visited the city in the 13th century, it was a major trade center. It produced high-quality cashmere wools and other textiles. Nowadays, however, Kerman is known for a different product: delicious pistachios. Kerman’s economy is dependent on this precious nut, and the city is the largest producer in Iran and the world. If possible, try to put visiting a pistachio garden in your Kerman day plans. They are mostly located in the northern parts of the Kerman province. It’s among one of the best things to do in Kerman.Kerman’s SouvenirsAside from memories of Kalout and the extraterrestrial-looking deserts, or the mental images of the quaint architecture in the Ganjali Khan complex, there are many more materialistic things to take home from Kerman. Let us name a few examples:CuminWhen walking in the city, either shopping in the bazaar or having a meal in a traditional restaurant, the smell of cumin fills the air. So, why not buy some to take home, to use the smell as memorabilia, as a way to remind yourself of Kerman? With a strong taste and smell, cumin is one of the best products of Kerman.Real-life fact‘To take cumin to Kerman’ is a famous Farsi saying. Locals love to throw the phrase around whenever there’s a chance. So, what does it mean? The English equivalent is ‘to carry coal to Newcastle’. Basically, it means doing something unnecessary, superfluous and useless. You wouldn’t turn on the sprinkler when it’s raining, would you? The same way you wouldn’t take cumin to Kerman since the best ones are produced in Kerman.PistachioAnother Kerman attraction is the pistachio harvested in the surrounding regions, especially in Rafsanjan. Iranians love to have pistachio in their traditional snacks, like the famous Bastani Sonnati, or in their pastry or anything edible! Significantly, most of the pistachio produced in Iran (and the world) comes from Kerman province.PatehIn terms of artistic souvenirs, coming second after the celebrated Kermani carpet, Pateh is a great option to purchase while having your Kerman day plans. This traditional folk art is a type of needlework that is mostly produced by skillful local women. It can be used as shawls, cushions, curtains, and even coasters.CarpetsKerman carpets are among the most prized carpets of Iran and are mostly weaved in the southern parts of Iran. They are famous for their high-quality material, various creative designs, and great tensile strength. Kerman carpets have been sold in the traditional bazaar since the 15th century, and visiting these shops are among some of the most interesting things to do in Kerman.CultureKermanis are usually a relaxed and easy-going group of people. Having lived in the desert for so long, they have learned not to take life too seriously and enjoy their time. They are adaptable to difficult situations, and while the country may be going through a crisis, they remain still. A riot may rise up in Tehran, the capital, and the political center of Iran, protesting against something they don’t like about the government. You ask a Kermani what they think about the situation, they will say that they prefer not to think of it much, not taking any extreme positions (we’re over-generalizing here, of course).ReligionIran’s diversity of religious minorities showcase in Kerman. Although mostly Shia Muslim, Kerman is home to a significant number of Iranian Sunnis who have lived alongside the Shia majority in harmony for a long time. Being next to Sistan & Baluchestan – an area where the majority of its populations are Sunnis – explains the existence of these groups. But, and more interestingly, there has been a rather small but racially notable Zoroastrian community in Kerman.Read More: Iranian ReligionIts people are known forKnown for the humility and traditional ways of living, people from Kerman are also famous for being present in high-ranking political positions of Iran’s government. Some families, like the Rafsanjani and Marashi families, are among the most influential ones of the Islamic Republic. Additionally, people from Kerman are in the current Iranian government, working as ministers or members of the cabinet.Art and architectureKerman lives in traditions: art and architecture survive in the city as the air does. Walk around in the historical parts of Kerman, and you’ll be surprised by how many architectural wonders you may come across. A small mosque, a traditionally-designed house, or a narrow alleyway leading for a mysteriously dark entrance of the bazaar: Kerman’s historical parts showcase the best of Iran’s traditional art and architecture. Walking in the bazaar, you might see a Pateh workshop. These needlework products were first produced here and are the main products of Kerman.Additionally, Kerman province is also home to two of the biggest and most majestic adobe citadels of the country: Arg e Bam and Rayen castle. The first one, Bam Citadel, is a UNESCO World heritage that was tragically devastated in a 2003 earthquake. But it has been rebuilt since. The second one, the mudbrick castle of Rayen, is located around the Hezar Mountain, about 100 km south of Kerman. It’s a deserted adobe castle and one of the best locations for an extensive historical photography session!AtmosphereTravel to Kerman, and you will travel within. It’s a city for pondering, mulling over your past decisions, and thinking about your identity. Kerman does not invite you for an adrenalin-rush experience; it asks you to sit down and drink a cup of tea while you watch the people come and go in a traditional Iranian teahouse. The city used to be more traditional, your Kermani friend will tell you. Slowly, but surely, it has lost some of its historical side to modernity. Traveling to the city of Kerman alone will probably not satisfy you if you’re in for the all-around experience. You have to explore the region: The Kalouts, the citadels, the waterfall, and the farming fields call you; get your backpack and peace of mind ready.HospitalityIt’s the afternoon. You’ve had a long day of walking and exploring the cities top attractions, based on your Kerman travel guide. You reach the famous Ganj Ali Khan Square; You look around. An older man is closing his shop and going for the siesta break in the afternoon. He sees a traveler standing at the end of the square, with a backpack as tall as the person wearing it. The traveler is you. He walks towards you. It’s the famous Iranian hospitability. After the routine “welcome to my country” and “how do you like Iran?” question and answers, he asks, in broken in English, whether you need help or not. You’re thirsty, but you’ve had enough tea. Your Farsi is more broken than the older man’s English. But you know the word Chai, which means tea in Farsi. You say that. He shows you a store, only twenty meters away from where you’re standing. It’s time to chill in the sherbet house. The older man says goodbye, and another welcome to Iran, and walks away towards his home. You, as well, walk toward the sherbet house; traditional herbal drinks are waiting for you to fix you up. You can’t wait.Main Areas For Eating, Shopping, Hanging OutAs with most historical cities in Iran, bazaars are the main areas for eating and hanging and, of course, shopping. Located in the heart of town, Kerman’s bazaar is a great place to explore. Head over to Vakil Tea House while you’re in the bazaar for amazing food and traditional drinks.Sus1952, Palmerston North, New ZealandThis is a beautifully restored hamam with lovely decor. There was live music playing when we were there, which was very good.Top Places To Visit In Kerman, And The Best Things To Do In KermanGanjali Khan ComplexStories of the glorious past reveal themselves to you as you walk around the complex. Named after and built by a popular governor who ruled Kerman for more than 20 years, Ganjali Khan Complex is the architectural heart of the city. A mosque, a traditional school, a beautiful caravanserai, an ornamented bathhouse, a water-reservoir called Ab Anbar are parts of the complex. They’re all located south to the Vakil Bazaar of Kerman, which runs through the center of the city, east-west.Paula G, London, United KingdomThe main bazaar for the city of Kerman the complex houses shops & stalls selling all kinds of wares from exotic spices through copper works, a host of antiques, knock-off goods of every shape & size, and even knives & knuckledusters!! For a break from the crowds pop into the restored bathhouse where travelers stopped for much-needed cleansing after a hard day on the Silk Road. Recently opened too is the women’s bathhouse behind with displays of the colorful costumes sported by the women that congregated here from all over the Persian Empire.MeymandA lifestyle on the edge of extinction, stories in caves, an ancient village, and a UNESCO Heritage: Meymand is a forgotten city with a myriad of anecdotes ready to unfold to those who are willing to listen.Kalouts of ShahdadThey are mysterious places, these deserts. Elon Musk would re-consider traveling to Mars if he saw the Kalouts. I mean, why would one spend billions of dollars to go to another planet, when you can create a similar experience right here in Kerman for less than a thousand.Gardens: Shazdeh and Fath-AbadIn a desert-y background, where the sand goes as long as the eye can see and more, what could be more refreshing than visiting lush green gardens of Shazdeh and Fath-Abad. These are the stories of these gardens. Formerly, a small palace for a Qajari prince, now the Shazdeh Garden is a great place for a romantic evening.Aidin V, Mississauga, Canada[Shazdeh] is a real Persian garden with very nice waterfalls and fountains. Flower pots which are located around the central pool and long trees distribute nice smell. Furthermore, sound of water is the best music and dreamy.Citadels: Bam and RayenAdding to the diversity of Kerman attractions are the historical sites of Bam Citadel and Rayen Castle. Each located in their respective cities, these citadels showcase the richness of history and culture and older ways of living in Kerman. Arg-e Bam, the largest adobe building of the world and list on UNESCO as world heritage, was sadly hit by a big earthquake in 2003.Complete version of This Article : Kerman Travel Guide IranAmaze IranAmaze - Iranian Travel Agency Sat, 01 Aug 2020 13:01:42 +0430 https://virgool.io/IranAmaze/what-to-pack-for-damavand-iranamaze-hu3bmla5w7hz The feeling that you haven’t brought something you need in the middle of the trip is a feeling no one likes. Or even realizing that the equipment you have is not good enough for your trip can feel awful as well. On the other hand, we need to keep in mind that we should travel light as far as we can. So, it’s better to have a reasonable list of the things you’re going to need during your trip.In this article, you can find out more about how to pack for Damavand. So, if you are looking for a Damavand trek packing list and tips, you can find it in the following article!General Equipment You Need for Your TripAs a foreigner visiting Iran, you will face some differences. You need to consider these differences when deciding what to pack for your Iran trip. Some of these differences are cultural. For example, the dress code in Iran is different than in other countries. Women should wear scarves and long clothes that cover their bodies entirely. You can learn more about the dress code in Iran by reading the Iran dress code.You have provided all the necessary equipment before the mountaineering trip so that you will not have any problems during the hiking.Also, there are circumstances such as sanctions that have an impact on the things you should bring with you to Iran. For instance, because of the sanctions, international debit cards don’t work in Iran. So, you need to know how much money you will need for your travel and how you want to transfer it. You can read more about it in our Iran money & travel cost article. Moreover, there are some exceptions for obtaining a visa for the British, Canadian, and US citizens. We have mentioned these exceptions and steps for obtaining a visa in our Iran visa article.Camera and Electronic DevicesDon’t forget to have a camera on your Damavand trek equipment list if you are a photographer. This way, you can capture the sceneries and historical sites you visit during your trip. Don’t forget to bring your camera charger, battery, extra memory card, phone charger, and power bank. The power outlet type in Iran is a two round-pin type (Europlug). So, bring an adaptor if your charger’s plug is different than that. A torch, a headlamp, and extra batteries will be necessary, especially for hiking.Don’t forget to have a camera on your Damavand trek equipment list if you are a photographer.Personal Hygiene and MedicineYou can find many medicines in the pharmacies in Iran which have a high quality. But, we recommend you bring any specific medicine that you use with you if it’s not against the law. Also, try to bring your prescription if you use particular medicine and pain killers. Please inform your tour operator about your prescription to avoid any potential problems. Moreover, it’s better to have over the counter pain killer and anti-diarrhea drugs for long-distance trips. Another thing that would be good to put on your Damavand trek equipment list is a first aid kit. Also, anti-bite ointments and sunscreen are necessary for your trip.Having toiletries can be useful if they don’t make your backpack too heavy. They can include shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, a small pack of tissue, and towels. It’s better to pack the shampoo, so it doesn’t leak out in your backpack.Extra TipsIn the paragraphs above, we tried to inform you about what to pack for your Iran trip. Here we add some extra tips that can improve your experience of traveling to Iran. Remember not to bring objects that are too heavy. You should have a large backpack that can hold all the things you need for your trip. Also, it’s better to have a smaller bag with you. This way, you can put your backpack at your residence and take the important stuff in the smaller bag. A bottle of water doesn’t cost much in Iran. However, it’s better to have a thermos or a bottle with you because you can find drinking water in many places. This way, you can avoid using too much plastic as well. Also, you can bring a flask if you like drinking tea or coffee.Before traveling, make sure you have all the equipment you need. Essential Equipment for TrekkingFollowing, we will answer the question, “what to pack for climbing Damavand?” Here, you can find the list of the professional equipment you need, especially for climbing Damavand. You probably want to visit the historical or natural attractions in Iran before or after your Iran trekking tour. So, you might have stuff that you won’t need for this part of your Iran tour package. You can ask your tour leader or your tour operator to keep them for you in a safe place. Also, the mules can carry the heavy equipment you need to bring with you to the camp. This way, you can only bring the essentials in a small bag. To understand how to prepare for climbing Damavand, you need to have a gear list of the essentials. This is the gear list of the equipment appropriate for Damavand tour during summer:What Gears Need to Climb Damavand?Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack and a waterproof cover for it on this trip. Your backpack that holds 40-60 liters is about right for Damavand trek. You can also have a light backpack for carrying essentials. So, you won’t have to carry a large backpack with you to the peak.Sleeping Bag: One of the other necessary equipment for Damavand tour is a sleeping bag with a liner. It’s better to have a sleeping bag that has a down filling rather than synthetic so it can be warmer and lighter. The recommended comfort temperature that your sleeping bag should provide for you on this trip is between 0 to -5 centigrade. Moreover, using a sleeping bag liner keeps your sleeping bag warmer and clean.Sleeping Pad: Having a sleeping bag without a sleeping pad is useless. So, you should have a warm sleeping pad (preferable self-inflatable) you as well to keep yourself warm when sleeping.Cooking Tools: Camping pot, portable gas stove, and gas cartridges are the main tools you need for cooking while camping. It’s forbidden to carry portable gas cartridges when you are on the plane. But, you shouldn’t worry because you can find the common types of gas cartridgesn Iran as well. In the case your tour operator is providing food for your trip, avoid taking cooking tools with you. Cooking is on IranAmaze when you are traveling with us. So, you don’t need to bring camping cookware with you.Eating Utensils: Don’t forget to bring a plate, a spoon, a cup, and a multi-tool pocket knife.Light: Add an appropriate headlight and an extra battery to your “what to pack for climbing Damavand” We recommend you to bring a gas/electrical camping lantern as well.Water: Having a trail bottle (which can be filled with cold or hot water) and a 2-liter water reservoir is essential.Trekking Poles: Carbon fiber and aluminum are both really light and work well. Carbon offers a little more shock dampening, but can shatter if you really smash them around. Make sure the length is appropriate, so When you use them, you want your elbow to be at about 90 degrees.What to Wear for Climbing Damavand?One of the most important parts, when you are deciding what to pack for Damavand, is clothes. The weather in Damavand peak is challenging, and you should wear appropriate clothes to conquer it. Moreover, having dry clothes for when you’re sleeping is necessary for your health and the quality of your sleep.Trekking T-shirts: Having 2 or 3 quick-dry trekking t-shirts is enough because you wash them and dry them fast. But, try to have a long sleeve shirt as well to protect yourself from mosquito bites and sunburn.Trekking TrousersPolar Fleece Warm JacketBreathable Rain JacketDown JacketA Pair of Waterproof TrousersOne Pair of Base LayersA Pair of Trekking Boots: Make sure to try your shoes before the travel to make sure they are comfortable and don’t hurt your feet.Sandals: You can have sandals or light shoes for the times you spend in the camp.Two BuffsA Pair of GlovesSun Hat and Warm HatMountaineering Glasses’Socks: Bring at least four pairs of socks. Savene pair for camp and another one for sleeping so that they don’t get wet. Don’t use them for other purposes.Underwear: Have at least two pairs of sports bras and underpants. Keep one pair of each dry for when you sleep.What to Eat During Damavand Trekking?It’s better to coordinate your food schedule with your tour operator. Inform the tour operator if you have any food allergies or special diet, such as being vegetarian.Having nuts, dried fruits, and energy bars is suitable for the times you are trekking.Having nuts, dried fruits, and energy bars is suitable for the times you are trekking. Don’t forget to bring tea, coffee, and sugar. Drinking juices can give you the energy you need for walking as well as being nutrient.The Things You Shouldn’t Pack and DoIn the paragraphs above, we tried to explain how to prepare for climbing Damavand. But, an important part of preparing yourself for a trekking tour/visiting Iran is knowing what not to pack. It’s essential because carrying some objects is gainst the rules, some not useful, and others might be dangerous. So, pay attention to this list when packing for Damavand.It’s important to know that alcoholic drinks are forbidden, and you need to pay attention to this rule. Don’t bring alcoholic drinks to Iran. Also, you can’t find alcoholic drinks on the menus in hotels and restaurants.Aerial photography is forbidden in Iran. So, if you want to bring a drone with you, please inform the tour operator in advance. This is a strict rule, and breaking it has consequences.Don’t bring travel guide books with you if you really want to travel light because they occupy too much space and are heavy as well. You can read it ahead of your trip or make a copy of the pages you need. Also, you can find travel guide books in many hotels. They also let the tourists borrow them if they want to.Try not to carry a hairdryer with you because it occupies too much space. But, if you really need it, try to bring a small hairdryer for travel.Don’t carry around valuable objects because there is a possibility for them to be lost or stolen.Final WordsAfter giving you the Damavand trek packing list and tips above, here’s a brief gear list. So, you can print it and have the list for the times you need it.view of Damavand mount from Alimestan General Equipment:Documents: Passport and Visa, Print of Your Hotel Reservation, Trip Itinerary, Copy of Your Passport and Documents, Note Book and Pen, DictionaryClothes: Scarf, T-shirt and Long Sleeve Shirts, Extra Socks and Underwear, Warm Clothes, Jacket, Hat, Gloves, Sun Hat, Sunglasses, Poncho or Rain JacketCash Money: Dollars or EurosElectronic Devices: Camera, Cellphone, Camera Charger, Camera Battery, Extra Memory Card for Camera, Phone Charger, Adaptor, Torch or Headlight, Extra Battery for Headlight.Hygiene and Medicine: Personal Medications, Pain-killers, and Anti-Diarrhea Pills, First Aid Kit, Sunscreen, Anti-bite Ointment, Shampoo, Soap, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Deodorant, Tissue, Wet Wipe, Towels.Others: Large and Small Backpacks, Trail Bottle, Tea, and Coffee, Sugar.Mountaineering Equipment: Large Trekking Backpack, Rain Cover, Hiking Daypacks, Down Sleeping Bag -Sleeping Bag Liner, Self-inflatable Sleeping Pad, Pot and Stove, Camping Plate, Cup, Spoon and Pocket Knife, Headlight and Extra Battery, Trail Bottle, Water Reservoir, Trekking Poles, Trekking Sunscreens Cream.Clothes for Mountaineering: T-shirts, Base Layers, Trekking Trousers, Polar Fleece Warm Jacket, Breathable Rain Jacket, Waterproof Trousers, Trekking Boots, Down Jacket, Rain Poncho, Buffs, Warm Gloves, Warm Hat, Trekking Sunglasses, Extra Pair of Socks, Extra Pair of Underpants, Sports Bras, Hiking Hats, Hiking SandalsFood: Nuts, Dried Fruits, Trekking Bars, Granola Bars, Coffee, Tea, Sugar, Fruit Juice, GranolaOriginally published at https://iranamaze.com on July 7, 2020. IranAmaze IranAmaze - Iranian Travel Agency Mon, 13 Jul 2020 14:53:13 +0430 https://virgool.io/IranAmaze/how-can-american-travel-to-iran-tours-visa-for-us-citizens-equwgkooyre1 Iran is the home to 24 UNESCO registered historical sites. So if you're wondering whether can Americans travel to Iran, the answer is YES. But under a few conditions. We'll tell you in the article.Can American travel to Iran?Like any other tourist who is planning to travel to Iran from the USA, I didn't know Americans can travel to Iran or not. From my family to the US government warned me of what might happen there. Everybody asked me, "is Iran safe for American tourists?" I didn't know, but I decided to do it. Although getting an Iran visa for US citizens is a time-consuming process, it is possible. But I needed time to get Iran visa and finding flights to Iran from the US. For reducing travel stress, I decided to book Iran tours. Moreover, applying for Iran visa needs that all the American tourists travel with a tour.Once I arrived, Iran's culture, hospitality, and scenery mesmerized me. The first shock was positive. Contrary to what mainstream media portrays from Iran, no one hates Americans. Iranians welcomed me with open arms. During my trip, I saw that the streets, malls, and generally everywhere are safe. It was not only safe for the locals but also the tourists. Every moment of my two-week travel was an incredible experience. I'm sure it's worth it for every American to take time and travel to the land of myths and stories. So, yes, Americans can travel to Iran, and I suggest they do.Iran Visa For US CitizensIran authorities try to reduce the Iran visa process. As a result, the process has become shorter, and many citizens can get Iran Visa On Arrival (VOA). Also, citizens of several countries can travel to Iran without a visa.Getting a visa to travel to Iran is a step in the right direction, we have tried to fully explain those steps.Americans can travel to Iran, but due to the political problems between Iran and the US, US passport holders must be aware of some points:If you are a US citizen, it's not possible to travel to Iran without a visa or with VOA.Iran Visa Application FormIf you want to get an Iran visa without the hassle of figuring out all the logistics, We can provide all the neccessary information you need and get all your documents in place for a smooth visa process. Just Click Here!Getting the 30-day tourist visa takes a little bit longer for US citizens, and it's about 2-3 months, but it can't discourage you from visiting Iran.As an American, you need to apply through an Iran travel agency and book a tour or have a private guide. If you have local friends and family, you can introduce them as your host. However, Americans can travel to Iran only with a guide present by their side at all times.Looking For Iran Tours?If you are looking for a tour that suits your taste, you can find the package you want on the Iran Tours page.Don't forget to have a tour itinerary (provided by a travel agency) in your visa documents.Refusal Of Iran VisaAmericans can travel to Iran. However, if you visit Israel, it can lead to a rejection of Iran visa. So, if you have a visa or stamp from Israel, change your passport and apply for a new clean one.Israel authorities have been stamping on a separate paper since 2013, and it can avoid the problems. So, if you're applying for an Iran visa, check your passport for the Israel stamp.if you have a visa or stamp from Israel, change your passport and apply for a new clean one. Iran Visa For US Citizens With Iranian-American NationalityIf you're traveling to Iran with your American passport, you have to follow the same travel regulation as US passport holders. Also, the Americans who have American fathers need to obtain an Iran visa.[highlight title=""]For travelers who are traveling to Iran with an Iranian passport, they don't need to get any visa.[/highlight]Can Americans Travel To Iran As Solo Travelers?Unfortunately, the answer is No. Americans can travel to Iran, but a guide needs to accompany them during their stay in Iran.You indeed need an organized itinerary, but it's not a rigid and inflexible plan. Try to discuss your favorite sites and cities with your tour guide to have an enjoyable itinerary. If you like to break away from your group to explore new things, your guide needs to join you.The closets option to solo travel is traveling with a private tour. In the private tour, your guide is your translator and sometimes your driver. A private tour includes you and your guide. So, your guide can organize the plan as you wish and make it flexible. It's more expensive than group tours, and it doesn't give you the same experience as solo travel. Still, it's the best available option instead of solo travel for Americans traveling to Iran.If you can't pay for a private tour, but you need to have a flexible itinerary, small group tours are another option. By the small group tours, you can save the money and travel around Iran with a small group.Flights To Iran From The USIn 1976 the first non-stop flight between New York and Tehran flew. The direct flights were flying between Iran and the US until 1980. After stopping direct flights, the tourists who travel to Iran from the US have had to travel through Iran neighbor countries or Europe. If you want to travel to Iran from the US, you can choose any international airport in the United States.Americans can travel to Iran. However, according to your airline, the flights have different stop times in various cities like Dubai, Vienna, Frankfurt, etc. So, the flight times are different, but the fastest one takes about 13 hours.If you want to know about the prices, it's better to know that the price of flights to Iran from the US depends on the time and airline (like any other destination!)Imagine that you're coming to Tehran from Washington, and it's not high season. If you don't care about the journey duration, you can find a flight as cheap as 600$.Different airlines are offering flights to Iran from the US, for example, Turkish Airlines, Emirates or Lufthansa. Even you can choose multiple airlines to find the best deal.Is Iran Safe For American TouristThe first impression of Iranians on travelers is Iranian hospitality. No matter who you are or which country you are from, you're always welcomed here as a guest.Due to Iranian culture and etiquette, hospitality is a moral value, and it's vital for Iranians. That's why Iranian care about the guest experience. On the contrary to what mass media are broadcasting about Iran, here is safe for everybody, both Americans or non-Americans.Read More : Is Iran Safe For Tourists? (2020 Edition)Some Practical Tips For Traveling Iran as US CitizenIf you chose Iran as your destination, it might you want to know some tips about this country. So here, we listed some valuable information for American tourists in Iran.Uber doesn't work in Iran. Here we have our special taxi services which work like Uber. For example, Snapp or Tap30. Generally, we have every online service here, but the Iranian version!International debit cards don't work here. You can have cash (which isn't suggested) and use the Iranian tourist card. Furthermore, IranAmze can make all the arrangements for getting the Iranian debit card for you.A lot of people can speak English in big touristic cities like Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan, etc. However, English isn't the official language in Iran.Due to the religious and cultural etiquette, there is a dress code in Iran. In our comprehensive guide, you can learn more detail on how to dress for your vacation in Iran.Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube are blocked in Iran. So, if you need them, download several VPNs.Although the official currency in Iran is Rial, locals use Toman commonly. One Toman is equivalent to ten Rials. So Rial has one zero more than Toman. For example, the driver asks for 10,000 Tomans. Just add one zero, and you have the price in Rial (100,000 Rials)If you need to use the internet when you are outdoors, buy an Iranian SIM at the airport. It's pocket-friendly (about 300,000 Rial) and works for one month. The internet is fast in almost every city. IranAmaze can provide this for you as well as an additional service. IranAmaze IranAmaze - Iranian Travel Agency Mon, 06 Jul 2020 12:41:11 +0430 https://virgool.io/IranAmaze/5-advantages-of-iran-local-tour-operators-iranamaze-gqyawwu6v7md It’s that time of the year; you are keep checking your calendar, have that sparkle in your eyes and you are starting to make a list! Yes, it’s that time of the year; it’s time for planning a vacation!Each of us has our own particular individual routine when it comes to traveling. It’s never the same; for some of us with more experience, it’s just another joyride to discover the new horizons, very relax and calm, we collect some must go/do tips online, pack our suitcases and bags accordingly and set the alarm on! for the rest, it could be a bit more electrifying; there’s always that none-stopping thrill which only continues all through the journey, a tickling excitement all the way especially if you are taking companions along with you.Just don’t forget the basic rules and your halfway done; ones you could keep in your diary or at heart as the holy guide of traveling a-z! Where to start? What are the procedures? How to handle them in the most comfortable way? And of course regardless of our individual taste and touch things would fall into right place almost always perfectly.Nevertheless, there are still those never-ending last minute worries; right after the world’s biggest travelers’ dilemma of all time, to fold or to roll, the struggle on finding an “easy-fit” guide to the new destination, comes just next in line. No one denies the comfort of a good read of a well-investigated travel guide (if there is one), but the reality always differs, and so does the solutions.Answer these quick question; how deep do you need to know the new surroundings? Are you interested in the hidden stories of the city? Do you want to discover the best local places there is? Don’t you know the answer to all the questions above by now? If not, keep on reading. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbjVrm6XS_A&feature=emb_title Here, are the 5 Advantages of hiring a local tour operator in Iran.1. Looking for An Expert Guide?Have you ever tasted the true vibes through a travel book? Surely you have picked quite a lot of historical facts and sites, but were there any juicy stories between the lines? You could only grab a bite of crème de la crème if you are mingling among the local communities. If you are looking to experience Iran local life, we recommend you to go for it with local people. They are the best options to bring you out and show you the real flavor of the town and paint a timeless picture in your heart.Local guides can give you information that is not found in any book or website. What’s more, locals are the ones who are always on top of every single thing which matters to the holidaymakers; from the unknown local Iranian art makers to a high-end restaurant, the calendar openings and events, newest laws and regulations, and much more. Imagine you are at Tajrish Square, and thinking of going to an art shop. How you ever read about Qaem Shopping Mall and the amazing art shop on its top floor in any travel book? But if you ask locals, they probably guide you to the art shop. So, precise local knowledge is the first reason why you should hire a local guide or local tour operator.2. Prefer A Flexible Vacation?Has it ever not happened for you that while traveling with your young ones, and on the way to the next museum or so, the youngest almost throws you a tantrum! What to do? Keep calm, lay back and let the superhero of the hour take control and easily modify the daily schedule; changing the next cultural stop with the finest ice-cream shop in the town!With the private tours, it is always easy to shift and rotate even the most squeezed daily plans. Counting on the local partner’s comprehensive destination knowledge around the city, you will have the most flexible advocates at your service. They could pivot the program in a blink of an eye and modify your tour in Iran, especially if you are traveling with children. The improvisational skills of your Iran local guide which are based on his knowledge of the area could also help with setting the most convenient program. They will also create a stress-free and friendly atmosphere even for the most demanding ones.Build Your Own Tourwe want you to have the flexibility to stay in the moments that connect with you most. To solve similar problems, we have come up with six moments that get repeated a few times during your trip. What is Moment?When Iran local guides understand your desired needs, they translate it into your daily schedules and every step of the way. Especially when you travel to Iran in small group tours, they are capable of making special arrangements due to your last-minute decisions. Here’s where your local tour operator in Iran can help you with a little pre-arrangement, and open all doors and no lines are required! Could it get more flexible?With the private tours, it is always easy to shift and rotate even the most squeezed daily plans. 3. Looking for The Updated Information?The same as local guides in every part of the world, Iran local guides are an amazing source of information. They know most about the local culture, heritage, customs and traditions, food, and much more. They are your key to the new environment and your essential personal lead to discover every tiny obsession you’re having while traveling around Iran.To bring this unique quality onboard, they take intensive courses in a variety of topics. The course includes history, art, architecture, and cuisine of Iran. To become authorized tour guides, they are also trained to keep visitors of all ages and engage them, regardless of their different interests within groups. Being on top of the situation, they are willing to pull out tricks based on their local knowledge and information. Moreover, they will make them the best caters to adults who enjoy the cultural tour. In addition, they are the newest best friends to the little ones who need constant entertaining.They are the ones who always know the latest updates in town. They know about the new shows and plays, art galleries and openings, best Iranian restaurants, café, and more. In the city you are visiting, they are the real native people. In most cases, they grew up in the same place; therefore, they always have exciting stories and insider recommendations. Also if there is anything you wonder about the rules and regulations due to costumes, outfits, cultural shifts, do not hesitate to reach your local tour operator in Iran for exact answers.Local guides grew up in the same place; therefore, they always have exciting stories and insider recommendations. 4. Local Travel Agencies Are Generally Less ExpensiveWhen it comes to the price and payment, most people look for the best quality with the cheapest price. Isn’t it true? Here, the local travel agent or local tour operator has a significant role. Since they book hundreds of reservations in a single hotel, or have cooperation with their local partners, they usually get the best deal. They also offer prices on the first hand. As a result, compared to booking on your own, or through an international agency, they almost always offer better prices.Moreover, even the biggest international tour operators have local partners in different destinations. Needless to say that they run their business to have profits, which comes from the percentage that they add to net prices of local operators proposals. As a result, their prices are always higher, and in order to have the best quality and lowest price, locals are a better choice. Sometimes, in their websites you can see that they say “lowest prices guaranteed”.Read More : Iran Travel Cost5. Support The Local Economy by Hiring The Locals!Do you have any ideas on how tours affect the local economy? You probably know that whenever you hire from a local service provider, you are supporting lives and the local community. This is called responsible travel, and it is all about supporting sustainable tourism which helps the wellbeing of a chain of people. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuITzmlIvbc Local tour guides and companies offering local experiences are predominantly local businesses. This means your travel expense is directly impacting the local community. Therefore, by choosing a local tour operator in Iran, you will directly support the local community and its citizens. Responsible travel is all about helping to preserve what is there to be seen all people from all around the world, now, and in the future. Some Iran private tours offer a more in-depth and more immersive experience connecting travelers with local communities. In these cases, you might even end up supporting a local sensitive cause; such as the endangered animals, natural resources, cultural traditions and more.How does it feel to enjoy your vacation and feel like a benevolent too? How does that really work? Your local tour guide, especially in a tailor-made tour, small group tours, or even private tours, led you through a schedule of various activities during your stay. Each activity involves and occupies several individuals and local businesses. In general, tourism helps museums and art galleries, restaurant and cafes, handicrafts and souvenir shops, benefit from the national income. Moreover, as a result of hiring Iran local guides, permanent and seasonal jobs are made, and the youth and the retired find a rewarding salary. There will be more and more businesses involved with the holidaymakers and visitors, and the service quality will step to a new standard.Originally published at https://iranamaze.com on June 22, 2020. IranAmaze IranAmaze - Iranian Travel Agency Tue, 23 Jun 2020 16:46:09 +0430 https://virgool.io/IranAmaze/best-things-to-do-in-summer-in-iran-qsphmzdyjzla A cool wind touches your face while the hot summer sun is shining at you. This is probably not what you would imagine if someone had asked you to think about summer in Iran. Considering the stereotypes about Iran, you wouldn’t imagine pleasant weather in Iran during the summer. Your imagination would be more similar to a burning sun in the middle of the desert, hot winds, and perhaps sand storms. But what are the summers in Iran really like? And more importantly, what kind of activities can you do during summers in Iran? By knowing about the weather and the places you could go to, you can simply have the best summer holiday in Iran.Following, we will tell you more about the weather, activities, and the food you can eat during the summer in Iran.How hot is Iran in the summer?The answer to this question can give you more insight to travel to Iran during the summer. Iran is a vast country with different climates in each part of it. Also, Iran is a 4 season country. In other words, during the spring and the fall, the weather is moderate and more pleasant. Iran has hot summers and cold winters. The level of hotness in the summer varies in each region of Iran. The southern parts of Iran are closer to the equator and get very hot during the summer.On the other hand, the mountainous cities in the west and northwest of Iran are much cooler during the summer. A positive aspect of the summers in Iran is that Iran is mostly arid. The lack of humidity in most parts of Iran makes it easier to deal with the hot weather.It’s the Best Time for Trekking!Visiting the deserts when you are traveling to Iran during summer is definitely not a good plan. However, there are other ways of enjoying nature in Iran when spending the summer in Iran. Iran is a mountainous country. It has multiple high peaks that attract mountaineers from around the world, including the highest volcanic summit in Asia. Because of the freezing weather at these peaks in the winter, climbing them during the cold season is very hard. Also, it can be dangerous for climbers. However, summer is the best time for conquering the mountains in Iran. The peak of these mountains has more moderate weather in the summers. Also, away from the dangers and challenges of the cold weather, mountaineers can experience more pleasant climbing.Moreover, there are other perks for climbing the Iranian peaks in summer. Many of the mountains in Iran have natural attractions such as lakes and waterfalls on top of them. The best time for visiting these attractions is during summer. For instance, there is a mysterious lake at the top of Mount Sabalan at the height of 4811. Most of the time of the year, the lake is frozen except in summer. Also, the Ice Waterfall near the peak of Mount Damavand is another example of these natural attractions. This waterfall is wholly frozen except for the summers when you can see a narrow flow of water on it.Best Trails for Trekking in SummerAs we mentioned above, one of the best activities, when you are spending the summer in Iran is trekking. Following, we will introduce some of the most popular and best trekking trails in Iran. Each of these peaks has a unique nature that distinguishes them from others.Damavand: Damavand is the highest volcano peak in Asia and home to a diverse range of animal species as well as plant species. One of the cool things about Damavand in summer is that you can see more animals and plants.Alam-Kuh: Alam-Kuh in Alborz mountain range and is an excellent place for rock climbing due to its rocky nature. The heavy snowing and risks of an avalanche are higher in the fall, winter, and spring. So, summer is the best time for trekking Alam-Kuh.Sabalan: Sabalan is a volcanic mountain in the Alborz mountains and is covered with snow most of the year. However, hot weather in summer lets you ascend Sabalan without needing professional equipment.If you are interested in trekking in Iran, you can find more information about Iran trekking tours on our website.Best Regions for Spending the Summer in IranIran’s climate changes in different areas. Spending the summer in Iran in its northern and western regions can be easier for tourists who dislike hot weather. Moreover, the lush jungles and lush forests in these regions plus cultural attractions make visiting these regions more pleasurable. Following, I will introduce some of the places you could visit during the summer in Iran.Kurdistan Province: If you have any interest in mountainous nature and unique subcultures, Kurdistan can be an excellent choice for your Iran summer traveling. Because of its location near the Zagros mountain range, Kurdistan is full of terraced villages on mountain slopes. For example, Palangan village is one of such villages that dates back to almost 2000 years ago. Moreover, another feature of the beauties in Kurdistan is Zrebar lake. The springs below this lake supply its water, and the flowing plants on it are home to different animal species.Furthermore, besides the big cities full of life, there are also serene villages in which there are tribes of nomads. The nomads live in tune with nature, and they immigrate based on seasons. Moreover, they travel with their cattle and live in tents. Joining the nomads and experiencing their lifestyle can be a great experience for the tourists visiting Iran.West & East Azerbaijan Province: From the homes excavated inside volcanic rocks at Kandovan ancient village in East Azerbaijan to the endorheic Salt Lake of Urmia in the west, the northwest of Iran has a lot to offer travelers during summertime. It’s also worth to mention that the famous city of Tabriz, which is regarded as the historical capital of Iran, is located in East Azerbaijan. Tabriz Bazaar, which was one of the biggest silk road markets since ancient times, is also a UNESCO world heritage.Ardabil Province: The medicinal hot springs of Ardabil and Sarein have been known as ancient healing water for thousands of years ago. Summer is the best time to take a walk among the green fields full of blossoms in Ardebil while also taking advantage of these springs on your vacation in Iran. And that’s not even everything about this beautiful province. The delicious local dishes and kebabs, Fandoqlu forests, old traditional bazaar, and historical sites are among the other attractions that make this province a perfect destination for summer.Alimestan Forest: With moderate weather in the middle of summer and lush nature, Alimestan is a popular destination in Iran. Trekking in the twisty path that passes through the forest gives you a refreshing feeling. Usually, mist covers the forest at higher altitudes, which makes the forest even more mystical. Ascending to the Alimestan peak in moderate weather can be a pleasant feeling for the tourists interested in trekking.Lorestan: Visiting Lorestan province is an excellent choice for spending the summer in Iran. This province is full of natural attractions such as waterfalls, canyons, and rivers, as well as cultural attractions. Falak-ol-Aflak Castle in Khorramabad is one of the many cultural attractions in Lorestan. This castle dates back to almost 1800 years ago. Moreover, the Broken bridge is another cultural destination in Lorestan that belongs to ancient Iran as well. Bisheh waterfall, Gerit waterfall, and Nozhian waterfall are only some of the waterfalls in Lorestan.Best Desserts to Eat During Summer in IranOne of the best parts of traveling in Iran is Iranian cuisine. You have a wide choice of drinks and desserts that can freshen you up in summers. Following, you can find some of the best desserts to have when spending the summer in Iran.Faloodeh: The heavenly mixture of frozen rice noodles, rosewater, and sugar! You can add some lemon juice or cherry syrup to it to make it even more delicious. Moreover, the taste of rosewater in Faloodeh is the reason why you probably haven’t tasted anything like it before. You can find Faloodeh in almost all of the cities in Iran. Having some of this desert can help you feel much better whenever you are tired of hot weather in summer.Bastani Sonnati: Bastani Sonnati is the other name for traditional Iranian Saffron Ice cream. Rosewater, the essential element of Faloodeh, plays a vital role in the traditional saffron ice cream as well. It’s the mixture of Vanilla and Saffron ice cream with rose water and pistachio. But, what makes this ice cream even more tempting is the pieces of frozen cream inside it. You can definitely count on Bastani Sonnati as one of the best choices to freshen you up in summer.Traditional Iranian Summer DrinksThe other choices of quenching your thirst during the summer in Iran are soft drinks. You can find various Iranian traditional syrups that have health benefits as well as being delicious. For example, Bahar Narenj Syrup (orange blossom) is one of the drinks we recommend for the hot weather. Another beverage that can help a lot with dehydration in hot summers is Khakshir Syrup. Sekanjabin drinks can help escape the hot summers as well. This drink consists of honey, mint, and vinegar has medical values as well as being refreshing.Spending the Summer in Iran is not hard!What we have been trying to tell you in the text above is how you can enjoy summers in Iran. The number of activities you could do during the summer in Iranis much more than we mentioned in this text. But the mentioned activities and sites can give you an idea about how summers are in Iran. Hopefully, after reading this text, you know that “summer” is an option when you’re asking” when to travel to Iran”. So, if you are interested in visiting Iran in summer, you can find the best Iran tour packages on our website.Originally published at https://iranamaze.com on June 16, 2020. IranAmaze IranAmaze - Iranian Travel Agency Wed, 17 Jun 2020 15:07:41 +0430