Best Iran Trekking Tour & Hiking Trails | Ultimate Guide 2023

Iran has diverse landscapes, ranging from rugged mountain ranges to vast deserts, making it an ideal destination for the best Iran Trekking Tours and trekking enthusiasts. With its rich cultural heritage and hospitable people, Iran offers a unique and unforgettable experience for hikers exploring its natural wonders. In this article, we will guide you through the best Iran trekking tours and destinations, including popular routes and hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Iran Trekking Tour in Mount Damavand

At 5,610 meters, Mount Damavand is the highest peak in Iran and a popular destination for trekking lovers. Located in the Alborz mountain range, it offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and is considered a challenging but rewarding climb. The most popular route is the Southern Route, a six-day trek suitable for experienced hikers. The trek starts from the village of Reyneh and goes through beautiful landscapes, including hot springs and the Larijan Forest, before reaching the summit. Many mountain climbers travel to Iran to ascend this beautiful volcanic peak.

Iran Trekking Tour in Alamut Valley

Located in the north of Iran, the Alamut Valley is a hidden gem offering some of the country’s best hiking trails. The valley is known for its scenic beauty, lush green forests, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque villages. The most popular trek is the Alamut Castle trekking tour, which takes you through the mountains to the famous Alamut Castle, a medieval fortress once home to the legendary Assassins. This Adventure Iran trekking tour in Alamut Valley is suitable for all levels of hikers and can be completed in two to three days.

Popular Iran Trekking Tour in Lut Desert

The Lut Desert is one of the most inhospitable places on earth, but it also offers some of the most unique and breathtaking landscapes. Located in southeast Iran, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning dunes, salt plains, and rock formations. The most popular Iran trekking tour is the Kalouts Trek, which takes you through the heart of the desert to see the Kalouts, tall rock formations that resemble sculptures. This Iran trekking tour is challenging and can take up to seven days, but the reward is the opportunity to witness some of Earth’s most incredible natural wonders.

Golestan National Park: A Green Iran Trekking Tour

Golestan National Park is located in the north of Iran and is home to some of the country’s most diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. The park offers a range of trekking trails, including the Qaleh Golab Trek, which takes you through dense forests and rocky mountains to the ancient fortress of Qaleh Golab. This Iran trekking tour is suitable for all levels of hikers and can be completed in two to three days. The Golestan National Park is also home to several nomadic tribes, and hikers have the opportunity to learn about their culture and way of life. If you want wood trekking, do not miss this green Iran trekking tour.

Mountain Trekking Tour in Iran: Zagros Mountains

The Zagros Mountains are the largest mountain range in Iran and offer some of the country’s most challenging and rewarding trekking tours. The most popular trek is the Bisotun Trek, which takes you through the Bisotun Mountain to the famous Bisotun Inscription, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the Achaemenid Empire. This mountain trekking tour is challenging and can take up to five days, but the reward is the opportunity to witness some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Iran.

Kandovan

Kandovan is a unique village located in the northwestern province of East Azerbaijan. The village is famous for its cave dwellings carved into the volcanic rocks. The surrounding mountains offer several hiking trails that take you through the village and up to the peaks, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Mount Tochal

Mount Tochal is a popular trekking destination located in the Alborz mountain range, just north of Tehran. The trek takes you through scenic valleys and forests, up to the summit of Mount Tochal, which stands at an altitude of 3,964 meters. The trek is challenging but offers stunning views of the Tehran skyline. 

Hormuz Island

Hormuz Island is a small island located in the Persian Gulf, known for its colourful landscapes and unique geological formations. The island offers several hiking trails that take you through its red and yellow mountains, offering stunning views of the Gulf.

Top Iran trekking tours

Iran is home to some of the most breathtaking trekking destinations in the world. With diverse landscapes that range from high-altitude peaks to arid deserts and lush forests, there is a trekking experience for every level of hiker. Here are some of the top Iran trekking tours that you should consider:

Mount Damavand Trekking Tour: 

Mount Damavand is the highest peak in Iran, and the trek to the summit is a popular challenge for hikers. The trekking tour to Damavand typically takes 5-7 days, with the hike to the summit taking two days. Along the way, hikers will pass through stunning alpine landscapes and hot springs. 

Alam Kuh Trekking Tour: 

Alam Kuh is located in the Alborz mountain range, the second-highest peak in Iran. The trek to Alam Kuh summit is a challenging hike, but it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. The Alam Kuh trekking tour in Iran takes 7-9 days.

Zagros Mountains Trekking Tour:

 The Zagros Mountains span across western Iran, and offer a range of trekking options for hikers of all levels. The most popular trekking tour in the Zagros Mountains is the three-day hike to the summit of Mount Dena, which stands at 4,409 meters above sea level.

Qeshm Island Trekking Tour:

Qeshm Island is the largest island in the Persian Gulf, and it offers a unique trekking experience. The island is home to diverse landscapes, including mangrove forests, sandy beaches, and rocky terrain. The trekking tour to Qeshm Island typically takes 4-6 days.

Golestan National Park Trekking Tour: 

Golestan National Park is located in northeastern Iran and is home to diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. The trekking tour to Golestan National Park typically takes 5-7 days, with hikers passing through forests, meadows, and rivers.

Kerman: Desert Iran Trekking Tour

 Kerman is a province in southeastern Iran home to several trekking destinations, including Lut Desert, Kuh-e Shah, and Kal-e Jenni. This popular Iran trekking tour in Kerman typically takes 4-6 days and offers a chance to explore the region’s arid deserts and stunning mountain landscapes.

Sabalan: Mountain Iran Trekking Tour

Mount Sabalan is a dormant volcano located in the northwest of Iran. The trek to the summit of Sabalan is a challenging hike, but it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Shorabil. The Sabalan trekking tour typically takes 5-7 days.

Taleghan: Rural Iran Trekking Tour

Taleghan is a small town in the Alborz mountain range. It offers several trekking options. This Iran trekking tour to Taleghan typically takes 3-5 days, and hikers pass through forests, waterfalls, and valleys.

ZardKuh Trekking Adventures in Iran

ZardKuh is a stunning mountain range nestled in the heart of Iran that enchants adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, ZardKooh is a prime spot for trekking, offering a variety of routes and tours that cater to both beginners and experienced trekkers.

Trekking in ZardKooh is a unique experience. The mountain’s name, meaning “Yellow Mountain,” hints at the stunning sceneries you’ll encounter: vast expanses of golden hues, especially during sunset, and the contrast of snow-capped peaks against clear blue skies. Each route presents its own set of challenges and rewards, with paths winding through lush valleys, over rugged terrains, and past glacial streams.

For those new to Iran, trekking adventures and guided tours are available. These tours are led by experienced locals who know the mountain well. They can take you on paths that match your fitness level while ensuring your safety. Along the way, they share stories about ZardKooh, adding a rich cultural layer to the physical journey.

These are just a few of the top Iran trekking tours available. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, there is a trekking tour in Iran that will suit your needs.

Conclusion

Iran offers wonderful trekking tour opportunities, from rugged mountain ranges to vast deserts and lush valleys. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a beginner, Iran’s diverse and stunning landscapes have something for everyone. The above-mentioned Best Iran trekking tours are just a few hidden gems waiting to be discovered in this incredible country. So pack your bags, put on your hiking boots, and get ready to explore Iran. You can always count on us as a reputed Iran Adventure Tour Operator to give you best advice about your desired Iran trekking tour.

Ref: Best Iran Trails