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• 4 Day Sabalan Trekking Tour

The Sacred Mountain: Sabalan

• Mount Hiking Tours

Physical Rating:

Group Size:

Accommodation:

2 nights at a 4-star hotel, 1 night at the shelter

Tour Description

Sabalan is the third highest summit of Iran right after Damavand and Alamkuh. It is the most important summit of the north-west of Iran. The lake right over the peak has turned this mountain range to one of the most memorable summits in Iran. The best time to ascend Sabalan is during summer. The safest route to trek is the north-east approach, which is the route we’ve chosen for this Iran tour package. Conquering this summit of 4811 meters height is much easier than Damavand and Alamkuh. Because the mountaineering federation’s 4WD vehicles will take those interested in ascending the summit on a dirt road to a shelter located at 3700 meters height. The trekking schedule will be only a day and about 5 hours.

The other interesting point of this tour package is the additional fun activities besides trekking, which is plenty during this journey. On the 1st day, we’ll take eight hours to drive on one of the most beautiful roads in between the Hyrcanian forests, which is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. On the 2nd day, we’ll drive up to the foggy foothills of Sabalan. Then, during the 3rd day after conquering the summit, we’ll spend time soaking in the natural hot springs and getting lost in the delicious food and snacks of Sarein with IranAmaze.

Day 1 | Road Trip

• Starting Altitude: 1400 m
• Driving Distance: 580 km
• Trekking Distance: 0
• Average Slope: –
• Highest Altitude: 1843 m
• Sleeping Altitude: 1351 m
• Overnight stay at a 4-star hotel in Ardabil

Description

On the 1st day, we’ll pass through the Alborz mountain range to get from Tehran to Rasht. As we continue, we’ll see the Caspian Sea, a beautiful forest road from Asalem to Khalkhal in which we’ll enjoy the Hyrcanian forest. If the sky is clear, from the top of the road, we’ll see the vast green fields in the south, forest in the west, and the sea from afar. Right after, we’ll get to Ardabil and spend a night at a hotel. The drive will take about 8 hours, but stopping on our way to enjoy the sceneries might lengthen our time on the road.

Day 2 | Sabalan Foothill

• Driving Distance: 95 km
• Starting Altitude: 3700 m
• Upward Trekking Distance: 1.4 km 1.4 km for acclimatization
• Average Slope: 28.8 %
• Highest Altitude: 4100 m
• Sleeping Altitude: 3700 m
• Overnight stay in a room at the shelter

The 2nd day starts with the mountaineering guide explaining the ascent schedule along with all the technical tips needed for a successful trek up to the summit. Afterward, once we drive for an hour, we’ll get to the north entrance of Sabalan called Shabiil. From that point, we’ll get on the mountaineering range rovers to drive up for an hour before getting to the main camp of Sabalan, located at 3700 meters height. Right after resting a bit and having lunch, we’ll trek up to 4100 meters for acclimatization. We’ll spend half an hour there before heading back to the shelter. After having something to drink, we’ll sleep to be ready for the ascent the next day.

Day 3 | Summit Day

• Upward Trekking Distance: 3.86 km
• Highest Altitude: 4811 m
• Sleeping Altitude: 1650 m
• Overnight stay at a 4-star hotel in Sarein

The main trekking section will start on the 3rd day at 5 am and would take about 5 hours. In the middle of the summit, there is a permanent lake frozen in all seasons beside Summer. Taking plenty of memorable photos on top of the Sabalan summit is a must-do. Then, we’ll descend back to the shelter and have lunch.

Afterward, we’ll head back to Shabil with the range rovers. Right when we get off the cars, there are natural hot springs that flow from the volcanic activities of Sabalan. We’ll soak in them to wake our body up and get energized.

We’ll arrive at the beautiful city of Sarein on the south side of Sabalan after about two hours of driving. Most of the shops in this city have traditional food and snacks. After having some fun, we’ll head back to the hotel to rest.

Day 4 | Toward Tehran

• Soak in Mineral Hot Springs
• Sour Water Spring
• Ending Altitude: 1400 m

We’ll start our 4th day by having a local breakfast and soaking in the natural hot springs of Sarein. Then, we’ll head to Ab Torsh spring, which literally translates to sour water spring and drive back to Tehran right after. We’ll be in Tehran around 8 pm.

Acclimatization Plan

Best mountanering guides ever The service was just brilliant Never had such an good service before!! Our guides really taked care about anything we would like to do

Amazing Iran We spent two and a half weeks in Iran. First we climbed Mount Damavand and after that had a cultural tour and visited Yazd, Shiraz, Persepolis and Isfahan. Everything was extremely well organized and our guides, Ali and Farid, were very professional… Read More

Professional and flexible Thanks to guys, they do best tailor-made program and provide good service and perfect flexibility. we have had a mountains tour in group of 4 friends. our guides perfect translate our communication with local people and solve any questions fast and correctly. transfers, meals and so on… all is good! highly recommend to all

Thoughtful. Interesting. Sincere. The guys provided amazing service. Our program was prepared individually. Moreover, we changed the program during the tour, which the guys also coped with perfectly well!

Amazing Damavand Tour Iranmaze offers great hiking tours for Damavand… My personal guide Mohammad was very helpful during the trip, giving advice on how to handle the height of Damavand (he also lent me some equipment as I was short of it when coming to Iran). Also, the other guides and visitors were fun!… Read More

Tochal & Damavand & Tehran in 6 days I had little time and wanted to see Tehran and also climb Damavand. I was not really prepared for intense climbing so I went with the 6-day bundle. Saeid, our guide, was extremely professional and never let me give up from hitting the peak. Communication via email and WhatsApp worked well… Read More

My trip to Iran was amazing! Climbing Mount Damavand and exploring museums were highlights. A big thanks to our guide, Farhad, for an unforgettable experience.

Arranged my climb to perfection. Very responsive and experts. Arranged my Iranian visa. Met me at the airport and took me to the mountain. My guide was excellent, helping me the first day.

Experience an epic trip

We are here to help you throughout your trip to Iran

What’s included?

2 Nights 4-star hotels 1 Night at the Shelter

Professional English-speaking Mountaineering Guide Mountaineering consultant 24/7 support

Visiting Caspian Sea Riding throughout hyrcanian forest Soak in Hot Springs Iranian Sim Card Local Debit Card Wi-Fi Modem

International airfares, taxes, surcharges Tips Travel Insurance Equipment **

• Backpack (BS to 45 Litre)
• Sleeping bag with the comfort level of +10 to +5
• Trekking boots (waterproof)
• Base layers
• Wind stoppers
• Polar jacket
• Light down jacket
• Gore-Tex jacket (waterproof)
• Warm trekking pants
• Warm hat & gloves
• Sunglasses & Sun creams
• Sticks, poles

** Damavand would not require professional mountain equipment during the high season. However, it requires some gears listed above.

Official Iran Visa reference number

Transportation

All land transportation by Air-co vehicles 4WD for Dirty Roads

Accommodations

Full Board 3 Breakfast 4 Lunch 3 Dinner Daily snack & mineral water

Guide & Support

Additional Services

• Warm hat & gloves
• Sunglasses & Sun creams

Your Flexibility Options

• Except for technical matters of the ascent, which directly affects your succession rate, other sections of the program such as time of arrival in Ardebil on the 1st day, spending time at hyrcanian forest, or all the fun activities on the 4th day are flexible. They can change with the consent of the guide.
• The ascent speed is set-out depending on your physical strength, your body’s reaction to height, and the climate. In short, if the guide is sure that it wouldn’t harm you, the speed can change.

This Tour’s Features

High Rate of Success

All of our Iran hiking tours have a high rate of success. Having professional guides, a suitable acclimatization program, and constant quality checks of trekking equipment ensures the highest success rate during our hiking tours.

Nutritious Food

Nutrition has a crucial role in trekking. We have consulted with nutrition and sports specialists to prepare the best meal plan for our trekking tour packages. We have included meals that provide all the essentials necessary for your health.

Safety & Support

Safety is the priority in our hiking tours. Our professional guides and support team evaluate the risks of trekking based on the environment and mountaineers' situation and make safe decisions during the tour.

For Private Tours

A 30% Surcharge would apply for solo travelers. Volume discounts would apply for groups.

Enquiry Form

Complete this form to start exploring with our travel expert guiding you every step of the way.

Booking Terms & Conditions

Payment method.

After finalizing the price of the tour you have selected, you should pay a deposit equal to 25% of your tour cost . Then, we will issue a booking confirmation. You should pay the rest (75%) in cash at the beginning of your tour in our office in Iran.

Cancellation policy

In case you cancel your tour booking, cancellation fees will apply:

• Up to 90 days before arrival: We’ll fully refund the paid deposit.

• 90-60 days before arrival: We’ll refund 50% of the paid deposit.

• 60-30 days before arrival: We’ll refund 25% of the paid deposit.

• From 30 days before arrival to actual arrival: We will hold the deposit (25% of the package price) as a cancellation fee.

How Is This Trip Responsible?

Before starting the tour, we provide our travelers with the necessary information.

We leave no trace behind in nature, and we encourage others not to do so.

We value the pristine areas and choose the beaten tracks as our route.

We treat our local porters respectfully and fairly.

Around the mountains, we use local transportation.

We appreciate nomad people and don’t disturb their life.

We minimize our use of plastic in our trip

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IranAmaze organizes a variety of tours for all travel interests and types. If you’d like to see all of our Iran tours and get to know the diverse experiences you could have in Iran, please visit our Iran tours page.

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Best of Iran and hiking through Zagros Mountains

One week Iran famous historical sites tour alongside one week's hiking on one of Iran's best trails

• introduction

Dena National Park

• Iran Active Cultural Journeys
• Iran Hiking & Trekking Tours

An Iran custom travel mixture of cultural-historical UNESCO sites and long hiking in special trail in Zagros through the off the beaten track – Dena National Park 

• A trek through Iran’s main highlights
• Visiting Dena National Park and protected areas
• Visit Shiraz , Yazd , Isfahan , Kashan and Tehran UNESCO world heritage sites
• Hike in Zagros mountains
• Visiting local people in remote villages
• Tasting local cuisine
• Possibility to meet local tribes and visit nomadic region
• Experience different climate conditions of Iran in one journey

Zagros Mountain :

Zagros is one of the longest mountain ranges in Asia after the Himalaya, Kunlun Mountains, Tian Shan Mountains, Altay Mountains and Ural Mountains.

The Zagros forms the largest mountain range in Iran and Iraq, spreading across the along the length of the western and southwestern Iranian plateau, begining in northwestern Iran and ending at Strait of Hormuz. Zagros range is about 1,500 km long and more than 240 km wide. The mountains are separated into many sub-ranges and organically have the same age as the age as the Alps. The Zagros mountains are also  home to rich and complex flora.

Dena mountain chain :

Dena is the name for a sub-range within the Zagros mountains. Dena is in the middle part of Zagros mountains, 90 km long and 15 km in average width. It is most important sub range of Zagros mountains. The Dena mountains are the home of some of the highest peaks in the entire Zagros range with more than 40 peaks rising to elevations of 4,000 meters or more. Ghach Mastan in Dean is the highest peak in Zagros with an height of 4,450 meters.

This vast beautiful area is ideal for many adventure activities like mountaineering, trekking, wildlife adventures, river trekking, river swimming, climbing and nomad adventures.

Dena is a protected area by the Iranian Department of Environment because of its vast range of plants, several endangered endemic mammals and natural resources. Oak forests dominate the highlands, while Pistachio and Almond trees are common lower down. Hackberry, Wallnut, and Pear trees are scattered throughout this eco-region. A variety of animal life, such as brown bear, eagles, wolves, various wild cats including caracals, lynxes and leopards, wild goat have long made their homes in this region. Many large rivers, including the Karun, Dez, and Karkheh originate from the area before flowing into the Persian Gulf and the Oman Sea. Scenic waterfalls, pools and lakes add to the beauty of this mountainous landscape.

The central part of Dena (Dena National Park) is registered by UNESCO on their list of Biosphere Reserve sites. A biosphere reserve is an ecosystem with plants and animals of unusual scientific and natural interest. It is a label given by UNESCO to help protect sites in the world.

The cultural diversity of the local communities, including the nomads can be seen in their languages, traditional production activities, herding, food products, dress, festivals and dances.

More information can be found on UNESCO’s web site ;

https://www.unesco.org/en/mab/dena

This long distance trek in the Zargos mountains allows first time visitors to include Iran’s best UNESCO heritage sites as well as the DENA national park . It is one of the best hiking routes in Iran and is listed on the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve list. The journey will start from Shiraz and finish in Tehran. The first 4 days of the hike is at a moderate level of difficulty and its suitable for general hikers in good condition. The last two days are a bit more challenging as we will climb up to one of the heights Zogros peaks (4400 m). It is possible, of course to modify this part and choose an easier route. In the cultural and historical part of this trip you will visit all UNESCO sites and the most Iran’s highlights in Shiraz , Isfahan , Yazd , Kashan and Tehran . The period for this trip is from May to November, but May and June are the best months.

Day 1: Arrival to Shiraz

Day 2: : shiraz- persepolis excursion, day 3: shiraz city tour- drive to sisakht, day 4: enter to dena national park- trek day 1, day 5: passing by villages & farms- trek day 2, day 6: walking on a river through the canyon - trek day 3, day 7: descending to sisakht- trek day 4, day 8: summits day – the highest zagros peaks- trek day 5, day 9: descend to the base trek day 6- drive to yazd, day 10: yazd city tour, day 11: drive to esfahan, day 12: isfahan walking tour, day 13: drive to tehran – en route kashan city, day 14: tehran city walking tour – departure, shiraz adventures, explore shiraz and persepolis, capital of the ancient persian achaemenid empire.

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• General Iran FAQs for Traveling

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Extraordinary sceneries await you in any of our hiking and trekking tours. Join us in a real expedition to see how the sublime beauty among the fields and meadows that lie under your feet reveals itself even through a layer of thick, white clouds and enchants every viewer with its soft and quiet murmur. The magic of distance grants you freshness and new perspectives on things you have never seen before.

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Trekking in Iran includes off-the-beaten, lesser-known tracks of this country, added to wild deserts, unspoiled islands, and pure tranquility far away from other people and the busy life of the city. You just need to try it, get lost once or even twice to be able to discover your lost feelings and your own path to your particular shelter in this wild land.

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Best Time to See Wildlife in Iran

Plan your trip to Iran with keen eyes! Experience mild springs and falls, but brace for hot summers, especially in the south, where temperatures can reach up to 38°C. Winters are cold, especially in the northwest with heavy snowfalls. Best times to visit are during October to December when temperatures are pleasant, and desert adventures are at their prime.

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What kind of equipment should I bring with myself to trek and hike in Iran?

Do i have mobile phone coverage/internet coverage in your hiking and trekking tours, what if i get injured or fall ill during the tour, how many kilometers/hours are we going to trek or hike in each day, what will you do if i suffer from altitude sickness during the tour, do i have to be professional and experienced to join your tours, how do i know if i’m physically ready for joining your tours, how safe are these tours is it even safe for single female travelers to join your hiking and trekking tours, what first-aid and safety precautions do you take on your hiking and trekking tours, is there an age restriction for children to join these tours, do you issue a certificate for ascending the mountains like damavand.

Trip Ideas & Tips

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Trekking & Climbing Tours & Adventure Holiday

Treking & climbing in iran, iran mountains, trekking & climb in iran plateau.

Rugged, mountainous rim; high, central basin with deserts, mountains; small,

discontinuous plains along both coasts. The highest point is Mount Damavand (5,671m) which is the highest volcano in Asia.

Two great deserts extend over much of central Iran: the Dasht-e Lut is covered largely with sand and rocks, and the Dasht-e Kavir is covered mainly with salt. Both deserts are inhospitable and virtually uninhabited.

The Zagros range stretches from the border with the Republic of Armenia in the northwest to the Persian Gulf, and then eastward into Baluchistan. Zagros is extremely hard, difficult to access, and populated largely by pastoral nomads. The Alborz mountain range, narrower than the Zagros, runs along the southern shore of the Caspian to meet the border ranges of Khorasan to the east.

Approximately 11 percent of Iran is forested, most extensively in the Caspian region. Here one finds the broad-leafed, vigorous deciduous trees, usually oak, beech, linden, elm, walnut, ash, and hornbeam, as well as a few broad-leafed evergreens. Thorny shrubs and fern also abound. The narrow Caspian subtropical coastal plain, in contrast, is covered with rich brown forest soil.

Iran, the Best Destination for Trekking/Hiking Holiday

Do you search for a good destination to spend your adventure holidays? Tired of boring city sightseeing tours? Like hiking and trekking in beautiful nature away from pollution and traffic? Prefer camping in cozy areas under the milky way? Hearing only your breath and nature load?…… If so! Reading this article about Iran adventure tours, the best trails for trekking/ hiking in Iran, and camping holiday tours are recommended to you strongly.

Iran Geology construction

As the 18th biggest country in the world (16 or 17th), with 1,648,195 km2 land and located at latitude 32.4279099 and longitude 53.6880455, it is part of Asia and the northern hemisphere. The vast Iran plateau, which is about 90 percent of Iran’s current geographic area, is a long and mountainous land located in the southwest of Asia, linked to the Armenian and Anatolian plateaus in the west and the Pamir and Tibet plateaus in the east. Iran is not only a large country but also mountainous it is. More than half of Iran is covered by mountains that provide special trekking and hiking routes for mountaineers from four corners of the world. From east to the west, north to south of Iran, you can’t find any places without a scenery of mountains in the horizontal. Its two huge and long mountain ranges are the Zagros (Zagrus) mountain range that starts from northeast of Iran with really nice and pictures 4000 meters mountains like Sabalan, Zardkouh, Dena, etc. to the southeast and the Persian Gulf. The other one is the Alborz mountain range that also starts from northwest to the northeast of Iran with high altitude summits like Mount Damavand 5610 meters, Mount Alam Koh 4850 m, and many other 4000 meters summits that make it paradise for mountain trekking and hikers as well as untouched and untracked slopes for ski touring in Iran.

It’s Good to know that, the average altitude of Iran cities is 1500 meter above sea level and more than 80% of Iran population live at mountain areas. So it’s not surprising if you hear that the most popular and commune sport in Iran is mountain trekking and hiking. You will feel this fact when you go trekking in the Iran mountains especially at weekend. Where you see many Iranian hikers and mountain trekkers in foothills or higher mountains. “In fact, Iranian people born in high lands of Iran Plateau, grow up there and know who to trek in our mountains and enjoying this sport.” 90 years old mountaineering coach, MOHAMMAD EVAZI said. Not only mountain trekking and hiking are common in Iran, but we also have the availability of organizing desert treks and hiking tours in our two huge and mysterious deserts, Dasht-e-Kavir & Kavir-e-Lut. Imagine, when it’s stormy and snowy in Iran’s high mountains, you can go for desert treks or dunes hiking with enjoyment spring weather. Desert trekking tours can organize how you trek 20 to 35 km per day while your luggage and stuff are loaded in camels and you will hike in ancient Iran paths like the Silk road.

Iran Hiking and Trekking Routes

Thanks to our highlands and mountain cities, it’s truly not difficult to find the best trekking or hiking route while traveling to Iran. Just choose where do you want to travel to in Iran and which city do you want to be there, then IranExploration Tour Operator’s skilled staff will share their experiences and organize enjoyment for your Iran hiking holidays. To give more information regarding Iran Trekking tours and Hiking Routes, in this article and future chain articles, we share our experiences with travelers who want to find the best trekking areas in Iran or know more about hiking routes, availability, difficulty, distances, and so on in Iran mountains. In this way, we divide our knowledge about mountain trekking in Iran with you in four parts: – Alborz Mountain Ranges summit trekking routes, hiking trails, and Huts/shelters. – Zagros Mountain Range Peaks, access roads, villages, mountain trekking paths, and best hiking season. – Other Mountains Trekking ways, necessary equipment, altitudes of summits, and important notes. – Iran desert trek and hiking paths. However, there are many dividing systems for the promotion of Iran mountains, but we want to prepare an advisable, useful, and exact guidebook for tourists who want to know more about Iran mountain trekking routes and hiking areas. Of course, Iran Volcanic Summits with the most famous, popular, and favorite of them Mount Damavand, are classified in this four categorize.

These chain articles will promote Iran mountain trekking routes, Hiking paths and let you how to choose a good destination for climbing in Iran, trekking, and hiking, regardless you are a professional mountaineer or you want to enjoy your holidays in Iran mountains with your Family/Friends. So continue reading with us in “Iran Trekking and Hiking Routes #1 to #8” in future articles. Have more questions regarding Iran Trekking tours, Hiking adventures, Outdoor family tours, or best camping areas, CONTACT US at this link

Author: IranExploration Content Providers

Iran Trekking and Hiking Routes

Trekking & Hiking in Alborz Mountain Range Iran’s northern huge mountain range, Alborz* that also called as Alburz or Alborez or Elborz with more than 1000 km length from north west to the north east, covered Caspian Sea like a huge wall in the south. With more than 50 four thousand meters summits and too many 3000 m peaks, it could be the paradise for mountain sports like Rock Climbers, Mountaineering, Ski Touring, Free Riders, back country skiing, Mountain Biking, etc and it’s one of the best destinations for hiking in Iran Different altitude between Caspian Sea (~ – 50 meters below sea level) and high peaks of Alborz mountain range (with average of 3500 meters), prepare special weather conditions, unique eco system and nice Iran hiking /trekking routes for mountain lovers. The Alborz mountain range has such a significance, that the population over 8 million people in four provinces of Iran is affected by the Alborz Mountains benefits. * There are no dependence between Alborz or Elborz mountain range in Iran and Mount Elbrus in Russia.

Iran Mountains, Alborz Mountain Range, Summits & Routes

With a sample dividing, Alborz mountain range could be dividing in three part: I. Western Alborz: with the second highest summit of Iran Alamkouh & Takht-e-Soleiman mountains 4850 m, from Talesh mountains in northwest to the Chaloos road II. Centeral Alborz: with highest peak of Iran, Damavand 5610 m and many other 4000 m summits, from Chaloos road to Firoozkouh pass III. Eastern Alborz: that is shorter than other part with more 3000 m summits, from Firoozkouh pass to northeastern side and Torkeman Sahra

I. Western Alborz Mountains

1- Alamkouh & Takht-e-Soleiman The second highest peak of Iran, Alamkouh (or Alamkooh) with 4850 m altitude, placed in the middle of Takht-e-Soleiman mountains with more than twenty 4000 m summits surrounding. The most famous peaks of Takht-e-Soleiman are: Siahgook 4446m, Rostam Nisht 4426 m, Takht-e-Rostam 4246 m, Siah Kaman 4472 m, Miansechal 4348 m, Chaloon 4516 m, Siah Sang 4612 m, Shane kooh 4465 m, Alam Kouh 4850 m, North Khersan 4680 m, South Khersan 4669 m, Marjikesh 4560 m, Setareh 4276, Menareh 4370 m, Gardoon kouh 4402, Hezarcham 4323 m, and many other 4000 meter summits.

Access roads, hiking & trekking routes to Alamkouh

By accessing many beauty summits, nice nature, camping sites and other mountain attractions, Alamkouh is one of the best destination for climbing in Iran, trekking, family camping and climbing mountain areas in Iran. There are two main access road to reach Alamkouh area and Takht-e-Soleiman mountains; – Chaloos road, Marzan Abad, Kelardaht city, Roodbarak or Vandarbon village – Karaj-Qazvin Highway, Taleghan city, Garmaroud village Nowadays Taleghan or Taleqan access road is not common due to distance and less facilities for mountaineers, so most of trekking and climbing tours in Alamkouh is starting from Kelardasht city, Roodbarak or Vandarbon village. From this villages, there are two main access routes for hick up mountains in Alamkouh areas. One in the north and the other goes to the south side of Alamkouh. Between this two hiking trails, the southern is most preferable due to less steep, nice scenery, camping sites, too many trekking routes and less technical summits.

In northern route of Alamkouh that separate from southern in Vandarbon village, you can reach Sarchal Refuge after 5 hours trekking in nice and tight valley. Sarchal refuge (hut) is an old stone building with few rooms and beds, no blankets, kitchen appliance, nor facilities. So if you want to choose this route for trekking in Alborz mountains and Alamkouh, you need to carry all the stuff by yourself or rent porter or mules. From Sarchal hut, you can hike up to the Siah Kaman, Rostam Nisht, Shane Kouh, Takht-e-Soleiman, Mian Sechal, Siah Sang and many other peaks daily and descend to the hut for overnight. Also this northern side is the best access route for Rock climbers who want to climb Alamkouh wall (more than 800 m granite wall) and it’s many nice climbing routes. But the southern side that is more preferable and most famous is Hesarchal & Tange Galoo route. To climb Alamkouh area from southern route, from Vandarboon village, you can reach to Tange Galoo (tight valley) in 3400 meter by using 4WD cars or pickup. Where you can start hiking trail in the right side of the valley to Hesarchal Plateau (means sounded by high mountains) in 3700 meters altitude by two hours hiking. There are many nice camping sites in Hesarchal and you can choose most beautiful one next by the rivers that comes from Khersan Glacier or small spring lakes that made by melting snow in Heasrchal. By turning from the south to the north, you can see landscape of huge peaks of Hezarcham 4323 m, Lashgarak 4406 m, Gardoon kouh 4402, Setareh 4276 m, Menareh 4370 m, North Khersan 4680 m, South Khersan 4669 m, Alam Kouh 4850 m, Shakhak 4780 m, Marjikesh 4560 m, Siah Sang 4612 m, and many other no named summits that provides great potential for trekking and hiking in Alamkouh mountains.

Continue reading with us in “Iran Trekking and Hiking Routes #2 to #8” in the future articles. Have a more questions regarding Iran Trekking tours, Hiking adventures, Outdoor family tours, or best camping areas, CONTACT US

Author: IranExploration Content Providers Team

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Adventure To The Heart Of Iran

IRAN SPECIAL ADVENTURE & CULTURAL TOUR

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• Trip Calendar
• Our Mission Statement
• Why Choose Us
• Collaborations
• Client Testimonials
• Meet the Team
• K2 Gondogoro La Trek: What you need to know
• 10 Reasons Why the K2 Base Camp Trek Should Be On Your Bucket List
• Everest Base Camp vs K2 Base Camp: Which is better?
• How to Prepare for the K2 Base Camp Trek
• K2 Base Camp Trek Packing List
• K2 Base Camp Height: How to Manage the Altitude
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• All About Food in Pakistan
• A Poetic Narrative of our Journey Along the Snow Lake Trek in Pakistan
• How to Start Mountaineering: A Beginner’s Guide
• Hiking in Asian Patagonia: Kyrgyzstan’s Paradise Lost
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Ditch the tropical vacation; visit Nepal and climb Island Peak this autumn!

The Ultimate Iran Adventure

At a Glance

DIFFICULTY: Moderate

TOTAL DISTANCE: 1200 km

MAX ALTITUDE: 3100 meters

TOUR DURATION: 12 days

TOTAL HIKING DAYS: 3 Days

LODGING: Mix of local, camp, hotels

GROUP SIZE: 12 people

• Who This Trip is For

Upcoming Dates

• Packing List
• What's Included

Gorgeous mosques. Mouth watering food. Trekking to remote nomadic camps. Persian culture. City highlights. Artisan markets. Massive sand dunes. 

This is the kind of adventure tour in Iran that we want to take you on.

Come with us as we experience the Zagros Mountains, stay in remote Qasqhai nomad camps, explore the culture of some Iran’s most beautiful cities, and become a member of a fun-loving team of adventurous travelers.

We’ve been leading trips in Iran for the last several years and we have formed many lasting relationships here. Our unique connections allow us to show you a side of one of the most fascinating countries on the planet and experience Iran in a way that others can’t.

So join us on an Iranian adventure of a lifetime and let us guide you through all the buzz, beauty, and wonder that this country has to offer. 

Nobody travels in Iran like Epic does – we guarantee it. 

Why Book A Small Group Tour to Iran with Epic?

Iran is for you if you enjoy…

• NATURE : Iran is home to some of the most stunning desert and mountain landscapes in the Middle East. We’re going to explore as much as possible.
• TREKKING : We embark on a multi day trek through nomadic settlements, walking between camps in the Zagros mountains. This is what a real adventure tour in Iran is all about.
• LOCAL CUISINE: Because we travel to different regions in Iran you have the opportunity to taste a variety of mouth-watering food – breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between. Seriously, all the meals are the best.
• HISTORY : The Persian Empire formed one of the greatest civilizations the world has ever seen. If you love history, there is something to learn around every corner.
• OFF THE BEATEN PATH ADVENTURE: We visit places in Iran that solo travelers can’t go to. The trip is for travelers who truly want to connect to places, local people, landscapes, and food without being rushed in the process. 
• LOCAL HANDICRAFTS: We make sure to include some of the most authentic bazaars and handy craft shops in the country as a part of this itinerary. Be prepared to bring lots of gifts back home.

Have a question or ready to book?

Whether you’re just curious about this trip or are ready to make a deposit, we’re here for you. To submit an inquiry or make a trip deposit, please fill out and submit the form below.

Your Trip Leaders

Pedro Ricardo Dias

Pedro’s been traveling all around the globe since 2009. His keen interests in documentary photography, rural life, and local people from different ethnic groups have been the focus of many of his professional projects.

Pedro has found himself continuously going back to the Middle East, with his likely favorite destination being Iran. Pedro will be leading his 11th tour in Iran with EBT this coming spring 2022.

When Pedro’s not working as a guide with Epic  Expeditions , you’ll find him based in the western south of Portugal planning his next adventure missions, logistics, and working out his photos in local exhibitions.

Highlights of our Iran Tour

• Discover the highlights of Tehran, Isfahan and Shiraz
• Embark on a multi-day trek between off the beaten path nomadic camps
• Experience genuine Iranian hospitality
• Marvel at the ruins of Persepolis
• Take in the stunning architecture in Isfahan
• Devour delicious Persian meals and foods 
• Learn about Qasqhai nomadic culture
• Explore ancient mosques, markets, and important historical sites
• Visit the former USA Embassy in Tehran
• Meet with local artisans 
• Sleep in comfortable hotels and guesthouses 

Day 1: Arrival day - Group Introductions - Sunset in Tehran - First Team Dinner

Arrive into Tehran airport where you will be met by the EBT team (if you are arriving within 24 hours of the start of the tour); we’ll ferry you to HQ where you can relax and freshen up. Note: accommodation pre-tour is not included.

Once back at our beautiful boutique hotel, you can freshen up until we head out into the fabled city of Tehran, an ancient city of proud traditions, bustling markets and friendly people.

In the afternoon we will go north to Tajrish to explore a photogenic local bazaar. We’ll also visit Imamzadeh Saleh Mausoleum, one of Tehran’s most attractive shrines and a beautiful spot to people watch at sunset.

We wrap up the days’ activities with a visit to Tabiat Bridge – an iconic green park with nice city views of Tehran.

In the evening, we celebrate our first days’ adventuring in Iran with our first group meal together. Lots of tasty traditional Iranian food will be on the menu!

Day 2: Explore Tehran

Today, we take to the streets to properly explore this massive city of +10 million inhabitants.

Tehran is very different across neighborhoods and there is a strong contrast between the North and the South.

First up is the Grand Bazaar – a maze of bustling alleys that stretches for more than 10 km. Later on, we move to Golestan Palace, where we can explore the opulence and excesses of the Qajar Dynasty.

After lunch, we’ll stop to visit the old US Embassy – focal point of the 79′ revolution, where 52 USA diplomatic staff were held hostage for 444 days. These days the US Embassy is a museum with lots of the original embassy and CIA communication equipment still in the building. 

We’ll round off the day with another tasty feast of traditional Iranian cuisine!

Day 3: Travel to Varzaneh

Today, we hit the road and drive overland for six hours to reach Varzaneh . We travel overland by a comfortable private vehicle.

We stop to have a meal at the house of a local family en route. 

In Varzaneh, we stay in a traditional guesthouse run by a local family and our friend Mohamed.

Varzaneh is a fascinating village surrounded by epic desert dunes, a colorful salt lake, thriving wetlands and ancient caravanserais – the telltale sign of an important hub along the Silk Road.

Day 4: Explore Varzaneh

In the morning we head along an old branch of the ancient Silk Road to watch sunrise whilst enjoying an epic picnic breakfast on top of the roof of a particularly stunning abandoned caravanserai. 

Caravanserais were the inns for camel trains and merchants traveling along the silk road and offer an insightful glimpse into the lives of merchants moving goods moving from east to west along these ancient trading routes. After breakfast, we hike up an epic black mountain volcano where we are greeted with striking views over the Gavkhooni wetlands.

After some hours of rest and free time, we will then head to the famous salt lake and finish off the day by climbing the dunes to watch the sunset. We can arrange sand boarding if you’re keen to ride some sand waves! If the weather is good and there is no sand storm or rain, we will have a tasty dinner on the dunes, star gaze, and watch as the milky way fills the desert sky.  overhead.

Day 5 and 6: Discover Isfahan

Isfahan : the legendary city of incredible Islamic architecture, bustling bazaars and opulent bridges crisscrossing the many rivers along which the city has grown…

Isfahan – also known as Esfahan – is truly unmatched by any other city in Iran (and perhaps the world) so ready your cameras and prepare to be wowed, Esfahan is an absolute delight. This magical city is a living monument to traditional Persia and you can still see many artisans and traditional craftsmen practicing arts handed down over generations.

The days have have in Esfahan will be a mix of visiting historical sites as a group and plenty of free time on your own to discover the city.  

The main bazaar has an incredible atmosphere – you feel it as soon as you wander it’s twisting, pulsating, lively lanes – if you want a Persian carpet, a camel skin lamp or a shiny dagger, this is the place to do all of your shopping and especially to buy an authentic Persian carpet.

The buildings in Esfahan are a delight to architectural buffs (and photographers) and we’ll learn more about traditional Persian architecture throughout our time here.

We will visit the most famous monuments in the city including Masjed e-Shah, Masjed Lotfollah, and the lively bridges famous for the performers, musicians and artists who entertain the many locals walking across the bridges on their daily commutes.

On the 2nd day in the city, we head to the Armenian Quarter for a coffee/tea in one of the many hip cafes lining an old cobblestone street. There is an option to visit the Vank Cathedral – one of the few opportunities to visit a church in Iran. 

Day 7: Travel to Persepolis and Shiraz

Today, we travel south on our way to Shiraz to check out two major historical sites and open-air museums: Nasqh-e Rostam, where the tombs of the great Persian Kings from the Achaemenid Dynasty have stood carved deep into a high cliff for more than 2500 years.

The other site is the legendary Persepolis , one of the great wonders of the Ancient World. Conceived by Darius the Great, sacked by Alexander the Great, Persepolis is a wonderful place to stroll for a couple of hours and lose yourself amongst this truly ancient city… Afterwards we head to our accommodation in Shiraz where we’ll enjoy dinner and rest up. 

Day 8 - 10: Zagros Mountains and Trekking to Nomad Villages

Today, we step off the beaten track and begin a proper Epic-style adventure: trekking in the Zagros Mountains .

We’ll be joined by Mr. Mohamed, our local guide and a good friend, and he will lead us deep into the mountains.

Mohamed will be our leader in the Zagros for the next three days.

Born to a Qasqhai nomad family, he had been a shepherd until his mid 20’s whilst developing his skills as a guide, he knows the region like the back of his hand and is one of our closest friends in Iran. He will be able to provide a unique insight into life within nomadic communities, as well as the history and traditions of these groups, in Iran.

The exact itinerary of our trek will depend on the time of year. The nomad families have two primary camps for the year: summer camp and winter camp. 

For a day by day breakdown of the two different trekking itineraries, check out the trekking information section below. 

In both itinerary scenarios, when we finish the trek, we spend the night in a modern hotel in the center of Shiraz. Learn More

Day 11: Shiraz Exploration

This morning, we’ll head to one the most impressive sights in all of Iran – The multicolored Nasir Al Molk Mosque, which is just around the corner from our comfy accommodation. This is one of the most colorful mosques in the world and a true delight for any photographers in the group. Afterwards, we move to Bagh Narajestan to have a glimpse of the spectacular Persian garden area before exploring its traditional bazaar.

In the afternoon, the group has free time to explore the bazaar, do some final shopping, chill at a local cafe , or stroll the streets for photo opportunities. Lunch is on your own today.

We will have our final group meal together (and plenty of laughs and hugs) and EBT staff will be making preparations for tomorrows departure. 

Day 12: Tour Ends

Sadly our Iranian expedition has come to an end!

Today is departure day with no scheduled activities planned. 

EBT staff will arrange for transfers to the airport for those who are flying out over the next 24 hours. Check out of the hotel is around 11 am and breakfast is included. 

You can choose to stay on at the same hotel if you are not flying home right away, though any additional nights at the hotel are not covered by EBT.

Please note that for Americans, Canadians, and UK nationalities, you can not stay in Iran on your own without prior arrangements and without paying for a guide for each day you remain in the country. 

Trekking Information Details

We’ll drive west from Shiraz through the Zagros mountains for about three hours until we reach Bosharjan village nestled in the foothills.  We’ll walk towards the mighty Dera mountain in the distance where we will spend a night perched atop the mountain.

Total trekking distance: 12 km / 4 hours Total altitude gain: 400 meters

Day 2: 

In the morning after breakfast we will trek down to the other side of the valley and take in expansive views of the Zagros range from camp. 

Total trekking distance: 10 km / 4 hours Total altitude gain: 350 meters

Day 3: 

Our trek continues down to the Safarbag nomadic village ( about 2hr / 6 km walking), our final destination. From here we drive to Chogan Valley and visit some beautiful ancient reliefs from the Sassanid-era.  We will have lunch at a Bishapur traditional house, before driving back to Shiraz in the afternoon.

Total trekking distance: 6 km / 2.5 hours Total altitude gain: 200 meters

After a three hour drive from Shiraz, we reach the trailhead and start the trek.  We weave our way through a dense forest, streams, and waterfalls before emerging into a clearing.  After a few hours we arrive at a traditional village with houses made from mud bricks. Here we eat lunch at the house of a local family.  Our walk after lunch follows a winding dirt road through rolling hills and the camps of various nomadic families.

We make camp and settle in for the night around the fire. 

Total trekking distance: 11.5 km / 4-4.5 hours Total altitude gain: 600 meters Max altitude: 2400 m

As we slowly gain altitude, the landscapes become more dramatic. The springtime in the Zagros mountains is special because of the wildflowers and on this day, the landscapes are dominated by a vast sea of yellow and snow capped peaks in the distance. 

As we ascend into a more remote part of the valley, we will also visit some nomadic camps along the way. 

Total trekking distance: 10.4 km / 4.5 hours Total altitude gain: 505 meters Max altitude: 2600 m

We start our day early and after coffee and a hearty breakfast, we set off up the valley for the highest point of the trek. 

It takes about 2 1/2 hours to reach the summit at the high end of the valley where we will enjoy 360 degree views of the surrounding ranges. Here we will have some snacks, take some photos, and chill out before heading back down the way we came. 

Lunch is at camp. We will then take a truck 45 minutes to the main road where our van will be waiting for us to return to Shiraz. 

Total trekking distance: 7.6 km / 3.5 hours Total altitude gain: 450 meters Max altitude: 3070 m

• All accommodation during the tour
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner for all tour days, except for 1 or 2 meals (when guests may have free time).
• All transportation whilst on tour
• All on-the-ground logistics and planning
• Tehran Airport pick up and Shiraz drop off (if arriving/departing within 24 hours of the start/end of the tour)
• Western and local guides
• Authorization Code/Supporting Documents for Visa (if needed)
• Entrance fees to historical sites, museums, and other activities unless otherwise indicated
• Some group snacks on hikes
• Lots of laughs and epic moments
• Life-changing experiences
• Bonus surprises along the way
• Flights to Iran
• Visa application fees
• Any pre-tour or post-tour accommodation
• Travel insurance
• Tips for staff
• Personal snacks and drinks
• 2 meals when the group has free time or anytime you eat lunch or dinner away from the group
• PCR test for return flight

Contrary to what 99% of the world thinks, Iran is generally a very safe place to travel to. Violent crimes against foreigners/tourists as well as kidnapping and terror related crimes are VERY rare in Iran in general.

American, UK, and European tourists can 100% travel to Iran. We help you sort out the visa paperwork so you can focus on your trip. Never have we had any of our clients be denied entry or a visa – regardless of nationality.

Read more about visiting Iran as an American here .  

In cities, we will stay in local guesthouses & nice hotels that offer comfortable, clean facilities. While in the Zagros Mountains / trekking portion of the trip, we will sleep in tents (two people to a tent unless you pay for a single supplement). The tents are provided by us, but you do need to bring your own sleeping bag and sleeping mat/inflatable pad. 

The cuisine reflects the soul of the country. From the fertile provinces in the north where rice fields mark the landscape to colorful veggie dishes, slow roasted lamb and dates from the desert to fish from Persian Gulf; Iranian cuisine has something for everyone. It’s some of the best food in the world – and this is not just out bias. We seek out the best local restaurants, and even eat with a few local families. You have not lived until you have tried the food of an Iranian grandmother. 

The specific flavors and ingredients of the food are unique to Persia. None of the traditional Iranian cuisine is (chili/pepper) spicy at all – like zero tongue-scorching heat – but at the same time very flavorful. Pomegranate, cherries, and nuts seem to be ever present in most dishes. If you are a foodie, you will love how food-focused this trip is. 

One of the best ways to discover and connect with a new country is through food – and we make sure to have tasty discoveries with the best Iranian food on a daily basis! 

What People Have to Say

Didn’t find the answer you working for? Try reading our extensive Iran FAQ page first where we break down the tour in more detail or feel free to get in touch with us using the contact page !

Iran - Abridged

Iran (known as Persia until the mid-20th century) has such a prolific and expansive history that it is impossible to detail here. The Persian Empire is more than 2500 years old with conquests involving world-famous (not to mention brutal) leaders; Cyrus the Great, Genghis Khan, and Alexander the Great.

The Islamization of Iran occurred around 650 and has essentially remained a big part of the Iranian/Persian identity ever since. These Islamic elements that have lasted centuries along with the significant Iranian Revolution that took place in the 1970s have shaped the country into what it is today, the vast majority of the population being Shi’a.

Nowadays, Iran is a country with many faces. Many ethnic groups, including the Azeris, Baluchis, Kurdish, Lors, and Turkmen are scattered around the country. The majority (60% of the population) are Persians, not Arabs, who only represent 2% of the population.

There are still nomadic tribes, living their traditional days of old, migrating from winter to summer with their flocks in tow. Regions inhabited by these ethnic groups often seem a world apart with different dialects, clothing, architecture, food, and cultural customs making Iran a fascinating place for any traveler interested in rich, cultural history.

Iranians are some of the most friendly, genuine, helpful, and respectful people in the world and we are confident in saying that most backpackers who have traveled here would agree.

Most locals are delighted to see foreigners enjoying their country and many will want to speak with you and ask you to take photographs with their families.

Additional Resources

Privacy Overview

Clark Tyler 🇨🇦

Adventure Guide

Hailing from the Toronto region of Eastern Canada, with a background as a former standout athlete (hockey of course) and a  love of mountain adventure, Clark is a welcomed addition to the Epic team.

In addition to being a keen photographer and adventurer, Clark brings his brilliant sense of humor, leadership skills, and positive attitude to everything he puts his mind to.  When he is not leading trips, he is working on taking over the hard apple cider game in Canada as a skilled craft brewer. 

Meet him during : K2 Base Camp Trek

Noemi Liebi 🇨🇭

Noemi grew up in the mountains of German-Speaking Switzerland where she naturally developed a deep love and respect for mountain environments.

She is a talented photographer, aspiring climber, and speaks at least 5 languages fluently including Arabic (and probably a few more that we don’t know about), which she taught herself in a matter of months by watching YouTube videos. 

Noemi has spent the last several years traveling, hiking, and photographing her way around many different countries in the Middle East, South and Central Asia, and Europe, and we could not be more stoked to welcome her to the Epic team! 

Meet her during : Discover the Celestial Mountains | Island Peak Climbing Expedition

Syerik Manap 🇲🇳

As our man on the ground in Mongolia, there is not much this legend can’t do. As a native the Bayan-Ölgii province of the Western Mongolia Altai, Syerik has been working as a guide and tourism entrepreneur…

for the past several years and is one of the rising stars in Mongolia adventure travel industry. 

He is currently building a beautiful Ger (Yurt) camp near his hometown where he will host Epic Mongolia team members on our trip as well as other travelers from around the world! 

He is the perfect guide for your trip to Mongolia. Serik did an amazing job giving us a well rounded experience in the Altai NP region and down in the Gobi… The food was fantastic and Serik gave us many opportunities to learn about the Kazakh culture in that region including traditional meals. (I can’t recommend enjoying the milk tea enough!)

– Coastal

Head of canine operations

Choriza started off life as a care-free vagabond on the streets of Madeira Island without any place to call home. From the moment we met her, we knew this dog was just different, and it was pretty much love at first sight. 

She gave up the dog street life in favor of joining her new dad Chris to become a full-time member of the Epic family towards the end of 2022.

These days she can be found listening in on the fringes of important Epic business meetings while half-asleep on the couch. She is a keen hiker, lover of mud, rare steak, and might just be the sweetest little dog we have ever seen. 

Andrew Golovachevn 🇷🇺

An experienced trek leader and IFMGA aspirant ski guide, avid alpine climber, devoted adventure photographer.

Organized and guided trekking expeditions, climbs and ski tours in Tajikistan’s Pamirs, Patagonia, Peru, Morocco, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, Georgian and Russian Caucasus and Kamchatka. A full member and meets the organiser of the British Alpine Club. Visited over 40 countries, lived in the UK for four years. Certified first-aider.

We joined Andrew on a fantastic trip to the Fann Mountains in Tajikistan, pure nature and magnificent scenery! Andrey was super prepared and led us safely up and down numerous passes and through some rough and icy cold rivers. Thank you for a very memorable trip, your planning and prep was excellent!

– Monika Steinlechner

Meet him during : Trekking in the Fann Mountains

Sandip Dhungana 🇳🇵

Our man in Nepal, Sandip is what we like to call a “Swiss Army Knife”. There is not much Sandip can’t do when it comes to helping Epic to run our expeditions smoothly in Nepal.

His tireless work ethic, passion for all things trekking in the Himalayas, and smart decision-making mean that Sandip is a truly invaluable member of our team.

Sandip is passionate about showing visitors to his country an amazing time, and he goes above and beyond to make sure that happens. 

His company Himalayan Masters is Epic’s trusted partner in Nepal and one of the country’s top new tour agencies.

We really enjoyed the entire journey, and I would like to say that Sandip is truly professional. He guided us and he is a hardworking person, providing us with the best service and taking care of each one of us. Plus, he is super funny! The kind of professionnal you always want to find on your path for your explorations! 

– Alexandra Ruth

Fairy Meadows

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Our Favorite Experiences

#1 sunrise from reflection lake.

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#2 Hiking to Nanga Parbat Base Camp

#3 playing cricket with the locals, trips where we visit fairy meadows.

Our flagship Pakistani adventure tour.  Road trip with some  hiking and cultural immersion.

Intermediate

Trekking Among Giants

A trekking-style tour that features some very remote locations, inlcuding a K2 viewpoint.

João Frietas 🇵🇹

João has born in the mountains of Madeira Islands in Portugal. Nature lover, writer, musician, guide, for him, a day without contact with outdoor vibes is a nightmare. 

With a degree in Cultural Studies in Portugal and a Master of Arts in Global Cultures and Creativity in the U.K.

João found out what really matters in life can be found on the trails, and in the contact with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Guiding, crazy trekking missions, and sharing observations about the natural world, – these are some of João’s passions. 

After trekking to K2 Base Camp and exploring all over Northern Pakistan, he fell in love with the country and the local people. His experiences resulted in his desire to share these feelings with the world.

João is one of the most experienced guides at Epic and his skillset and positive mindset in the mountains is second to none

When not in Pakistan, João is  guiding and exploring in the Madeira Islands trails –  discovering some of the hidden treasures on his Portuguese Island.

João I can not thank you enough for the off the beaten paths and views you keep giving. Definitely one of the most challenging and amazing hikes we did 1200m meters all the way up to Fanal forest and circling back to the hidden village. Wow!

– Jeffery 

Meet him during : Lost World of Europe | Discover the Hunza Valley   | K2 Base Camp Trek

Sohail Sakhi 🇵🇰

Sohail is the newest addition to the Epic team and we are beyond stoked to have him on board. As a veteran of the Karakoram and a native of Karimabad in Hunza, there is not much Sohail can’t do in the mountains. 

Besides having the ability to speak more languages than we can count, Sohail has explored every corner of Gilgit Baltistan and logs more trekking miles 

in a year than most people will do in a lifetime. As of the summer of 2022, Sohail has summited Gasherbrum 1, Gasherbrum 2, and K2 – three of Pakistan’s five 8000-meter peaks. Sohail guides several trips including our annual bespoke expeditions but specializes in Hunza Valley tours.

Chris and Sohail, and the team at Epic are FANTASTIC! Highly recommend anyone to do a tour with ‘Epic’. They have the perfect balance of fun, excitement and wild adventures, tied in with being super professional and ensuring your safety/health in a foreign environment. Don’t waste a moment and book a tour with these guys as the value for money is UNREAL!

– Borgan

Meet him during : Discover the Hunza Valley

Pedro Ricardo Dias 🇵🇹

Pedro’s been traveling all around the globe since 2009. His keen interests in documentary photography, rural life, and local people from different ethnic groups have been the focus of many of his professional projects. Since 2012, he has developed his passion for travel and awesome shared experiences into a full-time adventure photography tour leader position.

Pedro has found himself continuously going back to the Middle East, with his likely favorite destination being Iran. Pedro lead his 11th tour in Iran with Epic in spring 2020

When Pedro’s not traveling the world with Epic Expeditions, you’ll find him based in the western south of Portugal planning he’s next adventure missions, logistics and working out his photos in local exhibitions.

 I loved the combination of hiking, camping around breathtaking scenery mixed with the cultural aspects. The guide (Pedro) is knowledgeable and work very hard to make the trip as memorable as possible. All in all an epic adventure with some extremely epic individuals! Go for it, you won’t regret it!

Diane Bouvet 🇫🇷

Adventure Admin / Marketing

After fleeing from the corporate fashion world in Paris towards the start of 2020, Diane has been working as a web developer and graphic designer remotely from various bases across the globe

She brings all of her incredible design and organizational power to Epic Expeditions and is responsible for many of the beautiful behind-the-scenes design elements. 

Diane has been to Iran and to Pakistan twice including all over Gilgit Baltistan and KPK.

Ralph Cope 🇺🇸

Head of Operations | Guide

A veteran of Pakistan travel, Ralph is an experienced guide, photographer and writer who specializes in documenting remote locations. 

Not one to simply go where everyone else does, he insists on exploring new and lesser-known areas.

Together with Epic Expeditions, he shows people parts of Pakistan that most other operators don’t even know about. He is particularly fond of the village of Barah, which he believes will become just as famous as Hunza one day.

Just got back from EBT’s Trekking Amongst Giants 15 day tour. The experience was first class. Ralph, our head guide, ensured that the entire trip ran smoothly and relatively on time (a bonus for anyone travelling in Pakistan). We had so many unforgettable days on the tour and the trekking was well-planned, safe but also a rewarding challenge. 

– Calvin

Traveling to a non-tourist destination can be a little intimidating but EBT takes all of the worry and trepidation away. From the pre-trip call to meeting the wonderful staff in person you can tell that you are dealing with a company that has a passion for what they do each and every day. Ralph, Zahid, and Khan were supportive, kind, and always willing to go the extra mile to make sure that everyone on the trip was getting what they wanted out of the experience.

– Katrina 

Meet him during : Trekking Amongst Giants | Discover the Celestial Mountains | K2 Base Camp Trek

Chris Lininger 🇺🇸

Founder | Adventure Guide | Director

Since he started exploring the world, Chris has been seeking out every shade of adventure in various parts of the globe and had visited more than 70 countries along the way. 

Over the last 10 years, Chris has logged more than 7000 trail miles across five continents and climbed multiple 6000 + 7000 meter peaks in Pakistan and Nepal.

A few years back, a distant dream and a deep passion for the mountains and the people of Pakistan led Chris to co-found Epic Expeditions at a time when foreign adventure tourism in Pakistan was almost nonexistent. Since then, Chris has guided more than 20 expeditions to various parts of Northern Pakistan.

Chris believes in using photography and powerful adventure experiences to dismantle negative stereotypes regarding what mainstream media considers “dangerous” countries while facilitating unique and meaningful memories in the mountains for countless people from around the globe. 

For him, an ideal start to the day begins with a steaming cup of good coffee, the beam of a headlamp, alpine boots, and a camera in hand.

He lives in Madeira Island when not leading expeditions in far-flung lands. 

Chris also works as a writer and photographer on his blog Off the Atlas  –  an adventure travel blog all about Pakistan.   

Read this interview our staff did with Chris to learn more about him!

Chris believes in Pakistan and its people, and he believes in the value of journeys shared with others and family cultivated on the road. Honesty and integrity are at the heart of what he does, and this really shines through in his work as a guide. He also makes great coffee – whether at 5am in an empty guesthouse or half way up a Himalayan peak.”

– Will De Villers

Pakistan is a magical country!  Had 3 of the best weeks of my life thanks to Epic Backpacking Tours with owner, and one of our awesome guides, Chris. From detailed itinerary, preparation with an equipment list, and visa assistance. To amazing food, great porters, helpful guides, and great accommodations. Epic really hit home run after home run. […]

Their desire for adventure and amazing trip is just as high as yours. Bring a good pound of coffee for the trip. French press coffee every morning and no average tin coffee, plus you’ll be in your guides good books.

– Clark Tyler

Join the Epic Community!

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Adventure awaits in Iran's Fantastic nature

Reach the Top of High Mountains

Conquer BIG Walls

Slide Down Snowy Mountains

Hike through DIVERSE Nature

Discover Nature on Horseback

Feel your Heart Beat in Exciting Canyons

Live with Nomads

Go to the Depth of Sandy Deserts

Find Supernatural Islands

Iran on adventure – best iranian tour operator, iran trekking ski hiking desert nomad rock climbing canyon island horseback riding tour, what iran on adventure specializes in, expanding options, professional guides, rich diversity, value for money, responsible tourism, dedicated support team, most popular tours.

Mount Sabalan Trek - South Face Route

Mount Tochal and Mount Damavand Trek

Sabalan Mountain, German Ridge & Mount Damavand Tour

German Ridge and Mount Damavand Climbing Tour

Summit Mount Damavand at Your Own Pace

Persepolis, Pasargadae, Naqsh-e Rostam, and Basseri Nomads

Kurdish Nomads

East and West Alamut Tour

East Alamut Tour

The Taste of Shahsavan Nomads

Fahraj Desert & Cultural Attractions Tour

Varzaneh Desert Tour

Shabahang Desert Tour

Qashqai Nomads & Margoon Waterfall Tour

Discover Qashqai Nomads & Margoon Waterfall

Qashqai Nomads and Sassanid Heritage Tour

Qashqai Nomads and Sassanid Heritage Day Trip

Bakhtiari Nomads Hospitality Tour

Adventures on Mount Damavand & Reghez Canyon

Zard Kuh Mountains & Mount Damavand Trek

Trekking on Sialan and Damavand

Conquering Sabalan and Damavand

Mount Alam Kuh & Mount Damavand Trek

Reghez Canyon Tour

Mount Damavand South Face Trekking Tour

Horseback Riding Tour Around Mount Damavand

Horseback Riding Through Shahdad Desert

Trekking on Mount Alam Kuh - Hesarchal Route

Horseback riding on the Southern Beaches in Iran

Mount Damavand Ski Mountaineering

Ski Touring on Damavand & Doberar

Mount Sabalan Trek- Northeastern Face

Trail Riding on Shiraz Mountains

Mahan & Shahdad Desert Tour

Haft Barm Horseback Riding Tour

Rock Climbing on Mount Alam Kuh Big Wall

Trek on Zard Kuh Mountains

Horseback Riding Through the Beauties of Hamaijan

Germans Ridge Rock Climbing Tour - Mount Alam Kuh

Forest to Desert Hiking Tour

Bisotun Big Wall Climbing Tour - Overnight at Bisotun Caravanserai

Discover Kahkaran on Horseback

Dizin International Ski Resort Tour

Pooladkaf International Ski Resort Tour

Desert to Forest Hiking Tour

Keshit Valley, Mahan & Shahdad Desert Tour

More of Lovely Kahkaran

Bisotun Big Wall Climbing Tour- Overnight on the Wall

Hike to Alamut Castle & Summit Sialan Mountain

Pooladkaf Ski Resort and Margoon Waterfall tour

Discover Jashak Salt Dome

Rock Climbing Adventure on Lajvar Big Wall

Beside Bakhtiari Nomads Tour

Hormuz and Qeshm Island Tour

Horseback Riding around Sweet Noor Abad

Mahan & Shahdad Desert Trip

Salt Dome Tour and Other Bushehri Charms

Shahdad Desert Safari Trip

Hormuz, Qeshm and Hengam Island Tour

Lajvar Big Wall Climbing Tour - Chot Flank

Tour of pooladkaf ski resort, margoon waterfall and nomads, iran trekking tour.

Beyond its ancient history and masterpieces of architecture, Iran is a great trekking destination with a diverse…

Iran Hiking Tour

When it comes to hiking, Iran fascinates you with an incredible variety of backdrops and climates! From hikes…

Iran Canyon Tour

The amazing climate diversity of Iran blesses the country with attractive canyons that are perfect destinations…

Iran Ski Tour

With many lofty snow-capped mountains, untracked powdery snow, and budget-friendly prices, Iran is…

Rock Climbing

Iran rock climbing tour.

Thanks to the variety of heights and the challenge of epic altitudes Iran’s big walls offer, rock climbing…

Horseback Riding

Iran horseback riding tour.

From rides on breathtaking foothills of mountains and along scenic beaches, to equestrian adventures in the…

Iran Desert Tour

Put on your comfortable hiking shoes and become one with the peaceful world of sand and sun! On an Iran Desert Tour…

Iran Nomad Tour

Get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life and capture the essence of the nomadic harmony with…

Iran Island Tour

Unearthly beaches, mysterious valleys, finger-licking seafood, colorful traditional clothing, cheerful local…

BEST IRAN TREKKING TOURS

Damavand mountain trekking.

Calling all trekking lovers for an epic adventure on Iran’s highest mountain and Asia’s highest volcano: Mount Damavand Trekking Tour! This 5610-meter giant is on every Iranian mountaineer’s bucket list. Damavand is perhaps one of the world’s most accessible +5000 mountains. The conical shape of the snow-capped Damavand reminds you of Japan’s Mount Fuji. Every step you take on your Damavand tour is an immersion into picturesque sceneries and Persian myth! Plus, after the unforgettable trekking tour, Mt. Damavand blesses you with a refreshing relaxation in its hot sulfur springs.

Sabalan Mountain Trekking

Iran’s third highest mountain (4811m) is yours to conquer with these Mount Sabalan Trekking Tour packages! Sacred to Zoroastrians, this semi-active volcano is located in the northwest of the country. Its picturesque sceneries, the adorable crater lake on its summit, and the hot…

Zard-Kuh Mountain Trekking

Go mountain climbing in southwest Iran and enjoy the charms of a popular piece of Zagros Mountain ranges: Zard Kuh Mountains. On your ZardKooh Trekking…

Sialan Mountain Trekking

There’s nothing quite like mountain climbing in the green jungles of northern Iran and through the legendary valley of assassins to a 4250-meter summit…

Alam-Kuh Mountain Trekking

Hop aboard a memorable trekking tour on a +4000 beauty in the middle of a picturesque mountainous region in northern Iran: Mount Alam Kuh Trekking…

OUR EXCLUSIVE AND INTERNATIONALLY STANDARD CAMP

One of our valuable assets for a  Damavand Mountain trekking tour  is that we present the only exclusive and internationally standard camp on its least challenging and most popular route: the southern face route. The experience our operations team have had on the world’s top summits (in Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, South America, etc.), their love for Iran, and the potential they saw in Iran as a mountaineering destination inspired them to replicate the standard camps they’ve been in on  Mount Damavand . This camp (4200m), which is near Bargah-e Sevvom (around 150meter), is up and running during Damavand’s high season. It can shelter 30 mountaineers. And it offers every 2 mountaineers one tent that’s equipped with foam and mattresses.

OUR TAILOR-MADE TOURS

Best tours of damavand mountain.

Covid Updates and Iran Entry Requirements Only one of the following is required:

• Either provide a negative PCR test, conducted within 72 hours before arrival (all travelers over the age of 12)
• Or your vaccination card as proof for the first double doses. (At least 2 weeks must have passed from your second dose).

What Our Guests Say About Us

Plamen from Germany

The decision to visit Iran was honesty quiet spontaneous. But I was more than pleasantly surprised with everything I saw and extremely glad to have met so many kind people and to have seen your beautiful mountains! Would love to visit Iran again! If anyone needs help for the decision for booking a trip to Iran just go for it! You will not regret it!

Jorg and Family

Perfect Organization, Great Communication, Very Professional And Caring Guides. Thank You All For Giving Us A Great Time!

If you’re looking for off the beaten track experiences they are the right team to design your trip in Iran. Zahra was extremely helpful and flexible with all my travel needs and truly quick on responses. Guide was superb. Very reliable local agency for your adventure in Iran. Highly recommend IranOnAndventure!

Great and awesome agency. The support is step by step. The trip was smooth and adventurous. Five stars from our side!

It was a real pleasure to plan my trip in cooperation with Iran on Adventures. It is a very professional organization. They are very friendly, and responsive and have a good network of guides.

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BEST Iran Walking Tours 2024 | Walking Tour in Iran’s Main Cities

Fun walks that take you to the depth, top walking tours in iran.

Let a local take you to the hidden stories, secrets and beauties of one Iran’s main cities! Whether you are in Tehran , Shiraz , Isfahan , or Yazd , a few-hour Iran Walking Tour Package will spice things up with more fun and insight. Walk through the vibrancy, colors, and aromas of traditional bazars . Mingle with the locals. Discover iconic highlights or hidden treasures. Experience the atmospheric nights. Grab mouth-watering bites or feast on local treats. Unlock local secrets. And grab some gorgeous Persian handicrafts or foodie souvenirs to bring back home.

• Culinary Walks, Handicraft Shops, Traditional Bazaars & unique Architecture
• IRAN Street Walking Tour
• Iran walking trip
• Iran walking vacations

Walking Tour Packages in Iran’s Main Cities

For you to see Iran through a local eye, mingle with the people, discover the hidden charms, and taste local treats, we have crafted Iran Walking Tours in the main cities: Isfahan , Tehran , Shiraz and Yazd .

Isfahan Walking Tours

Grab your comfortable walking shoes and join one of our memorable walking tours in Isfahan . Discover precious Persian handicrafts and their creation process on one! On another, try mouth-watering bites, find architectural beauties, explore local food culture and culinary secrets , and lose yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of a traditional bazaar . And the last is a fascinating mixture of Isfahan’s architectural masterpieces that take you back to Isfahan’s golden time in the 16 th century .

Persian Handicraft Secrets Tour

Isfahan Walking Food Tour

Walking Tour in Isfahan

Tehran walking tours.

Eat your way through the capital’s colorful and vibrant bazar, mingle with Tehrani people living their daily life and grab some foodie souvenirs. Or discover Tehran’s lively nights in the unique aura of the uptown, find architectural beauties, street food, fancy cafés and a classic garden that make your walking tour unforgettable.

Tehran Walking Food Tour

Night Walk in Tehran

Shiraz Walking Tours

Capture pieces of Persian food culture , discover Persian seasonings and treats, and create beautiful moments with the sweet people of Shiraz as you walk through the local market and colorful spice shops of Vakil Bazar .

Shiraz Walking Food Tour

The Roof of Shiraz

Yazd Walking Tours

Get lost in the labyrinthine alleyways of the traditional neighborhood of Yazd and find its adorable architectural pieces. The highlights of the Historic City of Yazd ( UNESCO ) and its tasty treats combine to create this unforgettable walking tour.

Yazd Food and Architecture Walking Tour

What You Experience on Iran Walking Tours

Tasting persian treats.

Your Iran walking tour will filled with mouth-watering goodies: from street food you’ll taste as you walk around bazars or along atmospheric streets, to tasty Iranian dishes you’ll try at nice local places.

Mingling With Persian People

Beyond the gourmet stuff and unique places, your Iran Walking Tour will bring you in touch with Iranian people, their everyday activities, their genuine lifestyle, and their sweet friendliness.

Your Iran Walking Tour will bring you in touch with Iranian people, their everyday activities, their genuine lifestyle, and their sweet friendliness.

Experiencing the Aura of Traditional Bazars

The traditional bazars of Iran , their lively atmosphere, their colorful shops, their unforgettable aroma, and their historical architecture will be yours to discover on your guided walk in Iran.

Tailor-Made Walking Tours in Iran

We have done our best to consider both your various tastes and Iran’s immense potentials to craft the best possible Iran Walking Tours for you. Yet, if you’d like your guided walk to be different in any way or in any other corner of Iran, we will be more than happy to help you create it.

Popular Spots For An Iran Walking Tour

Vakil Bazaar- Shiraz

Shiraz’s bustling Vakil Bazaar is the perfect place to mingle with Persians, shop for souvenirs, and check out traditional bazar architecture. As one of the most popular historical bazaars and a top spot for an Iran Walking Tour, Vakil enjoys courtyards, caravanserais, arched pathways and intersections that give you a sense of history. Lose yourself in the scent of spices, the color of fabrics, the shine of copperware, or the oriental beauty of Persian Carpet shops, and you’ll never want to leave.

Grand Bazar- Isfahan

This fascinating historical bazar is the liveliest piece of the popular gem of Isfahan: Naqsh-e Jahan Square ( UNESCO ). The atmosphere is so mesmerizing that it will be fun to walk around for hours enjoying the traditional architecture and the handicraft shops. You could grab some Persian handicrafts of highest quality and even step in a workshop to catch sight of how these beauties are made.

Tajrish Bazar- Tehran

Lively, colorful, and classic! The historical bazar of the capital is the ideal market for shopping for the ingredients of Persian cuisine . Stalls of Persian tea, nuts, seasonings, and dates, as well as a range of Persian handicraft shops make Tajrish bazaar a dazzling sight. Now add the dance of the light through the skylights of the domed hallways and the sparkling beauty of its religious sites!

Historic City of Yazd (UNESCO)

Yazd doesn’t stop to charm you after visiting its historical square and Zoroastrian relics . A walking tour around the Historic city of Yazd (UNESCO) will bring you to the city’s adorable narrow alleys, adobe houses, and wind towers. While checking out highlights like the Grand Mosque , Lari House, and Alexander’s Prison, you could taste the mouth-watering sweets of Yazd.

Your Guidebook for an Iran Walking Tour

To help you get the most out of your experience, we have written blogs about the attractions you’ll discover on your Iran Walking Tour.

BEST Persian Foods: Iranian Dishes – Traditional Iranian Cuisine

Gifts from Iran – Iranian Souvenirs: TOP 10 Souvenirs to buy in Iran

Iranian Arts: Arts of Iran & Ancient Persian art

Persian Calligraphy Art & Paintings (Iranian Calligraphy)

Join the Newsletter

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Hey, can Iranian speak English?

Hello there. Not all Iranian. Only youngsters and some others. It’s highly recommended to hire an English-speaking tour guide.

Hi. Is there a walking tour in nature? In a jungle or something like that.

Hi dear Bella. Of course, we can sort your walking tour in nature. Just let us know more about your interests by sending an email. We’ll refer to you by suggested plans according to your interests.

As I see an Isfahan walking food tour only takes a couple of hours. What’s the plan for the rest of the day if I book the tour?

Hi. Hope you’re fine dear Anderson. It depends on what you want. There are lots of attractions in Isfahan. Send us an email and share your interests with us. We’ll take care of the tour.

Hey IranOnTour. Would you please inform me that which city is the best for a walking tour?

Hey dear Adam. It depends on the season you choose for your tour, your interests, and your expectations. Let us know the ideals of your tour through an email with our agents and we’ll return to you with the best plan.

Can I join a walking tour on a wheelchair?

Of course dear Sam.

Hello Persia! I’m amazed by the city of Yazd, and the Qanat system. If I take a walking tour in Yazd do I experience visiting a Qanat?

Hello from Persia. Yes, your walking tour in Yazd includes a wonderful Qanat.

And how long does it take?

How long does a walking tour take? Do we have enough time for shopping?

Abut 3 hours, however it depends on you and your preferences. Let your tour guide know about your taste for shopping.

Is it safe to walk around at night in Iran’s cities?

Iran is a safe country, however it would be a good idea not to walk alone very late.

I really enjoy walking, specially as a tourist, so I will pick up the walking tour for sure. I just want to know is visiting Azadi tower included?

We are here to reach you to your demands. You can add or delete according to your requests.

Hello IranOnTour! It seems that it’s possible to take a short class for learning a little about Persian handicraft. Which city you think is better and how much should I save approximately?

Hello from IranOnTour. Yes it is possible to do this. The expense of classes could be different according to the class you take. We could help you more if you let us know about your preferences. sending an email could be a big help.

I’m interested in walking tour specially to experience night life. Which city you recommend?

Night lives in Iran are so exciting. Shiraz and Tehran have lively nights.

Keywords: walking tour iran , guided walks , city walking , city walking tours , guided walking tours , best walking tour iran , THE BEST Tehran Walking Tours, Top Shiraz walking tours, walking vacations .

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Tour Details

Tour Name: Campus Walking Tour

Tour Date: Sunday, June 23rd 2024

Tour Start: 09:30 AM

Tour Starting Location: Koret Visitor Center

Tour End: 11:00 AM

Tour Ending Location: Sproul Plaza area

Tour Attendance: 33/30

Reservation Information

Please note the maximum tour group size is 9. If your party is larger than 9 please book a group tour .

Why temperatures feel colder than they actually are as icy blast sweeps Australia's east

Large parts of Australia's east have woken to their coldest morning of the year in the past two days, as icy weather continues to blast the country ahead of the winter solstice.

And if the cold snap weather didn't have you reaching for the winter woollies already, the "feels-like" temperature has been even more chilly.

According to observations from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra and Hobart experienced a "feels-like" temperature between 3-6 degrees Celsius cooler than the actual minimum temperature on Tuesday, and similar again on Wednesday. 

Tuesday's 'feels like' vs actual temperature at the coldest point of day

• Melbourne: Actual temperature 3.7C. Feels like temperature 0.4C
• Sydney: Actual temperature 8.5C. Feels like temperature 2.7C
• Hobart: Actual temperature 5.2C. Feels like temperature 1.4C
• Canberra: Actual temperature -3.6C. Feels like temperature -6.1C

Meanwhile through alpine and regional areas, some towns — which were already unusually cold — plunged to well below freezing.

BOM forecaster Belinda House said this included Toowoomba's Wellcamp Airport site, Oakey and Roma in Queensland, where the actual temperature was minus 3C to minus 4C on Tuesday morning, but the "feels-like" temperature was minus 7C.

In New South Wales' Tablelands, Glen Innes had an actual temperature of minus 4C but a "feels-like" temperature of minus 8C. 

And in the alpine area, Thredbo and Perisher in the Snowy Mountains both had observations of minus 9C, but a "feels-like" temperature of minus 12C. 

Mount Hotham in Victoria, on the other hand, had a comparatively milder actual minimum of minus 6C on Tuesday, but a harsher "feels-like" temperature of minus 13C.

So why does it feel so much colder than it actually is?

All about the wind chill factor

The main factor that makes a day feel colder than the actual air temperature is the wind.

"So the reason that it was actually colder in the Snowy Mountains [on Tuesday], but felt colder on the Victorian side, was that there was a moderate breeze at Mount Hotham, whereas the other two had only a light breeze," Ms House said.

This is because it speeds up heat loss through a process called convection, by whisking away the warm layer of air that sits just above the skin, according to Ollie Jay, a professor of heat and health at the University of Sydney.

The stronger the winds are, the faster this process occurs, which is why people fan themselves to cool down on a hot day.

"When the temperature of the air is so much lower than that of the outside of the body the temperature difference between you and the air is quite high, which means you shed quite a lot of heat naturally through this process called convection," he said.

"The multiplier of that is effectively wind.

"If you think about the way in which heat transfers away from the body, you've got a micro-environment that sits just above the skin, like a pocket of air that is warmer," he said.

"When you've got a higher airflow, that's basically replacing that pocket of air at a faster rate."

How the BOM calculates the 'feels-like' temperature

To try and describe this human response to temperature, the BOM uses a measure called the apparent temperature — also known as the "feels-like" temperature.

This is different to what the actual air temperature is, which is what the BOM is referencing in its forecasts.

To figure out the "feels-like" temperature, the BOM uses a mathematical model .

But there are essentially two key factors that go into the calculation.

One of them is the wind speed — which can cause significant chilling, as Dr Jay described.

The other is humidity, which — when it's high — can make temperatures feel hotter than they are by reducing the amount of sweat evaporating off the skin.

Clothing, gender and direct sunlight

Of course, there are a lot of variables about how cold or warm it feels which are too specific to be factored into the bureau's equations.

For instance, women will often feel colder than men, according to Dr Jay.

"Generally if…you're more slim, particularly your limbs, the amount of heat that you lose relative to your body mass is greater," Dr Jay said.

"So that's why, typically, females will cool down faster than men in the same environment, because men are generally heavier, and they have a lower surface area to mass ratio."

There are also factors like age, clothing and location that can make a difference.

The bureau's calculation is based on the Steadman human model, which assumes you're an adult, walking outdoors, in the shade.

This is because standing in the direct sun can increase the "feels-like" temperature by up to 8C.

It also assumes you're dressed appropriately for the weather.

So, if you're standing outside in wet swimwear on a 10C day thinking it feels colder, that's on you.

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Official Death Toll From Hajj Pilgrimage Climbs Into the Hundreds

Searing heat in Saudi Arabia appeared to at least contribute to many of the deaths.

By Emad Mekay and Lynsey Chutel

Emad Mekay reported from Cairo and Lynsey Chutel reported from Johannesburg.

During the annual hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, one of the most important events on the Muslim calendar, at least 450 people died under a scorching sun as they prayed at sacred sites around the holy city of Mecca.

Amid maximum temperatures that ranged from 108 Fahrenheit to 120, according to preliminary data, and throngs of people, many passed out and needed medical care. The pilgrims, some who have saved their whole lives for the hajj, spend days walking and sleeping in tents during their journey to Mecca, the holiest city for Muslims. The hajj is one of Islam’s five pillars, and all Muslims who are physically and financially able are obliged to embark on the pilgrimage.

Indonesia has so far reported the most deaths, 199, and India has reported 98. The countries said at this point that they could not be sure that heat was the cause of all the deaths, though, relatives of the missing and dead and tour operators have said the heat was at least a contributing factor.

The number of dead is expected to rise as neither Saudi Arabia nor Egypt, where many pilgrims come from, have released death tolls for their citizens.

Egypt is alarmed enough that it has set up crisis centers to receive distress calls and coordinate the government’s response as families brace for a high death toll as many people have been reported missing.

Saudi Arabia

This year, more than 1.8 million Muslims traveled to Mecca, 1.6 million of them from outside Saudi Arabia, according to the Saudi General Authority for Statistics .

Many complained that there were not enough cooling stations or water for all the pilgrims, and there were early reports that part of the problem was that many people did not officially register for the pilgrimage, possibly to avoid the steep costs of hajj package tours.

Many of the pilgrims are older people who have spent years saving up to travel to the holy city. In the days before and during the holy period of Eid al-Adha, pilgrims visit several holy sites, including circling the Kaaba, and praying on Mount Arafat.

On a hajj Facebook group with more than 900,000 members, Egyptians posted appeals for their missing relatives. In one, a woman left a message for her mother: “Mom, It’s me Rabab. I’ll wait for you outside King Khaled’s Bridge … Please see this post. I am dying for you. You’re the light of my eyes.”

Other countries reporting death tolls include Jordan, Tunisia and Pakistan.

Jordan’s foreign ministry said 75 pilgrims had died “as a result of the intense heat wave.”

Tunisia’s minister of Religious Affairs, Ibrahim Chaibi, said that 49 Tunisians had died. He said that number was expected to rise as the number of pilgrims traveling on tourist visas became more clear, according to Tunisia’s state-run news agency.

One Egyptian tour operator said that because of increasing fees for hajj package tours, as well as the devaluation of the Egyptian pound, many pilgrims opted for tourist visas, which had burdened the facilities set up in Mecca and the surrounding holy sites.

The man, who spoke from Mecca, described severe conditions for unregistered pilgrims. Speaking on the condition of anonymity because of security concerns, he said unregistered pilgrims had no tents and were exposed to extreme heat. He said there were too few buses, so many pilgrims walked distances of more than 12 miles.

Hind Hassan, from Egypt, said her aunt Safa Tawab died during the hajj and that the tour company that arranged her trip hid the news until the family found her name on a list of the deceased published online.

A friend who had accompanied Ms. Tawab, 55, told the family that the pilgrimage was like “walking in the road of death because of the heat and the lack of water,” Ms. Hassan said.

Mahmoud Qassem, a member of Egypt’s Parliament, blamed dubious tour operators for “the exposure of Egyptian pilgrims to deception and fraud by tourism companies,” calling for a police investigation.

The hajj has been the site of several tragedies, including a stampede in 2015 that killed more than 2,200 people . In recent years, with rising temperature, many pilgrims have also succumbed to heat stress .

Islamic Relief, a global aid agency based in London, has warned about the impact of climate change on the hajj since 2019.

“Should the world’s emissions continue in a business-as-usual scenario, temperatures in Mecca will rise to levels that the human body cannot cope with,” Shahin Ashraf, the organization’s head of global advocacy, said in an emailed statement on Friday.

In Pakistan, which has lost at least 35 people, according to official figures, mourners gathered to honor their dead. Dozens of people in Chaman, a city in Balochistan Province along Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan, offered condolences outside the house of Abdul Bari Kakar. Mr. Kakar, 49, ran a gas cylinder shop and had saved up for months to make what was his third trip, his relatives said.

He chose to go “to pray for his grandfather who passed away years ago,” his son, Sardar Wali, said.

“We are saddened by his death,” he said, “but he was fortunate to have died in the holy land.”

Hager Elhakeem contributed reporting from Luxor, Egypt, Christina Goldbaum and Zia ur-Rehman contributed from Pakistan, Muktita Suhartono from Indonesia and Judson Jones reported from Atlanta.

Lynsey Chutel covers South Africa and the countries that make up southern Africa from Johannesburg. More about Lynsey Chutel