The Final Information To Backpacking Iran

No doubt, Iran is without doubt one of the most fascinating, pleasant and unique nations that you’ll ever go to. On this information, we’ll let you know all the things it’s good to learn about backpacking Iran and even share some secrets and techniques that you simply received’t discover in your guide-book.

Iran is formally an Islamic Republic, so ladies travelling right here must cowl up their hair with a head scarf (in addition to the remainder of their our bodies), however don’t fear women, nowadays the pinnacle scarf legal guidelines are fairly relaxed and also you’ll get away with it being nearly round your neck.

IMPORTANT: Since February 2014, the principles for People have been prolonged to incorporate British and Canadian passport holders. Which means that Canadians, British and People have to be accompanied by a information whereas they’re in Iran. Contact a tour operator to debate an itinerary. 

Bounce To: Should-see Locations | Should-Have Experiences | Off The Crushed Path | Professionals | Cons | Transport | Visas | Well being | Climate | MORE IRAN BLOGS

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How A lot Will Iran Price?

**IMPORTANT**

You have to to convey money (US {Dollars} Solely) with you into Iran to cowl the total value of your journey. ATM’s is not going to work for international debit or bank cards. 

Finances: $71/day for two folks

Backpacking Iran is extremely cheap nowadays, with the road price for the Iranian Rial being round 31,850 / $1 USD (Click on Right here for official / avenue change price historical past). Iran is a rustic that gives nice worth for cash, much more so nowadays.

The official price of change is 26,827, so reasonably than exchanging your US {Dollars} at an official financial institution, you’re a lot better off heading to a authorized avenue stall and exchanging your cash there (which is completely authentic).

$71/day is an effective price range for 2 folks (round $40/day for a solo-traveller). It will afford a pleasant double room in a price range resort, good native meals, the occasional taxi and tour, and taking top quality buses in every single place (1st class is barely a few {dollars} greater than decrease courses).

Finances Lodging: (Common $36 / evening with breakfast)

The motels and visitor homes we stayed at value between $20 – $40 and most included breakfast, whereas some even included a scrumptious dinner. All have been lovely price range motels and lots of have been constructed out of previous properties which were standing for hundreds of years. You received’t discover too many dorms in Iran, however we have been at one resort in Yazd that provided single charges for solo-travellers. Whereas we did keep in good double rooms, that’s the price range commonplace in Iran and also you received’t discover something less expensive.

Consuming: ($2-$7 / meal)

There are some low-cost avenue meals available for backpackers in Iran and typically (particularly throughout Ashura), you’ll discover free meals in all places! However consuming a pleasant meal in your resort restaurant or at a restaurant on the town will possible value between $5 – $10. Meals in Iran is scrumptious and effectively value each penny! Don’t miss the date milkshakes!

Entrance Charges: (Free – $10/particular person)

The doorway payment to Persepolis (one in every of Iran’s premier historic websites) is round $10. Most individuals be a part of a tour from Shiraz for round $20 – $25. Some mosques and mausoleums will cost round $3 – $5 for entrance, whereas parks and a few museums are free.

Alcohol: (GOOD LUCK)

No motive to essentially put a price range for this right here as a result of alcohol is prohibited for all Muslim Iranians, and also you received’t possible see an excessive amount of of it, not to mention be capable of purchase it. When you’re actually determined for a drink, you can discover wine in Shiraz. Anticipate to pay round $10 / plastic bottle, however hold it low-key and bear in mind, it’s unlawful!

Tipping:

Tipping isn’t customary in Iran however companies that cater to vacationers will anticipate a gratuity. When you’ve employed a information, a porter or a driver, anticipate to present a tip on the finish. A number of {dollars} must be effective.

Some eating places, significantly in bigger motels, will add a ten% service cost to the invoice. Elsewhere, away from vacationer areas, servers might be pleasantly stunned by any change you permit.

When you stick with an area household in Iran (which you probably will), it’s a good suggestion to depart a small present. One thing from your private home nation could be best, or you should purchase a pleasant merchandise from the bazaar to thank your hosts (pottery, a vase, art work, and so forth.) Stickers, pens and notepads from your private home nation are nice to present to youngsters once you go away.

Cash:

Present Change Price:

$1 = 31,850 Rial

**IMPORTANT**

You have to to convey money (US {Dollars} Solely) with you into Iran to cowl the total value of your journey. ATM’s is not going to work for international debit or bank cards. 

The change price in Iran is at all times altering shortly and has gone by means of some fairly unstable moments in recent times. In July 2013, after the Rial plummeted to its all-time low of round 40,000 to 1 US greenback, the Central Financial institution of Iran upgraded its official change price from 12,284 to a extra affordable 20,750, and once more in August to 24,500 to the USD, however that is nonetheless effectively under the road change price (which is 31,850 Rial to 1 USD)

Mainly, for those who go right into a financial institution to change your American {Dollars} into Rial, you can be paying much more than for those who went into one of many many (authorized) avenue stalls. The most affordable time to backpack Iran was certainly July 2013, however it’s nonetheless a really reasonably priced place to journey.

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Should-See Locations in Iran

There are far too many “must-see locations” to checklist right here. We spent lots of time on this nation and we nonetheless have a lot to see. Whereas we do love seeing websites, the true great thing about Iran is in its folks (extra about them under).

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Mashhad & The Shrine of Imam Reza:

The town of Mashhad presents little for backpackers, however the immense labyrinth of the shrine complicated containing Imam Reza’s mausoleum, (learn extra about Imam Reza on Wiki right here), makes a visit to the town effectively value whereas. It’s the largest mosque on the planet by dimension and the second largest by capability (subsequent to Mecca in Saudi Arabia).

Additionally contained inside the complicated are the Goharshad Mosque, a museum, a library, 4 seminaries, a cemetery, the Razavi College of Islamic Sciences, a eating corridor for pilgrims, huge prayer halls, and different buildings.

A go to right here is an immensely highly effective expertise as many individuals sob and cry out to their misplaced hero, Imam Reza. Travellers are required to have a information with them in an effort to enter this large complicated. We went two instances, as soon as by ourselves and as soon as with a information. It actually simply depends upon how the folks on the entrance gates are feeling on that specific day. Additionally, vacationers should not meant to enter the shrine itself, however if you’re respectful it’s possible you’ll be invited in. Ladies should put on a chador (which might be supplied to you on the entrance) and no cameras are allowed. Entrance is free.

We suggest a late night stroll, because the shrine is open 24/7. Seeing the numerous mosaics and complex carvings on archways and partitions, dimly lit by the late night moon, is a particular spotlight.

Garmeh:

When you’re backpacking Iran, you’ll most likely need to expertise the desert, and there’s no higher place to achieve this than in Garmeh. Keep on the Lonely Planet really useful Ateshooni Visitor Home (they undoubtedly received this one proper), and meet Maxiar, a real desert man. Discover this lush, palm shaded oasis with hikes up to lookouts, waterfalls and farmlands.

Maxiar can arrange journeys to the close by salt flats, sand dunes and villages, however the true attraction to Garmeh is at Ateshooni itself, the place Maxiar will play quite a few distinctive devices and deal with you want a VIP member of the family.

The Lonely Planet makes getting right here sound a bit complicated, however name Ateshooni they usually’ll clear all the things up for you.

The telephone quantity is: +98 324 443 2156 or +98 913 223 0874 they usually have a web site: www.ateshooni.com

For our expertise, Try: Pleasant Desert Days: We Love Iran!

Yazd:

With a inhabitants of almost a half one million folks, Yazd is an average-sized metropolis for Iran and it’s the middle of the Zoroastrian faith. This labyrinth city of mud and brick is without doubt one of the most intriguing locations within the nation. Get misplaced in slender alleyways, the place the golden partitions appear to shut in on you, simply earlier than opening up into a gorgeous park or mosque courtyard.

Head to the roof for an unforgettable sundown, when all the metropolis turns into illuminated and the rooftop bagdirs (historic Iranian air con towers) glow and alter color with the falling solar.

Be sure to do a day journey to the encompassing website of Chak-Chak, the deserted mud village of Karnaq and the town of Meybod.

A few of the historic websites to see in Yazd:

• Fort Mosque
• Fortifications of Yazd
• Haj Yousef Reservoir
• Home of Arab’ha
• Home of Larry
• Home of Malek al Tojjar
• Home of Mortaz
• Home of Rasoulian
• Iran Shahr College
• Jame Mosque of Yazd (Grand Mosque of Yazd)
• Khan Bazaar
• Mausoleum of Sahl Ibn Ali
• Mausoleum of Seyed Rokn al Din
• Mausoleum of Seyed Shams al Din
• Mullah Ismail Mosque
• Masoudi Reservoir
• Rig Mosque
• Sheikh Ahmad Fahadan Mausoleum
• Shah Tahmasb Mosque
• Zargari Bazzar
• Ziaiah college

Kerman:

This incredible, lesser-known metropolis truly has fairly a bit to see. Try the 1,200 meter lengthy “end-to-end lined bazaar”, the place you possibly can pattern spices and store for pottery, hookah and textiles. Though Kerman is a pleasant metropolis, the principle draw for coming right here is the Kalut Desert (Dasht-e Lut) which is about 100 km northeast of Kerman (2 hour drive).

Stick with Mr. Akhavan on the Akhavan Lodge and he’ll arrange all the things for you. At simply $36 / evening, together with breakfast and dinner, this place is unquestionably deal!

Rent a taxi and information (round $30) and head out to the towering sand formations of the Kalut Desert for sundown. A few of these wind-forged sand castles are 10 tales excessive and their jagged formations tackle an alluring golden hue at sundown. You can even organize to spend the evening out within the desert.

Don’t come right here in the summertime or through the day as that is the place the most popular temperature was ever recorded on Earth (70.7 °C)

Goat Notice: The political scenario is at all times altering in jap and southeastern Iran. Be sure to examine that it’s steady earlier than planning a visit right here.

Shiraz:

The fifth most populous metropolis of Iran and the capital of the Fars Province, Shiraz is one other one in every of Iran’s prime cities for backpackers to go to. This place has been an vital buying and selling cease for hundreds of years and it’s thought of to be one of many oldest cities in historic Persia.

Right here you possibly can keep in what’s arguably essentially the most lovely historic resort within the nation (the Niyayesh Lodge) and luxuriate in all that this considerably liberal metropolis has to supply. Shiraz is named the town of poets, literature, wine and flowers. There are some beautiful parks, Unesco listed gardens and beautiful mosques. Don’t miss the Ali Ibn Hamza Shrine with its inside of glistening mirrored partitions and ceilings.

Shiraz can also be the place Hafez (the well-known Iranian poet) was buried, so undoubtedly try his tomb and have your future learn by means of one in every of his beautiful poetry books.

Persepolis:

These spectacular ruins are situated within an unlimited, city-like complicated and have been constructed over 2,500 years in the past. They’re discovered close to the city of Marvadasht, however most individuals take day journeys to go to them from Shiraz ($20-$25). This historic metropolis was as soon as set on fireplace and looted by Alexander the Nice, and additional destroyed by subsequent Arab invaders, however regardless of its rocky previous, Persepolis stays some of the evocative websites within the nation and an emblem of the Iranian nationality.

Esfahan (Isfahan):

Esfahan is the third largest metropolis in Iran with many fascinating sights to see. Take your decide between parks, squares, palaces, bridges, mausoleums, church buildings, cathedrals, tombs, mosques, museums and bazaars!

Be sure to see the Khaju Bridge, the seventeenth century Shahi Bazaar, the Shah Mosque & Shah Sq.. Visiting the Armenian Quarter (New Julfa) can also be really useful. There are some nice eating places, the beautiful Vank Cathedral and fascinating streets to get misplaced in. There are such a lot of websites to see in Esfahan that you simply’ll by no means be bored!

This metropolis is a spotlight of any journey to Iran.

Try our article: Esfahan, Iran: Taking Hospitality to a Complete New Degree

Tabriz:

Positioned within the far northern reaches, close to to the border with Azerbaijan, is the town of Tabriz. This metropolis could appear too distant to hassle visiting, nevertheless it ought to undoubtedly be in your Iranian itinerary.

The UNESCO Listed Bazaar of Tabriz is without doubt one of the oldest within the Center East and is the biggest lined bazaar on the planet. It is a place that yow will discover something and all the things you may want, and it’s possible you’ll get misplaced too! Be sure to see The Blue Mosque and the Poets’ Tomb as effectively. The streets in Tabriz are bustling and make the town fascinating to stroll round. Plus, it’s a really protected metropolis.

As a day-trip, we suggest visiting the troglodyte village of Kandovan. Positioned within the mountains simply two hours from Tabriz, the views listed below are beautiful and the cone-shaped properties are very fascinating. Be sure to put on good strolling sneakers!

Tehran

With beautiful rocky mountains as a backdrop, nice snowboarding and funky markets, Tehran is unquestionably value lingering in for a few days (regardless of what your information ebook would possibly say). The anti-American graffiti on the former US embassy and the unimaginable assortment of gold and diamonds on the Treasury of Nationwide Jewels are undoubtedly value a go to!

Should-have Experiences

No doubt, essentially the most pleasant a part of backpacking Iran is having the chance to stick with an area household or mates and study concerning the Iranian tradition. Fortunately for travellers, Iranians are extremely hospitable and also you’ll most likely be invited to remain a number of nights in lots of strangers’ properties. SAY YES! That is the very best expertise you possibly can have within the nation and it gives you invaluable perception into the actual Iran.

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Witness Ashura:

When you can time your go to for the mourning ceremonies of Ashura, you’ll have an incredible, first hand take a look at Iran’s shut reference to their religion, historical past, and misplaced heroes. Apart from the open sobbing and Self-flagellation within the streets, Ashura is a time to recollect those that have made sacrifices. Imam Hussein, the grandson of the prophet Muhammad, was (and nonetheless is) a real hero to the Shia Muslim folks. Witnessing their sheer devotion and mournful cries is a outstanding expertise.

That is additionally a time for giving and through Ashura, folks will usually hand out free meals and drinks – which may actually assist the price range!

Notice: Be sure to have your transportation and motels booked throughout this time as it may be a busy time with locals shifting round.

Try: Ashura, A Month of Disappointment and Self-Flaggelation in Iran

Have A Deep Dialog:

You must take the chance to have a protracted and deep dialog with an Iranian. It’s superb how open and real they’re. When an area strikes up a dialog with you on a bus or in a restaurant, be open to it and it’s possible you’ll end up actually connecting with them on a really private degree.

Goat Notice: It’s unlawful for males to talk to unattended ladies in Iran, so don’t go placing up conversations with fairly Persian women or it’s possible you’ll get arrested.

Witness Prayer Time:

A good time to go to mosques and mausoleums is through the time of prayer. Even for those who’re not a spiritual particular person, it may be a shifting and calming expertise to take heed to the meditative chants of the muezzin, and the repetitive replies of the a whole bunch of individuals within the mosque. Outdoors of prayer time, the inside of all mosques and mausoleums in Iran are completely mind-blowing and undoubtedly value a go to.

Smoke Qalyan:

The Iranian water pipe is a well-liked social exercise, particularly amongst males (however more and more amongst younger females in additional fashionable cities). The substance of alternative is flavoured tobacco and it may be fairly scrumptious. After all it’s not the healthiest previous time however all the things is okay carefully! When in Iran proper?

Goat Notice: In some nations, tobacco water pipes are referred to as Sheesha… not in Iran. Sheesha means crystal meth in Persian, so be certain to not use this time period when ordering Qalyan!

Should Strive Dishes

Meals is a big a part of travelling to any nation and backpacking Iran is not any totally different. Though Iranian delicacies isn’t world-famous, after travelling right here you’ll surprise why. The spicy stews, fruity sauces and candy drinks in Iran are completely scrumptious.

Notice: Islam is the dominant faith in Iran, so that you received’t discover pork in lots of, if any of the meals.

Fesenjān:

This thick, tart stew is constituted of pomegranate syrup and floor walnuts. It’s historically made with poultry (duck or rooster); however there are additionally variants utilizing balls of floor meat, ghormeh, minimize lamb or fish. Discovering  Fesenjān with out meat isn’t uncommon both.

Gormeh Sabzi:

That is also known as Iran’s nationwide dish. A scrumptious stew that actually interprets to “stew of greens and herbs”, the principle components are a mix of sautéed herbs (parsley, leeks or inexperienced onions, & coriander), seasoned with the important thing spice of “shambalileh” (dried fenugreek) leaves. In Garmeh you possibly can have Gormeh Sabzi with camel meat!

Date Milk Shake:

This appears to be extra of a vacationer delicacy than an precise Iranian beverage, however there’s little question that these frosty, thick mugs of goodness are a scorching vendor in Iran. Don’t go away with out attempting a Date Milkshake! You’ll surprise why they don’t have them at each quick meals chain and milkshake store round the world.

Dizi (aka Ābgusht):

Actually that means “water meat”, this tasty dish might not sound appetizing in its English translation, nevertheless it is without doubt one of the most scrumptious meals in Iran, and definitely essentially the most enjoyable to eat. It historically comes out in a clay or steel pot with a lid. The savory stew is at all times served with bread and a pestle on the facet, and also you are supposed to tear up the bread into tiny chunks, put it into the stew after which mush all the things collectively utilizing the supplied pestle.

This Persian / Mesopotamian stew is also known as “a peasants dish” however it’s truly a hearty mutton soup thickened with chickpeas. Often made with lamb, chickpeas, white beans, onion, potatoes, tomatoes, turmeric and black lime, it’s a low-cost and filling dish that backpackers can’t get sufficient of!

Something you pattern in Iran might be scrumptious. Be sure to pattern the road snacks as effectively!

Off The Crushed Path In Iran

Professionals Of Journey In Iran

You’re planning a visit to an superb place and there are a lot of professionals to backpacking Iran. Journey may be very private and totally different for everyone, so that you’ll most likely discover many extra professionals once you’re in Iran. We’ve solely listed a couple of.

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Extremely Pleasant Individuals!

We’ve stated it earlier than and we’ll say it once more. Iran has the friendliest folks on the planet.

Security:

Regardless of your mates’ and households’ response once you instructed them you have been going to Iran, you’ll most likely by no means really feel safer in your travels. The Iranians will deal with you want a fragile piece of jewellery once you go by means of their nation, doing all the things of their energy to make sure you go away safely, and with a greater outlook on the nation, its motives and its folks.

Superb Websites:

That is historic Persia. The historic websites, cities, shrines, mosques and mausoleums listed below are among the most beautiful creations you’ll ever see.

Variety of Religion & Thought:

Earlier than coming right here, it’s possible you’ll suppose that everybody within the nation may be very conservative and of the strict Muslim religion. This merely simply isn’t true. You’ll meet pleasant Bahai, Zoroastrians, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Agnostics, Atheists and a lot extra.

Smashing Misconceptions:

Iran will blow you away. Irrespective of how a lot you suppose you realize about this place, you’ll study a lot extra once you journey right here. Once you enter right into a household’s house, you’ll most likely see males consuming wine and ladies carrying tank-tops and brief skirts. This will throw you for a loop, nevertheless it’s what makes Iran so particular. There are two worlds right here, outdoors and indoors, and to expertise each will assist you to to form a brand new psychological image of Iran and its folks.

Superb Transportation:

Given the present change price, even price range backpackers in Iran will be capable of afford to take luxurious 1st class buses and the occasional flight. Transportation right here is straightforward to prepare, comfy and outrageously low-cost.

Cons Of Journey In Iran

There are a couple of cons to backpacking Iran, however in all honesty, it’s onerous to think about greater than just some, so we’re actually reaching right here.

Bounce To: Should-see Places | Off The Crushed Path | Professionals | Transport | Visas | Well being | Climate | MORE IRAN BLOGS

Having To Be Lined Up:

Ladies might be particularly affected by this legislation and it may be very annoying. You have to cowl your arms, legs, bum and hair always (regardless of how scorching it’s) and this may actually restrict your wardrobe, and probably your sense of freedom. Simply know that lots of the ladies round you don’t need to gown like this both.

**Notice: Though the youthful era of Iranian ladies are pushing the boundaries of the legislation by having headscarves barely hanging off the again of their heads, concentrate on the Morality Police in Iran who drive (and stroll) round, on the lookout for folks disobeying the legislation. You have to have your head lined and put on acceptable clothes always when in public.

Typical outfits for youthful Iranian ladies, look how far again on the heads these scarves are! So long as your shirt/jacket is overlaying your bum, you’re okay. Most of the outfits in Iran are literally fairly trendy.

No Alcohol:

Properly, there’s alcohol, if you realize the place to look, however you received’t be going to bars and getting hammered with different backpackers in Iran. If caught consuming alcohol, you can be some jail time, or a effective. On the identical time, it’s very fascinating to see how younger Iranians entertain themselves into the wee hours of the evening, with no drop of alcohol.

No PDA:

When you’re a pair, you’ll need to hold your smooching and hand holding for once you’re indoors. These are primary cons of travelling in a extremely conservative nation.

The Warmth:

Iran is house to the most popular temperature ever recorded on earth (almost 71°C!). Which means that summer season within the southern deserts and Persian Gulf will be unbearably scorching.

Web Restrictions:

You’ll want a VPN (digital non-public community) in an effort to go to web sites similar to Fb, Twitter, Google, YouTube, BBC, and so forth. Someway our web site was in a position to be linked to in Iran with out utilizing a VPN, however most aren’t.

The Individuals In Iran

The folks you encounter whereas backpacking by means of a rustic can have a profound impression on the way in which you view a vacation spot. Not solely the native folks, however the forms of different travellers as effectively.

Sorts Of Different Travellers:

When you’re heading to Iran, you’re going for a similar motive that most individuals are going, to search out someplace distinctive and off the overwhelmed path. Different travellers in Iran is usually a main spotlight of your journey, with so many alternative backpackers on so many alternative adventures, you’re certain to listen to many superb tales at each resort and restaurant dinner desk. We discovered the opposite travellers right here to be mature, adventurous, culture-minded and galvanizing!

The Locals:

As we’ve stated time and time once more on this weblog and on this Information, you actually can’t beat the friendliness of the Iranian folks.

The Iranian folks comprise the current day Persians, Ossetians, Kurds, Pashtuns, Tajiks, Balochs, Zaza Individuals, Lurs, and their sub-groups of the historic Medes, Massagetaes, Sarmatians, Scythians, Parthians, Alans, Bactrians, Soghdians and different folks of Central Asia, the Caucasus and the Iranian plateau.

Faith In Iran

Round 90% of Iranians affiliate themselves with the Shi’a department of Islam, the official state faith, and about 9% with the Sunni and Sufi branches of Islam. The remaining 0.9% affiliate themselves with non-Islamic non secular minorities, together with Bahá’ís, Mandeans, Yarsanis, Zoroastrians, Jews, and Christians. Sadly, it’s unlawful for the approximate half million Bahá’ís to publicly follow Bahá’ísm in Iran.

Language In Iran

Many Iranians communicate English as a second language and so in most components of the nation, you’ll haven’t any downside discovering somebody to speak with (particularly in bigger cities)

About 75% of the nation speaks Persian (Farsi), Gilaki, Mazandarani and Luri, whereas 11% communicate Azerbaijani and different Turkik Dialects. 10% communicate Kurdish and a couple of% take into account Balochi their mom tongue. The remaining 2% of individuals communicate different languages together with Turkmen, Georgian, Armenian, Hebrew, Assyrian, Brahui and so forth.

Some Useful Persian Phrases To Know:

Hey/Hello: HiDorud (دُرود) / ruzegâr nik (روزگار نیک)

How are you?: Hâle šomâ cegune ast? (حالِ شما چه‌گونه‌ است)

Wonderful, thanks. xubam, sepâs (خوبم، سپآس)

What’s your title? nâmetân cist? (نامتان چيست)

My title is ~ .nâmam ~ ast (نامم ~ است)

Good to fulfill you. xošbaxtam (خوشبختم)

Please. xâheš mikonam (خواهش میکنم)

Thanks. besiyâr sepâsmandam (بسیار سپاسمنم)

You’re welcome. zende bâšin (زنده باشین)

Sure. âri (آری)

No. na (نَه)

Getting Round In Iran

You’ll really feel like an actual luxurious traveller once you’re backpacking in Iran. There are some lovely and massive buses with huge lounge chairs that lean again all the way in which, and repair that you simply’d look forward to finding in a Michelin starred restaurant. You’ll be able to take trains and taxis which might be extra reasonably priced than native buses in lots of different nations, and there are sometimes low-cost inner flights as effectively.

Getting In & Out

Many individuals enter Iran by land from Turkmenistan or Turkey as half as an even bigger journey by means of Central Asia.

Iran shares borders with Iraq, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Its northern reaches stretch to the shores of the Caspian Sea whereas Iran’s southern coast is about alongside the sun-soaked Persian Gulf. 

By Land

Turkmenistan: The Saraghs – Sarakhs border is the preferred border getting into Iran from Turkmenistan. Opening hours of the border are 8am to 5pm (some say 9 to six). However bear in mind, immigration on the Turkmen facet closes for lunch from 12 – 1. Additionally, notice that this is without doubt one of the slowest border crossings we’ve ever encountered!

From Ashgabat (Turkmenistan), you will have to take a taxi to a passport examine station, then an overpriced minibus to the border.

See our article right here: Our (Mis)Adventures in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Turkey: A preferred border crossing is on the city of Dogubayazit. From Ankara it’s a 19 hour bus trip (55TL).

There are additionally trains going into Iran from Ankara, however be sure to have your entire paperwork prepared so that you simply aren’t left behind on the border. The practice from Istanbul to Tehran by way of Ankara and Tabriz known as the Trans-Asia Specific. It runs weekly in both path departing Istanbul at 10.55pm Wednesday (about €40). It takes about 70 hours and seating is in comfy 1st-class couchettes with 4 berths.

As soon as per week on Tuesday a practice departs the town of Van (Turkey) at 8:00 pm for Tabriz, Iran, arriving on Wednesday morning at 6:25 am

Iraq: The finest technique to enter Iran from Iraq is on the Haj Omoran to Piranshahr border crossing. After all you possibly can’t get a visa on the border however you possibly can apply for it in Irbil. There are minibuses and taxis to take you to and from the border.

Azerbaijan: The Azeri border has two recognised crossings: between Astara (Azerbaijan) and Astara (Iran), and Culfa (Azerbaijan) and Jolfa (Iran). Visas are not issued right here, however there are some mini-buses and taxis to take you to and from the border on both facet.

Armenia: The border between Iran and Armenia is barely 35km lengthy, with one crossing level in Iran at Norduz.

Afghanistan: The border at Dogharon, 20km east of Taybad, is open and simple. Day by day buses between Herat and Mashhad make the journey even easier nonetheless.

By Air

There are two worldwide airports in Tehran, the older and fewer used Mehrabad Worldwide Airport (THR) and the newer and up to date Khomeini Worldwide Airport (IKA) (named after Iran’s non secular chief). All worldwide flights to Tehran will arrive on the latter.

Iran additionally has worldwide airports in Shiraz, Esfahan, Bandar Abbas and Kish, with Shiraz being the best place to begin for travellers. Iran is big, so when getting into by air, make certain to plan route so that you don’t backtrack or run out of time.

Iran Air is the nationwide airline and has a reasonably good fame. It’s fascinating, on some worldwide airways, once you fly outdoors of Iran’s airspace, you’ll be served alcohol after it’s introduced on the P.A!

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Visa Rules For Iran

IMPORTANT: As of February 2014, residents of the UK, US and Canada will have to be accompanied by a information and have a specified itinerary to go to Iran.

**Notice: Entrance to Israeli passport holders might be refused. As will entrance to these with proof of journey to Israel. Receive a brand new passport earlier than your journey to Iran if it’s good to!

UPDATE 2017: Excellent news! 180 totally different nations can now get an Iran visa on arrival. Nonetheless, for those who’re from USA, Britain, Canada, Colombia, Bangladesh, Jordan, India, Afghanistan, Pakistan or Somalia there’s no visa on arrival for you. For extra, try this publish.

There’s little question that visas are going to be a difficulty once you’re planning your journey to Iran. Everybody aside from nationals of Turkey, Malaysia, Syria, Georgia, Azerbaijan (15 days), Venezuela, Nicaragua, Bolivia and Ecuador must receive a visa at an Iranian consulate overseas, earlier than getting into Iran.

To use to your Iranian visa, you’ll first must receive a reference quantity (much like a Letter Of Invitation) earlier than you apply on the consulate. To acquire your reference quantity, contact Stan Excursions and fill out their utility, which would require you to state which consulate you’ll decide up your Iran visa. After a couple of days of processing, Stan Excursions will ship a reference quantity to you, which you will have to current to the consulate once you apply.

We extremely suggest you contact Stan Excursions for your entire reference numbers, Letters of Invitation and visa wants in Iran and Central Asia.

Goat Notice: We don’t receives a commission to advertise Stan Excursions. We simply know that they’re the very best.

30 Day vacationer visas will value:

• UK: $230 – $340 USD
• German: $77 USD
• Spanish: $95 USD
• Australian: $125 – $230 USD
• Japanese: $75 USD
• Korean: $50 USD
• Finnish: $50 USD
• Slovak: $65 USD
• New Zealand: $128 USD

The perfect locations to use for an Iran Visa:

The perfect locations to acquire your Iranian visa are at consulates in Trabzon (Turkey), Almaty (Kazakhstan) or Batumi (Georgia), since you don’t want a Letter Of Invitation. One other good place to choose up the Iran Visa is in Dushanbe (Tajikistan), because the flip round time will be as brief as 48 hours! Bishkek is a low-cost place to get the Letter Of Invitation.

Visa laws are as follows:

Each nationality might want to receive a visa (however first a reference quantity) earlier than getting into Iran aside from the next:

References:

A few of the above data was discovered on Caravanistan and Wikipedia. Caravanistan additionally presents comparable visa assist to Stan Excursions.

Bounce To: Should-see Places | Off The Crushed Path | Professionals | Cons | Transport | Visas | Climate | MORE IRAN BLOGS

Cellphone & Web In Iran

The Iranian authorities does censor many social and abroad information websites like BBC, Twitter, Fb and so forth. Additionally they throttle again the speeds to make sure that no person is downloading illicit supplies, however usually you’ll nonetheless be capable of discover respectable speeds at cafes, eating places and at your resort. Wi-fi is changing into more and more widespread and also you’ll possible have it at nearly each resort you keep in. Obtain speeds common at about 1mbps, however you’ll possible get round 500kbps.

As for cell service, Iran’s telecommunications are run solely by one state-run firm: TCI. Travellers can receive each static sim playing cards and pre-paid sim playing cards. You’ll be able to recharge Your sim card by means of Web, by utilizing main Iranian debit playing cards, or just purchase a recharge card from any tremendous retailer, ebook retailer or cell service supplier retailers which can be found throughout Iran. Sim playing cards have SMS, MMS and GPRS.

TCI nonetheless doesn’t assist 3G however this is on its method. You might be able to use your unique sim card from house, however you’ll pay roaming prices.

Good Motion pictures & Books About Iran

Motion pictures:

Argo: This 2012 movie was directed by Ben Afflek and whereas it was criticized for poorly portraying the Iranian folks, though components of it are fictitious it’s truly fairly entertaining and informative.

A Separation: This compelling drama is a couple of married couple who’re confronted with a tough choice to both enhance the lifetime of their baby by shifting to a different nation, or to remain in Iran and take care of a deteriorating guardian who has Alzheimer’s illness.

Books:

Prisoner of Tehran: The true story of a 16-year-old lady dwelling in Tehran through the Iranian Revolution. What she went by means of in her life throughout this time is unimaginable. That is one ebook you received’t need to put down. 

When Is The Greatest Time To Go to Iran?

Spring (March-Might) & Autumn (Sept-Nov)

Due to Iran’s dimension, topography and altitude, you’ll truly discover an enormous number of climate patterns right here. Earlier than you resolve when to go, you need to most likely work out the place you’d wish to go within the nation as regional temperatures can differ wildly (when it’s -5°C in Tabriz it could be 35°C in Bandar Abbas).

Warmth is usually a restrictive drive when backpacking in Iran so watch out for those who’re within the south throughout summer season, when temperatures continuously break into the 40’s (C).

Goat Notice: Climate all through the world is altering. You’ll be able to’t even attempt to predict seasons anymore, however you possibly can assume that central and northern Iran is generally freezing after November and the south is scorching in the summertime.

Bounce To: Should-see Places | Off The Crushed Path | Professionals | Cons | Transport | Visas | Well being | MORE IRAN BLOGS

Total Ideas

Iran is unquestionably one in every of our favorite nations so far!

Iran’s remarkably pleasant folks, the convenience of journey, fascinating websites, superb topography and deep historical past all mix to make this some of the charming journey locations on Earth. Neglect what your loved ones and mates say about Iran and its folks. Except they’ve been there, they don’t know. Pack your baggage and prepare for a cultural expertise that may possible remind you of precisely why you’re keen on journey.

Bounce To: Should-see Places | Off The Crushed Path | Professionals | Cons | Transport | Visas | Well being | Climate | MORE IRAN BLOGS

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