.:IranDidar:.

Written by : Nasser Karami Translator : Kian Abbasi East Azerbaijan The land to history and Sahand, Arasbaran and Satarkhan, carpet and Shahriar is now easy to reach for a trip. East Azerbaijan has good roads as well as a highly frequented railroad and an airport with fairly on time flights. In the contemporary history Tabriz has been the place to many historic events and birthplace to many eminent politicians and learned men and all these suffice to arise one’s curiosity to take a trip to the northwest corner of Iran. Everybody’s Share: Tabriz is so rich with places to visit that can entertain a passenger for 3-4 days easily. A passenger with more curiosity for culture can wander from one historic house or building to another museum or interesting neighborhood even for a week. Arasbaran and Sahand are attractive in their own ways. Among the other attractions of West Azerbaijan we can name: Lighvan Valley, Ghury Gol pond and some other beautiful ponds, mosques like Jaame, Kabud and Ali Shah, and some beautiful churches of which the most famous one is Saint Stephens, located 16 Km on west of Jolfa, and historical monuments of Maraghe and Oskoo. Special Recommendation: the spirit of Azerbaijan is in the lanes and alleys of Tabriz. Walk in the old lanes of the ancient arias leisurely and peacefully. Relax in every small café and have a cup of tea. Look for more famous cafes where you can still hear the “Ashighs”-lovers- playing music and the old Turkish men singing Heidar Baba with their husky voice. Advice to travelers: Azerbaijan is a cold region and a proper the time for trip is sometime between Ordibehesht(April) to Mehr(September). Of course it is not that cold in New Year that makes your trip bothering. Take enough warm cloths with you and don’t forget it is no less changeable than Gilan and Mazandaran. West Azerbaijan The meeting place of great religions is holly to many people all around the world. To Zoroastrians it’s holly because they believe it could be the birth place of Zoroaster, to Protestants because it was the first place they took refuge and kept safe from enemy and to Armenians because of Tatavouse church which is said to be the oldest church in the world or at least the first church of Armenians. Everybody’s Share: Urumiye Lake is the most famous attraction of this land. Alas! The lack of a perfect plan for attracting truism investment has impeded this city to be of the same weight with those of the same foreign cities. But keep in mind that this lake is one of the 59 most important ecological sources of the globe and not for Iranians but for anyone in the world it is a pity to miss visiting here at least once. Among the other attractions of East Azerbaijan we can name several spa baths, small and big Burnic Caves, Sohulan and Kuftu Cave, Some ancient churches and Takht-e-Soleyman. Special Recommendation: Don’t forget a nigh living with Maku Tribes. Remember a night living with them not visiting them. It means leave the point of view of a third party and try to experience a totally different atmosphere. They are kind and hospitable people and accept you in their tribe easily. If you are traveling with light luggage and have a good transportation, go as far as Soraya Spring in far northwest of Iran, so far that in some maps which have been printed again and again, you can’t find it in the boarders of Iran. You can see an elegant view of Ararat from there. Advice to travelers: if you travel in your own car take a tour around the lake and do not return from the same road. For example if you have started from Tehran and have visited Tabriz, Khoy and Maku and then Orumiyeh it is better to pay a visit to Sanandaj and go back from Hamedan road to Tehran. Ardebil Gilan and Mazandaran are highly associated with * for Iranian while the two neighboring states on the east and west, Golestan and Ardebil, if say not having better potentiality are at least the same, Especially Ardebil which has got everything but a desert that an ideal ecotourism destination could have. Generally the most prominent elements of an ecotourstic landscape are mountains, forest, sea and special anthropologic characteristics, that Ardebil owns them all together. Everybody’s Share: It is a pity that an Iranian would have never seen Talesh as much as it is a pity not to see Moghan Meadow. Though the historic sites of Ardebil are well-known to Iranian people, places like: Sheikh Safi Mosque and spa baths of Sareyn and natural attractions like Neo and Shurabil Lakes, Fandoghlu forest and Arasbarab Mountain. Special Recommendation: visit Givi. It’s a mini Masuleh near khalkhaal and besides don’t forget sightseeing in foggy green meadows along the road from Ardebil to ParsAbad. And if you were lucky spend a few hours with Ilsavan Tribe, A precious and unforgettable memory. It is pretty cold in Nourooz. Sareyn is far too busy; don’t expect high standards of hygiene and health there. Postpone your trip to Sareyn to some other time that is quitter and warmer unless you are in a hurry to treat your painful joints. Moghan is the ideal land for those seeking peace, calmness and originality. Don’t worry about the cold. Anyhow, one of the beat possible choices to suggest for Nurooz holidays is Moghan Meadow and its surroundings from southwest of Caspian lake to Arasbaran. If you have approached Ardebil from south and west, chose one of the two defiles: Heyran or Alamas. Advice to travelers: Sareyn is pretty cold in Nurooz and too crowded, but Moghan is less crowded and a better destination for your ttrip. Isfahan Once upon a time it was called the Florence of Asia, is it still so? As far as you are standing in Naghsh-e-Jahan Square, having Zayandehrood and Siosepol, it still is! But when you get far away from the historic sites, all of a sudden that atmosphere fades away and Isfahan changes to a city like every other city. It is no more the city which Andrew Malrow called it the honor of orient and was called the dreamy land of One thousand and one nights. Everybody’s Share: The historic sites of Isfahan are too famous to be introduced. These buildings including Naghsh-e-Jahan complex, Chehel Sotun Palace, Vank Church, traditional Bazaar, Menar jonban, Siosepol, Khajoo Bridge, etc are so numerous and magnificent that can busy a tourist for a week. : Kashan and the surrounding countryside can be a perfect supplementary to a visit from Isfahan State. Besides that keep Chahar mahal-o-Bakhtiyari in mind. You can get to Shahr-e-Kurd by a two-hour drive and stay there one or two days in this beautiful city. A local guide can take you to places less frequently visited and much more attractive. If you have time, the far southwest of the state, Samirum and its countryside and tribal residences worth seeing. Don’t forget Zayanderood river bank. This river passes many villages and unique landscapes from Zagrosss Mountain Range to Gav-khuni Lake in the margin of desert. Recently some facilities have been established to attract tourists. You can have enjoy a two or three-day stay in Isfahan and then go to Zayandehrood Bank or as an alternative stay somewhere around the river which is more reasonable and less crowded and then in between visit the city inside. Advice to Travelers: Isfahan is a well-known destination and therefore crowded, especially on the first three of four days of New Year holiday and on the other holidays which are prolonged by some other holidays. We don’t suggest you to go to Isfahan then, chose somewhere quieter. Ilam The forlorn far west, it has neither the historic ups and downs of Kurdistan or loristan to be remembered when reviewing great historic happenings nor the blessing and controversy of oil to be known with, standing there on the foot of Ghalaviz Mount leaning against Zagross Mountain Range and facing Forat and Karoon Plains. It is staring at the far deserts while not having too much of green days of Zagross anymore. Being one of the smallest states of Iran though owning the name to one of the most ancient tribes of Iran, it seems it has been cleared from the memories behind the back of abandoned roads. Everybody’s share: Ilam summer quarters of Zagross are famous. Ab danan, Shirvan, Chardaval and all the roads coming from Loristan to this stat are magnificent in springs. The hot areas of Dehloran also have some nice places to visit such as its spa bath. In the recent years the remains of war has become one of the attraction factors to this state. Special Recommendation: traveling to Ilam can be part of a trip to Loristan or just a trip to Ilam. You can go from Loristan to Ilam, visiting the north mountainous district first and coming down and visiting the hot south areas. You can take Andimeshk Road from Dehloran to Khuzestan. There are many passengers to Khuzestan and Loristan, if and only if they change their way a bit and visit Ilam, they’ll have a share in flourishing of the land behind the mountain and encouraging tha native people of the land to love there and not abandon it. Passenger’s Advice: dive through the busy roads. Get intimated with local people and don’t look forward to luxurious hotels. Here is not Mashhad or Isfahan. Bushehr Lying on the coast of Persian Gulf, in the recent years it has lost the competition to its other rival, Bandar Abbass. The boom of Qeshm Island has changed Bandar Abbass to a more crowded destination for tourists in south of Iran while Bushehr has been the grace to the south all alone for several decades. Everybody’s Share: Bushehr has some buildings worth visiting, like the old houses of Ghazi, Raiys Ali Delvary and Malek. There are also some castles and ramparts like the Dutch castle, Khormoj Castle and Zaer khezer khan Castle. There are a number of Ab-Anbars, temples and mosques in this state that are interesting to see, but besides all these, Persian Gulf is the most prominent attraction of Bushehr State. You can touch the marine life here. Maybe you can hire a small boat-Lenj- and pass a night on it on the sea. You can also go to the Islands near Bushehr. Special recommendation: the villages and gate gardens of Bushehr have been forgotten in the itinerary, as if nobody remembers the joyful time all the Iranian had there singing the Poems-dobeity- of Faez and Bakhshoo’s Sharveh khani and mourning of fire all belonging to the non-marine life of the city. It is a pity to spend your entire trip to Bushehr on the seaside; you should stay a night in date gardens. Traveler’s Advice: Bushehr becomes crowded during New Year holidays. But the good point is the pleasant and mild climate. On a remarkable part of the beach camping facilities have been provided for families. A family of four can spend New Year holidays there by paying thirty thousand Tomans for a tent. Tehran The uproarious city is still unknown from touring point of view. It’s an odd fact that over 99% of the inhabitants of this city haven’t seen the 50 museums of the city and even they don’t know where they are. The ecotouristic attraction of the capital city is more known. Tochal and the other skirts of Alborz Mountain Range spread on the northern boarders of the city like a huge sport complex. There are some very famous national parks and preserved regions in north and northeast of Tehran. In combining the number of destinations, the number of travel demanders and the number of travel agencies, no doubt that Tehran ids the most important city to be visited. Don’t forget that the most important city in attracting tourist doesn’t necessarily need to be an ancient one. Everybody’s Share: the north and northeast curve are considered to locate the most important tourist attraction in themselves. Both sides of Tochal Skirt and Roodbar Ghasran Valley are of the most booming destinations. The most number of man-made tourist attractions of the country is in Tehran naming reserved parks with living animals there, which have been closed to people. Special Recommendation: if you visit a museum every week, it’ll take a whole year to visit them all. But the most gracious attraction of Tehran is the reserved regions of Jajrood. It’s the oldest preserved Area of the world and that’s why many ecotourists would like to visit it. Recently some measures have been taken to renew the older parts of it, like redecorating the gate of National Garden and Mashgh Square, etc…the new year holiday, when the central streets of the city becomes quite it’s a good time to visit the older part of the city and remembering the old lost intimacy. If they open the Small Ghazali Town-cinema town- it is also interesting to visit. Traveler’s Advice: Tehran is a cheerful, happy and exciting city. But all these need to be discovered. Those unfamiliar with this city only know the pollution and traffic of the city. Chahar Mahal-o-Bakhtiyari Standing on the height of Zagross it has had a life of solitude. It has only been recently that some west roads have been opened up to Khuzestan and the road to Isfahan was a dangerous one until the last century. The north and south wings are the heights of Zagross and they have very slope valleys which are impossible to pass. Everybody’s Share: Go from Izeh to Shahr-e-Kord and then to Isfahan and return. This is a golden rout known by passengers in these recent years. Another choice is going from Isfahan to Shahr-e-Kord and from there to Yasooj and then to Ardakan followed by Shiraz which is another fascinating road. It means a passenger going to Shiraz and Isfahan or Loristan and Khuzistan can chose Chahar Mahal-o-Bakhtiyari as a U-Turn and has both the chance to visit an untouched land and experience a new road for coming back and not returning from the same road. Special recommendation: no natural phenomenon or historic site can be more fascinating than human being itself. Traveling to Chahar Mahal-o-Bakhtiyari gives you the chance to face the essence of this and getting to know the social civilization of Iran. Instead of going from one building to another and driving long roads, it’s better to meet the local people in the heights of Zagross and feel the tender spirit of people who have been immune from the artificial modernity and of course to much prone to it. Spending even a single night in the Black tents of tribal people or the brick house of the villagers is an unforgettable precious memory. Traveler’s Advice: the travelers to Fars, Isfahan and Khuzestan would better plan to visit Chahar Mahal-o-Bakhtiyari in between even if it is only passing through these crowded states. South Khorasan It is said that Birjand means the city of storm but logically it doesn’t mean snow storms or things like that, it only means very strong sand storm. Being isolated it is no less than Sistan and Baluchestan State and maybe the only equal to it is Ilam State. Everybody’s Share: Birjand is an ancient place. Some of the places to visit are as follow: Ebn-e- Hesam Khasafi tomb, Abu Hamed tomb, Kolah Farangi Citadel, Shokat Abad Garden, Bash Abad Holly Shrine Chanesht Cave and Birjand Museum. Special recommendation: traveling to this state is a special recommendation by itself, but for those who are more adventurous, we recommend the road from Nahbandan to Zabol, and it means traveling from the south east of this state to Sistan. Everything would be so exotic that you imagine you have traveled to another continent! To take this road, arrange several cars-not only one- and pick young people in your group. If you are still more adventure seeker and want to get off the main roads, have GPS and satellite cell phones with you. Traveler’s Advice: go shopping in the villages and be kind to the people. Think of their solitude and their need to pride. Khorasan Razavi The heart of this state is keeping a precious heritage. The Iranian passenger may ignore the atmosphere of cities like Neyshabur and Sabzehvar or the other cities of Ira. Specially that in these cities there isn’t much of traditional architecture anymore. But to foreign tourists they remind them of Khayaam and Silk Road. Once everything mysterious and magic was connected to Far East. We have to remember that the most attractive spot is Eman Reza holly shrine. Everybody’s Share: Mashhad has its own place locating the Shrine of the Eighth Emam. Sabzehvar and Neyshabur are also famous enough. The traveler’s to Khorasan usually choose these routs, it means they enter from Sabzehvar, stay in Neyshabur. They rarely they think of traveling to the northern area to visit Ghuchan and Dargaz or Sarakhs, Torbat-e-Jam and Taybad in east and Gonabad and ferdous in south. Special recommendation: whatever you go closer to the borders, the atmosphere changes. Don’t forget, a good trip is the one which changes your mood the most. If you are interested in poetry and literature, don’t forget the lanes of Neyshabur. Of course the city hasn’t got much of khayaam spirit in it, but a professional traveler can find hits if this declining spirit in the lanes. To the men of letters we suggest, Sabzehvar, Kalidar and the other surrounding villages. Can you imagine some of the heroes of Kalidar –a famous novel-are still alive and can tell you some of the original story. Traveler’s Advice: New Year is too crowded in Mashhad, travel to further cities. Northern Khorasan This new state has not been able to gain fame in tourism. However Bojnurd, Esfarayen and Jajrom are so eccentric that visiting them helps a passengers from the polluted air of far away lands to change mood perfectly. The western part of the state is more like the Turkmen. Whatever you move towards east it becomes closer to the spirit of the grand Khorasan. Everybody’s share: Bojnurd has some places to visit including Mofakham Mirror House, baba Tavakol and baba Aman tombs and Abish Gharvagh mineral spring. You can visit Nushiravan Ghariyeh Cave and the ruins of Belgheys City. Special recommendation: A traveler who goes all this way to the northern Khorasan should have strong motivation for a change. The villages provide the best opportunity for this. You can easily rent a room or a house for some days. If you have got a visa you can easily drive thirty Km to Ashgabat, the capital city of Turkmenistan. Traveler’s advice: this state does not have sufficient hotels. If you are going to stay in a hotel, book it in advance. Khuzestan It reminded you on oil and now it reminds you of brave Iranian men, war, palm trees and anything which is hot. It’s mysterious, respectable a bit far and out of reach. In the world of tourism and traveling, it is similar to our whole fatherland: it arouses curiosity but out of reach to travel there. There is no holiday before the end of Esfand –March-and before the end of Farvardin-April- it turns burning hot, therefore there is only a one-month chance to visit the ancient plain of people of Ilam and Parsumash and the lonely mausoleum of Cyrus. Everybody’s Share: besides visiting the sites of holly war- the imposed war between Iran and Iraq-you should really visit Ahvaz. You can also go as far as the memorable Abadan. But the more interesting place to visit is the complex in north of Khuzestan: Shush with Apadana and Mandana palaces and Sharshahi with its industry men. There is also the tomb of Daniel the profit and a beautiful castle which is regarded the symbol of the city by mistake. Farther, there is Choghazanbil and Haft Tape and the city of Dezful is over there, the city of bricks and after that is the city of Shushtar. The group of cities on east and northeast are also interesting to visit, Masjed Soleyman, Andika, Izeh and all the roads leading to Chahar mahal-o-Bakhtiyari and Kohkiluye – Boyer Ahmad. Special recommendation: Go far way from the spine of the state: the road from Andimeshk to Ahvaz and then reaches Abadan directly. On the farthest point of this road that divides Khuzesatn into two parts like a meridian, on the west edges of the state there are the Arab villages which presents another face of our country and on the eastern edges are the presentations of life which are passing away quickly. In Masjed Soleyman look for the signs of the first days that oil was discovered there, and the days when the first football rolled on the land of Iran. Go and visit the castle in Andika that is said to be the birthplace of Cyrus. If you are a bit more adventurous, spend one or two days on the banks of Dez river dam. Never return through the same road. Got to Chahar Mahal, Kohkiluye or Bushehr from Khuzestan, if you have reached there through Loristan road. Traveler’s Advice: don’t worry, Khuzestan is a green land and there is enough accommodation and a well-trafficked road, three airports and an old railway that gets the passenger to the destination anyway. Zanjan It’s very similar to mountainous part of Mediterranean Sea. Regarding the talent it has never been paid attention to. The travelers to the west prefer to tilt westward and go further to Tabriz. Zanjan is so delicate and charming that can keep traveler for three or four days there. Everybody’s Share: the most famous tourist attraction of this state is Sultaniye dome for sure. Once it was the tallest building of the world (like the Toronto tower, 400 years ago) and now it’s the biggest dome of the world as well as Florence Cathidral Dome. Katalekhur Cave is as well-known as Sultaniye dome. As a water cave it is probably bigger than Ali Sadr Cave. The other attractions of the State includes: Rakhshooy khane building, Shar Shar waterfall and great mosque of Zanjan. Special recommendation: use the lanes and paths not the main roads. Zanjan is located in an area full of ancient sites and natural sceneries. If you travel through the paths you can see fantastic, fascinating landscapes which you might have never even heard of. Traveler’s advice: it can be quite cold in New Year. Long camping will be bothering. Book the hotel in advance. Semnan The landing place of the Silk Road is now one of the most crowded roads of Iran. In the northern half of the country, it is the most important road crossing west to east and Shahrood-Azadshahr, Shahmirzad-Fulad Mahale are the most important roads that lead the passengers from the great central desert to the green lands of north. Everybody’s share: there is a Grand masque and a beautiful bazaar in Semnan. Garmsar and Ivanaky are famous because of the ancient stone-paved path. Shahmirzad is one of the famous summer quarters of Iran .Tarikhaneh Masque and Rakhshoykhaneh are of famous places. The southern desert is famous for the leopards, which are now very few, and also for the memorable Carvansara. Special recommendation: if you want to be surprised by the nature of Iran, visit Abr Mountain, Haj Ali Gholy Desert for sure, I really insist you to do it. Don’t forget to pay a visit to Bayazid Bastami and Sheikh Abol Hasan Kharghani tomb. Passenger’s Advice: you can camp in the parks of Semnan, Damghan and Shahrood. An ideal rout for the people of Tehran is a ring around central Alborz: Tehran to Semnan and then Shahrood to Azadshahr and then to Glestan and Mazandaran and then back to Tehran again. Sistan and Baluchistan: Hamoon Lake, Taftan Mountain and Chah Bahar coastal city are the symbols of the three part of this wide state. Hamoon Lake is located in Sistan. In the recent two or three years there has been more rain than the drought of 70s and the water from Hirmand river has overflowed to it again therefore it is flourishing once more. Taftan Mountain is almost in the center of this state (on north-south direction it is in the center while on the east-west direction it is westward) it is the only dormant volcano in Iran. On the foot of this mountain there are some summer quarters which are rare on this height. Chabahar has been recently flourished in the south of Iran. It reminds you of India and the beautiful beaches present you with the beauty of Indian Ocean. Everybody’s Share: The burnt City, Zabol and Hamoon Lake, Zahedan, Taftan Mountain, Iranshahr, Bahoo kalat and Chabahae are some of the prominent attractions of this state. There is 700Km from north to the south of this state therefore the traveler’s visit only the northern half or the southern half on a single trip. Special Recommendation: Don’t forget Guater, this small gulf has been selected among the 111 top natural attractions of Iran in the book of “the perfect guide of Iran nature”. Go to small cities like Saravan and Khash to feel the spirit of Baluchistan. They are very bizarre; they absorb the passenger in them. There are some villages in the foot of this volcanic Mountain that make you feel as if you are visiting another continent. Maybe you could spend a night in a village house around Hamoon Lake. Fishing with “Tootan” boats is so cheerful. Don’t forget that it’s the birthplace of Rostam and once it was the wheat storage of Iran. Remember the toughness of the nature here and let the people know that you like them. Traveler’s advice: it’s not an unsafe place as it is said, don’t worry. But take the safety advice seriously. Fars This land of history is one of the most crowded tourism destinations especially on New Year Holidays. From Esfand-March- to the end of Farvardin-April- it is too crowded and it is the same more or less up to the end of summer. Like Isfahan, it is well known internationally, especially for those who are interested in visiting ancient places. Everybody’s Share: the ancient sits here are famous in the world like Takht-e-Jamshid (Persopolice), Pasargad, Neyshabur, Naghsh-e-Rostam, Hafezieh, Khaju and Saadi’s tomb. We can also name Darvazeh Koran-Koran Gate-Vakil Bazaar, karimkhani Citadel, Eram Garden, Ghavam Narenjestan, and Sarvestan Palace. Special Recommendation: in Zagross Mountain regions don’t forget the residency of the moving tribes and the beautiful landscapes. If you have never had the experience of the moving tribe’s type of life, this is the best place to gain it. Ask for the stopping place of Ghashghayi tribes and enjoy the mysterious, ancient life. Enjoy the magnificent spring of Dena Mountain foot. If you have reached Fars through the north (Isfahan, Abadeh and Shiraz Road), return from an alternative road that is Shiraz, Ardakan,Yasooj, Samirom, Isfahan ore from Yasooj to Gachsaran and Khuzestan and then from Khuzestan to the northern half of the country. Traveler’s Advice: Shiraz is terribly crowded on New Year holidays. Go to the smaller cities and if you are more professional pick a village to stay. Ghazvin The state of hazelnuts, earthquake and Alamut Castle is one of the highly frequented cities of Iran though most of the passengers do not tend to stay there for an hour and prefer to go to more crowded cities on the northwest ore southeast of the state. Everybody’s Share: Ghazvin has a number of places to visit but none can rub shoulders with Alamut Castle in respect of fame. This mysterious Castle is the reminder of an uneasy era in the history of Iran. Near Alamut, there is the small lake named Vavan and a village with the same name that attracts thousands of tourists every year. Special recommendation: Alamut is pretty cold in spring otherwise it was a dreamy land for an off road trip and camping in nature. Any roads between Ghazvin and Mazandaran or Gilan is fascinating, specially the road from Taleghan to Roodbaarak. Somewhere on this road at the height of 4000m, there is a lake which reminds you of the nature of Alaska. On e of the nice traditions of people of Ghazvin is Nourooz Khani which starts around the middle of Esfand-March- and continues up to the early Farvardin. You can watch this ritual in some cafes and villages. If you are interested in history, you can do a pleasant activity here. Go from one village to another and look for ancient castles and people to tell you the story of them. Some of these castles are named as follow: Lambsar, Shemiran, Sangrood, Shirkuh, Sasan, Kharaghan, Barajin tower and etc. Traveler’s Advice: Don’t rush to get out of Ghazvin. It’s a friendly request from all those 40 million people who pass it away yearly. Qom Qom is mostly known because of the shrine of Holiness Maasoumeh, Jamkaran Mosque, Madrese-ye-Feyziyeh and some other shrines around. There is no imagination of ecotourism there while because of the national desert park, Salt Lake and the other natural phenomenon in the surrounding desert can attract thousands of tourist from Iran and other countries rather than the pilgrims. Everybody’s Share: the shrine of Holiness Maasoumeh, Jamkaran Mosque are well known to all Iranian. Besides them the central part of the city is of interest to people due to the religious structure. In these recent years even foreign tourists has developed great interest in visiting this city. Kahak village is also a place worth seeing. Special Recommendation: make visiting the surrounding desert part of your experience. To visit Maranjab Desert and Bahram Castle, Cities of Kashan or Varamin are the jumping off places while Qom could be an alternative, specially the road from Tehran to Qom which goes round the Salt Lake and ends in Siah Kuh. Though the old houses of Qom are not as famous as those of Kashan, they are as beautiful, for example the house of Imam Khomeyn and Mola Sadra’s House. If you are lucky enough you can witness on of the ceremonies of Qom, named Sar Derakhti to keep the trees safe from the piercing cold of winter and twice a day you can see the servants of harem perform a ceremony to change shifts, named Laleh Gardani. Traveler’s advice: experience visiting and livingin the old city of Qom. Kurdistan Kurdistan has developed a better situation in tourism in the recent years little by little. The untouched nature and hospitable and kind people and the good knowledge of people about this land have played a good role in this flourishing. The travelers to this land are much more after historic sites rather than natural attractions; they look for the mood and feelings which are only gained on this trip. Everybody’s Share: the Museum and bazaar of Sanandaj are great places to visit. Besides, we have to say about the Natural history Museum and Abidar national park. Zarivar Lake is also famous, though recently it has been so crowded and dirty that it might be better to forget about visiting it. Special Recommendation: go to Oramanat, this word means Heavenly. The beauty of the area rally reminds you of heaven. Don’t forget Negl village, West Masouleh and Oramanat-e-Takht. If you wish to feel the spirit and essence of Kurdistan, go to the cities and villages on the west edge. Forget about being a conservative tourist in Sanadaj and walk through the lanes and alley of the city. Sit on the ledge of the doors and watch people. Accept their offer for a cup of tea and buy souvenirs from the small shops and don’t forget in all lands people are more beautiful than architecture and mountains and valleys. Traveler’s Advice: on New Year holidays and summer holidays Kurdistan is less crowded. Instead of Shiraz and Isfahan for once visit this state. Kerman It is not that far as it is always imagined. If you go for it from any point in Iran it’ll take you about a day, two or three hours less or more. If the traditional architecture was not damaged, Kerman could be a city-museum like Soya or Broje. Here and there you can frequently see a historical building or a house with the traditional architecture which is humbly pleasant and reminds you of all the great religions that have started in desert and all the great Gnostics living around desert. Everybody’s Share: the historical buildings and the bazaar amuses the tourist for four or five days. But Bam is still wounded by earthquake. Mahan is still the most pleasant part of the desert, homing the tomb of Shah Nemat Allah Vali: I mean the Dervish who sighs deeply/Otherwise there are thieves look like Dervish” Special recommendation: go to the fantasy city of Lut.from the same road to Mahan keep going to Sirch and then to Shahdad. The Fantasy city of Lut is the most illusive natural phenomena in Iran. It is a pity not to experience it at least for a night. If you go there, don’t forget the cities of Gandom Beryan-roasted wheat- and Salm. Traveler’s advice: Don’t worry. Kerman is a safe city and the people are hospitable and kind. Kerman shah The land of west history once was the main road for all the passengers traveling from Far East to west. Moving this rout to the northern parts has isolated Kerman shah in these recent years. Everybody’s Share: Bisotun historical complex and Taq Bostan, Anahita temple and Maad’s towers of silence are among the most famous places to visit. Ghuri Ghalee Cave is also very well-known because it is said that one of the underground ways of it ends in Iraq. The other attractions of this state are Sarab Nilufar_lily mirage-Bisotun safari park and Dalahu jungles. Special recommendation: do not confine yourself to visiting the city of Kerman Shah and its historical sites. Cities like Sanghor, Sahneh, Ghasr-e-Shirin, Kangavar and Paveh have fascinating local areas. Besides that, you should really visit numerous villages which are mystically isolated. Traveler’s Advice: Kerman Shah State has many cheap hotels but not many luxurious ones. Lower your welfare standard and enjoy let yourself enjoy the stay. Kohkiluye and Boyer Ahmad This state had got the most of Zagross. Due to its effectiveness on geographical aspect of this mountain range, it’s the home to people of Pasargad and Parsumash who once played the main role in the history. But now like their northern neighbors, Chahar mahal-o-Bakhtiyari, are more proud of the natural attraction of their land rather than the historical ones. Here you can see people having copper skin like that of Bolivians and Tibetans, because of living in heights. Living in heights demands bigger lungs and heart to provide enough oxygen, so they all have broad shoulders and are tall. Special Recommendation: you shouldn’t miss the pleasure of visiting Margun, Sitakht and Charam. You can plan in advance to spend a nigh in one of them. Traveler’s Advice: summer is a more proper to take a trip to the heights of Kohkiluye and Boyer Ahmad. Of course it’s not that bitter cold insprinf to prevent you from traveling there. The cities like Gachsaran and Dehdasht which are near the east and west boarder of the city are warmer in spring. The roads are fine and there is no other way to travel there rather in your own car. The hotels have limited number of rooms, but don’t worry in the nice weather of spring you can stay out. Golestan Its name means Flower garden and it’s proud of itself thinking of Jahan nama and KHush yeylagh. If Iran could have a better tourism it could be another Yellow Stone for the Ecotourists, alas! It is not! Everybody’s Share: there are thousands of places to visit here.Golestan national park and the neighboring areas in the south, Turkmen Sahara in east, the trio of the lakes: Alagol, Almagol and Abigol in the northeast, Ashuradeh and Caspian Sea in the north! What else do you want? Special recommendation: don’t confine yourself to Gorgan, Ashuradeh and Gonbad. Remember Hosein gholi Khan Coast, maybe you can go fishing with the fishermen for a night. It’s a rare experience. Get off the main roads. Pay more attention to the eastern half of the sate, the national park in the south of this part, Turkmen Sahar and finally the bays and villages of the southeast of Caspian are a blending of local Gorgan culture, Russian, Cossack and Turkmen. Traveler’s advice: Don’t worry about accommodation. Enjoy the nature and camp. Kilan The wettest coast of Iran presenting the most various aspect of human life on itself, it is a pleasant destination for travelers because it makes them change so quickly: absolutely unique nature, you can see people dress differently on the road, the architecture of the houses are entirely different and abundant local food are supplied. Everybody’s share: the beaches are famous there. Anzali pond, Masule, Siahkal jungle and Talesh, the mountainous land are all magnificent shows of life. Special Recommendation: don’t forget any of Heyran and Almas, Astara and Dorfak defiles or the mountainous villages there. If you go to Deylaman, don’t come back to Siahkal again. Go through a road that takes you to Loshan. You’ll be stunned. If you go to Masuleh, don’t miss visiting the old Masuleh. It’s a two-hour cheerful drive in mountains that leaves you astonishing about the nature of Iran. Traveler’s Advice: get far away from the well-known cities and villages. Head off to unknown destinations. Loristan It’s the land of metal and dream. The tallest waterfalls of Iran fall down here, the roaring rivers pass here and the most difficult defiles to pass are leaning against Zagross on this spot. After Middle Ages the best works of art belong to metal statues of Loristan. There is such complexion in their designs that everybody mistakes them for works of a professional modern sculptor in 21^st century. Everybody’s Share: Khorram Abad and Borujerd have some important historic places of which the most important one is Falakolaflak Castle. It is a landmark in Loristan today. Nevertheless natural attractions of this state overweigh. Oshtorankuh Mountain, Gahar Lake and Nujian waterfall are more famous. The cities further away from transit road (Tehran-Khoranshahr road that reached to Andimeshk through Borujerd and Khorram Abad), such as Ali Gudarz, Azna, Dorood, Alashtar, Nur Abad and Kuhdasht are less visited by Iranian tourists. Nonetheless they are much better places to feel the spirit of this state. Special recommendation: we suggest you to visit Chekan valley. It’s like traveling to another continent. But don’t go there hastily, take enough time and prepare yourself to experience something rally different and feel the ancient aspect of life in the plateau. Don’t forget to get to Nur Abad and Alashtar. The spring is magnificent in these two cities. If you are of the hiking type go from Shahbazan to Imamzadeh Mohammad. It’s about a day walk through the most glorious landscapes. You can see grand canyons on your way which are much bigger than that of famous one in America which attracts more than 300 thousands foreign tourists there and earns about one milliard dollars yearly. Passenger’s advice: the roads are OK, there are enough hotels and the natives are more eager to serve tourists. Visit Lorestan for sure. Mazandaran is a coastal city lying on the coasts of the biggest Lake of the world. It is the most visited city by Iranian tourists. At least 5million people visit this state yearly. Less than 700 Km out of the 6thousan Km coast line is proper for tourism investment. 600 Km of this belongs to Iran and 200 Km belongs to Mazandaran. But sitting in the center of the southern coast, owning the deepest and warmest water of Caspian Lake makes us to think of it as the most beautiful beach of the whole Caspian Lake. Everybody’s share: the beaches are of course known by everybody. Some of the mountainous roads have been used frequently in the recent years like: Chamestan, Kandolos, Kelar Dasht, do Hezar, Se Hezar and Janat Roodbar. Special Recommendation: get far away from beach; look for small untouched villages on mountainous roads and paths. The further and the higher it’s the better. Choose places like Janat Roodbar rather than crowded fereydoonkenar, Chalus, motel Gho and Ramsar. Traveler’s Advice: leave Mazandaran as if you have never stepped there. Will you do this? Markazi Probable Arak is the only capital city of the state in Iran that has less fame than the other cities of the state to attract tourists. Especially cities like Mahalat and Khomeyn which are the recently activated targets of tourism industry in Iran. Everybody’s share: there is a long list of places to visit in this state. Though it is one of the states that is passed by passengers too often, is has no fame in tourism. Some of the places to visit are as follow: Imam Khomeini’s (PBUH) house, gardens and spa baths of Mahalat Khorhe fire temple, Arak bazaar, Chal Nakhjir Cave, Dodehak Carvansara, and Mostofiolmamaalek Special Recommendation: you shouldn’t miss visiting Ashtiyan. In Nourooz, the smaller cities of Markazi State are closer destinations as well as cheaper. Also in summer most of these cities are cool. Try living in the villages of the state, especially those near southeast that have more of Zagross atmosphere. Traveler’s Advice: Markazi State has nice places for camping in summer. It also has several hotels. Hormozgan It represents maximum culture and stamina of sailing. In fact many centuries ago lots of people were sailors here, more than any other cities. Modernism has dominated everywhere. Even now you can see men who go sailing in the see on their Lenges_small boats- which are similar to those being sailed on thousands years ago from Persian Gulf to Zanzibar here and there. Everybody’s Share: Kish and Qeshm are now the most popular destinations in Iran and in the recent years it has attracted the largest amount of investment. Bandar Abbass is now a bay for Qeshm but it can be an attraction if there is a fairly good revision in city furniture design. Minab and Jaask are blooming in Nourooz. Special Recommendation: go on the sea with a Lenj for sure. If you share the cost with some other families, it won’t be expensive. Even you can rent a Lenj for your accommodation. Don’t forget less crowded areas like Jask and Konag. If you got to Qeshm try to find an accommodation closer to the western part since it’s more natural. If you are anit sharp, you can rent an inexpensive place in the villages on the coast. If you like the view of the beach chose the northern beaches. There is a kind of stream between the Island and main part of Iran that has a great view at sunset and sunrise. Traveler’s Advice: Hormozgan is too crowded in Nouruz, if you are going to stay in a hotel, make sure you have booked it before. Don’t forget visiting isolated Islands like Hengam and Hendorabi. Hamedan If you have gone to Hamedan, you can see it has a lot to amuse you for some days! But the point is IF you have gone. It’s not too far. But the problem to say is that: it has no “golden point” to attract tourists. A “golden point” is the center of attention in tourism. It’s an attraction that can activate the tourism of an area all alone. There are many places to visit in Hamedan but none of them is a golden point. Probable making a fun park could help creating this golden point. Everybody’s Share: Ganjname, Ba ba Taher tomb, Avesina tomb are very famous in Hamedan, besides that arethe old Bazaar, Alavian Dome, Hegmataneh ancient hill Astromardkhay tomb. In the area, Ali Sadr Tower is very famous and well-visited. There are some places to visit in the other cities of this state like: Nahavan, Malayer and Tuyserkan to keep the traveler for three or four days there. Special Recommendation: Don’t miss the great Mirage of this state. Here mirage means spring, of course a spring which is the source of a river. One of the most famous one is Gian, you may call it the biggest spring of Iran. The jungles are also attractive, though nothing has been done to change then to attract tourists. For lots of teenagers and youngsters a village is a place like that of the “the Cold Roads” film. It is located around Malayer and of course there are hundreds of similar villages there. Nourooz and summer holidays are a good chance to feel the native life of these untouched villages; it gives you a chance to take the first step for long-term visiting villages to heal the wounds of your spirit and nerves made by hectic life of the cities. Travele’s Advice: don’t return from the same road. It’s a better idea to visit the west parts all together, it means, Hamedan, Kurdistan and Kerman Shah, even if you have enough time you can visit East and West Azerbaijan at the same time. In fact it is a tour around Orumiye Lake, Azerbaijan in north, Kurdish States and Hamedan in south. Yazd The center of desert has been flowering in these recent years. Yazd is one of the only few cities of Iran which still has much of the traditional architecture and walking there, makes a passenger feel the ancient spirit of the land, though in the recent years the traditional architecture has been destructed to some extent. Everybody’s Share: there are lots of Baad girs and storehouses in the city which are really fascinating. Amir Chakhmagh Building, Pir-e-Sabz Chak Chak, Zoroastrians Graveyard, named Dakhme, Alexander prison, Jame Mosque and Dolat Abad garden should really be visited. Other cities like: Taft, Mehriz, Ardakan andTarzjan are also beautiful in their own way. Special Recommendation: go to the desert parts like Aghda desert. It’s a pity not to see Tabas. You should really visit Abar Kuh Mountain and the cedar tree. Keep in mind that Yazd is one of the cities which is losing the native atmosphere, in fact the old days are numbered, go and visit it before it’s too late. If you go there from Tehran, we suggest you to come back from Tabas, Khor and Biabanak. Go from Yazd to Tabas and then back to Khor and Biabanak you may have time to visit villages like Garmeh and Arusan, and then go to Jandagh and Moaleman till you get to the main road of Semnan-Mashhad. From there if you are in short of time , return to Tehran, otherwise tilt to Shahrood, Azadshahr, Gorgan and then from Mazandaran road to Tehran. Visiting desert, jungles and sea all on the same trip is a unique experience. Traveler’s Advice: there are good hotels in Yazd, but recently some of the ancient houses have been equipped for accommodation that you can book them from Tehran. (Source: Hamshahri book)