Ditch the tropical vacation; visit Ecuador and climb three volcanoes this winter!
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
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.
Iran is for you if you enjoy…
Dates | Spots | Deposit | Full |
---|---|---|---|
Custom Group Only | $600 | $2800 |
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Day 1:
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
Day 1:
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
Day 2:
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
Day 3:
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
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!
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 (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.
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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
Adventure Guide
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
Adventure Guide
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.
Adventure Guide
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
Adventure Guide
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
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Our flagship Pakistani adventure tour. Road trip with some hiking and cultural immersion.
15 Days
Intermediate
$3125
A trekking-style tour that features some very remote locations, inlcuding a K2 viewpoint.
15 Days
Strenuous
$3200
Adventure Guide
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
Adventure Guide
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
Adventure Guide
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!
– Coastal
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.
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
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
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