Alborz (province) Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Alborz (Province) with this helpful guide, complete with information on top attractions, recommended activities, where to stay, local cuisine, and transportation options.


Introduction to Alborz (Province)

Located in Western Iran, Alborz (Province) is a breathtaking destination that boasts some of the most beautiful natural and cultural attractions in the country. The region is named after the Alborz mountain range that runs through it, offering visitors an unparalleled opportunity to explore the great outdoors.

For those interested in history, Alborz (Province) also spoils visitors with its numerous cultural attractions, including ancient ruins, museums, and religious sites.

This comprehensive travel guide will take you through everything you need to know to plan your ultimate trip to Alborz (Province).

List of Places to Visit in Alborz (Province)

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Alamut Castle - a castle in the Alamut region located on top of a high mountain. Alamut Castle is one of the most important historical attractions in the region.

  2. Shah Abbasi Caravanserai - a historical monument constructed during the Safavid dynasty used for accommodating travelers and their animals. It’s an excellent location to capture photos and immerse yourself in history.

  3. Yakh Morad Cave - a stunning ice cave in the heart of Alamut Valley.

  4. Tomb of Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardabili - a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Ardabil. This historical monument is a beautiful example of Iranian architecture.

  5. Bagh-e Fin - a historical garden located in Kashan featuring beautiful fountains, pools, and a stunning pavilion.

Natural Attractions of Alborz (Province): Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Mount Damavand - the highest mountain in Iran, Damavand is an active volcano that attracts many visitors for its beautiful scenery and challenging hiking routes.

  2. Taleghan Dam - a popular recreational spot for locals and tourists. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and hiking activities.

  3. Lar National Park - Located in Mazandaran (Alborz province), Lar National Park is an excellent spot for nature lovers with beautiful scenery and wildlife.

  4. Larijan Thermal Springs - a popular destination for tourists providing hot mineral water, relaxation, and healing.

  5. Dizin Ski Resort - located on top of the Alborz mountain range, Dizin Ski Resort offers world-class skiing activities in winter.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Alborz (Province)

  1. Tochal Summit: A popular hiking spot, Tochal offers scenic views of Tehran from the summit. Visitors can make the ascent using a cable car or on foot.

  2. Alam-Khuh Hiking Trail: A challenging yet rewarding hiking trail that rewards with an iconic view of Alam-Khuh (the second highest mountain in the Alborz range).

  3. Jamshidieh Park Trails: A stunning park located on the outskirts of Tehran with many interconnected hiking trails that lead through the park’s lush and green forests.

  4. Darabad Hiking Trail: An easy and beautiful trail that follows the Darband River, passing through forests and rocky terrain.

  5. Shemshak Biking Route: Known as one of the best mountain-biking routes in Iran, Shemshak Biking Route offers a challenging yet breathtaking experience to biking lovers.

Best Things to Do in Alborz (Province): Activities and Tours

  1. Skiing: Being one of the most popular skiing regions in Iran, visitors must not miss an opportunity to ski or snowboard in the Dizin, Tochal and other skiing resorts during the winter season.

  2. White-Water Rafting: For adrenaline junkies, the Karaj River is an interesting spot for rafting activities, providing adventurers with a thrilling experience.

  3. Desert Exploration: There are various tours available for exploring the Maranjab desert, including overnight camping, camel riding, and visiting historical sites.

  4. Historical Tours: Explore iconic ancient ruins and religious sites throughout the province as part of a historical tour.

  5. Food Tours: Embark on a gastronomic journey around the province and discover various traditional dishes and drinks unique to the region.

Week-Long Itinerary for Alborz (Province)

Day 1: Arrive in Tehran and acclimate to jetlag Day 2: Explore historical landmarks around Tehran like Golestan Palace and the Grand Bazaar Day 3: Visit the Yakh Morad Cave and nearby villages
Day 4: Visit Dizin Ski Resort Day 5: Begin hiking the Tochal Summit
Day 6: Explore the Alamut Castle and surrounding historical sites; visit Larijan Thermal Springs Day 7: Depart from Tehran

Food and Drink Scene of Alborz (Province)

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Mirza Ghasemi: A traditional appetizer made of smoked eggplants, tomatoes, garlic, and eggs.

  2. Kebab: Iran is famous for its succulent grilled meat. Visitors can try different types of kebab, including Koobideh Kebab, Joojeh Kebab, and Barg Kebab.

  3. Ghormeh Sabzi: A popular Iranian stew made with herbs, kidney beans, onion and beef or lamb.

  4. Baghali Polo: A traditional Iranian dish consisting of rice cooked with broad beans, dill, and lamb meat.

  5. Faloodeh: A refreshing summertime dessert made from rice noodles, sugar syrup and lime juice.

Local Beverages

  1. Doogh: A refreshing drink made of yoghurt, water, and salt – perfect for quenching one’s thirst during hot summer days

  2. Sharbat: A sweet beverage that comes in different flavors, mainly made of fruits, flowers, or herbs.

  3. Sahlab[VP3] : A hot drink enriched with orchid root powder, sugar, rose water and pistachio.

Where to Stay in Alborz (Province): Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Espinas Palace Hotel
  2. Laleh International Hotel
  3. Grand Hotel Tehran
  4. Tehran Howzak House Hostel
  5. Nesar Traditional Guest House

What to Buy in Alborz (Province): Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Handmade Carpets and Rugs: Alborz (Province) is an exporter of unique, handwoven carpets which make for excellent decorative items for your home

  2. Ghalamkar Cloth: A type of textile that is hand-printed with unique, floral designs. Ghalamkar Cloth is a traditional Iranian textile that makes for artisanal souvenirs.

  3. Herbal Extracts: Many traditional apothecaries around the province sell herbal extracts used in Iranian cuisine and traditional medicine; make sure to grab some during your exploration.

Local Culture and Customs of Alborz (Province)

The locals of Alborz (Province) are incredibly welcoming and hospitable towards tourists. It is advised to dress appropriately while visiting mosques, religious sites, and public areas, especially during prayers or religious ceremonies. It is also crucial to remove your footwear while entering someone’s home or a mosque.

Best Time to Visit Alborz (Province)

The best time to visit Alborz (Province) is from March to May or from late September to November. During this period, visitors can enjoy pleasant weather, making it perfect for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Alborz (Province)

Do:

  • Respect the cultural customs of the province
  • Try the local cuisine and drinks
  • Take part in cultural events and festivals
  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites or public areas

Don’t:

  • Consume alcohol in public
  • Engage in conversations regarding politics and religion
  • Eat with your left hand as it is considered unclean[c/fn]

Safety and Health

Safety in Alborz (Province)

Although generally safe, visitors should take into account that certain areas of the province, particularly close to the Afghanistan border, may pose a potential risk for travelers, hence caution should be taken. Additionally, visitors should be careful while hiking and exploring during natural occurrences such as avalanches in winter or flash floods in spring.

Health in Alborz (Province)

Food hygiene standards are reasonably high in Alborz (Province); visitors should also take precautions from the sun and have the necessary health insurance coverage.

Getting to Alborz (Province): Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Alborz (Province)

  1. Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport(TIKA)
  2. Tehran Mehrabad International Airport (TMIA)

Bus Stations Near Alborz (Province)

  1. Tehran West Bus Station
  2. Tehran South Bus Terminal

Other Options

  1. International railway services link Tehran with Turkey, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan[VP4] and Turkmenistan
  2. Taxis can be used for local travel and staying in urban areas.

How to Get Around in Alborz (Province)

Visitors can use public transport, including buses, taxis, bikes, and rental cars to explore the province.

Where to Go Next from Alborz (Province): Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Tehran: Located a few kilometers from Alborz (Province)[VP1] , Tehran is one of Iran’s most visited cities.

  2. Qazvin: A city a few hours from Tehran, Qazvin is known for its traditional markets, historical sites, and beautiful gardens.

  3. Mazandaran: A neighboring province that provides visitors with beautiful forests, national parks and scenic views[VP2] .

Conclusion

Alborz (Province) is a hidden gem located in Iran, offering visitors a chance to explore its beautiful mountains, historical sites, and amazing cuisine. Be sure to visit this destination to have a unique and unforgettable travel experience.



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