Iran's Top Backpacking Spots and Essential Tips

From Deserts to Cities: Iran's Top Backpacking Destinations and Tips

Have you ever seen photos depicting a lone young individual on the side of the road, with a backpack, waiting for a ride? If you envy the freedom, lightness, and joy depicted in these images and wish to be in that person's place but daily responsibilities make it seem impossible, worry not. You don't necessarily need to be on the road for months or years like professional backpackers; you can be a backpacker over the weekend and then return to your daily routine. Even if you don't have a weekend to spare, don't fret. In this article, join us on a virtual backpacking journey. As Iranians say, "describing love is half the love." So, without further ado, here are the best places in Iran for backpacking and a collection of the most critical technical tips and travel necessities.

What are the top destinations for backpacking in Iran?

Northern Iran, with its lush landscapes and trails, is highly recommended. Other top spots include the vibrant Southern coastline, historical sites in Shiraz, the rich cultural tapestry of Khuzestan, the bustling city of Tehran, and the serene deserts like Maranjab and Mesr.

How should I prepare for a backpacking trip in Iran?

Preparation should include researching the destination, understanding cultural norms, packing appropriately for climate conditions, arranging necessary visas, and planning logistics like accommodation and transportation.

What are the essential items to carry while backpacking in Iran?

Essential items include a reliable backpack, comfortable clothing suitable for varying temperatures, a first aid kit, necessary travel documents, a map or GPS device, and sufficient water and snacks.

Can I safely backpack alone in Iran?

Iran is generally safe for solo travelers, but as with any destination, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings, respect local customs and laws, and keep emergency contacts handy.

When is the ideal time to go backpacking in Iran?

The best times for backpacking in Iran are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) months, when the weather is mild and conducive to outdoor activities.

What makes Iran a unique destination for backpacking?

Iran is not only a treasure trove of ancient history and diverse landscapes but also offers a unique cultural richness that remains largely untouched by mainstream tourism. Backpacking in Iran is cost-effective, making it an ideal destination for travelers on a budget. Additionally, the legendary hospitality of the Iranian people ensures a welcoming and enriching experience. This combination allows for a deep immersion into the country’s heritage, providing an authentic and unforgettable journey.

Frequently Asked Questions: Backpacking in Iran

Preparation Before the Journey

Before you embark on your backpacking journey, consider a few things. We aim to briefly touch upon these preparatory points so that when introducing the tourist spots in Iran, you can choose the best ones suitable for your circumstances. Above all the points mentioned below, if you have a close, trustworthy friend familiar with your values and who has backpacking experience, definitely seek their advice:

Financial Considerations: Firstly, bank accounts aren’t usually fond of backpackers. Although this way of traveling is the cheapest, ensure you budget for meals, bus or train tickets, and hostel stays. It’s best not to take Instagram advertisements too seriously; even the most miniature trip has its costs.
Choosing Your Destination: If this is your first trip, choose a straightforward, nearby destination. This trip will serve as capital for your future adventures, so there’s no rush to pick a distant and thrilling destination right away.
Packing: Pack essential items like clothing. If you have friends who are backpackers or nature enthusiasts, borrow backpacks, stoves, and tents for your first trip to keep costs down.
Planning: Plan your initial backpacking trips during warmer seasons and aim for natural campsites with drinkable water sources.
Meals: Preferably, carry packaged or semi-prepared canned foods for your meals.
Physical and Mental Preparation: Prepare yourself both physically and mentally for backpacking. Expect long hours of walking, sleeping in places that aren’t as comfortable as your bed, eating food that isn’t as delicious as home-cooked meals, and encountering natural and human-related dangers.

Northern Iran: Top on the List for Backpacking in Iran

The three northern provinces of Iran, namely Golestan, Mazandaran, and Gilan, compete in beauty, making it challenging to choose just one. These provinces are filled with forests, beaches, waterfalls, mountains, fog, rivers, springs, wetlands, lakes, and almost anything you can imagine. However, choosing northern Iran as the first backpacking destination has many other reasons, which we briefly describe here.

The cities in the north are close to each other. Thus, upon arriving at one settlement, you can easily hitchhike from one town to another alongside the road.
All three northern provinces offer numerous forest parks that provide camping and nature touring opportunities.
Most untouched areas are not far from cities and settlements. It can be compensated if you forget to buy a tool or facility.
You have numerous choices for camping. You can experience beach, forest, and road traveling quickly.

Tourist Attractions in the North to Include in Your Backpacking Journey

Shaitan Kouh Waterfall, Javaherdasht, Badab-e Surt Springs, Chort Lake, Golban Garden, Ghoran Abad Forest Park, Touskestan Forest, Toushan Lake, Alang Dareh Forest Park, Rango Waterfall, Kaboudwal Waterfall, Jahan Nama Village, Sisangan Forest Park, Filband, Daryasar Plain, Javaherdeh Village, Aabi Daniyal Cave, Hasel Wetland, and more.

Second Choice: The Southern Coastline

If you’ve previously adventured in northern Iran or this option doesn’t align with your current plans, you should set your sights on the southern tip of this vast land. Locate Khorramshahr on the map and extend it to Gwadar. The two thousand kilometers between these two cities are filled with attractions that offer backpacking and camping opportunities.

Arvandrud (Arvand River), Khark Island, Siraf, Portuguese Castle, Hara Forest, and Beryas Village can be compelling destinations for you. Like the north, choosing the southern coastline as one of the best places in Iran for backpacking, besides natural sights, has other reasons elaborated briefly in the following points:

The people of the South are incredibly warm-hearted; therefore, the human factor in your backpacking journey will be safe and hassle-free.
If you reach one of the settlements on the southern coastline, subsequent settlements will be spaced at most between 200 and 300 kilometers. This means you’ll have a diverse and colorful backpacking experience.
While in southern Iran, you’ll have the opportunity to visit beautiful islands like Kish, Qeshm, and especially Hormuz. This means you can experience the Persian Gulf’s waters, boat rides, and beach camping along the ocean.
Lastly, the unique culinary diversity of the South deserves mention. A variety of fish and shrimp in the best quality and highest diversity (along with other options) await you; savor them.

Tourist Attractions in the South to Include in Your Backpacking Journey

Bandar Lengeh, Nadaalian Museum, Hormuz Island, Hengam Island, Laft Village in Qeshm, Bandar Siraf, Bandar Ganaveh, Deylam, Akbar Berzili’s Falafel House in Shushtar, Shushtar Khan Garden, Daryoun Canal in Shushtar, Chogha Zanbil, and more.

Third Choice: Backpacking in Shiraz

Shiraz holds a prominent position on the list of the best places in Iran for backpacking. This distinction is primarily due to its favorable geographical location, high urban facilities, the city’s richness in natural attractions, and abundant historical landmarks. Shiraz truly serves as a time machine showcasing Iran’s history. A few kilometers outside the city transports you to the Achaemenid era and ancient Iran; in the city center, you’ll encounter tributes to Hafez and Saadi, and subsequently, in parks, museums, and mosques, you’ll witness remnants from the Qajar, Safavid, and Zand eras. The reasons for introducing Shiraz as one of the essential choices for backpacking are detailed below:

A plethora of domestic travelers and foreign tourists backpacking like you: You’ll make new friends and learn valuable experiences.
There is an abundance of suitable accommodations for backpackers throughout the city.
The compactness of in-city attractions allows a backpacker to visit within a day or two.
A diverse range of natural and historical sites (unparalleled in all of Iran).

Tourist Attractions in Shiraz to Include in Your Backpacking Journey

Pasargadae, Persepolis, Hafezieh and Saadieh (Mausoleums of Hafez and Saadi), Karim Khan Citadel, Naqsh-e Rostam, Shapouri Pavilion, Jahan Nama Garden, Aburayhan Observatory, Maharloo Lake, Eram Garden, Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, Vakil Bazaar, Lost Paradise, Raghez Canyon, and more.

Fourth Destination: Khuzestan

Khuzestan is another province renowned for its rich history, pristine nature, robust infrastructures arising from its oil resources that, unfortunately, have not been distributed evenly, hospitable and warm-hearted residents, and much more. These characteristics offer remarkable eco-tourism opportunities to visitors. From Ahvaz and Abadan to Shush and Khorramshahr, wherever you turn in Khuzestan, you’ll find a bustling city with every facility you might need. However, beyond this, there are several reasons why Khuzestan stands as one of the best backpacking destinations in Iran. The most significant ones include:

In terms of area, Khuzestan is one of Iran’s largest provinces. But unlike others like Khorasan, Kerman, Sistan and Baluchestan, its settlements are not widely spaced. Hence, within a 65,000-square-kilometer province, you can explore different regions effortlessly with just a backpack.
Located on a plain and sharing a border with the Persian Gulf, Khuzestan boasts a unique nature unparalleled in other provinces, offering a distinctive flavor to your backpacking adventure.
The northern province adjacent to Khuzestan is Lorestan. On your return, you can detour and explore this beautiful paradise.
The available spaces within the cities and the possibility of camping in parks are winning features that make Khuzestan a favorite and unique place for backpackers.

Must-See Places in Khuzestan to Include in Your Backpacking Itinerary

Shevi Waterfall, Karun River, Amiri and Teh Lenj Bazaars, Ahvaz Cable Bridge, Karun Dam, Black Bridge, White Bridge, Seventh Bridge Waterfall, Recreational Pier, Saint Mesrop Church, Historical Complex of Shush (including Damourgan Castle, Apadana Palace, etc.), Water Structures of Shushtar, Falak-ol-Aflak Castle (in Lorestan), and more.

Tehran: One of the Best Backpacking Destinations in Iran!

If you reside in Tehran, there’s no need to venture out of the province. The surrounding attractions in Tehran are vibrant spots for backpacking. Additionally, the city itself, considering its vastness and abundance of interests, supports urban backpacking adventures. Especially for those who are just starting in this travel style, Tehran is one of the top recommendations in this article due to the following reasons:

Tehran is the capital of Iran, and even its neighboring villages are well-equipped, making backpacking relatively challenge-free.
The strongest tourist and backpacking communities are based in Tehran, enabling newcomers to embark on their initial journeys with these groups.
Whether considering its natural beauty (in the outskirts) or historical richness (remnants from the Qajar era), Tehran is opulent.
Finally, for those with busy schedules, Tehran offers the possibility of one-day backpacking trips.

Must-See Places in Tehran for Your Backpacking Itinerary:

Lavasan, Afjeh, Zarrin Dasht, Khoor, Korkabood, Vardij, Vashi Gorge, Azadi Tower, Sa’dabad Palace Museum, Tehran Bazaar, Darband and Darakeh, Niavaran Palace, Nature Bridge, and more.

Deserts of Iran: From Maranjab to Mesr

Its deserts are the final category of the best places in Iran for backpacking. However, from the outset, we emphasize that to enjoy desert backpacking truly, you must have sufficient experience and thoroughly research the area before setting out.

Once you immerse yourself in the desert, the meaning of words like “silence,” “stars,” “moonlight,” “tranquility,” and “sunset” will completely transform for you. If you’re planning for this experience, be sure to keep the following points in mind:

If you stay at official accommodations or locals’ homes at different intervals during your desert trek, drink a liter of water at each stop. This is crucial for staying healthy on long desert treks.
Start your journey early in the morning.
Camp and seek shade between 1 PM and 4 PM.
Take breaks every one or two hours.
Bring the necessary equipment with you (water purification filters, warm clothing for the night, suitable attire for the day, skin protection creams, etc.).
Plan your journey and familiarize yourself with your next destination at each stop.

Notable Deserts in Iran for Your Backpacking Itinerary:

Mesr Desert, Maranjab Desert, Khor and Biabanak, Matin Abad Desert Camp, Zardgah Desert, Kalouts of Lut Desert, Rig Zarrin Desert, Karakal Desert, Halvan Desert, Sirjan Salt Flat, and of course, the coastal desert of Daryaye Darak.

If you stay at official accommodations or locals’ homes at different intervals during your desert trek, drink a liter of water at each stop. This is crucial for staying healthy on long desert treks.
Start your journey early in the morning.
Camp and seek shade between 1 PM and 4 PM.
Take breaks every one or two hours.
Bring the necessary equipment with you (water purification filters, warm clothing for the night, suitable attire for the day, skin protection creams, etc.).
Plan your journey and familiarize yourself with your next destination at each stop.

Notable Deserts in Iran for Your Backpacking Itinerary:

Why Should We Backpack?

Before introducing backpacking options, we initially emphasized the challenges, laying out the groundwork for travel to ensure no one embarks on such adventures without adequate knowledge. But now that we’re nearing the end of the article and you’ve come this far, it signifies you’ve decided and are intent on exploring the best backpacking sites in Iran. To further boost your enthusiasm, we present the advantages of backpacking:

Experience a taste of freedom, even if just for a few days. Your backpack contains all you need, and an undiscovered world lies ahead.
Each day offers a new experience, and unlike other travel modes, there won’t be a predictable and tedious schedule.
Being in new situations allows you to discover different aspects of yourself, boosting your self-confidence and increasing self-awareness.
You’ll make some of the best friends in your life since you meet them under unique circumstances and they’ve proven their mettle.
Witnessing new lifestyles, meeting new people, and exploring unfamiliar places will leave you with a much more open mind by the end of your journey.
Moreover, you get all these benefits at the least possible cost.

Final Words on Backpacking

In this article, we introduced a collection of the best places in Iran for backpacking. Although we tried to be as comprehensive as possible, to keep the writing concise, intriguing names like Yazd, Palangan of Kurdistan, Tabriz, and unique attractions of Lorestan province were inevitably left out. We hope your travel journals will cover them.

Our final advice:

If you’re setting out to one of the best backpacking sites in Iran with a friend or partner, ensure your personalities and temperaments are compatible. Backpacking conditions differ from regular trips, and it’s not worth risking a friendship over. If in doubt, postpone the trip or consider traveling solo. Keep your identification documents close and, besides reading online reviews, assess the conditions in person upon arrival. Also, reduce your travel burden and opt for a smaller backpack whenever possible.