Traveling through the Kingdom of Saffron: From Mashhad to Tabas
This journey starts in Mashhad and ends in Tabas. During this route, in addition to the various historical attractions of Khorasan, you can see the vast fields of saffron up close.This journey starts in Mashhad and ends in Tabas. During this route, in addition to the various historical attractions of Khorasan, you can see the vast fields of saffron up close.
5 Days
Day 1: Mashhad to Torbat Jam
Our first day embarks from the city of Mashhad. Beyond its spiritual significance, we’ll explore “Bagh Nader” and the “Koohsangi Mountain Park” before we make our way to Torbat Jam. The journey introduces us to Fariman, notable for its concrete buildings from the first Pahlavi period constructed by Germans. Here, we ensure to also admire the ancient brick structures, including the pyramidal columns at the old Fariman Gate. Our schedule is meticulously planned to arrive in Torbat Jam before nightfall.
Day 2: Exploring Torbat Jam and Khaf
The next day is dedicated to the exploration of Torbat Jam’s significant sites, including the tomb complex and museum of Sheikh Ahmad Jami, and the Abbas Abad Caravanserai. We then proceed towards Khaf. En route, before reaching Taybad, a visit to Mill Karat is arranged, alongside “Kariz” and “Taibad.” In Taibad, we pay homage to the tomb of Maulana Abu Bakr Taibadi, a revered 8th-century mystic. Our journey continues to Khaf for an overnight stay, a city celebrated for its traditional Khorasan music, particularly dotar performances. Here, we also visit the “Khargerd Ghiyathiya School” and the “Ancient Windmills of Nashtifan,” before setting off to Birjand the following day.
Day 3: Saffron Fields and Birjand
The day begins with a visit to the saffron fields of Qaen, showcasing the prized red gold of Iran. Our travels then lead us to Birjand, the capital of South Khorasan province, where we explore and settle for the night. The highlight here is the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Akbariye Garden. Our afternoon is planned with a departure towards Tabas.
Day 4: Exploring Tabas En Route
En route to Tabas, we stop at the village of “Sivjan,” known for its esteemed mosque and quality dairy products, thanks to the local cattle industry. We also visit Khosuf, among the oldest cities in the region. As evening approaches, a visit to Esfahak village is a must, offering picturesque views of adobe houses amidst palm trees, despite its historical damages from the Tabas earthquake.
Day 5: Immersing in Tabas
Tabas marks our journey’s final destination. Staying in one of the city’s ecotourism houses provides an authentic desert life experience. The next day is reserved for a thorough exploration of Tabas and its environs, including the Ismaili period fort, the “Kal Jenni Valley,” and Khan’s Caravanserai.
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