Tehran Travel Forum

Could you please tell me the name of the travel agent you managed to buy your ticket from please? I beleive you said they were in Esfahan..... I will need to buy 2 tickets for the July 2nd train. Many thanks

I am half-Iranian - my mother is Iranian - and I have travelled to Iran many times as a child on my British passport with a visa. Now that I'm older I am interested in getting an Iranian passport so that I could live and work in Iran. My Mum tells me I can't get one (and why would I want one) as she is the Iranian parent and not my father. Does anyone know if this is the case? If not, how would I go about getting myself a passport?
I should probably add that although my Dad is British, my parents are actually married under Islamic law. I'm hoping that this would make a difference. Any help would be gratefully received.
Thanking you in advance!

Hello,

We will be in Tehran between May 24-28 for an industry fair.
Can you please recommend a hotel (preferably 3-star) NEAR International Exhibition Area? Is it close to Airport also?

Thanks,
Ali

hi there

i am an irish guy. i arrive in iran on tuesday. it is my first journey to iran. will have 3 weeks travelling on my own. will try and fit in as much of the country as possible. would love to meet people along the way. drop me a line if ur interested and we can have a tea and some conversation. ok. it is now time to get back to reading hafez and ferdowsi.

Dear All,

I will be arriving Tehran on the 20th of march and I just found out that is the start of the Iranian new year. Is this a good thing?

I will be staying with some family friends.

I wanted to go skiing and my main question is skiing attire/clothing available for rent? just like skis? I am coming from dubai and don't want to lug to much stuff around.

Which is the best place to go skiing? can i stay overnight at these ski resorts?

Will there be anyone who would be willing to meet up in Tehran? I was supposed to go with my family but they backed out and now I am alone. Don't think it should be a problem though.

I know alcohol is not permitted in Iran, so that means I cannot buy something from duty free dubai and take it into iran right? that would be stupid.

anyways thanks for any help in advance.

Where to repair a camera (with sand inside it) in Iran?

I broke my Sony Cybershot DSC-W80 in the desert last week, tiny sandstorm hit on top of a dune, and now the lens won't open. I can still transfer pictures, and the power turns on, but no photo taking whatsoever. I already opened the camera to take a look inside, but only to blow on a few things in hopes of clearing any grains of sand. NO LUCK, the lens still won't open.

My question is how can I repair this camera, where is the cheapest repair shop, and how much does it cost? I am traveling in the Iran for 3 months, and need my camera repaird ASAP. I cannot afford to buy a new one.

Thanks

-------------------------------------------------------

The Absolute Best Master list of IRAN (in Spring)

WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR:
1) memorable/dramatic scenery, landscape photography, or specifically where to find the best (viewpoints, vistas, city views, natural views, panoramas, skylines, sunsets, etc..)?

Also looking for the unique outdoors, hikes/hilltops/lookouts, and other amazing, breathtaking views?

2) lovely/charming streets, cute villages, hidden nooks/places, and magnificent/attractive architecture?

3) authentic/unforgettable "local" travel experiences or non-typical, interesting/special experiences (full of original character), and unique only to the local area.

4) specialty/unique regional cuisine/gastronomy (at places where local's go to eat @ local's prices, & where food is made with love, and regional favorites are specialties. Also the fewer tourists the better.

5) the best freebies (museums, galleries excluded), or anything else off-the beaten path?

Thanks for your suggestions

-------------------------------------------------------------

-IRAN- "POTENTIAL" TRIP PLAN
(MAR 11-JUN10)

-Ardabil: Neor Lake, then hike to Sobaten village, see Mt. Sabalan near Meshkinshar, Masjid e Jomeh, Azam, and Mirza Ali Akbar Mojtahed, as well as Sheikh Safi-ad-din Ardabili buildings, Imamzadeh Saleh, Panj Pole Ardabil, meuseum lobby, eat Ash Mast,

-Azarbaijan: Urumiyeh, Daryacheye Gori, Khoy, Maryam e Moqadas Church, Sohrol church (Sohrageh of Shabestar), Koohe Sahand, Valasht Lake, Kandovan, Own-ebn-e-ali (on top of Koohe Sorkhab), and in Tabriz, see Arge Tabriz, Masjid e Kaboud, Bagh-e Melli/Eil Goli, Masque of shahidi (Qarichi), see Yam, Inali, Arasbaran (Ahar) scenery, eat sweets, Ash Masti, Anari, Ghorabie, eat Koofteh Tabrizi, leave Iran at Norduz border to Armenia

-Gilan: Masuleh, shiriniye masuleh, jungle near Fooman, Rudkhan castle, shiriniye fooman, eat Reshteh Khoshkar, Kaviar,

-Mazandaran: Kandalous, Kelardasht, Roodbarak, Daryacheye Valasht, go hiking to Takhte-Soleiman, Alamkuh, go to Abbasabad Tonkabon, (then drive toward Ramsar, Jadeh Haris, village Lega, hike to Lakterashan village, and finally to Shah e Sefid Kooh/Kooh e Baloor), visit Mazichal, Vavsar, Namakabroud forest (not gondola), Moghan, and then in Sari, Tajan River Park, Zare Forest Park, Salardareh Forest Park, Dasht-E-Naaz National Park, Pol-e-Gardan hiking trail, Nemashoun Lake, Lak-Dasht Lake, Soleyman Tangeh Lake, Bam-e-Shahr Hill (for viewpoint over Sari)

-Golestan: National Park (near Gorgan), Dashte Gorgan, and Farms east of Gordan, View a top Khaled Nabi tomb (passed Kalaleh near border), Daryacheye Almagol, Garmeh desert oasis, eat Qatoorqa, Qatleqliash

-Semnan: Arge Semnan, Khartouran National Park, Shahre Abr, hike to Jangale Abr (near Shahrood), Badrud oasis, and Harandeh valley (near Firuzkun), Shahmirzad, eat gerdoo

-Khorasan: Mahshad (Fazl ebne Shazan), view from Koo Sangi, Masjid e Goharshad, Madrese-e Abbas Gholi Khan, and in Neishabur (Farid al-Din Attar Tomb, Beheshte Fazl), Imamzade Mahrogh, Kamal Ol Molk, village of Kang, Gonbad-e Kheshti, Gonabad, Garmeh oasis, Tabas, Quchan, Kopet Dag, Haft Hoz (in Khalaj), Tandureh national Park (near Dargaz), Arg e Furg (in Birjand),

-Qasvin: Avan Lake/Keshteh Chal, Alamoot, Sharakhs, Imamzadeh Hossein,
-Karaj: AmirKabir Lake
-Zanjan: Sultanieh dome, Masjid Jome,

-Tehran: Bazaar-e Gol, Borje Milad (Gisha), Hedayet Street (Darrous), Armenian Club on 68 Khark Street, parkhaye e Jamshideh, Niavaran, Vardavard, (Hezardastan restaurant, Shahid Beheshti @ Valiasr), Hosseiniyeh Ershad, Emamzadeh Zeid, Imam Khomeini tomb, Hazrat Abdol Azim (Rey)// Darakeh, Darband (end of Meidoone Sarband, end of street, up the stairs, passed the cafes, waterfalls, to Shir Pala), (Ghavekhaneh Sonnati), Dashte Havij, near Afjeh village (in Lavasan), Tochal in Valenjak, (take gondola to last station, walk up 30 minutes), Khajeer National Park, Tangeh Savashi, Dizin, Taleghan, Shahrestanak, Lar National Park, Damavand (Daryacheye Sade Lar, Daryache Tar, Mosha Valley, Abshare Yakhi),

-Qom: Kavir National Park (Varamin), Daryacheye Sultan Namaki, Masjid e Jamkaran, Fatima È Massummeh, Imam Hassan Askari, Masjid e Azam, eat Sohan

-Kashan: Walking on the roof (from bazaar), Emamzadeh Abdollah, Agha Bozorg Mosque, Mehrab madresseh, Khooneye Boroujerdiha, Kavire Maranjab, Baaghe e Fin, Jashnvare Gol-o Golab dar Ghamsar, then Niasar,

-Esfahan: Panj Masjid ( Masjide Jomeh, Loftollah, Shah, Imam, va Ali), Madreseye Chahar Bagh, Hasht Behesht, Sunset at Siasehpol, Jolfa quarter, view from Atashgah, Kelisa e Vank, Pole Khaju, Abbasi hotel, visit Khansar scenary, Imamzadeh Helal Ilb Ali, and Kavire Maranjab (both in Aran va Bidgol) MAsjid e Ardestan, eat Khoreshe Mast ----


-Yazd: Baadgir e Yazdi, Amir Chakhmagh, top of Chak Chak at Pire Sabz, Zarjoo, near Ardekan, see eternal flame, Dakhmeh, then towers of silence, then Shir Kuh, go to Taft, then Tezerjan, Maybod, Koohe Sir, Masjid e Rigg, Karanaq, Shahzadeh caravansarail, buy Zaffaren, eat Ghotab, shirine yazdi

-Shiraz, Masjide Vakil, Masjid Nasir Ol Molk, Madreseh Khan, Shah-e Cheragh, Emamzade-ye Ali Ebn-e Hamze, Bazare Vakil, view from top of Jomhuri St, also view from University Library, Arge Karim Khan, Baghe Eram, Bagh-e-afifabad, Bagh-e-naranjestan, Hammam-e Vakil teahouse, Aramgeh Hafez at night, Daryacheye Bakhtegan (near Neyriz), (Naqsh-e Rotam/Rajab, and Persepolis/Pasagarde), Barm Firooz (Sepidan), drink Bahare Naranji, Faloodeh e Shirazi,

-Kerman: Take road to Zabol, Shahdad-Nahbandan, Dashte Lut at sunset/sunrise, (Gandom Beriyan), Mahan, Gonbad-e-Jabaliyeh, Arge Rayen, Abarkuh, Kuhe Hazaran, Imamzadeh ye Shahzade Hossein (in Jopar), Masjide Ganjali Khan/Masjid e Malek, Masjid e Chehel Souton, Moshtari-ye MAshtaq Ali-Shah, Hammame Ebrahim Khan, Yakhchal, eat Kolempeh, Faloodeh e Kermani, Ghovatou,

-Hamedan: Estakhr e Abbas Abad viewpoint
-Kurdistan: Uramanat village, Daryacheye Zarivar (near Marivan)
-Kermanshah: Bisotun
-Lorestan: Daryache Gohar, Oshtaran Koo (in Dorood), Abshare Gale Khaneh (in Abhar),

-Koguliye va Boyer Ahmadi: (Dena, Daryacheye Kohgol near Yasooj), also Daryacheye Moor Zard Zilaei
-Chahar Mahal va Bakhtiar: Zard Kuh
-Khuzestan: Izeh, Shush (Pole Shadarvan at night), Chogha Zanbil
-Busher: visit turtles in Nakhiloo Island, eat Ghaliye Mahi, Mahyawa sauce
-Hormozgon: Qeshm island, Bandar Lengeh mountains

Alborz roads
1) Qazvin-Rasht Road
2) Karaj-Chalus Road
3) Tehran-Amol (Haraz) Road
4) Tehran-Sari (Firooz Kooh) Road - nice one

Iranian food: KooKoo Badenjan, Morasa Polo, Nan-e-Taftoon, Nane-e-Gisu (Armani), Aab e Havij/Talebi/Hendoone/Anar, Havij Bastani, Yakh dar Behesht, Ranginak, Fereni, Ghorse Khorshid, Sohan Asali, Morabaaye Seeb, Haveej, Aalbaloo, Shirin e Berenji, Shirin e Yazdi, Kolouche, Gooshe Fil, Samanu, Noghl, Sharbat, Khak sheer, Shirmal, Ghandi,

Northern Iranian food (from Caspian region): Ghalie Mahi, Ghalie Maygu, Alu Mosema, * Anar Bij, * Ash-e Fatematazahra, * Ash-e Shalqam, * Ash-e Shir, * Ash-e Qalamkar, * Ash-e Torsh, * Badenjan Torshi * baqala bij , * Baqala Qatoq, * Choqortmeh, * Darar * Haftabijar, * Halvaye Raqayeb, * Khali Ash, * Khalou Abeh, * Kolucheh Fuman, * Kolucheh Lahijan, * kuku Eshpel, * Kuku gerdu, * Longi * Mahi Dudi, * Mahi Fibij, * Morabaye Badrang, * Morabaye Bahar Narenj, * Morabaye Gol Mohammadi, * Morabaye Kadu, * Morabaye Shaqayeq, * Morabaye Velesh, * Morabaye Zoqal Akhteh, * Morq-e Torsh, * Naz Khatun, * Piyaz Torshi * Reshteh Khoshkar, * Rob e Narenj, * Rob e Anar, * Rob e Sir Torsh, * Shah Kuku, * Shami-e Rashti, * Sheshandaz, * Shirin Tareh, * Shur Mahi, * Sirabij, * Sir Qaliyeh, * Ash-e Esfenadj Torshi Kebab, Vavishka, Shir Kateh with Milk, and Jam, Sir paneer, Narenj Vahar

------------


I am looking to get an Iranian number, just for 3 months, and just to SMS other Iranian mobiiles. I'm looking for good coverage in villages, and far away places, like mountains, desert. Which company is better?

Thank you for helping...

Hi there,

I was born in Iran, where my family lived for a number of years. I don't remember anything about the country... but (or because of this) I have a strong desire to return to see where I come from and how life is there today. I'm particularly interested to see the place where I was born and the house (or the street at least) where my family lived.

I have looked online for a good map of Teheran but have thus far been unable to find one that is detailed enough. I also just don't know which street names may have been changed since the revolution. I'm hoping someone out there might be able to help?

We lived at #3 Kamyar, an east-west street about 2 blocks north of the US Embassy. Kamyar was about a block south of Karim Khan-e Zand, another east-west street. Kamyar was not terribly long. Kheredmand was two houses east of ours. A famous restaurant called Chetniks was apparently on Kheredman and very close to our place. There was also a north-south street west of Kamyar called Iranshahr. The US consulate was on that street, as was a window glass shop and the Nun-e Barbarie bakery. The hospital where I was born was apparently about 3 blocks north and a tad west of our house.

Thanks so much for any help!

Iranian or Canadian passport to enter Turkey?

I am an Iranian-Canadian traveler visiting Turkey, I have both Iranian, and Canadian passports, the question is which one to use since its 45euro to enter Turkey as a Canadian, and free to enter as an Iranian, both nationalities can stay up to 3 months. I am arriving by plane from Stockholm, and the exit/entry stamps are in my Canadian passport.

Can I enter Turkey as an Iranian this way (to save a bit of money)?

Bringing laptop to Iran

Hi, does anyone have experience flying to Tehran (from Dubai) to Khomeini International Airport? I have a laptop, mp3 player, and I want to know if it's routine for Iranian customs to ask foreigners to turn on their laptops to see if I have any sensitive pictures, documents, etc...

Of course I don't have anything sensitive but I am asking just in case they perform checks in which case I will clean up my hardrive to not be inconvenienced at the airport.

Thanks

Overland vs. flying (Iran to Kyrgyzstan)

I am visiting Iran in the Spring, and I'm deciding whether to enter Central Asia by

1) overland via Turkmenistan or
2) by airplane to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

On one hand, I can see NO benefit in going overland since I need to arrange a difficult/expensive Turkmen transit visa in Iran, and a tourist visa to Uzbekistan, as "proof of onward travel" .

Honestly, I am more interested in Kyrgystan, and Tajikstan because of the high mountain ranges. It's going to be hot in the late spring/early summer, and Uzbekistan and Turkemistan are pretty flat compared to their mountainous neighbours. Therefore, I prefer Kyrgyz and Tajik

Anyways, that's why I am considering just flying (Iran-Kyrgyzstan) and since I am Canadian, a free visa on arrival (30 days) awaits me at Bishkek airport. Another added bonus compared to going overland.

Does anyone see the benefit of going overland? Of course, I already found an airline flying Mahshad, Iran directly to Bishkek, only a 4 hour flight, and the price is bound to be cheap. In August 2008, and Iran Aseman flight crashed killing everyone on board just 2km outside Bishkek airport.

So I guess now I'm only looking for an excuse NOT to go overland? And no the crash isn't enough, though maybe it should be? Nah, not by me.

Arriving in Bishkek by air is again beneficial because of the free visa on arrival, and the relative ease in getting a Tajik visa in Bishkek, as well as the new Chinese/Tajik border crossing recently opened (2004).

The only concern remaining is where to get a Chinese tourist visa to enter Xinjiang?

Bishkek, or Dushanbe?

Also, I am interested in entering Pakistan, and India after China, via the Karakourom highway (from Kashgar to near Islamabad). Where do I get those visas? Which embassies hand them out easier?

My possibilities are

Bishkek, Dushanbe, Tehran, or Dubai, but I have no idea when I am going to enter China, India, or Pakistan, so I need open entry dates on the visas, thus giving me freedom to travel at my own speed.

Thanks for any insight.

Entering Iran on 2 passports for two purposes?

I am an Iranian citizens, as well as a Canadian citizen visiting Iran this Spring, (I am entering on my Iranian passport) and staying 3 months, no longer. My question is since I plan to enter either Armenia, or Turkmenistan after Iran, do I need to show my Iranian, or Canadian passport at the Armenian or Turkmen embassies in Tehran to get a visa? Obviously, the price for Iranians should be a little lower, but I am more concerned with the practicalities of having 2 passports in Iran, one for entering, and the other for getting visas for 3rd party countries.

How should I do this in Iran? If you are living in Iran, please advise me. Thanks.

Next April I am planning a trip to Northern Iraq and to Iran. But a visa for Iran may be a problem for me because I am American. When I travel, I travel alone. I always find many friendly people this way ( outside of the capital cities). Do you have any advice for me as how to get a visa, without taking a tour group. I would love to rent a car with or without a driver to visit towns other than Iran. But will fly if needed. I have traveled through much of the world this way ( returned from Afghanistan this June) and the challenge doesn't bother me. thank you in advance for any help and advice.

So, my father is iranian and my mother is swedish. I dont look iranian at all, hair, eyes, skin, nothing. I speak very litle farsi. I dont have a iranian passport cause I see no benefit from it. And my father has never gone back to iran since he came here to swe, 35 years ago.

Now, im going to study in baku, azerbaijan and I saw that I dont need a visa if i fly to tehran. I can stay up to 14 days without visa. Thats awesome.

I always wanted to go to iran to see what the fu*k is going on. Fu*king eat ***load of iranian food, love that stuff. Smoke some waterpipe and relax.

Now, I have a few questions.

1. Why are hotels so expensive in tehran? Which iranian citizen can pay 100-200 dollar per night for a room? Thats like 0.1% of the population, who can.

2. What should I do in tehran? Dont tell me to go and see old buildings and stuff, thats not vacation for me. I wanna hit the shoppingmalls, coffeshops, restaurants and stuff. I dont want to spend energy walking around. Since beach/pool is out of question, I need to find something to spend my time with.

I would love to chat some with the iranian youth, like people around 20 years.
Where can i meet such people in tehran?

3. IS IT TRUE THAT I HAVE TO WEAR JEANS? for god sake, i would sweat to death, its not allowed to wear shorts for men?

thanks

I have a question about local customs, what should one bring to an iranian family when invited for lunch or dinner?

The consulate in Lahore (where I currently live) told me US nationals need special permission for a visa and must go on an organized/approved tour. This seems to jive with what I've found in the Lonely Planet--so far, so good. I called the number they gave me for the Touranzamin tourist agency and was given a four-city, seven-day itenerary, inlcuding a guide, that will cost 1400 dollars (without flight into the country). Included with the itinerary is a bank account number under the name of the travel agent, bank phone numbers, and routing number, with a request to depost $700 to get the visa permission process rolling. This seems both excessively expensive and rather shady. Do any other US nationals have experience entering the country through set tours?

I saw the posting about taking "traveller's checks" to Iran from the UAE. I'm coming from Pakistan, though (Lahore). Can I get such checks here? Any other advice about how to access money in Tehran?

hello,

After two weeks of pressing 'redial' on my phone to get through to the Iranian Embassy in Canberra I almost choked when someone actually picked up. My query was answered in my favour, however, stands in contradiction to previously and carefully collected 'research' from various and largely reliable sources. I would like to hear from any Australians/Kiwis with an Iranian father and/or name or women married to Iranians abroad who have visited Iran. Did you travel on your Australian/Kiwi passport? Were you ever under the belief that you had to obtain an Iranian passport? Any other information re travel to Iran from this small demographic would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Can I get adresses and contact numbers and email addresses or manteau suppliers in
Tehran/Isfahan.

Thank you

Ibtida

2 foreign tourists are looking for the good accomodation (guest house or hotel) for 2-4 days at the end of April. Please, your offers to: for@gala.net

Hi, do you have a double room available for two weeks or less than it from 07/05/08?If there is one available then how much will it cost me per day in US$ or Sterling£.

thankyou.

Having posted so many questions on the Tehran forum over the past few months, I thought I would pass a few comments following my mid February visit.
We met up with the very helpful Amir, a regular responder to Tehran questions, at the Atlas Hotel. He gave advise on what to see and when to see it. We found The Atlas to be quite adequate, and a reasonable U.S $58 par night, a light breakfast included.
The cable car up the mountains to the north of the city was a excellent trip. The area was covered in snow and quite delightful. I would add that a kiosk at the bottom of the cable car sells French crepes. I had earlier eaten chocolate (Nutella) crepes in three or four Paris cafes and to my pleasant surprise the Tehran variety were the best!
VT posters have often mentioned the great hospitality of the Iranian people. Shortly after returning from the top of the mountain we were walking looking for a taxi when a couple who had also been up the mountain stopped their car and asked us if they could drive us to a taxi. They later insisted on driving us all the way to our destination, the Jam E Jam shopping centre.
All we came in contact with were very welcoming and helpful, and helped make our visit very enjoyable.
Any Australians reading this will be surprised to know that Australian made Tim Tams are even available in Iran. We spotted them at the small supermarket at Jam E Jam.

hello
on our last day in iran, and especially because our flight is in the middle of the night, we have thought of staying at the Olympic Hotel in Tehran - basically because it's so close to the airport.

however, we have not found the hotel email... would anyone maybe have it?
we'd like to make a reservation there - and use it as our official address on the visa form - since it's the only one we know we will be staying.

thanks a million for any help
rhia

thats march 29th 08

Is any of you on the Intrepid tour leaving march 9th '08 joining from Atlas Hotel?

Need to know if any one could be my company in Tehran during first week of Feb 08...

I have been trying to email the Atlas hotel in Tehran at the address mentioned on the hotel's website, info@atlas-hotel.com Alas, sending to this address does not succeed, my internet provider informing me that my email could not be sent to this address. Any suggestions? Am I doing something wrong here? I know that some hotels there will not reply to emails, but my problem is getting it to them in the first place.

Any idea of the distance and cost by Taxi from International IKA to domestic airport at 5am? Thanks.

1. My schedule will arrive Terhan IKA airport at 4 am. I want to fly out to Shiraz or somewhere that morning without going to the Terhan city. Seems I can't get the Iran Air webpage nor get ticket online. Any suggestion? Also international and domestic same airport?

2. Is it easy to get airticket one day before flying off from the departing city? They usually take cash or credit card?

Thank you.

Hello All,

Appreciate if anyone can recommend any clean budget hotels (max around $50.00/night)in Teheran and Esfahan.Also the best and cheapest means of transport to Esfahan from Teheran with a ballpark figure how much wud it cost.

Thanks in advance..