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about Esfahak village

about Esfahak village

Everything should know before traveling to Esfahak village

 

Esfahak village was registered as one of he 55 Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism 2024 (link)

 

Where is Esfahak village

The historical village of Esfahak is in the eastern plateau of Iran, on the northern edge of the Lut plain.

Esfahak village

Why Esfahak is an attractive destination for tourism?

United Nations Tourism Organization introduced Esfahak village as one of the best tourist villages in 2024.
In 1357, a terrible earthquake destroyed this village. After that , many people left the village.

But since 2014, some of the villagers decided to restore the village . They preserved and revived the old and original architecture

The people used their unique assets for economic growth, promoting local traditions and improving the quality of life.

They created the necessary infrastructure for the development of tourism in this village and provided a safe, clean and healthy environment for tourists.

When is the best time to travel to Esfahak village?

If you want to travel to this village the best time is from March to May and October to December .  Because these two seasons are the best seasons to travel to the desert areas of Iran

Night sky and stargazing in Esfahak

One of the most popular attractions in desert areas is watching the starry sky at night . Esfahak village is no exception to this rule.
The people of Esfahak prevented the installation of lighting towers in the streets of the village by establishing special rules and lit them with small lanterns, thus reducing the light pollution of the village so that it is easier to see the stars.
Shortly after the reconstruction of the village, a desert observatory was built in this area to display the most beautiful night sky in front of you.

The observatory consists of three concentric brick walls that welcome tourists and desert hikers from sunset.

Esfahak architecture

The architecture and structure are completely compatible with desert areas and the materials used in the construction of these historical houses are all clay and mud.
As a result of this type of architecture, the houses are close to each other and this makes them more secure and the risk of theft from the houses is less.
Also, this proximity of buildings helps to create more shade and minimizes heat exchange, which causes the least amount of sunlight to be received. And as a result, houses are warm in winter and cool in summer.
One of the remarkable features in the architecture of the houses of Esfak village is the dome shape of their roofs. To create shade, it is against the direction of the sun, so that during the peak hours of the sun, one side of the domes is always shaded and absorbs less heat.

Historical monuments of Esfahak village

Due to the severe earthquake that occurred in this area in 1978, many parts of the village were destroyed, but parts of it, such as the Grand Mosque, a bathhouse, and a desert observatory, still remain.

It should be mentioned that after this unfortunate incident, the village’s residents and a group of experts were rehabilitated and reconstructed the historical buildings of this village.

Grand Mosque

esfahak village

The houses of Esfahak village follow the native architecture of desert areas and Esfahak Mosque is no exception to this rule and has a small space with a straw dome and a few small windows.

Old village bath (Hammam)

Another historical building in Esfahak village  is an old bath that has a platform for sitting, a headboard, short doorways and a basin in the middle.

Desert Observatory

During the reconstruction of the historical context of the village, another part was added to the village as an observatory, which consists of three brick walls that are concentric circles.

Nature tour in Esfahak village

esfahak village

This village is on the edge of Lot desert, which is one of the largest deserts in Iran. When you travel to Esfahak, you can devote part of your time to walking around the village.

The surrounding area of ​​the village is covered with saffron and native oregano farmlands.

Green and tall palm trees can be seen around the village, which gives you the feeling of traveling to a different region.

The orange tree is one of the regular guests of the village, even if you close your eyes, the smell of oranges will reach your nose with the breeze.

Esfahak accommodations : Stay the night in the historic and nostalgic context of the village

Do you know eco-friendly accommodations?

In these accommodations you will feel as a guest of one of the locals . Because every single detail of these houses connects you to the local culture and lifestyle.

One of these ecotourism residences in Esfahak village is a collection of six residences .  this residence  has 22 rooms , which do not even have appliances such as beds, televisions, and refrigerators , and the toilet and bathroom are shared.
In the interior of the rooms, there are special pillows and hand-woven carpets in different colors . Also the walls of the rooms are decorated with niches and old appliances.
The purpose of all these items and details is to make you feel the sense of life in the past .

A variety of local and native foods , live and local music performances, exhibition and shops and handicrafts are among the other facilities of these residences.

Isfahak natives.

esfahak village people

Occupation of the village people and their souvenirs

It can be said that “water” is Isfahak’s biggest asset. There are several different aqueducts in and around the village itself. For this reason, the main occupation of the village people is agriculture and raising cattle and sheep.

On the other hand, the people of this village have special skills in carpet weaving. For this reason, one of the main handicrafts of Esfak is its hand-woven carpets.

If you like to shop in the village, you can take saffron, dates or rugs with you as a souvenir to help the tourism industry of the village.

Local dress of the village

The men of Esfahak wear aprons, coats, pants, shirts, vests, hats, and shoes. The women of the village also wear long and loose shirts, pants, scarves and chadors.

The customs of the village people

One of the interesting and spectacular customs of the village is “Cheraghon” or “Cheraghon Isfaheki”. The story of this custom goes back to the time when there was no such thing as electricity or lights in the village. That’s why when it was night, people would light their oil lanterns and go to see each other.

 

 

 

 

 

Everything you need to know about skiing in Iran

Everything you need to know about skiing in Iran

Everything you need to know about skiing in Iran

 

Skiing in Iran: A Hidden Gem for Ski Enthusiasts

Iran, a mountainous country, is home to some of the most stunning alpine landscapes in the world. Over 30% of Iran’s territory is covered by rugged mountains, making it an ideal destination for outdoor sports like skiing and ski mountaineering.

With around 600 peaks over 4,000 meters in height, many of which are blanketed in snow during the winter months, Iran boasts incredible skiing conditions. These natural features make the country a top choice for skiing enthusiasts, with dozens of ski resorts spread across the region.

What sets Iran apart as a skiing destination is not just its ski resorts, but also its untouched mountain ranges, which attract ski mountaineering lovers from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or new to the sport, Iran’s mountains offer unparalleled opportunities for adventure and exploration.

A Brief History of Skiing in Iran

Skiing in Iran dates back to early 1921, when it first gained popularity as a luxury sport among the affluent. By 1944, the establishment of the Iranian Ski Federation marked the official entry of skiing into the country’s sports scene. Following its membership in the International Ski Federation (FIS), Iran’s skiing infrastructure began to develop rapidly, making the country a hub for winter sports.

Explore more about skiing in Iran by reading our detailed articles, and get all the information you need to plan your next winter adventure in this beautiful country!

On-piste skiing in Iran

In Iran, due to the altitudes of Alborz and Zagros, as well as the high mountains of Sablan and Sahand, there are many ski resorts on the slopes of these mountains, which according to statistics reach 26.

First ski resort in Iran

Abali is the first ski resort in Iran that has lifting devices. The date of installation of its devices is 1954. Before that, athletes, especially those interested in the mountain environment and skiing, do sports in this area. Especially, because this region had very favorable weather in the summer and was also located on the main road of Tehran and the north of the country, many athletes were familiar with Ab-e-ali region.

Biggest Ski resort in Iran

Among the tracks around Tehran, Dezin track is the first offer and the best option for skiing. Dizin ski resort is considered the most equipped ski resort in Iran. Dizin has 4 cabin lifts, 2 siege lifts, 9 plate ski lifts and 1 hammer ski lift. In the summer, the Deisin track is also used for grass skiing.

The most important Iran Ski resort

1- Dizin ski resort

Iran ski resort

Dizin ski resort is located in the Tehran Province ,the most important Tehran ski resort and this ski area is the biggest one in Iran . There are 18 km of slopes available for skiing and snowboarding and this ski area has 18 lifts transport the guests. The winter sports area is situated between the elevations of 2,530 and 3,506 m.

Evaluation: 2.9 out of 5 stars

Ski lift : totally 18

  • Circulating ropeway/gondola lift : 5
  • Chairlift : 4
  • T-bar lift/platter/button lift  : 9

General season : late November – late May

Elevation difference : 976m (2530m-3506m)

Slopes difficulty : easy :5000m , intermediate : 9000m , hard : 4000m

Price : 25 USD

Operating time : 8:30-16:30

contact :

  • Dizin Parking Lot ,Shemshak ,Teheran ,Iran
  • Tel.: +98 / 912 / 8183454
  • Fax: +98 / 21 / 84211951
  • Email: info@dizinskiresort.com

2-Darbandsar ski resort

Iran ski

Darbandsar ski resort is located in the Tehran Province . There are 11 km of slopes available for skiing and snowboarding and this ski area is equipped by 6 lifts transport the guests. The winter sports area is situated between the elevations of 2,650 and 3,510 m.

Evaluation: 2.8 out of 5 stars

Ski lift : totally 6

  • Circulating ropeway/gondola lift : 1
  • Chairlift : 3
  • T-bar lift/platter/button lift  : 2

General season : mid December – early May

Elevation difference : 860m (2650m-3510m)

Slopes difficulty : easy :6000m , intermediate : 5000m , hard : 0m

Price : 25 USD

Operating time : 8:30-21:00

contact :

  • Darbandsar ski resort ,Shemshak ,Teheran ,Iran
  • Tel.: +98 / 9391204040
  • Fax: +98 / 21 / 7518600
  • Email: info@darbandsarski.ir

3-Shirbad ski resort

Iran ski

Shirbad is the biggest ski resort in Razavi Khorasan Province (Iran). There are  about 1.1 km of slopes available for skiing and snowboarding also one lift transports skiers. The Shirbad ski area is situated between the elevations of 3,000 and 3,200 m.

Evaluation: 2.2 out of 5 stars

Ski lift : T-bar lift/platter/button lift (1)

General season : mid December to late May

Elevation difference : 200m (3000m-3200m)

Slopes difficulty : easy :600m , intermediate : 300m , hard : 200m

Price : 10 USD

Operating time : 8:30-16:00

contact :

Khorasan Razavi ,Mashhad , Iran
Tel.: +98 / 511 / 6656330
Fax: +98 / 511 / 6656330
Email: info@skishirbad.com

4- Sahand ski resort

iran ski

Sahand ski resort  is one of the sights of East Azarbaijan province( Iran).There are 3 km of slopes available for skiing and snowboarding . this ski area is equipped by 4 lifts  to transport the  skiers .

The winter sports area is situated between the elevations of 2,915 and 3,295 m.

Sahand ski resort is in 40 km south-east of Tabriz city , on the north side of Sahand mountains . This ski area  has a ski school . There are two 1200 m surface lifts for intermediate users and two 100 m surface lifts for beginners .

Evaluation: 2.2 out of 5 stars

Ski lift : totally 4

  • Rope tow/baby lift : 2
  • T-bar lift/platter/button lift  : 2

General season : mid December – early May

Elevation difference : 380m (2915m-3295m)

Slopes difficulty : easy :1000m , intermediate : 2000m , hard : 0m

Price : 10 USD

Operating time : 8:30-16:00

contact :

  • Sahand ski resort ,Tabriz , East Azarbaijan,Iran
  • Tel.: +98 / 41/34416895

5-Tochal ski resort

Iran ski resort

Tochal ski resort is located in the Tehran Province (Iran) and is the highest ski resort in Iran . There are 6 km of slopes available for skiing and snowboarding and this ski area is equipped by 3 lifts transport the skiers .

The winter sports area is situated between the elevations of 1,910 and 3,850 m

Evaluation: 2.2 out of 5 stars

Ski lift : totally 3

  • Circulating ropeway/gondola lift : 1
  • Chairlift : 2

General season : late November – late May

Elevation difference : 1940m (1910m-3850m)

Slopes difficulty : easy :6000m , intermediate : 0m , hard : 0m

Price : 10 USD

Operating time : 8:30-15:30

contact :

  • Teheran ,Iran
  • Tel.: +98 / 21 / 22404001
  • Fax: +98 / 21 / 22435933
  • Email: info@tochal.org

6-Shemshak ski resort

Iran ski

Shemshak ski resort  is located in Tehran Province (Iran). There are 15 km of slopes available for skiing and snowboarding and also it is equipped by  5 lifts to transport the skiers .

The winter sports area is situated between the elevations of 2,550 and 3,050 m.

Evaluation: 2.2 out of 5 stars

Ski lift : totally 5

  • Circulating ropeway/gondola lift : 3
  • Chairlift : 2

General season : mid December – early April

Elevation difference : 500m (2550m-3050m)

Slopes difficulty : easy :6000m , intermediate : 6000m , hard : 3000m

Price : 15 USD

Operating time : 8:30-21:00

contact :

  • Teheran ,Iran
  • Tel.: +98 / 21 / 26526912
  • Email:info@skicomplex.ir

Ski mountaineering in Iran

More than a thirty percent of Iran’s area is mountainous, and there are about 600 peaks above 4000 meters in Iran, the highest of which is Damavand peak with a height of 5610 meters. Many of these peaks are covered with snow in the winter and are therefore suitable places for ski mountaineering in Iran .
Here we introduce some of the most popular mountain areas in Iran for ski touring :

1. Around Tehran’s big ski resorts (Central Elburz)

The closest and most accessible place for mountain skiing is around the big ski slopes around Tehran: Dizin, Shamshak, Darbandsar (these three slopes are located near each other and within a radius of 5 kilometers), and with an hour’s drive from Tehran, you can go to Reach these tracks.

Also, Tuchal ski resort, which is attached to the city of Tehran and is located near Tuchal peak, is also a special area for mountain skiing.
Apart from being close to Tehran, which is the capital of Iran.

these areas also have other advantages: the variety of routes, the presence of peaks above 3000 meters and 4000 meters, and various accommodation facilities, from local houses to well-equipped hotels and luxury restaurants.

Our suggested routes for skiing in Central Alborz region:
  • Abak peak (3400 meters) in the south and near Shamshak ski resort
  • Klon Bestak peak (4150 meters) in the northeast of Dizin and Darbandsar ski resorts
  • Traverse from Preseth Darbandsar to Dizin
  • North and northwest front of Tuchal peak (3960 meters) through the Tuchal ski resort

2. Areas around Mount Damavand

Damavand climbing

Mount Damavand with a height of 5610 meters acts like a magnet for most ski mountaineers. It is difficult to climb in winter due to unstable conditions, high speed winds and low temperature, and it is better to plan your trip to this area from the end of March.
With an hour’s drive, you can reach Polur village at the foot of Damavand mountain.

You can stay in Polur village in local houses or at the Iran Mountaineering Federation’s camp, and from there you will easily access the ski mountaineering areas. .

Our suggested routes for skiing around Damavand:
  • Climbing Damavand Peak from the southern route, which is the most attractive and safest way to climb Damavand Peak with skis.
  • Skiing in the Lasem valley and the 4000-meter peaks of Doberar, for skiing in this area, you can  also stay in Lasem village.
  • Climbing Pashure or Gol Zard peaks is a suitable option for air conditioning

Zagros , Koohrang , Chelgerd

One of the well-known destinations for mountain skiing in Iran is the Zagros mountain range. The Zagros mountain range extends from the north-west to the south-east of Iran, but the most popular part of it for mountain skiing is the Kohrang area, and many ski tours are held in this area every year.
The small town of Chalgerd is the center of Kohrang region and is located 3 hours away from Isfahan city, and since it has good access to the peaks and routes suitable for skiing, it is very suitable for accommodation.
Kohrang area is located on the slopes of Zardkouh mountain, the highest peak of which is Klonchin with a height of 4200 meters.

There are many and varied mountain ski trails in this area, some of the most famous of which are:

Skiing from Sheikh-Alikhan village to Mohammad Abad village

Ski tour on Mohammad Abad peak(3350m)

Niakan Peak(3500m)

Gilas peak (3280m)

Shah Mansouri peak(3650m)

Samsami peak (3500m)

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