Iranians are known for their remarkable hospitality and warm nature. Hospitality is deeply ingrained in Iranian culture and is considered a fundamental value. Iranians take great pride in welcoming guests and making them feel comfortable and at …
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Backpacking Iran in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Iran with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Iran
Step into the rich tapestry of Iran, where ancient history and warm hospitality await the adventurous backpacker. Pros? Immerse yourself in awe-inspiring architecture, diverse landscapes, and a budget-friendly environment. Iranian hospitality is renowned. However, strict cultural norms and visa complexities can pose challenges. Yet, for those seeking an authentic cultural journey, Iran offers a unique blend of history, modernity, and genuine human connection, making it an unparalleled destination for backpackers with a passion for exploration and discovery.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Iran
People
Architecture
Iran is home to a wealth of ancient ruins and interesting architecture, including the magnificent Persepolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to 515 BC. The site features impressive stone columns, intricate carvings, and grand staircases, …
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Uniqueness
Exploring Iran is a unique and off the beaten track experience because of its rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture. The country is home to ancient ruins, stunning mosques, and intricate palaces, offering a glimpse into its long and …
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Mountains
One of the great mountains to explore in Iran is Mount Damavand. Located in the Alborz mountain range, it is the highest peak in Iran and the Middle East, standing at an impressive 5,610 meters. Mount Damavand offers breathtaking views and a …
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Iran
- Persepolis: Visit the ancient city of Persepolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to witness the grandeur of the Persian Empire and its impressive ruins.
- Isfahan: Explore the stunning city of Isfahan, known for its breathtaking Islamic architecture, such as the Imam Mosque and Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque.
- Shiraz: Discover the cultural capital of Iran, Shiraz, and visit famous sites like the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque and the beautiful gardens of Eram.
- Tehran: Experience the vibrant capital city of Iran, Tehran, with its bustling bazaars, modern art museums, and the historic Golestan Palace.
- Yazd: Immerse yourself in the unique desert city of Yazd, known for its ancient mud-brick architecture, windcatchers, and Zoroastrian heritage.
But Iran offers more...
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Iran
The best time to visit Iran for backpacking is during the spring and autumn seasons, which are from March to May and September to November. During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 °C (59 to 77 °F). It is also the time when the landscapes are green and vibrant, making it perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the country's natural beauty. Additionally, these months are less crowded with tourists compared to the summer season, allowing you to enjoy a more peaceful and authentic backpacking experience.
Risk level: high (100%)Safety advice for Iran
- Terrorist attacks could happen anywhere in Iran, including Tehran or other locations frequented by foreigners and tourists. They could occur at any time with little or no warning. Avoid possible targets and areas with a low level of security. Possible targets for attacks include embassies, hotels, places of worship, tourist sites, government interests, military parades and locations, Western businesses and other interests. Take official warnings seriously.
- There's an increased risk of military conflict involving air and missile strikes against targets in Iran. This could escalate rapidly and without notice. The ongoing conflict in Lebanon and the Occupied Palestinian Territories could lead to increased tensions in other locations in the Middle East. Demonstrations and protest activity may also occur, and localised security situations could deteriorate with little notice.
- The ongoing conflict may also result in airspace closures, flight cancellations, flight diversions and other travel disruptions across the region.
- Dependants of Australian officials in Iran have been offered voluntary departure to return to Australia.
- Demonstrations and protests are expected. Small, localised protests continue in parts of Iran. Previously, security forces' response to protests has been severe, and many protesters and bystanders have been injured, killed or detained. There has been an increase in the number of foreign nationals arrested during previous protests. Avoid all demonstrations and protests.
- Australians, including dual nationals, should strongly consider leaving Iran as soon as possible. Foreigners in Iran, including Australians, are at a high risk of arbitrary detention or arrest. Foreign and dual nationals have been detained without due process of law. Iran does not recognise dual nationality. Our ability to provide consular support to dual Australian-Iranian nationals is extremely limited. We can't guarantee access to consular services or legal representation if you're detained or arrested.
- There are ongoing disruptions to telecommunications services, including mobile internet access.
- Regional tensions are high and could escalate rapidly. There is ongoing hostility between Iran and Israel, and military tensions between Iran, the US and other countries in the Middle East. The Iran-Iraq, Iran-Afghanistan, and Iran-Pakistan border areas are extremely dangerous.
- Regional and international politics can trigger protests. These may target Western or UN diplomatic missions. Avoid vigils, marches, demonstrations and large public gatherings, as they can turn violent without warning.
- Kidnapping for ransom can occur. Foreign nationals have also been the target of kidnapping. Terrorist groups, drug traffickers, smugglers and bandits are active in the Afghanistan and Pakistan border areas. They often clash violently with security forces. Bombings and shootings occur. Be alert to your surroundings, especially at night. Outside these areas, the level of violent crime is low.
- Women can face unwanted attention and harassment. If you're a woman, take care when travelling alone, particularly at night.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
source: www.gov.uk
IranMy tips to get you on the way!Does Iran sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Iran. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Iran may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Iran. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Iran may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Iran, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Iran, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 29 September 2024