On January 12th, Steve and I embarked on a journey through the magnificent country of Iran. For 18…
Times visited: 1
Cities visited: Tehran, Kashan, Esfahan, Yazd, Meybod, Kerman, Bam, Bandar Abbas, Qeshm, Shiraz and Tabriz
Towns and villages visited: Abyaneh, Kharanaq, Chak Chak, Rayen, Mahan and Kandovan
UNESCO sites visited: 10/28
How can I even begin to describe Iran? Never in my life have I encountered a country as culturally and naturally diverse as Iran. It’s a nation with so much to offer – breathtaking architecture, dramatic landscapes, deep history, and unparalleled hospitality – yet it remains overlooked by most travellers, often because of how it’s misrepresented in Western media.
I spent 18 days in Iran with a friend, and the experience was nothing short of extraordinary. We explored the dynamic streets of Tehran and Tabriz, gaped in awe at the vibrant mosques in Esfahan and Shiraz, got lost in the historic alleyways of Kashan and Yazd, hiked above the red mudbrick village of Abyaneh, and walked across the roofs of the abandoned ghost village of Kharanaq. We watched the sun set over the surreal dunes of the Lut Desert, explored canyons and mangroves on Qeshm Island, stood above the ancient ruins of Persepolis and Bam, and spent a day in the troglodyte village of Kandovan, where homes are carved into volcanic rock.
Despite all of this, I have to admit – I didn’t fully enjoy myself in the moment. I think I was experiencing a bout of culture shock. Travel in Iran isn’t always easy. Our overnight bus broke down on a deserted highway, turning a 7-hour trip into a 19-hour ordeal. And once, I had a mini panic attack thinking I was being kidnapped or left to fend for myself, when the bus drove off while I was having a quick roadside pee (spoiler: it just had to turn around and everything was fine 😂).
But here’s the thing: Iran grew on me. Sometimes, it’s only when we reflect back that we truly appreciate an experience. Looking back now, Iran is one of my favourite countries – for its beauty, complexity, and the way it constantly challenged me.