Trekking in Mount Dena and Zardkuh Nomadic Trail

10 Days

Duration

Moderate

Activity Level

Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct

Best Months

Trekking & Hiking

Activity Type

Off the Beaten Track

Travel Styles

Explore un-spoilt mountain regions of Iran at the foothills of high Zagros mountains with moderate trekking in Dena National Park and visiting the last remaining Bakhtiari tribes who are live in heart of Zardkuh mountain chain.

TOUR CODE	218-STN-TRK
START	Tehran
FINISH	Shiraz
Activity Level	Moderate
REGION(S)	Central Iran
INCLUDED	MEALS: 9 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 6 Dinners ACCOMMODATIONS: 2 nights classic hotel in Tehran, 1 night boutique hotel in Shiraz, 2 nights local houses in Dena national park, 1 night classic hotel in Zardkuh region, 1 night nomadic tent, 1 night local house in nomadic village, 1 night IKA airport hotel in Tehran TRANSPORTATION: All transport during the tour according to the itinerary includes a combination of a tourist bus, van/minibus, and a domestic flight. Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary English Speaking guide Entry fee for the sites included in the itinerary
Excluded	Airport pick up and drop off (optional) Entry fee for the sites not mentioned in the itinerary Travel insurance International airfare Airport and departure taxes Meals not listed on the itinerary Tips to guide and driver Cost of medical immunizations Any other service not included in the itinerary Any extra hotel costs such as early check in or late checkout and use of mini bar

Visit to Golestan Palace in Tehran (UNESCO site)
Hiking through foothills of Dena Mountain Chain (3 days)
Visiting Dena National Park (UNESCO Biosphere reserve)
Discovering nomadic settlement of Bakhtiari Tribes
Hiking alongside Zardkuh mountains (2 days)
Experience overnight stay in nomadic tents
Experience staying in traditional Iranian houses turned to boutique hotels
Taste of Persian Cuisine and field cooking on off the beaten tracks

This tailor-made travel itinerary is ideal for those who are interested in hiking activity and experiencing the lifestyle of the local people. Alongside this adventure trip, you will also visit the main highlights of Tehran capital. You will have a 5-day moderate hike in two regions of Zagros Mountains to experience two different local tribes, walking through the varied landscapes. Both mountain regions (Dena & Zard kuh) are on off the beaten tracks of the country, and you will visit the local and tribes people, inclusive of few nights with them. You will have the chance to try the local cuisines for those regions and withness the lifestyle of the local tribes.

Dena and Zardkuh Mountains Chain are some of the best un-spoilt hiking trails of Iran and their peaks are among the list of Iran’s most famous high peaks. For those interested in photography, can capture the most amazing photographs throughout this trip.

The city tours of the trip cover historical and cultural exploration of Tehran.

You will also experience quality Persian cuisine and experience staying in a boutique hotel in Shiraz.

The grade of difficulty of hiking is moderate, and it’s suitable for most healthy travellers with a love of pristine landscapes. The best travelling time is spring and the beginning of the autumn and tours take place during the best travelling time.

This multi-purpose travel itinerary will start from your hotel in Tehran that we have selected in the heart of the city with good access to the main visiting sites. After visiting Tehran’s Golestan Palace, the National Museum of Iran and Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, we will travel towards the west of the country in the heart of the Zagros Mountains to reach the Mountain Chains of Zardkuh. You will have a two-days hike through a nomadic settlements who are seasonally living in the mountains.

Afterward, we will continue our adventure trip towards the southern parts of Zagros to have another hike in the foothills of the Dena Mountain chain. You will have a 3-day moderate hike in Dena National Park, which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve region. We will pass through rice fields, canyons, oak forest and the amazing wild landscape of this protected region, creating an unforgettable hike for your trip. Then we will travel to Shiraz, staying one night in a traditional Persian-style hotel in the old city of Shiraz, before ending your trip. Included is a domestic flight from Shiraz to Tehran Mehrabad airport plus one night’s accommodation at REMIX-REXAN Imam Khomeini airport hotel.

Day 1: Tehran Arrival

Arrive at Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) in Tehran. Meet your guide and transfer to your hotel for rest. (-, -, -)

Day 2: Tehran City Exploration

Discover the highlights of Iran’s capital on a walking tour through downtown Tehran. Visit the National Museum of Iran, showcasing the country’s rich archaeological heritage, explore the Golestan Palace, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece of Persian architecture, and admire world-renowned collections at the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art. Enjoy a short visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of Iran’s most vibrant marketplaces. (B, -, -)

Day 3: Journey to the Zardkuh Mountains

Travel to the Zardkuh Mountains, the heart of the Bakhtiari nomadic lands in the Zagros range. Explore a remote nomadic village, interact with the local Bakhtiari people, and capture stunning photographs of one of Iran’s most off-the-beaten-path destinations. Stay overnight in a traditional Bakhtiari family home, enjoying their warm hospitality and home-cooked meals. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Trek to the Nomads’ Summer Camp

Embark on a full-day trekking adventure, crossing rugged mountains, deep canyons, and waterfalls as you journey toward a remote Bakhtiari nomadic camp, accessible only on foot. Cross rivers and immerse yourself in the untouched landscapes of the Zagros highlands. Spend the night in nomadic tents, savoring their simple yet delicious food and experiencing the rhythm of their traditional lifestyle. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Trekking to the Oak Forest & Hidden Village

Continue your trek through pristine nomadic lands, passing through oak forests and discovering a secluded mountain village hidden deep within the Bakhtiari territory. Transfer by jeep to another village and take a well-earned rest before heading to a town at the foothills of Zardkuh. Overnight stay in a hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Travel to Dena Mountains & Trek in the National Park

Drive to the Dena Mountain Range, home to one of Iran’s most spectacular off-the-beaten-path hiking trails. Explore the Dena Protected Area, a biodiversity hotspot with stunning landscapes and rare wildlife. Trek through the national park and spend the night camping or in a local guesthouse. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Trek to the Rainbow Mountains

Hike through the breathtaking landscapes of Dena National Park, passing waterfalls, oak forests, and agricultural lands where local communities live in harmony with nature. Reach the Rainbow Mountains in the afternoon and stay overnight in a local house, enjoying the warm hospitality of the villagers. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Wildlife Trek & Canyon Adventure

Trek through a scenic canyon that was once the breeding ground for Iran’s Persian fallow deer, an endangered species. Walk along a riverbed deep in the canyon, passing through forests and dramatic rock formations before concluding your trek. Transfer to a town at the foothills of Dena Mountain, then drive to Shiraz. Overnight stay in a traditional boutique hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Free Time in Shiraz & Flight to Tehran

Enjoy some free time in Shiraz, the cultural heart of Persia, where you can explore its historic sites or relax in a café. Later, fly to Tehran and stay overnight at an airport hotel near IKA. (B, -, -)

Day 10: Departure

Transfer to the airport for your flight home, concluding your nomadic and mountain adventure in Iran. (B, -, -)

Iran Visa FAQ

Start Dates	Finish Dates	Status	Price
18 Apr 2026	27 Apr 2026	Full	€1,396
17 Oct 2026	26 Oct 2026	limited	€1,369
10 Apr 2027	16 Apr 2027	Available	€1,396
20 Oct 2027	29 Oct 2027	Available	€1,369

If you’re traveling to Iran for the first time and interested in visiting its main tourist cities, our One-Week Iran Classic Tour would be the perfect add-on to this trip. Starting in Shiraz and ending in Tehran, this tour covers all of Iran’s important UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For more information, please contact us.