This question is on the minds of many, and the answer varies depending on who you ask. So, I thought I’d share some thoughts to help provide clarity. The influence of news and social media on our perceptions is undeniable. We’re bombarded with information online, much of it driven by various agendas. As an old Persian saying goes, "No cat catches a mouse for the sake of God," meaning everyone has their reasons for what they say or do. But what does it mean to be "safe"? If you’re concerned about personal safety from theft, robbery, or assault by ordinary Iranians, know that these incidents are extremely rare. There are far more dangerous places around the world where people travel in droves. If your concern is the possibility of war breaking out while you’re in Iran, consider this: Iran endured an eight-year war with Iraq, and since then, only occasional skirmishes along the borders have been reported. The likelihood of an all-...
Trekking in Iran Iran may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of trekking destinations, but it boasts vast mountainous regions with exceptional trekking opportunities. With 52% of its surface area covered in mountains, Iran ranks as one of the most mountainous countries in the world. Two major mountain ranges dominate the landscape: the Alborz, stretching from the northwest to the northeast along the Caspian Sea, the largest lake in the world, and the formidable Zagros range, extending from the northwest to the southeast. The Alborz range is also home to Mount Damavand, the highest volcano in Asia and the tallest peak in Iran and the entire Middle East. Both mountain ranges offer excellent opportunities for hiking, mountaineering, skiing, canyoning, mountain biking, climbing, ski mountaineering, paragliding, and wildlife watching. Culturally, the Alborz and Zagros ranges are inhabited by nomadic and semi-nomadic communities who use the...