Hormart Expeditions - One-stop expedition directory - Recent listing in IRN- places

Lut Desert - one of the world's hottest place, Kerman

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 02:22:33 +0000

The Lut Desert, also known as Dasht-e Lut, is a large salt desert located in southeastern Iran. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and covers an area of about 51,800 square kilometers. The Lut Desert is known for its extreme temperatures, stunning landscapes, and unique geological features.

History

The region around the Lut Desert holds great significance for Iranian archaeology, with evidence of ancient civilization dating back to the fifth millennium BC. The western edge of the desert was home to the ancient city of Shahdad, while on the eastern side lay the enormous city of Shahr-i-Sokhta.

In a recent extensive archaeological survey conducted near the western fringes of the Lut Desert and the eastern flank of Kerman range, eighty-seven ancient sites were discovered, dating from the Chalcolithic period and Bronze Age to the late Islamic era. Of these sites, twenty-three are believed to date back to the Chalcolithic period and Bronze Age.

Lut Desert is mostly uninhabited, and there are no permanent settlements within the desert. However, there are some small villages and towns on the outskirts of the desert where visitors can stay.

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iL4U4U7m1Ho

Meymand - Historical cave dwellings of an ancient village dating back 12,000 years, Kerman

Sat, 08 Apr 2023 06:07:24 +0000

Meymand, a village situated near Shahr-e Babak city in Kerman Province, Iran, is considered one of the earliest human settlements in the Iranian Plateau, with an estimated history dating back to 12,000 years ago.

The village is renowned for its age-old cave dwellings, comprises of 350 hand-dug houses that are intricately carved into the rocks, and some have been continuously inhabited for up to 3,000 years. The presence of stone engravings dating nearly 10,000 years and pottery deposits that are nearly 6,000 years old bear testimony to the long-standing history of human settlement at the village site.

The village is primarily inhabited by farmers and livestock herders who have retained their traditional lifestyle for thousands of years, reflecting their strong ties to their land and a reputation for hospitality.

Visitors can reach Meymand by car or public transportation from the city of Kerman, which is located about 200 kilometers away. The village is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can experience the unique culture and history of this ancient village by staying in one of the traditional cave houses and exploring the surrounding desert landscape.

Image source: Wojciech Kocot / Wikimedia

Video

https://youtu.be/pJsV3RgtERc

Abyaneh - 2,500 years old, the timeless charm of a historic Red Village, Isfahan

Sat, 08 Apr 2023 01:28:03 +0000

Abyaneh is a historic village located in the central Iranian province of Isfahan. The village is situated at the foot of Mount Karkas, and is known for its picturesque red clay houses, winding alleys, and beautiful natural surroundings.

The village is believed to have been founded over 2,500 years ago, and has been continuously inhabited ever since. Abyaneh's unique architectural style, which features houses built from reddish-brown clay bricks and wooden balconies, has been preserved over the centuries and is now a popular tourist attraction.

People

Villagers are primarily involved in agriculture, with many farming crops such as wheat, barley, and potatoes. Some families also keep livestock, such as sheep, goats, and cows. In addition, tourism has become an important source of income for the villagers, with visitors coming to explore the village's ancient architecture, rich cultural heritage, and scenic natural beauty.

The people of Abyaneh are known for their hospitality and friendly nature, and many of them still wear traditional clothing, which adds to the charm and authenticity of the village. The villagers are proud of their heritage and have worked hard to preserve their unique way of life, customs, and traditions.

Image source: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6Rm39Ss6OM

Kandovan Village - unique architecture, Iran's historic rock village, Osku

Sat, 08 Apr 2023 01:10:56 +0000

Kandovan is a historic village located in the northern Iranian province of East Azerbaijan. It is situated on the slopes of Mount Sahand, and is famous for its unique architecture and natural beauty.

The village is notable for its troglodyte dwellings, which are carved directly into the volcanic rocks of the surrounding mountains. These houses are believed to have been inhabited for over 700 years, and many are still inhabited today. The village is also home to a number of historic and cultural landmarks, including a 13th-century mosque and an ancient cemetery

People

The people of Kandovan are primarily involved in agriculture, with many farming crops such as wheat, barley, and potatoes. Some families also keep livestock, such as sheep, goats, and cows. In recent years, tourism has also become an important industry for the village, with visitors coming to explore the unique rock dwellings and learn about the local culture and way of life. The villagers also sell handicrafts and souvenirs to tourists, such as pottery, carpets, and embroidery.

Image source: Zenith210 / Wikemedia

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxwAtQXb1VM

Masuleh - distinctive architecture and unique historic village, Gilan

Sat, 08 Apr 2023 00:58:18 +0000

Masuleh is a historic village located in the northern Iranian province of Gilan. It is situated on the slopes of the Alborz mountain range, about 1,050 meters above sea level. The village is known for its unique architecture, which features houses and buildings built into the steep hillside, and interconnected by a series of narrow, winding lanes and stairways.

The village is believed to have been established over 1,000 years ago, and its distinctive architectural style has been preserved to this day. The houses in Masuleh are typically constructed from clay bricks and wooden beams, and are painted in shades of blue, green and yellow.

One of the most unique features of Masuleh is its microclimate, which allows for lush greenery, waterfalls, and cascading streams. The village is surrounded by dense forests and has a cool, humid climate, which makes it a popular destination for tourists and visitors.

In recognition of its unique cultural and architectural heritage, Masuleh has been designated a national heritage site by the Iranian government.

Local

Due to its location in the mountainous region of Gilan province, agriculture is the main source of income for the villagers. They cultivate rice, tea, fruits, and vegetables on terraced fields and in small plots of land around the village. Some families also keep livestock such as cows, sheep, and chickens.

Tourism has also become an important source of income for the people of Masuleh. The village's unique architecture, natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage have attracted many domestic and international tourists over the years. Visitors can explore the narrow lanes, visit local tea houses and cafes, and purchase handicrafts made by the villagers.

Image source: Nick Taylor / flickr

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IJ8YvUlOw4

Alam-Kuh mount, 4,805m - second-highest peak in Iran, Mazandaran

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 08:33:51 +0000

Alam-Kūh, Mount Alam – is a mountain in Alborz mountain range in north of Iran, Mazandaran Province, forming a peak of Takht-e Suleyman Massif. It is located in Kelardasht District of Mazandaran Province of Iran. With an elevation of 4,805 meters, it is the second-highest peak in Iran after Mount Damavand.

2004 earthquake

Most of the fixed ropes were damaged severely during a major 6.3 magnitude earthquake and consequent rockfall in 2004. The mountain was closed to climbers for some months because of the hazard of rockfall and loose cables.

Terrain and approach

The mountain range supports permanent snow and glaciers. Although the southern slopes of the range tend to be dry and barren, the northern valleys leading to the Caspian Sea (which offer the best approaches to the mountains) are wet and lush with vegetation.

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVf_mIALEp4

Badab Soort - natural site and unusual landscape, Mazandaran

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 09:32:04 +0000

Badab Soort is a natural site in Mazandaran Province in northern Iran, 95 kilometres (59 mi) south-east of the city of Sari, and 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) east of Orost village. It comprises a range of stepped travertine terrace formations that have been created over thousands of years as flowing water from two mineral hot springs cooled and deposited carbonate minerals on the mountainside.

Badab Soort's springs are two distinct mineral springs with different natural characteristics, located at 1,840 metres (6,040 ft) above sea level. The first spring contains very salty water that gathers in a small natural pool; its water is considered to have medicinal properties, especially as a cure for rheumatism and some types of skin diseases and skin conditions. The second spring has a sour taste and is predominately orange mainly due to the large iron oxide sediments at its outlet. [source]

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q89ZNP_hPno