Kolakchal is a 10,883 ft (3,317 m) mountain peak near Tehran. It ranks as the 104th highest mountain in Tehran and the 592nd highest mountain in Iran.
By: Aydin Sadeghi Moghaddam, Mehrnews
Price of things
Official Exchange Rates of Iranian Rial
Drink
Water 500 CC: 35,000Rial
Water 1000 CC: 40,0000 Rial
Milk 1000 cc: 200,000 Rial
Coca Cola 300cc: 70,000 Rial
Pepsi 300cc: 87,500 Rial
Non-alcohol beer: 87,000 Ria
Food
Sandwich: 400,000-700,0000 Rials
Burger: 600,000-900,0000 Rials
Kabab: 500,000-3,500,000 Rials
chelo Kabab: 700,000-4,000,000 Rials
Protein
chicken per 1 KG: 750,000 Rial
Lamb per 1 KG: 1,800,000 Rial-2,250,000 Rial
Beef per 1 KG: 1,700,000 Rial-2,200,000 Rial
Oil 1000 CC
Fuel EU4: 15,000 Rial
Super Fuel: 1000cc: 35,000 Rial
Gasoline: 3000 Rial
CNG GAS: 3200 Rial
Transport
On way metro ticket: 25,000 Rial
Public Taxi: 50,0000-200,000 Rial
Private Taxi: Start from 200,000 Rial
Iranian Taxi Service App: Snap, Start from 150,000 Rial
TBT Taxi
Communication
MCI temporary Sim card: 200,000 Rial
Irancell temporary sim card 4G: 200,000 Rial
MCI 4G Internet Package: 7GB 30 days: 282,000 Rial
Irancell 4G Internet package: 7GB 30 days: 282,000 Rial
Update: 25 June 2022
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The Islamic Republic of Iran (Jomhuri-ye Eslami-ye Iran) covers 636,300 square miles (1,648,000 square kilometres) in southwestern Asia. It is bounded on the north by Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkmenistan, and the Caspian Sea, on the east by Pakistan and Afghanistan, on the south by the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, and on the west by Turkey and Iraq. Iran also controls about a dozen islands in the Persian Gulf. More than 30 percent of its 4,770-mile (7,680-kilometre) boundary is seacoast. The capital is Tehran (Teheran).
Iranian women look at the palace of King Darius of Achaemenid (522-486 BC) in the ancient Persian city of Persepolis near Shiraz in southern Iran on September 26, 2014. Persepolis, is one of the greatest architectural complexes of the ancient world, built atop a huge limestone platform. It was the main royal residence and ceremonial center of the Achaemenid empire of Persia (550-330 BC), but was later burned and plundered by Alexander the Great in 330 BC. AFP PHOTO/BEHROUZ MEHRI
Among Middle Eastern countries, Iran is unique in many ways. Its official language, Farsi (Persian), is Indo-European. While Iran adopted a modified version of the Arabic alphabet, it refused to lose its separate identity after the establishment of the Arab Empire in the 7th century. From the beginning of the Islamic era there was strong support for the house of ‘Ali, Muhammad’s son-in-law. ‘Imam Ali’s right of succession to the Prophet was disputed by the Sunnite majority, but his supporters proclaimed him first imam of their party. The party came to be called Shi’ah (Shi’ism), from shi’at ‘Ali, “party of ‘Ali.” When conversion to Islam began, Shi’ism was adopted by many, even though it was considered heresy at the time. Despite persecution the Shi’ite branch continued to grow, and in the 16th century it became the official religion of Iran. The concept of divine or sacred kingship, which originated in Mesopotamia, was an integral part of pre-Islamic Persian political culture and persists in the beliefs of the Shi’ites, who hold that sovereignty evolves from God and is expressed through his spokesmen on earth.
Iran is the only country in the Middle East that uses the Islamic solar calendar, which originated before the beginning of the Persian Empire (550 BC). After the conversion of the vast majority of Iranians to Islam, the ancient Iranian calendar was adjusted to begin with the year of the Prophet Muhammad’s immigration to Medina (the hijrah), equivalent to AD 622 in the Gregorian calendar. To convert from the Islamic solar calendar to the Gregorian, 621 or 622 years, depending on the time of year, are added to the Iranian year. (For example, the Iranian year 1361 began on March 21, 1982, and ended on March 20, 1983.) No-ruz (New Year’s Day) falls on March 21, the vernal equinox. The Arabic lunar calendar is used for religious observances.
Iran has played an important role in the Middle East, as an imperial power and as a factor in rivalries between East and West. Its strategic position and its vast resources, including petroleum and natural gas, make it a nation to be reckoned with in the modern world.
IRAN Visa
Planning on going to Iran? Worried about getting an Iranian Visa? Don’t be!
Rated amoungst the “Top Ten Most Attractive Countries in the World,” Iran welcomes millions of tourists every year. Visitors from all over the world can travel to Iran and experience the joy of travelling through 7000 years of history, whilst experiencing four different seasons throughout their trip
If you’re considering traveling to Iran for tourist purposes you have the option on receiving your Iran visa on arrival if you arrive at the one of the following international airports:
Imam Khomeini International Airport (40 km from Tehran)
Mehrabad International Airport (Tehran)
Isfahan International Airport (Isfahan)
Shiraz International Airport (Shiraz)
Mashhad International Airport (Mashhad)
Tabriz international Airport (Tabriz)
Iran visa on arrival extended to 30 days (2015)
Visas issued on arrival in Iran for tourists visiting the country are now valid for 30 days, said the director of the Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization.
Masoud Soltanifar further said, “So far, visas issued for foreign tourists at airports were valid for only 14 days.”He also said, “Up to a dozen new four- and five-star hotels are expected to become operational by March 2016 to accommodate foreign visitors.”
The conditions for receiving Iran visa on arrival are:
Your need to have to have a valid passport with at least 6 month validation.
Travelers who have been rejected an Iran visa previously will not receive Iran visa on arrival
Journalists and reporters on mission.
Iranian nationals holding other nationality passports.
Necessary documents for receiving Iran visa on arrival:
Passport with at least 6 months validity.
Fee of 50 euros. Extra fee of 10 euro per person which is included in your passport.
An invitation letter from an Iranian travel agency or hotel reservation letter. The invitation letter has to be sent from the Iranian travel agency to Iran ministry of foreign affairs at least 48 hours before your arrival at the airport.
Iran visa on arrival is for tourist purposes only, there for is only issued for ordinary passport holders, diplomatic passport, official passports, etc. cannot apply for this type of visa.
The Iran visa on Arrival is not issues for all nationalities, U.S., Canada, United Kingdom citizens are also not eligible. Please contact us at info@tourguideforiran.com for any further questions on Iran visa on arrival or other questions on Iran travel.
In case your visa is rejected your will be held responsible for return ticket and any other costs.
In the map below you can find the visa type you can apply for:
Iran seeks reciprocal visa waiver programs with 28 countries as part of its bid to boost inbound tourism, Director of Iranian Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization (ICHTO) Masoud Soltanifar says.
“We have selected 40 countries on the basis of our top priority for attracting tourists, out of which we have sent visa waiver requests to 28 countries and are following the issue through diplomatic channels,” he said in Isfahan.
Moreover, the Foreign Ministry has been tasked with establishing electronic tourist visa facility known as e-visa which will lead “to a transformational change enabling everyone to apply for tourist visa from their home”, Soltanifar added.
The government has further approved extending stays for visa on arrival from 15 days to 30 days.
“We are after cancelling visa requirements with the countries which provide satisfactory provisions for passage to our citizens,” Soltanifar said.
Iranian girls running theater
Iranian girls running theater in Tehran, named Lunch Time. Photo: Leila Qodrat Elahi
Iranian girls running theater
Iranian girls running theater
Iranian girls running theater
Iranian girls running theater
Iranian girls running theater
Iranian girls running theater
Iranian girls running theater
Iranian girls running theater
Iranian girls running theater
Iranian girls running theater
Iranian girls running theater
Iranian girls running theater
Iranian girls running theater
Iranian girls running theater
Iranian girls running theater
Iranian girls running theater
Iranian girls running theater
IRAN this way
Ancient towns that date back to the Silk Road era, elaborate mosques that beam out the evocative call to prayer and modern cities where fashion-conscious youth rub shoulders with conservative elders – it’s time to demystify the misconceptions about Iran! Exquisite palaces, domed mosques, brilliant bazaars and gracious people all make Iran a true travel gem. But don’t believe us… come and experience the splendour of Iran yourself.
At a glance
Capital city: Tehran (population 7.2 million)
Population: 76.9 million
Language: Persian
Currency: IRR
Time zone: (GMT+03:30) Tehran
Electricity: Type C (European 2-pin) Type F (German 2-pin, side clip earth)
Dialing code: +98
Best time to visit Iran
The climate of Iran is mostly arid or semi-arid with a subtropical climate along the Caspian Coast. Generally, the hottest month is July, the coldest months are December and January, and the wettest month is January. Tourists visit Iran during the summer months (June – September) for the sunshine and regional festivals, and during the winter months (November – March) for skiing. So no matter what time you choose to go, Iran is a great place to travel all year round.
Culture and customs
Being one of the oldest continuously inhabited civilisations in the world, modern-day Iranian culture is enriched by centuries of tradition. Years of trade, conquest and invasion have created a distinct culture with myriad influences from far and wide, resulting in an overriding national identity and culture rich in symbolism. Religion plays an important part in many aspects of Iranian society – the legal and educational systems, dress, marriage, architecture, the arts and the media are all affected. As Iran is an Islamic nation, visitors can expect to see the hallmarks of Islam throughout Iran; mosques, the call to prayer, strict dress codes and the observance of Ramadan are the most easily noticed, although there is a complex network of rules, customs and traditions at play every day.
Although Iran’s population is largely youthful and urban-centric, rich Persian artistic traditions are alive in contemporary Iran, with much of the elaborate architecture, cuisine, handicrafts and popular poetry of Iran having their origins in ancient Persia. Iranian hospitality is world-famous; guests are often touched by the sincerity, politeness and generosity of spirit of their Iranian hosts. Accepting tea and food is considered polite if offered, as is acting graciously and modestly while visiting someone’s home.
Eating and drinking
Intrepid believes that one of the best ways of experiencing a country is by eating! Whether you’re sampling street food, savoring a cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world.
With access to some of the world’s best produce, prepared following age-old ancient culinary traditions, foodies will love traveling through Iran.
Eating and drinking
Intrepid believes that one of the best ways of experiencing a country is by eating! Whether you’re sampling street food, savouring a cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world.
With access to some of the world’s best produce, prepared following age-old ancient culinary traditions, foodies will love travelling through Iran.
Things to try in Iran
1. Dried Fruit & Nuts
Dried apricots, prunes, dates, raisins and figs can be bought from shops, street stalls and bazaars and make wonderful, healthy snacks. Also, you’ll be able to find a wide variety of nuts sold by the bag – pistachios, almonds and walnuts are usually the best picks.
2. Persian Ice Cream
Flavoured with orange blossom, rose water, honey, nuts or saffron, Persian ice cream is different to western-style desserts. Often made with chunks of cream and wedged between two waffles, don’t miss the chance to try this type of sweet treat.
3. Khoresht
This hearty Persian stew can be found everywhere in Iran and has many variations. Meat eaters will love the split-pea and lamb combination while the eggplant, mushroom and spinach options will delight vegetarians.
Geography and environment
Sharing borders with Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey and Turkmenistan, Iran is located in the south-west corner of Asia. The Caspian Sea, Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman provide shoreline in the north and south, and while Iran lacks a major river system, there are several small rivers and streams throughout the country. Much of Iran’s terrain is mountainous, with most of the population living in the basins, plateaus and plains. The deserts of Iran are mainly uninhabited with the exception of a few oases, while the major cities are quite modern with well-developed infrastructure and housing.
History and government
Early History
The country now known as Iran was known as Persia for hundreds of years and has been occupied by people for many centuries. Archaeological evidence suggests that people populated the land here as long as 7,000 years ago, with civilisations and societies developing as the surrounding nations and areas evolved. Persia’s fate was very much tied up with the destinies of neighbouring countries, so as empires rose and fell (and leaders came and went), Persia was affected by invasions and confrontations with the Greeks, Mongols, Romans, Arabs, Turks and others.
Under the reign of Darius the Great and Cyrus the Great (during the Achaemenid Empire), the Persian Empire expanded to be the largest empire of the time. During this period, coins were first introduced as a form of currency, building works on Persepolis began and a system of far-reaching highways and canals were built. Islam was brought to Persia around 637 AD; the population slowly adopted the religion and by the 11th century, the majority of the population was practising Islam. Despite adopting the religion of the conquerors, Persian culture, style and art was largely preserved, which led to the ‘Islamic Golden Age’ – a time where Persian literature, philosophy, science and art blossomed (750-1258).
This time of creativity and prosperity was brought to an end by the Mongols, who invaded in 1219. This invasion proved devastating, with a monumental loss of culture occurring due to the widespread demolition of infrastructure, libraries and mosques. Famine and violence accounted for a steep decline in population, which was worsened by the arrival of the Plague during the 14th century. Persia was in better shape by the 16th century, with the Safavid Dynasty (1502-1736) establishing the modern nation-state of Iran.
Recent History
The Great Persian Famine of 1870 and 1871 accounted for up to 2 million deaths in the region, but Iran’s fortunes changed with the discovery of oil in 1908. This discovery also increased interest from other nations wishing to capitalise on this precious commodity. Iran endured many changes in leadership due to invasions and coups during the 1940s, 50s and 60s, leading to the Iranian Revolution.
Top 10 Beautiful Buildings of Iran
Shopping
With ancient bazaars, handicraft centres and modern boutiques, there are a huge variety of ways to shop in Iran – from bargaining with a bazaar vendor to buying fixed-price items from a museum gift shop.
It’s a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.
Festivals and Events in Iran
Nowruz
Also known as Persian New Year, this is one of the most important traditional holidays on the Iranian calendar. Heralding the advent of spring, this celebration with Zoroastrianism roots is a time of feasting with family, celebrating in nature, springcleaning the home and purchasing flowers and new clothes for the New Year. Many different types of rituals are performed during this time and can vary from family to family, area to area.
Ramadan and Eid
The ninth and holiest of months in the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is observed by most in Iran and is thought to be a time of spiritual rejuvenation. For this month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, refraining from eating and drinking during daylight hours. Eid marks the end of fasting with three days of feasting and celebration.
