Beyond Tehran
Tehran, Iran
From USD 78.00
Office phone number: +98 (0) 9337 408 300
Beyond Tehran
Tehran, Iran





Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.

Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Experience a different side of Tehran with a visit to the mountains. Known as the gateway of the mountain, Darband is a cultural gem set into the slopes of Mount Tochal. The starting point of a beautiful mountain hiking trail and a local hotspot for traditional Dizi cuisine, it’s a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of central Tehran.
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Highlights
- Escape the big city for a nature retreat in the fresh mountain air
- Hike Mount Tochal for the scenic views of one of Iran’s highest mountains
- Explore the neighbourhood of Darband, a beautiful local gem set into the mountains
- Have the chance to sample the traditional Persian Dizi cuisine that attracts Tehran locals to Darband restaurants
- Visit the breath-taking Imamzadeh Saleh mirrored shrine and the resting places of Iranian cultural icons at Zahirolddoleh cemetery
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Schedule details
- Duration: 4.5 hours
- Meeting point:
Entrance to Tajrish subway station (Google GPS Location: 35.804575,51.433487).
- Find the exact meeting point with what3words:
- Starting time: 9.00 AM
- Ending point:
Entrance to Tajrish subway station
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, transportation from the subway station to Darband, tea.
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature, Dizi (available for approx. $10 USD if you’d like), other food and drink, tips or gratuities for drivers or guides.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to current government restrictions in Iran, American, Canadian, and British nationals may only join a Tehran Urban Adventure if they are travelling as part of an Intrepid tour. Urban Adventures tours in Tehran can only be scheduled for the day immediately before your Intrepid tour starts, or the day immediately after your Intrepid tour ends. Travellers of these nationalities must travel as part of an organised tour and are not permitted to be in Iran longer than one day before or one day after their tour ends. For more information, please contact info@tehranurbanadventures.com.
Meaning door to the mountain in Persian, the lesser-known neighbourhood of Darband is indeed your gateway to Tochal Mountain. It is one of the highest of the Alborz mountain range, which spans from the northwest to the northeast of Iran like a big wall standing above Tehran.
Our Tehran tour begins with a hike along the mountain trail running through Darband. We’ll stop for tea at a café and get acquainted with local Iranian leisure and lifestyle. Darband is a popular local spot for young people to walk around, enjoy meals, tea and Qalian water pipe. It is also famous for serving a delicious Persian traditional cuisine called Dizi, which you can have for lunch if you’d like.
As we walk back towards Tajrish Square, get your cameras ready to capture the most beautiful scenery in Tehran. We’ll visit the historic cemetery of Zahirolddoleh where many celebrated Iranian poets, writers, and musicians have been laid to rest. From there, we’ll visit the beautiful Imamzadeh Saleh shrine to marvel at the thousands of tiny mirrors glittering in the light.
Due to its cool weather and mountain location, many of the pre-revolution Shah palaces are located in this area. Before that, it was home to the palaces of Qajari kings. Since most of the historic monuments are located in the older central part of Tehran, walking through this relatively modern area will give you a different perspective on the city.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, transportation from the subway station to Darband, tea.
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature, Dizi (available for approx. $10 USD if you’d like), other food and drink, tips or gratuities for drivers or guides.
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Child Policy: Children under age 12 are not permitted to join this tour.
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Local contact
Office phone number: +98 (0) 9337 408 300
Email address: info@tehranurbanadventures.com
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