TEHRAN – The burr of wheels rolling over the ground, and the sweeping wind that becomes cooler and cooler as you pick up the pace make biking something special when you are on the right touring trails.

Furthermore, bike touring is one of the most natural ways to explore more of the outdoors. Interesting cycling routes open up an opportunity for tourists to visit amazing sights, local cultures, and to meet locals in one of the best possible ways.

There are lots of amazing routes for cycling in the country, which can make a wonderful experience. It is possible to bike to the ancient land in any season but spring and autumn give you the best weather, during the summer the cool mountain regions will make for the most pleasant cycling but from November you can expect snow on the ground and freezing temperatures throughout the north of Iran.

Here is a well-chosen selection recommended by Iran Adventure:

Abr forest

If you have always dreamed of cycling or hiking in the clouds, you can live your dream in the Abr forest. This forest is located almost on the border of Semnan and Golestan provinces and is known by this name because most of the time the space of this forest is covered by an ocean of clouds. In this forest, the clouds are so close to the trees that you can walk through the clouds.

The forest can be explored among the clouds and is considered to be one of the most gorgeous natural landscapes in Iran by many tourists.

Due to the pristine and lush nature of this forest, it is hard to believe that its southern parts are bordered by the Khar Turan National Park. Tourists who aim to cycle along the 150 km route of the forest can start their journey from Shahroud and go through the forest to Aliabad and finally end their journey in Gorgan province.

Kish Island

Kish Island, located in the stunning Persian Gulf, is a vast island suitable to be explored by bicycle. There are special cycling routes on the island making it an easier and safer cycling destination for tourists. Nights would be the best time for cycling in Kish Island, however, cycling or strolling along the beaches with clear water and the landscape of the Persian Gulf during the day would also make a memorable time for every tourist.

Lar National Park

The combination of excitement, nature, and culture encourages anyone interested in cycling to visit Lar National Park at the foot of Damavand Mountain.

The best time to visit this protected area is in the spring when flora and fauna are in their best condition and you can take extraordinary photos there. Despite cycling, slight challenges such as climbing hills and crossing rivers, and spending time in this park can undoubtedly be a memorable experience for you.

Qeshm Island

Qeshm offers the most pristine nature of Iran and although it is the largest island in the Persian Gulf, tourists can explore this beautiful island by bike.

Tourists can cycle across the 270-kilometer island while enjoying numerous attractions such as the Valley of the Stars, the Salt Cave, and the mangrove forest, as well as its scenic beaches, and sometimes the presence of camels along the way. Due to the hot and humid climate of this region, winter is the best time for cycling on the island.

Gisoom Beach

Gisoom beach is located on the border of the Caspian Sea and is one of the most beautiful and peaceful parks in Iran. The asphalt path of this forest passes in a spiral in the middle of the tall and green trees, which have caused a lot of shade and often has foggy weather.

By cycling on this route, you will feel that you are the only one present in this forest, although you may also encounter some harmless animals. The distinctive feature of Gisoom beach is that you finally reach the Caspian Sea and depending on the season, you can dive into the water.

Kordestan province

Kordestan province is known for its fascinating and stunning nature. Cycling in the center of the Zagros will be interesting and memorable for any tourist because the pristine nature, the remote villages, and the hospitable people of Kurdestan and their extraordinary culture create happy moments for them.

Due to the rugged terrain and steep slopes in this part of Iran, more experience is recommended for cycling. We suggest starting from Uraman Takht, a village on a mountain slope, and pedaling to the south of the province.

Caspian Sea coast

The route of the Caspian Sea coast starts from the coastal city of Astara and moves along the Caspian coast until it reaches Gorgan in the northeast.

This route is about 750 km long offering a good opportunity to explore while cycling. Tourists encounter a combination of diverse nature and culture as they cross the forest, sea, and mountains of Alborz, as well as visiting small villages and local traditions in three different provinces in northern Iran.

Maranjab desert

Maranjab desert is located 60 km northeast of Kashan and is one of the most beautiful deserts in Iran and is an ideal place for cyclists. The diversity of plants and animals, as well as attractions such as Salt Lake, make this desert one of the most popular destinations for adventurers and among the best cycling routes in Iran.

Cycling in the Maranjab Desert, you will feel the magic of dirt roads and sand dunes, some of which reach a height of 70 meters. Finally, you can spend the night in Maranjab caravanserai, which dates back to some 400 years ago.

AFM