Iran is home to more than 500 species of birds. No matter how arid or semi-arid the country is, Iran is the host of very rich and various bird and animal fauna. Iran birdwatching tours satisfy both ornithologists and novice bird lovers. You will explore the forests, swamps, seashores, mountains, Islands, and sanctuaries to visit the key birds. Pleske's ground jay is the only endemic bird in Iran.
NOTE : You can find the needed birding equipment in >>what to bring<<
NOTE : The off-road or 4- wheel cars are needed in some parts of the tour.
NOTE : The official permission is obtained for visiting and birding in preserved areas.
NOTE : Because of the mountainous roads, driving takes longer than real kilometer numbers.
NOTE : Key birds are announced on request.
Day 1
Arrival to Tehran. Drive to Kelardasht (195 km)
Arrival at IKA airport. Transfer to Kelardasht City directly. After some hours rest, you will start birding.
The main target species are Caspian Snowcock, Caspian Tit, Caspian race of Great Spotted Woodoecker, and some key birds. There are also other aims.
- Accommodation: Kelardasht
- Optional: One-day rest in Tehran can be added in the beginning of the tour
Day 1
Day 2
Birding in Kelardasht
All day in the mountains around Kelardasht – starting very early to get into Snowcock territory early enough for the birds to be calling. At high altitudes, you will have the chance to visit some other key birds.
- Accommodation: Kelardasht
- Optional: One-day rest in Tehran can be added in the beginning of the tour.
Day 3
Kelardasht to Babolsar by road (166 km)
You have the early morning to search for any species missed during the previous two days before driving east to Babolsar.
Once in Babolsar, the main target is Black-headed Penduline Tit.
- Accommodation: Babolsar
Day 3
Day 4
Babolsar to Khar Turan National Park (around 415 km)
Birding in Babolsar and continue to Touran to rest in local houses. Birding for the Penduline tit already seen the day before, in which case you proceed to Khar Turan as early as possible. Birding along the road.
Birding around the district.
- Accommodation: Touran Area
Day 5
Birding in Khar Turan National Park
Full day excursion in this vast main preserved area with more than 1470640 Hectare with different species of wildlife.
- Accommodation: Touran
Day 5
Day 6
Khar Turan to Mehdishahr by road (around 315 km)
Full day excursion in this vast main preserved area with more than 1470640 Hectare with different species of wildlife.
- Accommodation: Touran
Day 7
Birding in Parvar, Mehdishahr to Tehran by road (233 km)
Birding for the key birds to find those which are missed in previous day. After finishing the birdwatching you will drive to Tehran, the starting point again.
- Accommodation: Tehran
Day 7
Day 8
Flight to Ahvaz (1:15 h)
Take the morning flight to Ahvaz. Drive toward Shadegan Wetlands for birding. Drive to Shushtar (195 km).
- Accommodation: Shushtar
Day 9
Birding in Khuzestan
Birding by exploring marshes like on the west of Shustar and then drive back to Ahvaz.
- Accommodation: Ahvaz
Day 9
Day 10
Ahvaz to Shiraz by road (541 km)
Today you have long driving to one of the main historical cities of Iran, Shiraz.
Optional: En route stop at Kazerun County to visit Bishapur.
- Accommodation: Shiraz
Day 11
Shiraz to Arsenjan by road (143 km), flight to Bandar Abbas (1 h)
Early morning embark to Arsenjan to have some birding in jungles. Drive back to Shiraz, and have night flight to Bandar Abbas.
- Accommodation: Bandar Abbas
Day 11
Day 12
Bandar Abbas to Minab by road (109 km)
By morning, explore the Bandar Abbass waterfront to look for shorebirds, Gulls and Terns. Later transfer to Minab and start exploring nearby woodlands for birds.
- Accommodation: Minab
Day 13
Birding around Minab
Exploring palm groves, scrub, mangroves and wetlands south and west of town. In the afternoon, you can pay a visit to the gorge behind the dam.
- Accommodation: Minab
Day 13
Day 14
Birding, flight back to Tehran
Early morning, you will visit the Kuh-e Geno mountain reserve for spectacular views and exciting birds. Transfer to Bandar Abbas airport for flying back to Tehran.
Optional: outbound flight from Bandar Abbas
- Accommodation: Tehran
Day 15
Departure day
Drop at IKA Airport for outbound flight
Day 15
Package Introduction
- Start: Tehran
- Finish: Tehran
- Duration: 15 days
- Style: private
- Physical rating: *
