The ancient sports of archery, wrestling and swimming, in which the Koran exhorts Muslims to train their children are also strongly encouraged by the Iranian authorities.Iran has sent wrestlers and weight lifters to the Olympics, and various sorts of traditional Iranian wrestling tournaments and displays can be watched in Zurkhaneh (house of strength).Although public facilities leave a lot to be desired, football, volleyball and basketball are popular, and Iran has had some limited success in all three at a regional level.
We in Sogol Tehran Tour & Travel Co.Ltd. feel both pleased & honored to introduce ourselves as one of the leading travel company in Iran operated by a team of professionals with a 30 years of experience in the travel trade and are capable of fulfilling every needs of our clients requirement while travelling with us. We, SOGOL are specialized in providing all ground arrange ments and we are able assist you during the Adventure or Sport travels in Iran.
ZUR KHANEH; or gymnastic clubs, are a peculiarly Iranian institute found nowhere else in the world. Their history is lost in the past; they may have come into being at the time of the Arab invasion when they served both as gymnasiums and as secret meeting-places where the national spirit was kept alive.ZurKhaneh used to be a place for Iranians to learn how to use weapons while they were forbidden by Arab Governors. The Zurkhaneh is a field house with a circular arena at the center-so that the visitors are unable to find the leader- where the sportsmen performed their feats.The entrance door was always shorter than a usual body height, so that everybody should bow and scrape while entering. The Sport Visitors could never see weapons in their original shape. Sang-e Asiab (millstone) was used instead of shield, Kabadeh instead of longbow, and the Mil instead of Mace. The Coach, who is called Morshed (superior) always sits at a special place made higher than the scene and leads the sportsmen by playing a drum and singing a rhythmic song mostly containing poems from Shahnameh by Ferdowsi a famous epic poet of Iran.
MOUNTAIN CLIMBING & TREKKING:
The mountains of Iran which are the most beautiful & distinct features of the country, is covered more than half of Iran. There is no doubt about influence of these mountains over the climate & their beauty & attractiveness will dazzle the eyes of any observer & arouse the admiration of any visitors.
There are two massive range in Iran. The Alborz range runs west to East and the Zagros Northwest to Southeast. The Alborz, with its Eastern extensions and the Zagros merging into the Makran range, from a giant supine V which encloses the vast and roughly triangular area constituting Irans central plateau. The Alborz slopes vegetation in the North & South are quite different. The Northern slopes are covered with a luxuriant deciduous forest where the Southern were once covered with Juniper forests. In Zagros region, there are two major types of wood , a forest with Persian Oak and a steppe-forest composed of pistachio and almond trees in lower elevations.
Damavand: With a high point of 5671 meters, is the highest mountain peak in Iran located almost in the center of Alborz mountain range. Damavand is higher than all west Asian and European mountain peaks. Damavand peak is situated in Larijan district, southwest of Amol and 69 kilometers northeast of Tehran. What is peculiar about Damavand is its height which clearly highlights this peak amidst an array of high peaks in the region and a permanent layer of snow which remains unmelted on top of it all year long. The relative height of Damavand peak from the surface of the Plateau on which it has been erected, exceeds three thousand meters. The bottom side of the cone is about 20 to 23 kilometers in diameter. Its volcanic mouth is 400 meters in diameter, and is bounded by a frozen lake. The magnitude of the mountain is doubled since the diameter of the cone compared to its height is negligible. Structure - wise Damavand cone is Strato volcanic.
Damavand region has been the living place of human for more than 5000 years ago. On the right side of the southern road, there are number of man made caves which reveals the fact that this area has been the home of man from past centuries. Moreover, around Damavand and particularly in its southern part a number of ancient tombs and Paleolithic objects have been discovered, all of which prove the oldness of the history of this region. In the meantime, there are some ancient mythsand legends which add to the antiquity of civilization of this area.
Best Climbing Months July, August, September Volcanic Status Active Needed Equipments: Warm, wind proof jacket with hood - Good warm sleeping bag Waterproof jacket and over-trousers Water bottle (1 -to 2 litres) Walking trousers, shirts, pullover Water purification tablets and filter Warm underwear Wash kit, towel, toilet paper Walking socks First aid kit ( including blister plasters, lip slave Good comfortable Climbing boots headache pills, sun cream, personal medication) Trainers ( for evenings) Torch Gaiters Sun glasses Sun hat Walking pole (s) Warm hat or balaclava and scarf Note: It is advisable to pack your clothing and equipment into a waterproof rucksack for carry. Also it is advisable to have a small day rucksack to carry your raincoat, camera, packed lunch and energy snack and items of personal nature.
Damavand Map
Alam-Kuh Map
SABALAN: One of the most interesting mountains of Iran, with an altitude of about 4,811 m., is Sabalan which is originally a volcanic mountain. The summit is located 41 km. from Ardabil and can be easily observed while traveling on the road to Sar Ein and Ardabil. There is a lake on top of the Sabalan Mountain, which is a major attraction for professional hikers.
SAHAND Mountain: This is one of the highest mountains in Azarbayjan, in addition to being an important dormant volcano in the country. The Sahand mountains are 50 km. south of Tabriz, the highest peak of which is Jam Daqi at an attitude of 3,750 m.. Approximately 17 peaks can be accounted for as being over 3,000 m. in height. Due to the presence of a variety of flora and fauna, the Sahand mountains is known as the bride of mountains in Iran. The lower slopes and skirts of which are summer residing quarters for some tribes here.
Other summits in the province are as follows: Sultan Jahangeer at as height of 3,255 m.. Neshan Kooh at an attitude of 3,660 m. in Arasbara. Shanjan 3,125 m. in Shabestar and Aaq Daq with an attitude of 3,550 m. in Maraqeh.
Alvand Summit: The mountainous region of Alvand embrace the important summits of the Hamedan province. The Quri chay and Qarah Chay Rivers take their sources in the northern slopes, and the Yujari Chay and Khoram Abad Rivers take their sources in the south western skirts. The most suitable route to the Alvand peak is from the Ganj Nameh route (Hamadan) in Abbas Abad. In the skirts of Alvand Mountains, 'Kallaq Lan', 'Chal Qibleh' and 'Chal Nabaleqan' are equipped with facilities to accommodate visitors.
Dena Mountain: The track to the said peak begins at Hafashjan, Shahr-e-Kord. After crossing Kollak garden and lower and upper Kamar Qarchi gardens, mountain climbers ascend the flat rocks on skirts of this mountain and finally by passing through that, they reach Dena peak.
Haft Tanan Mountain: Lies at Farsan: This peak rises to more than 4,000 m. and is a favorite spot for mountain climbers.In the lower altitudes, the Kulunchi Mountains exists at a height of 3,988 m.
Kooh-e-Sookhteh Mountain: This peak is about 4,000 m. above sea level, its mountaineering tracks begin from the village of Dastna next of Shahr-e-Kord city. There is a primitive shelter in this route which is extended to the gardens under the rocks of this peak. At the end of these gardens there is a rocky area and mountain climbers with the aid of suitable rock climbing facilities can ascend to the main peak. From here there is a track towards Tang Darkesh Varkesh.The natural scenaries of the peak route are magnificent and interesting.
Saldarvan Mountain: The track to the said peal begins at Shahr-e-Kord. This peak stands at a height of 4,000 m. and is accessible from the plains of Jonaqan after crossing the Jonaqan River towards Tang Dareh and Dareh Karefi. From this peak there is a track towards Cheshmeh Pirhar and towards Tang Daresh Vareshk. These tracks can be used by mountain climbers.
Shah-e-Shahidan Mountain: Around this peak, at the heights of 4,000 m., 4,100 m. and 4,220 m. there are some glaciers. Access to the peak originates from Chilgerd and the route of Shah Shahidan mountain and connects to Mount Karkonan. En route, near the peak, there is a shelter for the temporary rest of mountain climbers.The track to these peaks begins at Shahr-e-Kord.
Other Altitudes and Summits, Chahar Mahal Va Bakhtiyari: In addition to above, there are various other peaks and summits in this territory which are 2300-4500m in height. They are named as follows: Zard Kooh, Sabz Kooh, Nileh Rood, Takht-e-Shah, Zari Kooh, Kelar, Sar Sabz, Khoshk Rood, Shah Neshin, Khakestari Kooh, Kamisian, Nahr Kooh, Sefidoon, Robat Kooh, Zaqeh Kooh, Booneh, Shahan and Karivar Kooh.
Taftan Summit: The mountainous area and Taftan peak is located in the southeast of Iran, and within a distance of 50 km. southeast of Khash city. This mountain embraces the Taftan volcano and is the tallest mountain of Baluchestan, with several peaks. Its famous volcanic summit known as 'Chehel Tan' lies 380 km. north of the Oman Sea. This summit has two main branches, the northern one is the highest and called 'Ziarat', whereas the southern one is known as 'Madar Kooh'. From the northeastern direction this peak is known as 'Sobh Kooh' and in the west is called 'Lor Kooh'.

SNOW SKIING:
Dizin: Standing at an attitude of 3,800 m. above sea-level in the Chaloos road, it is at a distance of 60 km from Tehran. This vicinity offers caoching facilities as well as tennis courtyards, volleyball grounds, a park for children, slope for skiing on turf, some altitudes for mountain climbing and walking as well as riding and some routes for cycling. The region has six restaurants.
Shemshak : This slope which is 3000 m. in length is situated 3,600 m. above sea level, and located 58 km north-east of Tehran. The suitable skiing season begins around the third week of December lasting till late April. This slope has two rest houses.
Ab-Ali ski resort : The slope stands at an attitude of 2,800 m. above sea-level in the Haraz Road and at a distance of 50 km from Tehran.
Other skiing resorts are as follows: Darbandsar Slope (north-east of Tehran), Khor Slope (Karaj - Chaloos Road), and the turf skiing course of Dizin in Chaloos Road.

SLOPE & DESERT TREKKING / JUGGING:
Tochal Slope, Tehran: This slope being 3,500 m. above sea-level is located in the fifth station of Tochal Tele Cabin. At the end of this station there are also many restaurants and resting facilities.
Desert Attractions, Yazd Province: Amongst the natural features pertaining to tourism in Iran, are desert characteristics. Taking a stroll is these vast spaces, watching the wonders of the moving sands, the burning and dry salt marshes, historical monuments, brick colored buildings of simple and harsh styles, shadows of scattered villages, as well as the old ancient inns and caravansaries are charming and worth visiting for every tourist. Two routes can be considered in the desert region of Yazd. One is the Yazd - Bafq route, running along the ancient Fahraj Mosque on the fringes of the desert, continuing till the limits of Bafq. En route are the tamarisk forests, and the beautiful Ahan Shahr Park, extending over 20 hectares. The other route is of Yazd - Khanaraq - Bayazeh and continues till Khoor and Biyabanek. Along which are dome-shaped sandy hills, covered by desert bushes. All through the route there are ancient and beautiful inns with arched windows and unique architecture. Out of which worth mentioning is the military castle of Bayazeh which is placed beside the beautiful gardens of Khoor Biabanak village. Another site to visit is the ancient olive tree which is over a thousand years old. appears at the end of this route.
Kavir National Park, Varamin: This national park is to the west of the central desert of Iran and east of the ‘salt Lake’. This area in general has a valuable flora and fauna reserves as well as a variety of wildlife. Ancient, historical monuments such Shah Abbasi caravansary (Bahram Palace) and the remnants of Haram Khaneh and Ainol Rashid are also present in this region. The most famous wild life species found here are: wild ass, ram, wild sheep, wild goat, panther, gazelle, wild cat, hyena, wolf, jackal, desert fox, fox, hare, porcupine and sable. The waterfowls which may be mentioned in this vicinity are flamingo, geese, duck, eagle, pheasant and crane.
Golestan National Park, Gorgan: The Golestan National Park is the first Iranian National Park that is situated in the jurisdiction of Golestan, Semnan and Khorassan provinces. This park because of its natural values like verdant and virgin forest and different species of flora and fauna is one of the famous areas in Iran and the world. This park has been a protected area since 1957 under the name of "Almeh" and "Yashki" and in 1976, these two parts combined and became the Golestan National Park with 91,890 hectares in area. This park is formed of slightly sloping hills and high calcareous rocks. Its climate is very damp and in some places dry. Some important areas around the Golestan National Park are: Loweh, Dasht, Takhteh Iran, Yan Bolaq, Gildaq and the Qorkhoud protected areas. The most important animals of the Golestan National Park are: Rabbit, tiger, golden eagle, wolf, fox, panther, bear, sable wild cat, wild goat, wild pig (bore), gazelle, ram, deer, venison, kinds of snake, kinds of fish, black dall, delijeh, pray birds etc. Most important plants of this park are: fig, mulberry, wild pear, walnut, raspberry, barberry, different medicinal plants etc.
Jahan Nama Protected Zone, Gorgan: This area is situated in the southern heights of Gorgan and the southeast of Kord Kooy. In 1973, it was claimed as a protected place with 30,650 hectares in area. This region was a recreational area for people of Gorgan and its nearby villages. Some important regions like Torkat, Chalestan, Cholqoleh, Aq Reza, Chakel Geda, Landeh Kooh, Talou, Khoshdasti, Landou and Maqzi, are around this protected area. The most important varieties of wildlife are: wild goat, wild sheep, vension, panther, wolf, beer, owl, eagle, shoulca, weasel, and porcupine and its important plants are: Rosh, Azad, Barberry, Sorkhdar, Kolahe Mir Hassan, Bolandmaza Namdar, Borage Cowslipe, Ras, and Darmaneh. The most important rivers and springs of this protected place are: Sefid Rood, Tarkan, Mahzi, Chaar Baq, Ziyarat, Marsang, Sbumargah, Shahpasand, Haji Abad, Gachian, Mord Cheshmeh, Vara, Khosh Dasti, Kalichal, Qormehtou, Pazeebon. Ancient relics of the said area are: water tank, ancient center of Kamarsarak and Jelingbling, Imamzadeh Razi and Marzieh, and the tower western of Radkan.

WATER SPORTS
Swimming: There are public swimming pools for both sexes (but not at the same time) in the cities, and less crowded ones (sometimes open only to men) set in beautiful flower gardens in most large hotels. The building of large dams has created artificial lakes of cool water on which sailing and water skiing is organized and encouraged. The most popular one is the nearest to Tehran: the Amir Kabir Dam, 90 minutes by car from the capital and a little bit farther Manjil Dam. The immense Persian Gulf, specially in Kish Island, and the Caspian coastlines too are the areas where bathing, hotel and entertainment facilities are being improved.
BOATING: The adventure sportsmen could live high experience by boating at Iran’s WILD RIVERS such as;
Zab River: (200 Km) originating from Piranshahr to Baneh via Sardasht in Kordistan province during March to late of July.
As I.R.I Boating Federation advise the yearly boating tournament is operating in ZAB RIVER. SOGOL TOUR & TRAVEL COMPANY is pleased to coordinating non Iranian sportsmen who wish participating in this tournament as either visitors or racers.
Sirvan River: (180 km) frm Marivan to Nosood via Paveh in Kordistan province during Mid March to Late July.
Chooman River (50 Km) in Baneh- Kordistan or Zarrineh River(Jogtoo) 50 Km between Baneh & Saghez in Kordistan during early March to mid May,
Gezel Ozoon River (50 Km) between Divandareh & Bijar,
Sardab Rood River ( 70 Km) in Alam Kooh mountain range during spring time,
Rood Kooh River (40 Km) between Sanandaj & Marivan during March & April,
Gav Rood River (20 Km) in Sanandaj at March ,
2000 & 3000 Rivers (30 Km) in Tonkabon –Central Alborz range during Spring time,*Karaj River (20 Km) in Karaj- near Tehran - 4 season ,
Zayandeh Rood River (80 Km) in Chahar Mahal-e Bakhtiari in central Alborz at 4 season,
Halil Rood River (24 Km) in Jiroft in Kerman province at 4 season,
Sepid Rood River (40 Km) between Manjil & Roodbat in central Alborz at 4 season.

WATER SKIING & WIND SURFING
Amir Kabir Dam Lake, Karaj : This lake expands over 4000 hectares and is located in the Varian Gorge at a 23 km distance on Karaj - Chaloos Road. Pleasant and cool weather is experienced here during the summer season. The lake forms an excellent area for sports such as canoeing, fishing, water skiing, swimming and gliding.
Lar Dam Lake, Lar, Tehran: This lake is at a distance of 84 km from Tehran and due to its proximity to the Damavand Peak experiences a cool and pleasant climate as well as beautiful landscapes. The lake provides the scope for water sports such as swimming and skiing.
Latiyan Dam Lake, Lavasanat, Damavand: This lake is located 25 km north-east of Tehran and covers an area of 330 hectares on Jajrood River. Around this lake is a vast recreational site.
Taromamaj Lake, Damavand: The Taromamaj Lake lies between the two mountain ranges of Garah Daq in the north and Zarin Kooh in the south, and is located at about 113 km from Tehran. These lakes are in the mountains at an attitude of 2,500 m. Their sources are from the rivers flowing from north. The climate of the region is of mountainous. A beautiful landscape of the region provides a suitable aqua-recreational area and sports such as canoeing and swimming along with mountaineering on the two peaks mentioned above.
Others: Golf in Tehran, Air sport in Tehran and Ramsar (Caspian cost area), Horse Riding at Karaj near of Tehran & Gonbad-e Kavoos, Diving at Persian Golf in Kish & Qeshm Islands.



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