IgoUgo

Iran Journals

Iran: The Wonders of Persia

Best of IgoUgo

A July 2005 trip to Iran by baroudeur2004

Silk Road Hostel, Yazd Photo - Yazd, Iran More Photos
Quote: Amazing wonders of Iran. A few tips about the off-beaten tracks in Iran
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Silk Road Hotels Best of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Silk Road Hostel"

Silk Road Hostel, Yazd Photo - Yazd, Iran
Quote:
Previously 'Yazd Backpackers Hotel'; closed down by the government and reopened under its new name 'Silk Road Hotel', in 2004, it is one of the best budget hostels I have ever been to. Not that cheap for a backpacker but worth every cent (around 130.000 IR (12 euros) for a single room and 220.000 IR for a double room (20 euros)). There are also two dormitories without A/C for broke backpackers (40,000 IR, 4 euros). Near the Jameh Mosque, this hostel is built around a great patio, every room (except the dormitories) has a view on this patio. Once you get to Jameh Mosque, the hostel is well indicated. Do not ask for Silk Road Hostel when taking a taxi, but for 'Jameh Masji...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on September 16, 2007

Silk Road Hotels
Ishak Pasa Caddesi NO:6 Sultanahmet
Istanbul, Turkey
+90 (212) 638 1215

Amir Kabir Best of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Amir Kabir Hostel"

Quote:
This is an impersonal guesthouse managed by two brothers. Although the Lonely Planet guidebook recommends it, I found its recommendation to be somewhat exaggerated. Maybe its popularity among backpackers lead the managers to 'rest on their laurels'. When I went there in July 2004, service was reduced to the minimum and the hostel was almost full. The hostel is popular among backpackers because it is central, near the Imam Khomeiny Square and Esfahan can be visited by foot from this hostel. Also, it is a good place to exchange information with other travellers. There is a small library with books left by tourists and an information board on the ground floor near the stairs. However...Read More

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on September 16, 2007

Amir Kabir
Avenue from the north to the east of Esfahan
Esfahan, Iran

Qashq'ai Nomad Camp Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

Qashq'ai Nomads' Camp Photo - Shiraz, Iran
Quote:
In the mountains near Shiraz, in the province of Fars, you can find qashqa'i nomad camps who survive despite the Iranian government efforts to make them settle down in a city. The Qashqa'i are a tribe of nomadic pastoralists and 90.000 of them can still be found in the mountains, following their flocks, north of Shiraz. They move where there is food available for their flocks. The camps are more and more rare as the efforts of the Iranian government have been partially fruitful (a financial compensation is given to nomads who give up their lifestyle). The tribe I visited had black tents with nice colorful decorations inside (mainly woven carpets piled one on the other) and it w...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on September 18, 2007

Citadel of Bam Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

Before and after the earthquake Photo - Citadel of Bam, Bam, Iran
Quote:
Probably the most emotional experience I had in Iran. In 2004, to go to Bam by your own means was difficult, especially after the 2003 earthquake which virtually destroyed every building in the city and killed one third of its inhabitants. I booked a one-day tour of Rayen and Bam in Kerman Bazaar (just ask anywhere in the Bazaar for a guide to go to Bam and someone will help you) for $40 (including transfers by taxi and the explanations of a guide who spoke good English). If you think you do not need a guide, you can just go to Rayen and Bam by taxi and back (in 2004, it would have cost around $25).Most taxis have no A/C and you have to buy lots of bottles of water to cross the...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on September 19, 2007

Citadel of Bam
Northern Part of Bam
Bam, Iran

Citadel of Rayen Best of IgoUgo

Attraction

Rayen: street of the citadel Photo - Iran, Middle East
Quote:
After the 2003 earthquake which destroyed Bam, tours operators soon searched for another site nearby which could compete with the ancient site of Bam. They soon found Rayen which is now visited by numerous coaches full of tourists.Rayen is a short sidetrip on the way between Kerman and Bam and its citadel is younger than Bam's one. It is believed to be 1,000 years old and its architecture is typical of the desert castles found in Iran, with mud buildings. In 2004, entry was less than $1 for foreign tourists, but prices may have increased due to the increasing success of the site after Bam was wiped off the tours.Although the visit was quite short as the citadel is much smaller ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on September 19, 2007