West Iran Travel, Tabriz, Kanduvan, Urmieh, Jolfa, Mt Sabalan, Ardabil

Day 1 – Arrival in Tabriz

Arrive in Tabriz, the capital of Iranian Azerbaijan, a city known for its deep history, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and assisted by our representative, who will escort you to your hotel for check-in and rest.

Day 2 – Tabriz → Kandovan

In the morning, you will explore Tabriz, a lively and historic city where tradition blends seamlessly with modern life. You may stroll through the bustling streets, browse the trendy shopping areas, or focus on cultural highlights. The main attraction is the Tabriz Grand Bazaar, the largest covered bazaar in Iran and one of the oldest in the world. You can also visit the Armenian Church, a quiet spiritual corner of the city, and the impressive Masjed-e Kabud (Blue Mosque), famous for its stunning turquoise tilework.

Not far from the historic center lies Bagh-e Melli, a peaceful landscaped garden with a large pond—an ideal place to relax alongside local families and enjoy a moment of calm in the city.

In the afternoon, you will drive about one hour to Kandovan, one of Iran’s most extraordinary troglodyte villages. This unique settlement is carved entirely into volcanic tuff formations, creating a landscape reminiscent of Cappadocia in Turkey. The inhabitants have lived in these cave-like homes for centuries, and the village remains alive and authentic.

Tonight, you will experience something truly special as you sleep in a traditional cave hotel, surrounded by the serene natural beauty of Kandovan.

Day 3 – Kandovan → Urmieh

Today you drive to the city of Urmieh, located near the vast salt lake that shares its name. Lake Urmieh is considered one of the three holy lakes of the historic Armenian world—the others being Lake Sevan in Armenia and Lake Van in Turkey. This region is also closely connected to the ancient civilization of Urartu, whose legacy can still be felt in the surrounding landscape and archaeological remains.

Around the salt lake you will find numerous historic churches and Armenian heritage sites, reflecting centuries of cultural and religious history.

On your route you will also pass through Maragheh, once the capital of the Mongol Ilkhanate under Hulagu Khan. The city is famous for its important scientific legacy. Here you can visit the remains of the 13th-century observatory, one of the most advanced scientific centers of its time. Maragheh is also home to the beautiful Gonbad-e Kabud, a striking turquoise-tiled tomb tower and one of the finest examples of Seljuk architecture.

Continue to Urmieh for an overnight stay.

Day 4 – Urmieh → Maku via Bastam & St. Thaddeus Church

This morning you leave Urmieh and head toward the remote frontier town of Maku, located near the borders of Turkey and Nakhichevan. On a clear day, you may even catch a glimpse of the majestic Mount Ararat rising across the Turkish border.

Your first stop is the village of Bastam, once an important stronghold of the Urartu civilization. The archaeological remains here offer a fascinating insight into this powerful ancient kingdom, which controlled vast territories around Lake Van and northwest Iran.

The highlight of the day is your visit to the Armenian Monastery of St. Thaddeus, one of the most sacred and historic Christian sites in Iran. Built on foundations dating back to 68 AD, it is considered one of the oldest churches in the world. Known locally as Qara Kelisa (“the Black Church”), its striking dark stone structure stands in dramatic contrast to the surrounding mountains. The church opens only once a year during the annual July pilgrimage, when thousands of Armenian faithful gather from across the region.

Continue to Maku, a town beautifully nestled in a long rocky valley only 20 km from the Turkish border. Overnight in Maku.

Day 5 – Maku → Kaleybar via Jolfa

This morning you leave Maku and drive toward Jolfa, a region rich with remnants of Iran’s Armenian Christian heritage. Your main visit here is the Monastery of St. Stepanos, an impressive stone complex dating from the 7th to 10th centuries. Tucked inside a dramatic canyon near the Aras River, the church is one of the most important Armenian monuments in Iran. In the surrounding area you may also encounter smaller churches and historical structures reflecting centuries of Armenian presence.

In Jolfa itself, you can visit an old caravanserai, a reminder of the region’s role along ancient trade routes. Nearby, a historic bridge marks the frontier with Nakhichevan.

You then continue your journey along the Aras Valley, traveling parallel to the river that has held legendary significance for thousands of years. The Aras—mentioned in ancient texts and identified by some traditions as the Gihon, one of the four rivers flowing from the Garden of Eden—now forms the natural border between Iran, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. The river winds like a green ribbon through rugged mountains, shaping one of the most scenic routes in northwest Iran.

Along the way, you will stop in small traditional villages such as Ushtebin, where life seems untouched by modernity and the atmosphere still reflects centuries-old rural traditions.

By late afternoon, you arrive in the quiet mountain town of Kaleybar, surrounded by forests and valleys. Overnight in Kaleybar.

Day 6 – Kaleybar → Meshkin Shahr via Babak Castle

In the morning you will visit the imposing Babak Castle, dramatically perched on a high rocky ridge overlooking the surrounding valleys. Reaching the castle requires a steep ascent; it is a symbol of resilience for the Azeri people of Iran, associated with the legendary leader Babak Khorramdin. At the base of the mountain you may see Shah Savan nomads, who traditionally set up their summer camps in this area.

You can choose to start partway up by jeep, after which a scenic but challenging one-hour hike brings you to the fortress at the summit. The walk back down offers beautiful panoramic views of the mountains and forests around Kaleybar.

After the visit, your journey continues toward Meshkin Shahr, a town located on the foothills of Mount Sabalan (4,811 m), one of Iran’s highest and most revered peaks. You will overnight in an eco-resort near natural hot springs at the base of Mt. Sabalan. The area is ideal for peaceful mountain walks and for meeting Shah Savan nomads, who pitch their tents here during the summer months.

Day 7 – Meshkin Shahr / Mt. Sabalan

Today you have several options to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage surrounding Mt. Sabalan, a revered volcanic peak and the summer homeland of the Shah Savan nomads. These Turkic-speaking pastoralists pitch their traditional black tents across the mountain’s foothills from spring to autumn. You can take a leisurely hike to visit some of their camps and gain insight into their unique way of life.

Another option is to visit the Ghotorsoei hot springs, famous for their therapeutic waters. From here you can hire a jeep to drive up to Mt. Sabalan’s basecamp. Near a small mountain mosque you will see the tents of climbers preparing for the ascent. The climb itself is not technically difficult, which makes Sabalan one of Iran’s most popular high-altitude treks. You can choose to hike part of the trail for the views and the fresh mountain air.

If you wish to summit Mt. Sabalan, keep in mind that you must start very early in the morning, as it is a full-day climb to reach the crater lake at the peak.

Day 8 – Meshkin Shahr – Ardabil

In the morning you can once again enjoy the peaceful mountain scenery around Meshkin Shahr and the foothills of Mt. Sabalan. Later you drive toward Ardabil, a historic and spiritual city beautifully situated at the base of the mountain.

Ardabil has long been considered an important Sufi center, and its most significant monument is the magnificent Sheikh Safi-od-Din Ardabili Mausoleum, dedicated to the eponymous Sufi master and spiritual ancestor of the Safavid dynasty. This UNESCO-listed complex features serene courtyards, finely detailed tilework, and centuries of spiritual heritage.

Day 9 – Ardabil – Tabriz

After breakfast you drive back to where your journey began: the vibrant city of Tabriz. Along the way you can enjoy the beautiful green landscapes of Ardabil province before arriving in the capital of Iranian Azerbaijan.

Once in Tabriz, you can spend the afternoon revisiting the city’s highlights or exploring new corners of its historic center. The atmosphere of the lively bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered bazaars in the Middle East, is always worth another visit. Here you can enjoy the colors, scents, and craftsmanship that define this dynamic trading city.