Iran Birdwatching Tour – Alternative Route with Focus on Diverse Habitats

This birdwatching tour offers a different route, focusing on a variety of habitats and regions with extended stays to ensure an in-depth and leisurely experience. From lush forests to coastal wetlands and vast deserts, this tour covers Iran's diverse bird habitats, providing ample opportunities to observe both resident and migratory species.

Day 1: Arrival in Tehran

• Arrival at Tehran International Airport.

• Transfer to your hotel and relax after your journey.

• Evening: Optional visit to Lavizan Forest Park in Tehran, where you can spot local urban species like Eurasian magpies, house sparrows, and common blackbirds.

• Overnight: Stay in Tehran.

Day 2-3: Isfahan & Zayanderud Wetlands

• Morning (Day 2): Early departure to Isfahan, staying for two nights in this historic city.

  • Visit the Zayanderud River and its surrounding wetlands. Birdwatching here offers excellent opportunities to see species such as white storks, herons, common pochards, and little grebes.

  • Explore the nearby Marbariyeh Wetlands and spot species like flamingos, water rails, and black-winged stilts.

• Day 3: Spend the day exploring Isfahan’s outskirts and its wetlands. The area is home to waders, ducks, and the occasional white-tailed eagle.

• Overnight: Stay in Isfahan.

Day 4-5: Dasht-e Kavir Desert – Central Iran

• Morning (Day 4): Head to the Dasht-e Kavir Desert for a two-night stay in one of Iran’s vast and stunning deserts.

  • The Kavir Desert provides sightings of desert-adapted species such as sandgrouse, hoopoe larks, and desert sparrows. Look out for falcons and kestrels in the dry, open landscape.

• Afternoon: Visit some of the desert’s salt flats and seasonal water sources, where migratory species such as common cranes and swallows may stop.

• Day 5: Continue exploring the desert and its unique ecosystems, searching for larks, buntings, and other hardy desert birds.

• Overnight: Stay at a desert lodge or guesthouse, enjoying the solitude and vastness of the desert.

Day 6-7: Caspian Sea Wetlands – Northern Iran

• Morning (Day 6): Travel to the Caspian Sea Coast for a two-night stay. This area is a prime location for birdwatching due to its wetlands and rich biodiversity.

  • Visit Golestan National Park and observe Persian partridges, woodpeckers, and northern goshawks. This UNESCO site offers a mix of wetland and forest species.

• Afternoon: Explore the Caspian coast, looking for Eurasian spoonbills, waders, and red-necked grebes in the wetland areas.

• Day 7: Continue birdwatching along the Caspian Sea. Focus on spotting grey herons, swans, and cormorants. The lush forests near the sea are perfect for spotting species such as spotted flycatchers and red-breasted flycatchers.

• Overnight: Stay at a coastal hotel or guesthouse with views of the Caspian Sea.

Day 8-9: Khuzestan Wetlands & Shadegan Marsh – Southwestern Iran

• Morning (Day 8): Travel south to Khuzestan Wetlands for a two-night stay in this critical wetland region. These marshes are famous for attracting large numbers of migratory birds, especially during the winter months.

  • Visit Hoor al-Azim Wetland and Shadegan Marsh for a chance to see Dalmatian pelicans, flamingos, herons, and ducks. You may also spot eagles and buzzards.

• Day 9: Continue birdwatching in Khuzestan, focusing on waterfowl and migratory species. The area is a key stopover for birds migrating from Europe and Asia, making it a perfect location for spotting rare and transient species.

• Overnight: Stay in a local guesthouse in Ahvaz or a nearby town.

Day 10: Return to Tehran & Departure

• Morning: Return to Tehran by flight or road, depending on your preference.

• Afternoon: Free time for last-minute sightseeing or shopping in Tehran.

• Evening: Transfer to Tehran International Airport for departure.

Key Species to Expect

• Raptors: Golden eagle, northern goshawk, white-tailed eagle, and buzzards.

• Waterfowl: Dalmatian pelican, flamingos, common pochard, swans, common cranes, and swallows.

• Desert Birds: Sandgrouse, desert sparrows, hoopoe larks, falcons, and kestrels.

• Wetland Birds: Spoonbills, grey herons, cormorants, swallows, and common teal.

• Coastal Birds: Waders, red-necked grebes, and little grebes along the Caspian Sea.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to November) are the best seasons for birdwatching in Iran, as these are the peak times for migratory birds passing through the country.

This alternative birdwatching itinerary gives you more time in each region, allowing for a deeper connection with the local ecosystems and birdlife. The combination of wetlands, deserts, forests, and coastal habitats ensures a variety of bird species while maintaining a relaxed pace.

Iran Birdwatching Tour – A Relaxed Journey with Focus on Key Habitats

This birdwatching tour is designed for those who want a more relaxed pace while exploring Iran’s diverse birdlife. With a focus on a few key habitats, the tour offers extended stays in each location, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Iran and its avian wonders.

Day 1: Arrival in Tehran

• Arrival at Tehran International Airport.

• Transfer to your hotel and relax after your flight.

• Evening: Optional light birdwatching at Lavizan Forest Park, where you may spot urban species such as Eurasian magpies, house sparrows, and common blackbirds.

• Overnight: Stay in Tehran.

Day 2-3: Alborz Mountains – Northern Tehran

• Morning (Day 2): Travel to the Alborz Mountains for a two-night stay in the northern regions of Tehran. This mountainous region is home to some of the most diverse bird species in Iran.

  • Morning: Start with birdwatching along the mountain slopes and valleys. Expect to see species like the Persian wheatear, Eurasian eagle-owl, and red-fronted serin.

  • Afternoon: Continue your exploration in the Alborz foothills and forests. Look out for golden eagles, woodpeckers, and choughs.

• Day 3: Spend the day hiking through the forests and hills, searching for northern goshawks, rock buntings, and other highland species.

• Overnight: Stay in a comfortable lodge or guesthouse in the Alborz region.

Day 4-5: Golestan National Park – Northeastern Iran

• Morning (Day 4): Travel northeast to Golestan National Park for a two-night stay. This UNESCO-listed park is one of Iran’s most important birdwatching destinations.

  • Morning: Birdwatching in the park's diverse ecosystems. Expect sightings of Persian partridge, northern goshawks, golden eagles, and woodpeckers.

  • Afternoon: Explore the park’s wetlands and rivers to observe waterfowl like grey herons, common spoonbills, and white storks.

• Day 5: Continue birdwatching in the park’s forests and grasslands, with a focus on spotted flycatchers, buzzards, and other passerines.

• Overnight: Stay in a traditional guesthouse or eco-lodge within the park.

Day 6-7: Khuzestan Wetlands – Southwestern Iran

• Morning (Day 6): Head southwest to Khuzestan Wetlands, a vital stop for migratory birds, and stay for two nights.

  • Morning: Visit the Hoor al-Azim Wetland and Shadegan Marsh, home to species such as Dalmatian pelicans, flamingos, and herons. Watch for eagles and buzzards soaring overhead.

  • Afternoon: Explore other parts of the wetlands, looking for greylag geese, northern pintails, and various shorebirds.

• Day 7: Continue your exploration of the wetlands, with opportunities to observe waterfowl and raptors in action.

• Overnight: Stay in a guesthouse or hotel in Ahvaz or a nearby town.

Day 8-9: Caspian Sea Coast – Northern Iran

• Morning (Day 8): Travel to the Caspian Sea Coast for a two-night stay, an ideal location for birdwatching along the wetlands and forests.

  • Morning: Visit the Caspian Hyrcanian forests, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for birdwatching opportunities. Look for woodpeckers, red-breasted flycatchers, and nuthatches.

  • Afternoon: Head to the Caspian Sea wetlands to observe Eurasian spoonbills, waders, and red-necked grebes.

• Day 9: Spend the day exploring more coastal habitats. Look for grey herons, swans, and cormorants in the surrounding wetlands.

• Overnight: Stay at a coastal hotel with views of the Caspian Sea.

Day 10: Return to Tehran & Departure

• Morning: Return to Tehran by flight or road.

• Afternoon: Free time for shopping, sightseeing, or additional birdwatching in Tehran.

• Evening: Transfer to Tehran International Airport for your flight home.

Key Species to Expect

• Raptors: Golden eagle, northern goshawk, white-tailed eagle, and buzzards.

• Waterfowl: Dalmatian pelican, flamingos, swans, common pochard, and northern pintail.

• Wetland Birds: Spoonbills, grey herons, cormorants, and waders.

• Forest Birds: Woodpeckers, nuthatches, spotted flycatchers, and buzzards.

• Coastal Birds: Waders, red-necked grebes, and little grebes.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to November) are the best seasons for birdwatching in Iran, particularly for migratory birds passing through the country.

This birdwatching tour takes a relaxed approach by focusing on fewer destinations with extended stays at each location. It offers ample time to explore diverse habitats across Iran, from the mountains and forests to the wetlands and coastlines, providing a rich and varied birdwatching experience.