This birdwatching tour is designed to provide a more relaxed experience, with fewer locations but longer stays at each destination, allowing for deeper exploration of Iran’s diverse bird habitats. Enjoy a more leisurely pace, giving you ample time to observe the local wildlife and take in the surrounding natural beauty.

Day 1: Arrival in Tehran

Arrival at Tehran International Airport.
Transfer to your hotel in Tehran and relax after your journey.
Evening: Optional birdwatching at Lavizan Forest Park near Tehran, where you can spot local species such as Eurasian magpies, common blackbirds, and sparrows.
Overnight: Stay in Tehran.

Day 2-3: Alborz Mountains – Northern Tehran

Morning (Day 2): Depart for a 2-day stay in the Alborz Mountains, just north of Tehran.
- Explore high-altitude forests and rocky cliffs, home to species such as the Persian wheatear, red-fronted serin, and golden eagle.
Afternoon: Visit nearby valleys and streams to spot mountain birds like rock bunting, alpine chough, and white-throated dipper.
Day 3: Continue birdwatching in the Alborz region. Visit other parts of the mountains to increase your chances of spotting more elusive species.
Overnight: Stay in a mountain lodge or a nearby guesthouse, with comfortable accommodations to maximize relaxation between birdwatching sessions.

Day 4-5: Golestan National Park – Northeastern Iran

Morning (Day 4): After breakfast, travel to Golestan National Park, one of Iran’s oldest and most significant national parks, for a 2-day stay.
- Golestan’s diverse ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, and mountains, provide excellent birdwatching opportunities. Key species include golden eagle, northern goshawk, Persian partridge, and various woodpeckers.
Afternoon: Visit nearby rivers and streams to observe wetland birds, such as grey herons, common spoonbills, and white storks.
Day 5: Spend the day exploring more of Golestan’s natural beauty. The park is also home to a variety of mammals and lush forests, making it perfect for a peaceful yet rewarding birdwatching experience.
Overnight: Stay at a comfortable eco-lodge or traditional guesthouse within Golestan National Park, immersing yourself in the park's tranquil atmosphere.

Day 6-7: Khuzestan Wetlands – Southwestern Iran

Morning (Day 6): Travel to Khuzestan Wetlands for a 2-day stay. These wetlands are a crucial stop for migratory birds, especially during the winter months.
- Visit Hoor al-Azim Wetland and Shadegan Marsh, where you can spot Dalmatian pelicans, flamingos, great egrets, and cormorants.
Afternoon: Explore the wetlands for more waterfowl, such as common teal, northern pintail, and greylag goose.
Day 7: Continue birdwatching in Khuzestan, taking time to photograph and observe species in this rich wetland habitat.
Overnight: Stay in a local guesthouse in Ahvaz or a nearby town, allowing for a restful evening after a full day of birdwatching.

Day 8-9: Caspian Sea Coast – Northern Iran

Morning (Day 8): Head north to the Caspian Sea Coast for a 2-day stay. This coastal region is home to a diverse range of bird species, particularly in the wetlands.
- Look for Eurasian spoonbills, red-necked grebes, little grebes, and waders along the shoreline.
Afternoon: Explore the Caspian Hyrcanian forests, a UNESCO-listed natural heritage site, for woodland species like woodpeckers, nuthatches, and spotted flycatchers.
Day 9: Spend the day birdwatching in the nearby wetlands and forests, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of the Caspian coast.
Overnight: Stay in a coastal hotel or a charming guesthouse, with a view of the Caspian Sea.

Day 10: Return to Tehran and 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, Persian eagle, northern goshawk, and white-tailed eagle.
Waterfowl: Flamingos, Dalmatian pelican, swans, common crane, and various ducks.
Wetland Birds: Grey heron, spoonbills, cormorants, and various shorebirds.
Passerines: Eurasian magpie, Persian wheatear, woodpeckers, and red-fronted serin.
Coastal Birds: Osprey, kingfishers, and seabirds along the Caspian Sea coast.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to November) are ideal for birdwatching in Iran, especially for observing migratory species passing through the country.

This tour offers a more relaxed pace, focusing on a few key locations with extended stays, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the birdwatching experience while enjoying the natural beauty of Iran’s landscapes.