Bandar Abbas

Port City 

Persian Gulf

Hormoz Gan Province

Iran

May 15, 2020

Hello,

At the National Museum in Teheran, our knowledgeable guide Hassan conducts a discussion of the geography of Iran.

We learn that Iran sits on a tectonic plate that is called “The Iranian Plateau.”  Consequently, the elevation of major cities ahead will be high above sea level.  Isfahan 1574m or 5164 ft.  Shiraz 1500m or 4921 ft.  Kerman 1755m or 5757 ft.  Kashan 2106m or 6909 ft or 1.3 mi.

The Dasht-e Kavir or the Great Salt Desert spreads across the north.  In the south near Kerman, we will visit the Lut or Red Desert.

The most prominent feature on the map is a mountain range that runs like a spine down the west of Iran.  The Zagros Mountains provides a protective barrier against Iraq, Iran’s neighbor to the west.

Qeshm Island

Iran

May 18, 2022

Hello,

If I travel to Iran, how can I miss the Persian Gulf and its islands in the Strait of Hormuz?

Qeshm Island is the best choice because of its history, strategic location, and natural features.   

Qeshm is a popular holiday destination for Iranians as well as others from the Middle East.  The island continues to expand with new roads, first class hotels and modern shopping malls.

A lovely beach.

And a short ferry ride to the nearby Hormuz Island.

Qeshm Island

Persian Gulf

Iran

May 18, 2022

Hello,

Today, on Qeshm, we visited the Mangrove Forest. the Fish Market and the shipyrds where the huge "arks" are under construction.

Below is an excellent article about the lenj vessels, the ancient transport ships used in the Persian Gulf and beyond.

Jan

Hormuz Island

(Pop. 5771)

Persian Gulf

Hormuzgan Province

Iran

May 17, 2022

When researching Iran and planning my trip, I knew I had to visit Hormuz Island.

Hormuz is known as the Red Island.   Also, the Rainbow Island.

I am not disappointed.  I am so pleased to be here.

The multi-colored landscape is wonderful.

Dasht-e Lut

The Lut Desert

Kerman Probvionce

Iran

May 19, 2022

Hello,

Before venturing into the desert itself, we stop at the ruins of an ancient town, an abandoned caravanserai, and a sign for the Nebka Park.

Around the sign are sand “dunes” raised several meters above the stony, completely lifeless level ground. The dunes contain complete ecosystems of trees whose roots hold the whole structure together against the forces of wind and possibly even occasional rain.

Kerman Province

Iran

May 19, 2022

Hello,

We made two stops during the long ride from the gulf coast to Kerman.

Sirjan:  We sat on the grass and enjoyed a watermelon picnic in the shadow of the Sirjan Icehouse. *

Sirch:  In a fertile valley at the edge of the desert we visited the village of Sirch and posed for photos in the shade of the ancient twin cedar trees. **