Cycling in Iran
Including Arasbaran Forest Roads, Maranjab Desert, and Mount Damavand Foothills. On the map.
The vibe
Pedaling through high mountain passes and dusty desert plateaus immerses you in a landscape dominated by relentless traffic and cavernous truck horns rather than cycling infrastructure. Late spring offers the most forgiving weather before the fierce summer heat sets in. You ride as a curiosity to locals who will frequently wave you down for roadside chats and hospitality.
Arasbaran Forest Roads
East Azerbaijan Province
Alireza Javaheri / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
The winding, forested mountain roads of the Arasbaran region near the Armenian border offer some of the most scenic road cycling in northwestern Iran. The route features lush greenery, steep climbs, and deep valleys that contrast sharply with the country's arid interior.
Access. Best accessed via Tabriz; local cycling clubs in Tabriz facilitate group tours and route planning.
Notes. Spring and early autumn offer the most pleasant temperatures; expect significant climbing.
Maranjab Desert
Isfahan Province
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Traversing the vast, golden dunes and salt flats of the Maranjab Desert offers a unique expedition-style experience. This region is favored by adventure cyclists looking for remote, otherworldly landscapes and challenging sandy terrain.
Access. Accessible via 4x4 support vehicles from Kashan; self-supported touring requires significant desert experience and specialized fat-tire bikes.
Notes. Best in spring or autumn; extreme heat in summer. Requires careful navigation and water planning.
Mount Damavand Foothills
Mazandaran Province
Hansueli Krapf / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The rugged terrain surrounding the base of Mount Damavand, the highest peak in Iran, provides world-class high-altitude mountain biking. Riders navigate technical singletrack and ancient mule paths with dramatic views of the volcanic massif.
Access. Base yourself in Polour or Rineh; local MTB guides in Tehran offer organized shuttles and technical support.
Notes. High altitude requires acclimatization; best ridden from June to September.
Zagros Mountains Traverse
Isfahan Province
Mostafameraji / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Zagros range offers an epic, multi-day touring corridor stretching through diverse ethnic regions and high mountain passes. This route is a bucket-list journey for long-distance cyclists who appreciate cultural immersion and dramatic, high-elevation landscapes.
Access. The route typically runs between Shiraz and Kermanshah; requires self-supported planning or specialized touring agencies.
Notes. Extremely challenging due to constant elevation changes; best during spring to avoid winter snows.