The Good and Vicious Winds of Hormuz, Iran

The Good and Vicious Winds of Hormuz, Iran

In the coastal areas close to Hormuz strait people still believe in the existence of winds that can be harmful and peaceful. On the island of Qeshm the harmful winds are known as ZAR. According to the people in these regions, most types of ZAR cause disease, discomfort, and serious illnesses.

Qeshm is one of the best places to experience a ZAR ceremony, held to pacify the bad spirits.
Situated a few kilometers off the southern coast of Iran, Qeshm is often described as the gem of the Persian Gulf. It has the shape of a dolphin and a status of UNESCO Global Geopark. Qeshm offers incredible landscapes and unique flora and fauna.

In the past the island has been invaded by Elamites (civilization from the 4th millennium B.C), Portuguese, British.
According to the Bible, Qeshm is a supposed site of the Garden of Eden also. Today the island is a free trade zone with colorful local markets and beautiful beaches. Near Qeshm is situated the Naz island. When the water flows outward from it, a strip of land temporarily connects the two islands and tourists can walk between them by foot! An adventure for every real traveller! Not to mention, the local people and their vivid, unknown traditions and rituals are big part of this unique place’s magic.

Holders of normal passports travelling as tourists can enter Qeshm without a visa with maximum stay of two weeks, as of December 2017.


Itinerary

Day 1: Qeshm City – Hengam Island
Arrival at Qeshm. Transfer to Kandalou Point and transfer by boat to Hengam Island and overnight in a local house.

Day 2 : Hengam Island
Today we explore the island in a 4x4 vehicle. We can see wild gazelles, Egyptian iguanas and dolphins and turtles. We spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach (swimming without Islamic limitations).
And in the evening transfer to Shib-Deraz village and overnight in a local house

Day 3: Qeshm Island
After breakfast visit the Chahkooh Valley and visite the Geopark sites, Visit the workshop in Guran village and have lunch in Tabl, after lunch visit the mangrove forest by boat.
Overnight in local house in Tabl.

Day 4 : Queshm City
Back to Qeshm town, time to explore the city.t visit the Naz-Island and walking in Staa_Valley and next to visit the Khor-Bas Cave and lunch in Qeshm city. After Lunch we visit the Portuguese castle. Free time and hotel overnight

Day 5 : Hormuz Island
After breakfast transfer to Hormuz Islan by boat and visit the Portuguese castle and after lunch we sail back to Qeshm.

Day 6 : Qeshm
Possibility to attend ZAR ceremony ( In Salakh Village ) Overnight in a local house in Tabl.
According to the local believes, ZAR ceremonies represent the hope of the sick people who want to bring out the ghost (or the Jinn) from their bodies. These ceremonies, directed by a leader, bring together the patient and those previously afflicted by the ZAR and involve incense, music, and dancing in trance.

Day 7 : Departure 


Price Includes:
5 nighs in guest houses and one nioght in hotel
all meals and minerai water
visa
confirmation code (if needed)
all boat trips as per itinerary
entrance fees
English speaking tour guide
all transfers


The Good and Vicious Winds of Hormuz, Iran (Rated 4.88 / 5 Based on 295 Reviews.)
Roundtrip Iran - Classical Persia 990 , 10 Days

Roundtrip Iran - Classical Persia

A cultural trip that will show you both modern Iran and ancient Persia. This is a roundtrip...
Rila-Pirin Mountain Trek (Bulgaria), guaranteed departures 590 , 8 Days

Rila-Pirin Mountain Trek (Bulgaria), guaranteed departures

A unique mountain hike above the clouds in the highest mountains on The Balkan Peninsula. During...
The 5 Stan-s - Follow in the footsteps of Genghis Khan 1980 , 21 Days

The 5 Stan-s - Follow in the footsteps of Genghis Khan

Follow in the footsteps of Genghis Khan as you delve into the vast deserts, rolling steppe, fertile...

View all» What people say about us

Gunnar Svensson

Tour: Caucasus Explorer
★★★★★
Interesting trip in a different part of the world. with a possibility to learn a lot. Visit to spectacular churches and monastries, museums, wine producers, nature and beautiful cities. This tour is recommended.


Haley

Tour: Saudi Arabia
★★★★★
Fantastic trip with Penguin Travel! Loved all the sights we got to see in Saudi Arabia. Abdulaziz and Lyuben were very helpful, kind, and knowledgeable. Would highly recommend for solo and group travelers, especially those wanting an "off the beaten path" experience. Can't wait to travel with Penguin again!


Milosh Kitchovitch

Tour: Balkan Kaleidoscope
★★★★★
Amazing tour! A great overview of eight Balkan countries with the perfect balance of organized activities and free time. Our guide Anton was the best - organized, calm and has great sense of humor. I highly recommend it. This was my first tour with Penguin and I will definitely be booking more tours with Penguin.


View all»

Blog

24.03.2023 19:16

Stans Country: Exploring the Region, Countries, and Culture

Are you curious about the region of Stans Country and its unique countries? The Stans, also known as the Central Asian countries, include Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. These countries, which share historical and cultural ties, have a lot to offer, from stunning landscapes to diverse ethnic traditions. What region are the Stans? The Stans are located in...


19.03.2023 10:17

Cape Coast: A city of history, life and magnificent beaches

Cape Coast, a city that lies on the shimmering shores of the Gulf of Guinea, is a land of rich culture, ancient history, and breathtaking beauty. A place tantalizes the senses and awakens the spirit with its vibrant arts scene, sumptuous cuisine, and fascinating heritage. This city, once the capital of the Gold Coast, exudes an air of mystery and enchantment. Its ancient Cape Coast Castle stands...


23.02.2023 13:24

Discovering the Best Time to Visit Iceland: Weather, Northern Lights, Outdoor Activities and Crowds

Iceland is a unique and stunning country, known for its otherworldly landscapes, hot springs, and Northern Lights. However, due to its location close to the Arctic Circle, Iceland's weather can be unpredictable and change rapidly. Therefore, it is essential to know the best time to visit Iceland to make the most of your trip. In this article, we will discuss the best time to visit Iceland based...


10.12.2022 15:21

Saudi Arabia - the birthplace of Islam (tips for visiting the country)

It took really long for Saudi Arabia to decide to open for tourists, but now it is finally a fact and Penguin Travel immediately put the destination on its belt. The Kingdom – known as the spiritual birthplace of Islam, now has a new approach to attract visitors and that's why the visa requirements are changed. The changes are so big, compared to the past that they look almost like a...