Qeshm - Iran's Mystical Island

Step into a world where ancient Persian traditions dance with the timeless beauty of Qeshm Island's natural landscapes. As we wander through this enchanting realm, discover the whispers of a fading culture woven delicately into the craftsmanship of "lenj" boats and the intricate allure of "Boregheh" masks. Amidst the verdant embrace of Hara Jungle's mangroves and the ethereal sculptures of Stars Valley, each moment unfolds a story etched by wind and time. Join us on a voyage of discovery, where the essence of Qeshm unfolds—a sanctuary where tradition meets the untamed spirit of the Persian Gulf, inviting you to embrace a journey of wonder and reflection.

Highlights:
♦ Hara Jungle - a mesmerizing mangrove forest where Avicennia marina trees thrive, creating a biodiverse sanctuary shaped by the ebb and flow of the tides in the Persian Gulf
♦ Stars Valley - a surreal landscape sculpted over millennia by wind and rain, showcasing towering rock formations that evoke a sense of otherworldly beauty and geological wonder
♦ Namakdan Salt Cave - one of the world's longest salt caves, adorned with sparkling crystals and mesmerizing formations, offering insights into geological history
♦ Hengam Island - known for dolphin watching, pristine beaches, and rich marine biodiversity, offering a serene escape into nature

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Day 1. Dubai- Qeshm City
Today, you will meet your tour leader and the rest of your group at the Dubai airport to catch the flight to Quesh City. You will be picked up from the airport and transferred to a local hotel overnight.-/-/-

Day 2. Qeshm – Hengam Island - Qeshm
After breakfast at the hotel, we will head to the port to catch a boat to Hengam Island, about 2km south of Qeshm. The main attraction of Hengam Island is the opportunity to see dolphins in their natural habitat. Watching these magnificent creatures playing in the clear, azure waters is an awe-inspiring sight that will surely captivate your heart. In addition to dolphins, Hengam Island is home to a variety of marine species and birdlife. Exploring the island's shores and waters reveals a lively ecosystem teeming with life. Notably, the island is also a habitat for wild gazelles and Egyptian iguanas. Hengam also has peaceful, uncrowded beaches. Today, we'll spend our afternoon relaxing in the sun and enjoying the refreshing, crystal-clear waters before taking the boat back to Qeshm. We will enjoy a special New Year’s dinner at the hotel (if you join out New Year's Departure). B/-/D

Day 3. Mangrove Forests of Qeshm - Stars Valley
Today, we will explore some of the most stunning landscapes on the island. We will start our day with a visit to the Hara Jungle - a spectacular mangrove forest on the island's northern shores. This unique place is full of Avicennia marina trees, which have adapted to the salty coastal environment and are influenced by the tides. The Hara Jungle is a hotspot for biodiversity, home to various birds like herons, egrets, and pelicans, as well as marine life such as fish, crabs, and shrimp. The mangroves play a crucial role in protecting the coast from erosion and storms while also supporting local fishing industries and attracting ecotourists, which benefits the local economy. The forest is a protected area to ensure its unique ecosystem remains healthy. Then, we will continue with a visit to the Stars Valley - one of Iran's most extraordinary natural attractions.This otherworldly landscape is the result of thousands of years of erosion by wind and rain, which has sculpted the soft sedimentary rock into an array of stunning formations. The valley's unique and eerie shapes, including pillars, columns, and sharp edges, have led to local legends that stars once fell from the sky and created these remarkable structures. We will then return back to the hotel for overnight. B/-/-

Day 4. Qeshm - Laft Village – Qeshm
Our first stop for the day is the otherworldly Namakdan Salt Cave. It is one of the world's longest salt caves, stretching over 6 kilometers and it’s part of the UNESCO-recognized Qeshm Island Geopark. The cave features mesmerizing salt formations, including sparkling crystals, stalactites, and stalagmites that create a magical atmosphere. Namakdan Salt Cave is not only a natural wonder but also of scientific interest. Researchers study the cave's formations and mineral deposits to gain insights into the geological history and processes that shaped Qeshm Island. Additionally, the cave's high salt concentration is believed to have health benefits, attracting visitors seeking therapeutic experiences. After exploring the cave, we will continue our journey towards the fishing village of Laft, known for its traditional Persian architecture and rich cultural heritage. The village is famous for its distinctive windcatchers, known as "badgirs," which are ancient Persian architectural elements designed to catch and circulate the wind, providing natural ventilation and cooling. Here, we will immerse ourselves in the local culture, exploring the narrow, winding streets and experiencing the hospitality of the local people. B/-/-

Day 5. Free time in Qeshm
Today, you will have free time to explore the island's natural and cultural heritage, like the local architecture, cuisine, and customs. The island is known for its skilled artisans who produce traditional handicrafts such as pottery, textiles, and wooden boats known as "lenj." These crafts reflect the island’s cultural heritage and are often sold in local markets. The local cuisine of Qeshm Island is a delightful fusion of Persian and Arabian influences. Seafood is a staple, with dishes often featuring fresh fish, shrimp, and crab, seasoned with local spices and herbs. Traditional dress is commonly worn by the island’s inhabitants, with men donning loose-fitting garments and women wearing colorful dresses, headscarves, and masks. These masks, known as "Boregheh” are an integral part of the local culture and heritage, reflecting a blend of practicality, tradition, and identity. The masks are typically made from lightweight fabrics such as cotton or silk. Many masks feature detailed embroidery and decorations, adding to their aesthetic appeal. Patterns and motifs are often inspired by local flora, fauna, and geometric designs. B/-/-

Day 6. Qeshm - Dubai
Today we will have some free time in the morning before heading to the airport to catch the flight to Dubai. The end of the program will be upon arrival in Dubai. B/-/-

About the ZAAR Ceremony: 

The Zaar ceremony is a spiritual healing ritual performed to alleviate physical and psychological ailments believed to be caused by supernatural forces or spiritual disturbances. Typically conducted by a healer known as a "Baba Zaar," the ceremony involves rhythmic music, chanting, drumming, and dance. This ritual is usually performed on Wednesday nights. People (both men and women) adorn themselves with special attire and shower with special perfume to prepare for this occasion. A week before this event a special medicine mixture is prepared for the person who is ill and is to be treated by this ritual. The "Baba Zaar" keeps the patient out of sight of others for one week and rubs the mixture on the patient's body. At the dancing ceremony, "Baba Zaar" beats the patient carefully, and before the festivity begins, various types of food are prepared and laid out, including blood from the sacrifice of an animal for the ill person. The patient is compelled to drink a bit of this blood before being allowed to speak. During the dancing and ecstasy, the patient enters a state of hallucination through rhythmic movement. In this state, only "Baba Zaar" can communicate with the patient. The patient asks "Baba Zaar" to free them from whatever has taken control of them. After the ritual, the patient must always wear clean, white clothing scented with perfumes. They are compelled to avoid doing wrong in order to avoid being troubled again by Zaar.

Note: we will do our best to arrange a visit to a ZAAR ceremony, but it is not part of the travel package and not confirmed. 

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Price Includes:
all ground transportation during the program
airport transfers in Qeshm on day 1 and day 5
return flight tickets Dubai-Qeshm-Dubai
accommodation according to the itinerary in 3-4* local hotels in ensuite rooms
local English-speaking guides
a tour leader from Penguin Travel (at min. 10 people)
all meals according to the itinerary (B-breakfast,L-lunch,D-dinner) entry fees for the sites mentioned in the itinerary
LOI for visa

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Not Included:
flight ticket to/from Dubai
visa fee
drinks and meals not mentioned in the itinerary
fees associated with additional and optional trips
tips and personal expenses

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Gallery

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