Where in Iran can we experience boating or rafting in the summer?

Previously, in an article on Gulf City Pedia, we introduced rafting tours, and now we want to delve into a more detailed introduction of rafting tours in Iran. As you know, rafting, or river rafting tours, is an adventurous and exciting group and summer sport held in flowing and turbulent rivers around the world, using an inflatable boat and the guidance of an instructor. In general, each rafting tour takes about 2 to 3 hours, during which you are supposed to embark on an adventure inside an inflatable boat, navigating through the river currents. Occasionally, you may need to paddle a part of the route, but the majority of your movement occurs with the energy of the water currents.

Rafting tours do not require specialized and long-term training. If you have never tried this thrilling activity and think you have no talent for it, we must tell you that rafting does not require any special training. With a brief explanation and a review of safety tips, you will be ready to accompany a rafting tour.

Sometimes, we get tired of the monotonous rhythm of life and crave an exciting pastime, a place where both groups and individuals can have a good time and immerse themselves in excitement for a few hours. But where? Rafting tours or river rafting in turbulent rivers are one of the most exciting recreational activities that you can try in the summer season. In the following article from Gulf City Pedia, join us as we introduce the best rafting tour locations in the rivers of Iran.

What is Rafting?

Large inflatable boats used for rafting tours are called rafts. Rafts come in various sizes, accommodating 4 to 18 people, but typically, considering the intensity of the river’s turbulence, rafts with a capacity of 6 to 10 people are used for rafting tours. Older rafts, if filled with water on the river path, had to be manually emptied, but nowadays, older rafts are rarely used in rafting tours. The design and construction of new rafts are such that water poured into the raft spills out due to the movements of the raft. Also, don’t worry about damaging the inflatable boat; the material of the raft is designed in a way that it does not get damaged when colliding with rocks and the riverbed.

Introduction to the Most Famous Rafting Rivers in Iran

Perhaps most people think that rafting tours don’t exist in Iran, but this assumption is incorrect. In Iran, you can find clubs for river rafting. In the following article, we aim to introduce some of the most famous rafting rivers in Iran. The choice is yours to experience which river rafting tour among the many organized in Iran.

Armand River in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari:

Rafting distance: Approximately 20 kilometers
Wave difficulty level: 2 to 4
Zayandehrud River in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari:

Minimum rafting distance: 3 kilometers
Wave difficulty level: 3 to 4
Ideal for spring rafting

Haraz River in Mazandaran:

Rafting duration: 2 hours
Wave difficulty level: 4 to 6 (varies by season)
Sefidroud River in Gilan:

Rafting duration: Over 1 hour
Wave difficulty level: 2 to 3

Sirvan River in Kurdistan:

Multiple rafting routes suitable for beginners and professionals
Wave difficulty level: 3 to 4

Zayandehrud Rafting Tour

Some may mistakenly associate Zayandehrud with Isfahan upon hearing its name, but Zayandehrud is not limited to the part flowing through Isfahan. It is one of Iran’s longest rivers, originating from the central Zagros Mountains (Zardkuh). Zayandehrud is supposed to reach Gavkhouni Wetland in the central plateau of Iran after traveling about 300 kilometers on a good day, but in recent years, it struggles to cover half of that distance. Nonetheless, you can still enjoy its beauty in the upper reaches and experience rafting.

To go rafting on Zayandehrud, head to the Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. The rafting route in Zayandehrud is relatively calm, suitable for families and less-experienced individuals. However, you’ll encounter turbulent waves and jumping platforms along the way, adding excitement to your rafting experience.

Armand River Rafting Tour

One of the most popular and thrilling rivers in Iran for rafting, especially for adventurous experiences, is the Armand River. The rafting route in Armand is 20 kilometers long, usually taking about 4 to 5 hours to complete. The difficulty level of this rafting adventure ranges from 2 to 4 (depending on the season), catering to both youth and beginners as well as experienced enthusiasts.

Sirvan River Rafting Tour

Another famous river for rafting in Iran is the Sirvan River in Kurdistan. It is considered the most well-known river in the Hooraman region of Kurdistan and competes for the title of the longest river in the province. The Sirvan River meanders through a winding path, making rafting in it delightful and captivating, ranking it among the best rafting destinations in Iran.

The rafting route in Sirvan is located in the Kurdistan and Hooraman region, offering you the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the province. The difficulty level of rafting in Sirvan ranges from 3 to 5, providing maximum enjoyment for professionals in this exciting water sport.

Haraz River Rafting Tour

Haraz River is one of the flowing rivers in Mazandaran province, with its source located in the southern slopes of Mount Damavand. After passing through the Alborz Mountains, it eventually reaches the Caspian Sea. The rafting sections in Haraz cover a distance of 11 kilometers, and the difficulty level ranges from 2.5 to 3.5.

Individuals aged between 11 and 55 can enjoy rafting in Haraz River, experiencing maximum pleasure from the approximately 3.5-hour program. In addition to rafting, there are opportunities for water games and swimming.

Karaj River Rafting Tour

Many of us are familiar with the Karaj River, and while we may have passed by it numerous times, did you know that it is also one of the rafting options in Iran? With a difficulty level ranging from 2 to 4, the Karaj River is mostly rafted during the spring season. Youth, beginners, and experienced rafters can all find immense joy in this thrilling water sport.

If you have any other recommendations for participating in rafting tours, feel free to share them in the comments.