{"id":12111,"date":"2022-12-05T08:57:00","date_gmt":"2022-12-05T06:57:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/?p=12111\/"},"modified":"2025-11-06T07:06:34","modified_gmt":"2025-11-06T05:06:34","slug":"golestan-province-iran","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/golestan-province-iran\/","title":{"rendered":"A guide to Golestan province in Iran"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/golestan-iran.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/golestan-iran.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/golestan-iran.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-12160\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Golestan is one of the least visited provinces in Iran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, after spending an entire week wandering around the region, I came to the conclusion that this could be my favorite place in Iran, very different from the rest of the country and home to a beauty which I had never expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I really want travelers to discover this magnificent hidden gem, so that&#8217;s why I have compiled a&nbsp;<strong>guide to visiting Golestan province<\/strong>, which includes things to do, transportation and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/best-hotels-in-tehran\/\">accommodation<\/a><\/strong> tips and, of course, plenty of local insights and inspirational photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"convertkit-form wp-block-convertkit-form\" style=\"\"><script async data-uid=\"966cc0f59d\" src=\"https:\/\/exceptional-creator-2216.kit.com\/966cc0f59d\/index.js\" data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\" data-no-defer=\"1\" nowprocket><\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/golestan-province-4-685x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/golestan-province-4-685x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/golestan-province-4-685x1024.jpg\" alt=\"golestan province\" class=\"wp-image-12152\" style=\"width:490px\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In this Golestan travel guide you will find:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group table-of-contents is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"table-of-contents__title\" style=\"font-size:20px\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#0\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Why visit<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#1\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">The people<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#2\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">How to get in &amp; out<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#3\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Things to see in Golestan<\/span><\/a>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#4\">Day 1 &#8211; Gorgan<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#5\">Day 2 &#8211; Aghghala, Bandar e-Turkman, Ashuradeh<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#6\">Day 3 &#8211; Gonvad e-Kavus<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#7\">Day 4 &#8211; Tamer-e Qarah Quzi<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#8\">Day 5 &#8211; Khalid Nabi<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#9\">Day 6, 7 &#8211; Back to Gonvad and continue to your next destination<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"#50\">More Information<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#f2f2f2\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\"><strong>How to book hotels, flights and tours in Iran<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">Because of the sanctions, foreign cards or popular sites such as booking.com can&#8217;t be used in Iran, but now you can thanks to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/iran.1stquest.com\/#joan&amp;data1=golestan_visit_en&amp;data2=textbox\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">1stQuest<\/a><\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\">1stQuest is a local company that offers services such as visa LOI, hotel booking, tours, domestic flights, and travel insurance for Iran. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-small-font-size\"><strong>5% discount<\/strong> on ALL bookings with voucher code:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-atc-primary-green-color has-text-color has-large-font-size\"><strong><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">ATC-QST<\/span><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/iran.1stquest.com\/#joan&amp;data1=golestan_visit_en&amp;data2=textbox\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#e55b00\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0\">Why visit Golestan?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>From epic <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/train-in-kazakhstan\/\">train journeys<\/a><\/strong> to the greenest landscape in the country, unique culture and a world-class archaeological site, Golestan is an absolutely underrated province in Iran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The beautiful scenery, composed of exceptional green canyons and velvet-smooth rolling hills, and Khalid Nabi, the tomb of a pre-Islamic prophet whose location is far more than outstanding, should be in the highlights of any <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-to-iran-ultimate-survival-guide\/\">travel guide to Iran<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Add to this a strong <a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-central-asia\/\"><strong>Central Asian<\/strong><\/a> culture, which is closer <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/backpacking-kazakhstan-itinerary\/\">to Kazakhstan<\/a><\/strong> to Iran itself, and you will soon realize that Golestan province is an unmissable destination that could keep you busy for weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background has-link-color wp-elements-9583c08d4d4422f27a1bbbda1e66f9d3\" style=\"background-color:#dbe2da\"><strong>It\u2019s mandatory to have a travel insurance to get your visa on arrival in Iran.<br><\/strong>Because of the sanctions, most insurance companies don\u2019t provide coverage for Iran, but<strong> <a href=\"http:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.co.uk\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=golestan_visit_en_text\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">IATI Insurance<\/a><\/strong> does.<strong><br><\/strong>Get your <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.co.uk\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=golestan_visit_en_text\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">exclusive 5% discount if purchasing via this link<\/span><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-12160\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/golestan-iran-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/golestan-iran-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/golestan-iran-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Golestan Iran\" class=\"wp-image-12160\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080; font-size: 10pt;\"><em>Epic landscape in&nbsp;Tamer-e Qarah Quzi<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1\">The people: the Turkmens of Golestan in Iran<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The landscape and the epic archaeological&nbsp;sites are not the only reason for visiting Golestan but, from a cultural point of view, this is a very unique region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And the reason is that, since it borders Turkmenistan, Golestan province has a large population of Turkmens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These people, unlike the rest of Iran, are Sunni, Turkmen is their language and traditional women dress in colorful dresses, whereas, in the rest of the country, they prefer the black <em>chador<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, they have a Central Asian culture. For example, they eat Central Asian food, including <em>plov<\/em> (oh man, I really hate <em>plov<\/em>) and <em>mantis<\/em>. Also, there is a very visible nomadic culture and, like in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/country\/kyrgyzstan\/\">Kyrgyzstan<\/a><\/strong> and <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/country\/kazakhstan\/\">Kazakhstan<\/a><\/strong>, they also live in yurts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But, perhaps, the most surprising thing is that the Turkmens from Iran claim that they are the original ones, as the people from actual Turkmenistan have been influenced by <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/russia-travel\/\"><strong>Russia<\/strong><\/a> too much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting a visa for Turkmenistan is very complicated. I actually once tried to apply for one&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/places-to-visit-in-tashkent\/\">in Tashkent<\/a><\/strong> and, unfortunately, it got rejected so, if your visa got denied as well, Golestan is the closest place you can be to Turkmenistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-very-light-gray-background-color has-background\">Read: <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-central-asia\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>Which country in Central Asia should you visit?<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-12132\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/turkmen-people-golestan-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/turkmen-people-golestan-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/turkmen-people-golestan-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Turkmen people Golestan\" class=\"wp-image-12132\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>Turkmen people during a festival in Gonvad e-Qavus<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2\">How to get in &amp; out of Golestan province<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting to Golestan by bus <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Bus is always the easiest and fastest way&nbsp;to travel around Iran. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gorgan and Gonvad e-Kavus are the main cities in the province, so there are daily, direct buses from many other cities, including <a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/things-to-do-in-tehran\/\"><strong>Tehran<\/strong><\/a>, Esfahan, and Mashhad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting to Golestan by train<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you were coming <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/things-to-do-in-tehran\/\">from Tehran<\/a><\/strong>, you should know that the train journey is one of the most epic in the country, as it goes through the magical landscape and over many historical bridges. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You will need to book it in advance though, as seats run out very quickly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Actually, I tried to book it 24 hours in advance and it was already fully booked, so I took a train to Sari instead, which is a few hours before Gorgan. The ticket cost 104,000IR and it was an 8-hour journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-12134\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/train-iran-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/train-iran-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/train-iran-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"train Iran\" class=\"wp-image-12134\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>Te epic train journey, from Tehran to Sari<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"convertkit-form wp-block-convertkit-form\" style=\"\"><script async data-uid=\"966cc0f59d\" src=\"https:\/\/exceptional-creator-2216.kit.com\/966cc0f59d\/index.js\" data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\" data-no-defer=\"1\" nowprocket><\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3\">Things to see in Golestan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-very-light-gray-background-color has-background\">Read: <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/books-central-asia\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>Best books on Central Asian culture, politics and history<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I spent one week in the region and these are all the places I visited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By the way, if you only have a few days, I recommend visiting Gonvad e-Kavus and Khalid Nabi, at least.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4\">Day 1 &#8211; Gorgan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Gorgan was my first stop in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To be very honest, it is not a very exciting city but it has a lively bazaar, a few blue-tiled mosques worth checking out and it is a great base for exploring the surrounding Turkmen towns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The city is mostly Iranian, so you won&#8217;t see many Turkmens here either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, Gorgan is very close to Zariah Valley, a popular getaway for the locals. It&#8217;s a beautiful forest with a few waterfalls and some half-day trekking options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to stay in Gorgan<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lonelyplanet.com\/iran\/gorgan\/hotels\/guesthouse-pars\/a\/lod\/57dcb7c2-ca2a-4d16-b00f-87887f884564\/1298481\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Pars Hotel<\/a><\/strong> &#8211; Most foreigners will stay here. A budget hotel run by a local who used to live in London. During my stay, I was the only foreigner, but I had so much fun with the few local guests that were also staying there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-12144\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/gorgan-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/gorgan-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/gorgan-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Gorgan, Iran\" class=\"wp-image-12144\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>A fish seller, in the bazaar of Gorgan<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5\">Day 2 &#8211; Day trip to&nbsp;Aghghala, Bandar e-Turkman and Ashuradeh<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For a real glimpse of Turkmen city life, just a bit north of Gorgan, there are a few towns which are definitely worth visiting and are easily accessible on a day trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Aghghala<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The most Turkmen town in the whole Golestan province, Aghghala is a great place to spend a few hours wandering around the many restaurants serving Central Asian food and just doing some people-watching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If possible, try to come here on Thursday, the day the local market takes place, when you will see all the locals selling traditional Turkmen fabrics, food and more. I was actually very lucky to see it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to get to Aghghala from Gorgan &#8211;<\/strong> The bus terminal is right next to the train station. Minibuses run throughout the day and only cost 10,000IR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-12172\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/aghghala-bazaar-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/aghghala-bazaar-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/aghghala-bazaar-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Aghghala bazaar\" class=\"wp-image-12172\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080; font-size: 10pt;\"><em>Turkmen ladies doing some crazy shopping in the Thursday bazaar<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bandar e-Turkmen<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Bandar e-Turkmen will definitely surprise you because it is, in fact, quite touristic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The local Turkmens have developed a very touristic area, where you can find so many yurts, eat traditional products such as <em>kurut<\/em> (Central Asian cheese balls), buy typical clothes and many other things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Iranians find their culture very exotic, so this a very popular city for domestic tourism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, here you can catch a boat to Ashuradeh Island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to get to Bandar e-Turkmen from Aghghala &#8211;<\/strong> There are local shared taxis that just cost 30,000IR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-12166\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/bandar-e-turkmen-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/bandar-e-turkmen-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/bandar-e-turkmen-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Bandar e-Turkmen\" class=\"wp-image-12166\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>The touristic yurts in Bandar e-Turkmen<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ashuradeh Island<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>This is nothing other than a Caspian Sea island and it is a 10-minute boat ride from Bandar e-Turkmen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A round-trip boat ride costs 600,000IR but you can share it with others and you are likely to be invited by other Iranians to join. Actually, I didn&#8217;t even need to ask when a lovely family told me to get in the boat with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To be very honest, the island is not that nice but thinking that you have been on an island in the middle of the Caspian Sea is pretty cool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-12168\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Ashuradeh-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Ashuradeh-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Ashuradeh-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Ashuradeh Island, Caspian Sea\" class=\"wp-image-12168\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>The island harbor<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The island, though, has the best seafood restaurant in Golestan, serving very unique Caspian fish. It is a bit expensive, however, with prices starting at 400,000-500,000IR for just a main course. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I didn&#8217;t eat there because the family didn&#8217;t want to and I don&#8217;t like to spend money on a nice meal if I can&#8217;t share that moment with anyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to get back Gorgan from Bandar e-Turkmen &#8211;<\/strong> Shared taxis run very often and only cost 30,000IR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-12164\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/DSC_3171-1-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/DSC_3171-1-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/DSC_3171-1-1024x684.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-12164\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>The lovely family I went with<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6\">Day 3 &#8211; Gonvad e-Kavus<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the largest city in Golestan and a lovely town to spend one or two days in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Gonvad e-Kavus, you will find a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is a 72-meter tower from the 11th century. The inside of the tower contains some of the oldest <em>muqarnas<\/em>, which are the Islamic geometric forms you can see in many mosques around Iran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For foreigners, the entrance fee costs 200,000IR but you can see the tower from outside without paying, no problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-12146\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/gonvad-e-kavus-tower-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/gonvad-e-kavus-tower-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/gonvad-e-kavus-tower-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Gonvad e-Qavus tower\" class=\"wp-image-12146\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>The UNESCO World Heritage tower<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The city has plenty of shops selling traditional Turkmen handicrafts, Central Asian restaurants and it is popular for holding the most famous <strong><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lostwithpurpose.com\/day-at-the-races-gonbad-kavus\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">horse races in Iran<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, if you are dying for some&nbsp;good coffee and international food, go to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/cafecadre\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Caf\u00e9 Cadre<\/a><\/strong>, a Western-style caf\u00e9 run by a Turkmen brother and sister. I spent many hours working at their caf\u00e9 and they are totally awesome. Highly recommended!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to stay in Gonvad e-Kavus<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>There isn&#8217;t nice accommodation in this town and it seems that the only decent option is <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tripadvisor.com\/Hotel_Review-g672704-d8678270-Reviews-Hotel_Ajam-Gonbad_e_Kavus_Golestan_Province.html\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Hotel Ajam<\/a><\/strong>, which is a cheap, very average place. You can also do Couchsurfing, as there are quite a few active profiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get to Gonvad e-Kavus from Gorgan<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Buses from <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lostwithpurpose.com\/gorgan-to-gonbad-e-kavus\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gorgan to Gonvad<\/a><\/strong> run continuously and only cost 30,000IR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-12170\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/turkmens-iran-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/turkmens-iran-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/turkmens-iran-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Turkmens Iran\" class=\"wp-image-12170\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>Turkmen ladies shopping<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7\">Day 4 &#8211; Tamer-e Qarah Quzi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Tamer is a village located between Gonvad e-Kavus and Khalid Nabi, just 35km before the cemetery, and surrounded by a really striking landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you wanna experience the real Turkmen rural culture, come here and do a homestay with Naim and his family, a real Turkmen family who take hospitality to the next level. For little money, they have a yurt and a few rooms and all meals are included.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For this, you can contact Naim at&nbsp;+989120294409 or simply message him on <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/turkmenyurt_ecolodge\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Instagram<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can just stay in the village and walk around but, if you want, Naim can also take you for some trekking (with or without a horse) and even visit some real Turkmen nomads deep into the mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I promise you will have an amazing time with him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get to&nbsp;Tamer-e Qarah Quzi&nbsp;from Gonvad e-Kavus&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>First, you need to get a shared taxi to Kalaleh (40,000IR) and, from there, a second one to Tamer (40,000IR).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-12148\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/golestan-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/golestan-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/golestan-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"golestan\" class=\"wp-image-12148\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"color: #808080; font-size: 10pt;\"><em>Epic landscapes 10 minutes walking from the village<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8\">Day 5 &#8211; Khalid Nabi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Khalid Nabi is fucking awesome and a reason by itself to come to Golestan province.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Basically, this is a cemetery where a pre-Islamic prophet and his followers are buried.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The site is divided into two places: on one side, you have Khalid&#8217;s tomb, located at the top of the hill, from where you see stunning views, the horizon being Turkmenistan. On the other side, you have the followers&#8217; cemetery, where you find the famous penis-shaped rocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-12142\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/khalid-nabi-cemetery-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/khalid-nabi-cemetery-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/khalid-nabi-cemetery-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Khalid Nabi cemetery\" class=\"wp-image-12142\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>Khalid Nabi dicks<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In case you are wondering, these penis-shaped rocks are tombs and yes, they try to imitate the shape of a dick because it means that the person buried is a man.&nbsp;Some penises are very tall, whereas others are quite small.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And no, this doesn&#8217;t represent the size of their dicks but it has to do with their age. The taller the penis is, the older the man when he died.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Khalid Nabi is a very weird, mystical place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get to Khalid Nabi from&nbsp;Tamer-e Qarah Quzi&nbsp;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Khalid Nabi is just 35km away but the road is really bumpy so it takes around 1.5h. A round-trip by taxi costs 400,000IR but you can hitchhike very easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large wp-image-12140\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/khalid-nabi-1024x684.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/khalid-nabi-1024x684.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/khalid-nabi-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Khalid Nabi\" class=\"wp-image-12140\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>Fucking epic Khalid Nabi<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9\">Day 6 &#8211; Back to Gonvad e-Kavus and bus to your next destination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>From Gonvad e-Kavus, there are direct buses to Tehran, Esfahan, Mashhad and many other cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I personally continued my way to Mashhad, on an 8-hour night bus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-very-light-gray-background-color has-background\">Here you can check all <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/country\/iran\/\"><strong>my articles and guides to Iran<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"50\">More information for visiting Golestan Province<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#2b8f2b\">\ud83d\udce2 In my <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-resources\/\"><strong>Travel Resources Page<\/strong><\/a> you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t forget to check our <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-to-iran-ultimate-survival-guide\/\"><strong>travel guide to Iran<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As well as all our Iran articles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/iran-itinerary\/\">Iran itinerary<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/best-books-iran\/\">Best Books about Iran<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-insurance-iran\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Travel insurance for Iran<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/vpn-iran\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">VPN for Iran<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/iran-solo-female-traveler\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Solo Female Travel Guide to Iran<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/things-to-do-in-tehran\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tehran Travel Guide<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/qeshm-island-travel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Qeshm Island Travel Guide<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/off-the-beaten-track-things-shiraz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Travel Guide to Shiraz<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/kaluts-desert-iran\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">A trip to the desert of the Kaluts<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/zagros-mountains-iran\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Trekking Guide to Zagros Mountains<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/qashqai-people-iranian-nomads\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Meeting the Qashqai People<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/fars-province\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fars Province Travel Guide<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/iran-visa-code\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Visa Guide for Iran<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/masouleh-village\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Masouleh Travel Guide<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/darband-escape-traffic-polluted-tehran\/\">Darband Travel Guide<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/iran-iraq-border\/\">Iran-Iraq border crossing<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/is-iran-safe\/\">Is Iran Safe?<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/best-hotels-in-tehran\/\">Best Hotels in Tehran<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/golestan-province-685x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/golestan-province-685x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/golestan-province-685x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Visit Golestan Province\" class=\"wp-image-12150\" style=\"width:476px;height:auto\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Golestan is one of the least visited provinces in Iran. However, after spending an entire week wandering around the region, I came to the conclusion that this could be my favorite place in Iran, very different from the rest of the country and home to a beauty which I had never expected. I really want [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12160,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[157,156],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12111","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-iran","category-middle-east"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12111","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12111"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12111\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":54738,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12111\/revisions\/54738"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12160"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12111"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12111"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12111"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}