At present, Iran is subject to a “Do Not Travel” advisory, and travel is not currently possible.
While Crooked Compass has long-standing expertise in delivering immersive journeys through Iran, we are not actively promoting or operating tours at this time. The itineraries featured here are shared for future planning purposes only.
We remain hopeful that, when it is safe and responsible to do so, we will once again be able to return and offer meaningful travel experiences in the region.
To stay informed on when travel may resume, and to receive updates on our global programs, we encourage you to sign up to our newsletter.
The Asiatic cheetah also known as the Iranian cheetah, is a critically endangered subspecies of these charismatic cats with only 40 said to be left in the wild.
Today the cheetah survives only in arid areas of east and central Iran in a number of protected zones. Cheetahs thrive in open land and semi-desert areas.
The project “Conservation of the Asiatic cheetah and its Associated Biota” was launched in 2001 by the Iranian Department of Environment (DoE) with the cooperation of the United Nations Development Program for Global Environment Facility.
Crooked Compass is acutely aware of the global environmental concerns and the need for sustainable protection of our fragile world. We passionately believe that responsible tourism can play a positive role in highlighting the plight of endangered species like Iran’s beloved cheetahs. We are proud to be part of this movement in bringing together interested individuals and activists and helping forge alliances between global environmental organisations and their Iranian counterparts.
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
Welcome to Tehran! You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure.
Tehran, although it is a concrete jungle, there is a fascinating side to this hectic city. Expect bold fashion statements, a range of ethnic and international restaurants, chic cafes, and plenty of museums and art galleries. What Tehran lacks in history, it makes up for with impressive museums. (D)
Overnight – Ferdowsi Hotel or similar
Today you will start your day by visiting Pardisan Park, an educational, research, and cultural centre focused on environmental studies. This multipurpose project aims to increase public awareness about the natural environment. Several animals live in the park, including monkeys, rabbits, and the Pallas’s cats. You will also meet members of NGOs and experts on environmental issues, particularly focusing on the Asiatic cheetah. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Ferdowsi Hotel or similar
Following breakfast, it is time to check out and drive to Shahrud (415km | 5 hrs). Upon arrival, enjoy a walk through this small city, which was once part of the famed Silk Road. Spend a relaxed evening taking in the local atmosphere. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Shahrud
After breakfast, drive to the Jangal-e Abr (Cloud Forest) (50 km | 1hr one way), one of the oldest and most beautiful forests in Iran. This forest is part of the northern forests extending from the south of the Alborz Mountain range to the Caspian Sea. It is named “Cloud Forest” due to its frequent coverage of clouds and fog, offering an ethereal experience. Despite its lush greenery, the forest lies near Iran’s Central Desert. The mystical cloud-filled jungle provides a perfect setting to explore and learn about this unique ecosystem.
Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by raw nature before returning to Shahrud in the afternoon. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Shahrud
We drive to Khosh Yeylāq Conservation Area (70km | 1hr one way) before spending the day walking through the area, searching for cheetahs, taking in the natural beauty, and keeping our eyes peeled for other wildlife. Return to Shahrud early in the evening. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Shahrud
A morning drive of 140 km to the southeast of Shahrud takes you to Qale Bālā village (1 hr 40 mins) near Khar Turan National Park or Turan Wildlife Refuge. This is a very untouched and traditional village due to its geographical location so close to the national park where eco-tourism initiatives are now taking place.
The village is built on top of a stone hill, and the locals live in typical mud houses, giving the village a unique atmosphere. With the help of local women’s communities, traditional handmade Gelim (carpet) and Taneh (hand towels) are still created in Qale Bala. Spend the night with a local family in their home. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Local Homestay
Early this morning, you will start your expedition for the Asiatic Cheetah in Khar Turan National Park. Khar Turan National Park, or Turan Wildlife Refuge, is the second-largest biosphere reserve in Iran. It is home to one of the largest populations of the critically endangered Asiatic cheetah, with approximately 12-15 of these charismatic cats residing in the park.
During your search, you will also see the Iranian zebra and gazelles. The Persian Zebra, or Iranian Zebra, is part of the horse family and is indigenous to the deserts of Iran, Syria, India, and Tibet. It resembles a donkey but is slightly larger in size. The Persian Zebra is critically endangered, with remaining numbers found in only two areas of Iran, including Turan National Park. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Local Homestay
Today is a long drive day as you make your way back to Tehran (560 km | 7-8 hours). Upon arrival, check into your hotel. (B,L,D)
Overnight – Airport Hotel
Following breakfast, the day is yours at leisure until it is time to transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
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**Please note that this tour can be organised on request for private departures.
* Pricing is subject to change at anytime until full payment has been received.
* A minimum of 2 adults is required to guarantee this departure.
A non-refundable deposit of $1000 AUD per person is required to secure your place. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is mandatory for travelling with Crooked Compass. For full terms and conditions, please click here.
Small group tours providing intimate connections to gain a deeper understanding and emotional connection to the community, tribes, cultures and lands explored.
Exploring the world’s most remote reaches and challenging destinations requires a high level of expertise which can only be learned from first-hand experience. We know because we go.
In an ever-changing global landscape of rules, regulations and restrictions, rest-assured you are being looked after by those in the know. Given the remote regions that we explore, our passengers safety is our top priority.
Stay up to date with the latest travel trends and new destinations opening up. To be the first to go, you need to be the first to know.
Travel professionals are welcome. For partnerships or agent enquiries, we recommend contacting us directly.
This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
More about out Tour Styles.
Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
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