Discover Mashhad, Iran’s spiritual heart and its second-largest city, located in the northeast near the borders of Turkmenistan and Afghanistan, at about 985 meters above sea level.
Mashhad has a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and cold winters, shaped by surrounding mountains and desert plains. Each season brings a different charm, making it a city to enjoy year-round.
At the center of Mashhad is the magnificent Imam Reza Shrine, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Islamic world. The city also offers colorful bazaars, peaceful parks, and a lively cultural life that mixes tradition with modern touches.
From here, you can also visit Tus, the ancient city that holds the tomb of the great Persian poet Ferdowsi.
Here are your intercity means of transportation:
By Road: Mashhad is connected by major highways to Tehran, Neyshabur, and other eastern cities. Modern intercity buses and private cars are common options for travelers.
By Train: Iran’s railway network connects Mashhad to many cities including Tehran, offering various classes of service for a comfortable journey.
By Flight: Mashhad International Airport (MHD), located just 10 kilometers from the city center, is one of Iran’s busiest, with frequent domestic and international flights. Emirates and Turkish have regular flights to Mashhad.
Within Mashhad, travelers can use metro lines, buses, taxis, and apps like Snapp and Tap30 for convenient transportation.
Mashhad has a continental climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant temperatures for both pilgrims and tourists.
High season: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild and ideal for both sightseeing and pilgrimage.
Low season: Deep winter (January to early March) due to the cold, and late summer (August) due to heat.
✓ Norooz holidays (approximately March 15th to April 2nd) bring high volumes of domestic travelers to Mashhad, making it a peak-season. Religious holidays like Eid and martyrdom anniversaries also are considered peack-season.
