Mashhad

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RezaShrine - Imam Reza Shrine Almost everything about Mashhad relates to its role as the holiest city in Iran, even its name (literally: burial place of the martyr). As the capital of Iran's Khorasan province, Mashhad's year-round cool temperatures and fascinating insights into the Shi'ite heartland have much to offer visitors.

Mashhad Halal Explorer

Mashhad started life out as Sanabad, a village pitstop for trade caravans headed towards Turkmenistan. But in the ninth century and the eighth Shi'ite Imam Ali Bin Moosa Al Reza and the great-grandson of Imam Ali who was the cousin & son in law of Prophet Mohammad was poisoned by the jealous caliph of the time. Imam Reza was buried in Mashhad, and his shrine became one of the holiest sites to the Shi'ite Muslims after the Holy Kaaba in Saudi Arabia and Karbala in Iraq.

Over the next thousand years the shrine complex was levelled, ransacked and rebuilt a number of times depending on the ruling army of the day. Today the shrine is the most important place in the city and in the whole of Iran.

Dress code for women is strict, as it is in any part of Iran, however a self encompassing chador is not a must for any lady in public place in city. For women, a simple headscarf or roo-sari, with a trenchcoat and pants are fine. Men are also not allowed to wear shorts. These rules are the same for any and all cities and villages in Iran; it is national law.

Travel to Mashhad

Fly to Mashhad

Mashhad International Airport (Shahid Hashemi Nejad Airport) (IATA Flight Code: MHD) is located just a few kilometers south of the downtown. A taxi from the Holy Shrine area to the airport should not cost more than 150,000 rials.

Being Iran's second largest city, Mashhad is connected to all Iranian cities that have an airport. On the busier routes and there are several options per day. However, during the peak seasons of pilgrimage, tickets sell out early.

Mashhad is also connected internationally, as it features on the timetables of all the larger Middle Eastern airlines. There are Flights to Bahrain, Damascus, Dubai, Kuwait, Bishkek, Beirut, Jeddah, Dushanbe, Kabul, Doha, Almaty, Lahore and Istanbul.

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Mashhad

The train station GPS 36.3043, 59.6235 is located just north of the Holy Shrine area. There are several regular trains from Mashhad to Tehran, both day trains and overnight trains. They vary in speed, price and quality and the fastest do the trip in 8 hours. There are night trains to Isfahan (one or two per day, 18 hours) and many other destinations.

You get here from Turkmenistan. There are trains from Ashgabat and Merv to the Sarakhs border. And at the other side of the border there is a daily train from the Sarakhs border to Mashhad.

Travel on a Bus in Mashhad

There are mostly night buses to Mashhad from other important cities. There are no international buses from Ashgabat or anywhere in Turkmenistan. From the terminal walk outside to pay less for taxis. Alternatively, take the busway just in front of the terminal (10,000 riald) to connect to the metro.

How to get around in Mashhad

Mashhad has a rapid transit system, which operates from 06:00-22:00 and cost 20,000 rials per trip.

What to see in Mashhad

Nadershahtomb - Tomb of Nader Shah Apart from Imam Reza shrine there is a number of large parks and the tombs of historical celebrities in nearby Tus and Nishapur and the tomb of Nadir Shah and Kooh Sangi park and Mellat Park that have modern attractions for children such as the tallest Ferris wheel or fanfar in Iran and Koohestan Park-e-Shadi Complex that includes a zoo, where many wild animals are kept and which attracts many visitors to Mashhad. It is also home to the Mashhad Airbase (formerly Imam Reza airbase), jointly a military installation housing Mirage aircraft, and a civilian international airport.

Some points of interest lie outside the city: the tomb of Khajeh Morad, along the road to Tehran; the tomb of Khajeh Rabi' 6 kilometers north of the city where there are some inscriptions by the renowned Safavid calligrapher Reza Abbasi; and the tomb of Khajeh Abasalt, a distance of 20 kilometers from Mashhad along the road to Neishabur. (The three were all disciples of Imam Reza).

Among the other sights are the tomb of the poet Ferdowsi in Tus, 24 kilometers distance, and the summer resorts at Torghabeh, Torogh, Akhlamad, Zoshk, and Shandiz.

The Shah Public Bath, built during the Safavid perioid in 1648, is an outstanding example of the architecture of that period. It has been restored, and is to be turned into a museum.

Imam Reza Shrine Complex This complex has been developed around the tomb of the eighth Imam of Shia Islam. The burial chamber where the Imam rests is the holiest place for all Shia Iranians. Foreign Muslims are allowed to visit the complex, while the central area and certain courtyards are off-limits for non-Muslims. Shiites come to this place as pilgrims to mourn the death of their religious leader and don't want to be disturbed by crowds of tourists. That said and there are no marks of any kind telling where you can go and where not. If you manage to blend into the crowd, it is feasible to visit the core of the shrine. It is impressing from the architectural point of view with the corridors and domes completely adorned with Persian mirror mosaic. It pays off to take some time and soak in the athmosphere of praying and mourning. The complex also includes a library and the Ghoharshad Mosque, which is the largest mosque in the world by area and the second largest in capacity. Travellers have the option to visit the Foreign Pilgrims Assistance Office where you will be shown some videos about the shrine (from Press-TV) and handed out some booklets. There are some English-speaking volunteers available to guide you around in the complex, but they will not show you the Holy Shrine itself.

Central Museum | This museum shows an arbitrary mix of items such as coins, stamps, European clocks and astronomical instruments, pictures of marine animals, but also some interesting items like the old tombs of Imam Reza and pictures dating back to the beginning of photography in Iran. Some of the explanations are in English. Avoid visiting this museum with a guide from the Foreign Pilgrims Assistance Office, as they will press you to adequately appreciate each of the items, even the Euro coins.

Carpet Museum | The name says it all. Great and impressive pieces on display.

Nader Shah Park & Mausoleum Monument to the founder of Afshar dynasty (1736–1747)

Ferdowsi Park & Mausoleum

Gombade Sabz Mausoleum

Torghabeh Sightseeing, village restaurants.

Shandiz Village restaurants.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Mashhad

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Mashhad

Iran saffron threads - Saffron costs US$2,200 per kilogram

Mashhad has three large bazaars. Interesting things to buy include Khorassan crafts, fur-cloak, jewelry, perfume, saffron, and religious souvenirs.

Sara-ye Bazaar-e Reza Mostly a fabric and textile bazaar.
Kuwaiti Bazaar, on the 17th Shahrivar Plaza.
Bazaar-e bozorg-e markazy, on the junction of shirazi Av. and akhond-e khorasani st.(Shohada crossroad).
Shargh-Zist Trade Center All things with best prices, Tabarsi Sqr, north side of Holy Shrine.
Proma Trade Center, Janbaz Sqr.
Almas-e Shargh, Northern Khayyam Blvd.
Zist Khavar, Shariaty Sqr.

Sajjad Blvd | You can find few good quality shopping centers in this Blvd (a bit expensive).

Sahar Khiz Saffron | A spice shop that sells high quality saffron among other spices like Kerman Cumin. No bargaining, fixed prices.

Money Matters in Mashhad

A few money changers line up on Imam Khomeini Blvd., this is where rates are competitive. Hotels change at much worse rates, if at all.

Halal Restaurants in Mashhad

Iranian cuisine is one of the best in the world. They do not eat spicy food but even then their Vegetarian food is very tasty. Chello Kebab is a very popular dish as well as Bakhtiari Kebab. There are also different kinds of breads available. So eating will be an assured good and affordable experience in Mashhad

You can find lots of great restaurants and all kinds of fast-foods are available. The most advertised restaurant of Mashhad (and one of the most expensive) is 'Padide Shandiz'. There are also numerous other decent restaurants in Shandiz. Full meals with Rice cost US$5-20.

Padide Shandiz address: Shandiz town.

You can find a kind of ice-cream named ice pack "Persian: آیس پک" in mashhad. it's really great to taste it. There are lots of Ice Pack bars in Mashhad. The main one is placed at "Shariati Sqr". This kind of ice-cream can be found with all kinds of flavors like Chocolates, apple, cherry, strawberry, Coffee, peach and all kind of fruits.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Mashhad

Mashhad - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Mashhad, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Mashhad. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Mashhad and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Mashhad. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Mashhad. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inMashhad: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Mashhad.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Mashhad: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Mashhad, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Mashhad.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Mashhad, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Mashhad, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Mashhad and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Mashhad, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Mashhad, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Mashhad without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Mashhad is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Mashhad.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Mashhad is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Mashhad, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Mashhad Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Mashhad attracts huge number of visitors specially during the summer months, so be sure to make travel reservations in advance. Mashhad can also be very cold during winters, hence heavy woolens are required during winters. Even in summers nights are pretty cold and requires light woolens.

Hotels

Five-star hotels in the city are: Pars Hotel, Ghasr Talaee international Hotel', Ghasr International Hotel and Pardisan Hotel. There are also couple of good hotels near the Imam Ali Bin Moosa Al Reza Shrine, namely Khayyam Hotel, Ghadir International to name a few. The Shrine is 10 min. walk from the Khayyam Hotel and the rent for double bedroom with attached bath is US$100-120 per day. but the rent for Ghasr Talaee Hotel is expensive about US$400 per day. But there are lots of rooms for rent around the shrine which are pretty affordable and suitable to rent and they are ranged from US$30-90 per day depending on the distance from shrine.

Hotel Ferdous - هتل فردوس - Located close to the shrine on busy Imam Reza Blvd.

Ghasr Talaee international Hotel Five-star hotel, located close to the shrine on busy Imam Reza Blvd.

Homestays

Vali's non smoking homestay - Vali is a carpet merchant and a regional guide but most of all a chatterbox! (He speaks good English, basic French and German) His wife cooks delicious meals which you can enjoy sitting on the terrace. One bedroom and a comfortable dorm are available in the basement full of Persian rugs with a basic shared bathroom. The setting is simple but cozy and there is a warm family atmosphere. Internet and Wi-Fi. Lots of tourist information (Vali can help you to sort your visa for Turkmenistan). Hikes and excursions can be organized for one or more days in the villages and mountains surrounding Mashhad. (to help you find Vali's place copy this Farsi phrase and show it around: بین چهاره راه لشکر و استانداری ملکا اشعرابهار ۳۸ شماره۲۷۷ ولی انصاری).

Stay safe

In crowded places and places of worship, such as the Holy Shrine, be careful about pick-pockets. Take care of your possessions as there's a small risk of theft by pick-pockets.

Emergency services

Police: 110
Fire department: 125
EMS: 115
Road EMS: 115 or 112

Cope in Mashhad

The following countries have consulates in Mashad:

Consulate of Afghanistan Imam Khomeini Avenue, Doshahid Street, Sevom Isfand Sq. ☎ +98-513-8544829, +98-513-8597552 +98 21 33113508
Consulate of Kazakhstan Rahnemai Street 10, 41 h.☎ +98-513-8417716 +98-513 8401293
Consulate of Kyrgyzstan | No. 209, Next to Gas station, Abkooh Ave. 91839 ☎ +98-513-2229845 +98-513-2227045
Consulate of Pakistan P.O. Box No.91375-1733, Imam Khomeini St., Opposite of Melli Garden ☎ +98-513-6040364
Consulate of Turkmenistan No. 34, Konsoolgari Alley, 10th Day Sq. 91386 ☎ +98-513-8547066 +98-513-8547073
Consulate of Saudi Arabia No. 4, Molavi St. Sajjad Blvd ☎ +98-513-6076276, +98-513-6076279 +98-513-6076273, +98-513-6076278

News & References Mashhad

Travel Next

Inside Iran

You can easily use ground transportation and visit these ancient cities in a short period of time:

Nishapur — hometown and the place of tombs of Khayyaam and Attaar, two poets and polymaths. Khayyaam was also a great mathematician and astronomer.

Turkmenistan

Since no public transportation goes across the Turkmen border, to get to Ashgabat in Turkmenistan and the following option is the most convenient:

Take a bus to Quchan: every 2 hours from 06:30. Cost: 8,000 rials. Duration: 2 hours 30 min.
From Quchan, take a private taxi to Bajgiran (village at the border). Cost: 60,000 rials for 2, or less if you can. Duration: about 1 hr.
At Bajgiran, go to the border (opening time: 07:30 - 15:30 Iran time). Crossing the border can take up to 2 hours. Turkmen police will ask for an entry tax of $10 (per person) + $2 of bank fees (per group), to be paid in US dollars only.
On the Turkmenistan side, take a taxi to Ashgabat, which can cost up to US$15 per person. Duration: about 1 hr.

Afghanistan

Herat in Afghanistan is a few hundred kilometers from Mashhad.