Roads Less Travelled

Embark on an extraordinary solo odyssey through the heart of Iran with "Roads Less Travelled: A 15000 km Adventure in Camping and Exploration" by Max (Shahrooz) Nabati. Published in 2018, this captivating travelogue shatters common misconceptions about Iran, inviting readers to discover a land of profound history, warm hospitality, and breathtaking landscapes often overlooked by mainstream tourism.
Nabati, a seasoned traveler who has clocked over 100, 000 km across the country without incident, passionately argues that Iran is not only safe but also an untapped gem waiting to be explored before the crowds arrive. Drawing from his personal experiences, he highlights the nation's ancient heritage, stunning architecture, diverse handicrafts, delectable home-made cuisine, and authentic cultural encounters that set it apart from more commercialized destinations.
Nabati emphasizes the friendliness of locals, the richness of Persian history spanning millennia, and the visual splendor of sites that blend natural beauty with human ingenuity. He urges travelers to venture beyond the headlines, promising an experience filled with genuine interactions and sensory delights, from savoring traditional dishes to acquiring unique souvenirs. Preparation forms a key pillar of Nabati's narrative, offering practical insights into his resourceful approach to budget-friendly adventuring.
Unable to access caravans or motorhomes in Iran, he ingeniously transforms a humble SAIPA Pride sedan-the country's cheapest car-into a semi-camper. By removing seats and installing reinforced fiberboards topped with an inflatable mattress, he creates a mobile home complete with storage for dry food, tools, water reserves, and essentials like a laptop hidden for security. The trunk houses a polystyrene fridge, tent, gas burner, barbecue gear, clothing, and spare tires, ensuring self-sufficiency on long hauls.
His photography setup is equally innovative: armed with a GoPro and a Samsung, Nabati aims to capture Iran's archaeological wonders in a fresh, action-camera perspective- a first-of-its-kind collection, as his research confirmed no prior comprehensive GoPro series existed for these sites. The journey kicks off on May 1st, 2016, from Karaj, heading south toward Qom and beyond on a sunny day. Nabati's route in Circle 1 traces Tehran to Bam via the desert, with a return through Birjand and Tabas, weaving through freeways and oases.
Early stops reveal Iran's infrastructural quirks, like the proliferation of "tourist complexes" that are essentially glorified gas stations with mosques and restaurants, lacking true visitor support. Nabati's visit to Fin Garden exemplifies the book's blend of history and personal anecdote. This UNESCO-listed paradise, fed by the crystal-clear Soleimaniyeh spring from the Karkas mountains, showcases Safavid-era design rebuilt after earthquakes.
He delves into its storied past: from Shah Abbas I's 17th-century pavilion with four-porch views and a watchtower for royal protection, to the tragic end of Shah Safi from excess, the Afghan invasion's devastation in 1722, Karim Khan Zand's additions, and Fath Ali Shah's Qajar renovations. The garden's architecture harmonizes water flow with human senses, symbolizing a logical bond between nature and perception-a theme echoing Nabati's own quest for immersive exploration.
Throughout, the narrative pulses with the thrill of the road.. Nabati's style is conversational and insightful, peppered with footnotes on historical figures and sites, making it accessible for armchair travelers and inspiring for adventurers. While detailing preparations and early legs, the book promises a tapestry of deserts, mountains, ruins, and encounters that reveal Iran's soul-safe, affordable, and profoundly enriching.
It's a call to action: pack your bags, modify your ride if needed, and hit Iran's vast expanses for an adventure that redefines wanderlust.