Imam Reza’s Shrine is one of the most sacred places for Shia Muslims and the prime destination of Mashhad day tours. Alī ibn Mūsā ar-Riḍā, the 8th Imam in Shia Islam lived in Khorasan during his last years. Imam Reza’s biography is a sad tale replete with tragedies. He saw the death of many of his family members and some of his most faithful disciples at the hands of his enemies and ultimately fell victim to their bitter hate and hostility. Al-Mamun, the Abbasi caliph at the time, sought to put an end to the increasing Shia riots by appointing Imam Reza as his successor. But once he felt Imam Reza’s growing popularity among the masses, Mamun conspired against him and ordered his death. According to Shia sources, Imam Reza was poisoned and killed in 818 BC in Tus. His body was buried in a village that later formed into the city of Mashhad. In the course of the centuries, the Shia gained power and made Imam’s place of burial into a pilgrimage site. Many religious schools and mosques appeared around the tomb and gradually Imam Reza Shrine became what it is today: the largest mosque in the world by area.
The massive area of the shrine is crowded most of the year but the busiest time of the year is undoubtedly during Imam Reza’s birthday when the site of the shrine becomes carpeted with devout pilgrims. The streets leading to the site of the shrine are the favorite of Mashhad tours as they hold some of the most popular of Mashhad hotels. Imam Reza’s Holy Shrine map shows us a complex spanning over 331,578 m2. Goharshad Mosque and the tomb of Sheikh Bahai are two of the historic sites within the complex. Other monuments inside the complex include two museums. Astan Quds Museum and Quran Museum house the most precious collection of religious relics in Iran including invaluable scripts of Quran from the dawn of Islam.
Despite the undeniable centrality of Imam Reza Shrine to the tourism industry in Mashhad, it isn’t the only tourist attraction in the city. Beside other historic sites such as the Tomb of Nader Shah and Malek House, Mashhad boasts exquisite natural wonders. Two of the most popular of Mashhad tourist attractions are Shirabad Ski Resort and Chalidarreh.
With an elevation of 3300 meters, Shirbad is the highest peak in Khorasan province. Given the high altitude of the mountain and its foothills, snow never leaves the region, turning it into an ideal location for different winter activities. Shirbad Ski Resort is the place where you can enjoy the potential of the region for snow entertainment to the fullest. The resort lies 65 km east of Mashhad and 18 kilometers away from Dolatabad Village. As the only ski resort in eastern Iran, Shirbad is very popular with skiers of Mashhad and other cities around it. The resort has ski rentals where various ski gears are available for a small cost. Soon a restaurant and a coffee shop will open in the resort, adding further delight to the amazing experience of skiing in the east of Iran.
Chalidarreh is one of the most popular weekend spots in Mashhad’s countryside. Families camp near the beautiful lake and enjoy the spectacular sight and fresh weather of Chalidarreh. There are lots of things to do in here. For those who want to relish the beauty of the place from above, a chairlift ride will prove most satisfying. Others with an itch for water entertainment can go fishing or enjoy a boat ride. More adventurous souls can get an extra dose of adrenalin by bungee jumping in Chalidarreh’s entertainment center. There is also a beautiful restaurant with fantastic meals served in an elegant and traditional atmosphere.
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