Things To Do
in Gālīkesh

Fresh or smoked fish prepared simply over coals or grilled with lemon and herbs; best found in coastal villages and small seafood stalls near the Caspian.

Must-Try!

Steamed rice (chelow) served with charcoal-grilled kebabs — lamb or chicken — a dependable dish at local restaurants and roadside grills.

A northern Iranian yogurt-and-herb soup with rice and sometimes meat or chickpeas; warming and often available at traditional eateries.

Skewered meats seasoned in Turkmen fashion, served with flatbreads and raw vegetables; look for family-run places in Turkmen-populated villages.

Daily market selling fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, local cheese, honey and spices; ideal for sampling seasonal produce and local breads.

Evening tea houses and small street vendors offer simple snacks — flatbreads, pastries, fried pastries (sambuseh-style), and kebab skewers — good for casual sampling.

Women should wear a headscarf (hijab) and modest clothing covering arms and legs in public; men should avoid shorts in town and dress respectfully.

Polite greetings and formal courtesy are valued: shake hands if offered (some women may not shake hands with men), remove shoes when entering homes, and accept hospitality graciously.

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women and religious sites; avoid photographing military installations or border facilities.

Respect prayer times and modesty norms; public displays of intimacy are frowned upon and alcohol consumption in public is illegal for Muslims.

Tipping is appreciated but modest: round up taxi fares, leave 5–10% in restaurants if service warrants it, and small tips for hotel staff and guides are common.

Cash (Iranian rial/toman) is king in smaller towns; major Iranian debit cards (Shaparak) work domestically, but international cards are generally not accepted — bring cash in a major currency to exchange in Gorgan or Tehran and use local ATMs with caution.

Spring (March–May) is one of the best times: mild temperatures, blooming orchards and green rice paddies; ideal for photography, birdwatching and outdoor hikes.

Summers (June–August) can be warm and humid near the coast; inland areas are hot but evenings may cool; pack sun protection and expect local life to slow in the hottest hours.

Autumn (September–November) brings comfortable temperatures and changing foliage in the hills; harvest activity makes for lively rural scenes and fresh seasonal foods.

Winters (December–February) are mild on the coastal plain but colder in the higher foothills; some rain and occasional frosts are possible — dress in layers and check road conditions if traveling to the national park.