Duration

3 Days

Activity Level

Challenging

Best Months

Jun, July, Aug, Sep

Activities

Trekking & Hiking

Travel Styles

Adventure Travel

Two days trekking journey from Garmarud towards Yuj in the Valley of Alamut from southern towards northern side of Mts Alborz

TOUR CODE

003-STN-MNT

START

Tehran

FINISH

Tehran

REGION(S)

Alamut Valley

INCLUDED

MEALS: 2 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners
ACCOMMODATIONS: Camp: 1 Night, Local House: 1 Night
TRANSPORTATION: Private vehicle
All transportation according to the itinerary Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary Meals as indicated in the itinerary English speaking tour guide Backpack handling by Mules/Horses (limited to 15kg per person)

NOT INCLUDED

Entry fee for the sites not mentioned in the itinerary
Travel insurance
International airfare
Excess baggage charges
Airport and departure taxes
Any extra hotel costs such as early check in or late checkout
Laundry
Mini bar used in the room
Meals not stipulated in the itinerary
Tips (optional)
Cost of medical immunizations
Bottled water
Phone calls
Any other service not mentioned in the itinerary

Visiting the historical Castle of Alamut
Pretty Ovan Lake
Crossing a vast valley
Exceptional Trekking route through spectacular mountain scenery
Visiting small historical villages still inhabited
Local home stay
Ascending Mt. Khashe Chal (4180 m)

A very special journey through the depth and breadth of Alborz mountain range and through a fascinating slice of Persian history.
This is a memorable trip not only because of its physical beauty and the variety of landscape encountered, but also because we cross paths with history and myth some of which have acquired world renown. This is a voyage through a region that was the territory of Ismaelies and the famous Hassan Sabbah and his infamous Alamut Castle. The castle and quite a few other fortifications belonged to the Hashashin or what in the west is more commonly known as the Assassins. Our trek follows millennia old routes that have been established in humans, which their origins are lost in the fog of time. More recently our journey was made famous by a British lady who came to these parts about one hundred years in search of the valley of the assassins and wrote a book about her adventures. Her name is Freya Stark and her book is available in English.
The history of Alamut Castle and this particular sect of Ismaelies go back to about 1000 years ago. They were able to build numerous castles and outposts throughout the mountains and maintain an independent lifestyle away from any central power. They lasted till the Mongol invasion of Persia about 300 years later during the 14th century A.D. Their history is long and quite complex, during the trip we will have a chance to give more information and provide the chance to closely examine some of the physical remains of their structures.

Day 1: Tehran to Alamut Valley

Depart hotel after breakfast at 7.00 A.M and drive towards the city of Ghazvin. We will visit the village of Gazor-khan which has historical significance and then will drive to Alamut Castle and spend some time going through the remains of the castle and get a much better idea why they built it in such a place and some of the historical facts related to the Hashashin. After visiting the castle we will drive to Ovan Lake and will spend the rest of the day at the Lake which has quite pleasant surroundings. For the night we will stay at a local village house or in our camping tents. (L, D)

Day 2: Trekking toward Mt. Khashe chal

6.00 A.M wake up for breakfast and start trekking at 7.00 A.M by picking the old trail through the mountains. We will pass through a spring and some impressive fields and plantations continuing to gently climb our way up to about 2500 meters. This area is excellent for resting and photography with spectacular views in all directions. We will have lunch on our trekking way and then continue trekking for about 4 hours to arrive to our camp field. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Ascending Mt. Khashe chal

6.00 A.M wake up and start trekking with a small day pack toward Mt. Khashe- chal peak after breakfast. Today we are going to have some stops here and there on our way for photography and rehabilitation before reaching to the top. After the summit, we will trek back to the camp for lunch and collecting the camp to go back to the Ovan village. We will be in the Ovan village in the late afternoon and will drive back to Tehran. (B, L)