Trip Highlights: • Great Adventure negotiating interesting ski mountaineering runs on some killer slopes. They are not particularly steep, but challenging enough with some great views and lots of powder. • Modern accommodations and delicious home made cooking.

A very special journey through the depth and breadth of Alborz 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 Alamoot 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 by 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 ago 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 Alamoot 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 life style away from any central power. They lasted till the Mongol invasion of Persia about 300 years later during 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. There are a lot of highlights so we have added a few more than what are offered in our highlights section: • Exceptional Trekking route through spectacular mountain scenery. • We will visit 3 of the Hashaashin Castle/Forts: They are called Alamoot Arjaan and Lam-bessar. • We will go through several old and historical villages still inhabited. • You will get to see several Caravanserais dating from the 16th Century in various states of disrepair and/or under construction. • Will cross 2 vast valleys called Alamoot and the valley of 2000 • Camping in the Alam-Kooh basin which is quite spectacular. Air fare, airport taxes, gratuities, items of personal nature

Isfahan city is the old capital of Persia in the 16th century with a huge numbers of artistic & historical monuments from the ancient Persians to visit.

• Rare opportunity to visit and examine numerous castles and fortifications of close to 2000 years of tumultuous history while trekking through some spectacular mountainous terrain • The historical and very pretty and unique village of Maasuleh • Will hike across several beautiful passes with simultaneous views of desert and Sea from high above while travelling mostly in forested mountain valleys

An unusual journey through an exceptionally beautiful and colorful part of Iran. The unique character of the inhabitants, the unusual architecture and building method, a combination of sea views, deep forested path ways, ridges with expansive vistas, bubbling dark water from the ground, local hospitality and some epic hiking makes this a journey to cherish. This trip divides into 2 segments. The first 4 days are spent using motorized transport to visit historical locations and see part of the country. A great historical fort and castle is on the agenda and the setting is spectacular. Then we switch gears and get on a full 7 day trekking adventure through forest and high passes.

This is one of the most varied and interesting trips Adventure Iran offers. It is a complete combined journey of trekking, cultural and historical examination of a truly unique corner of Iran. You will get to thoroughly trek through several eco zones, walking on several ridges where one has great views of the forest bellow, the sea in the distance and the Alborz range all around. At certain locations there is the added views of the vast desert stretching out into the neighboring country of Turkmenstan. You will get a chance to look at one of the great historical unknowns which is the great red snake wall, just recently coming to the fore. To read more please look at the article below from the British 'Current Archaeology magazine' with the title of the Enigma of the red snake: http://www.archaeology.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1555&Itemid=27 You will also get a good look at the south east coast of the Caspian Sea, quite significant ecologically and home to the Torkaman people, with their colorful clothes and world famous horses.