Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The main attraction is the
Imamzadeh Shah-e Abdal-Azim
, built for a descendant of
Imam Hossein. This mausoleum has elaborate tilework, a golden dome, a pool in the
courtyard, a 14th-century sarcophagus with intricate carvings, constructed from betel
wood, and enough mirror tiles to make you dizzy. In the same complex is a shrine to
Imam Hamzeh (brother of Imam Reza). Women need to wear a chador, available at the
entrance.
Rey's other attractions include the remains of the Sassanid
Qal'-e Tabarak
, a fortress
on a nearby hill; the 12th-century
Gonbad-e Toghoral
, the 20m-high tomb tower of a
Seljuk king in the town centre; and the
Cheshmeh Ali
mineral springs, with some Qajar-
period
carvings
nearby.
Getting There & Away
Shahr-e Rey (City of Rey) station is on Metro Line 1. Taxis can be hired in Rey for a ne-
gotiable US$8 per hour, or ask your hotel about a tour.
Alborz Ski Resorts
Skiing in the Alborz Mountains above Tehran can be one of the most unexpected pleas-
ures of a trip to Iran. There are four resorts within a day-trip distance, all offering equip-
ment for hire.
Darbansar
(day pass US$15; 8.30am-3.30pm Jan-Mar)
, near Shem-
shak, has three easy slopes and is best for beginners; while the slopes at
Tochal
(day pass
US$18; 8.30am-12.30pm Mon-Sat, also closed Mon during summer)
are accessed via
the Tochal Telecabin (
Click here
)
in northern Tehran. The pick of the bunch, however, are
Shemshak and Dizin.
SHEMSHAKکشمش
021 / ELEV 2450M
Just up the valley from Darbansar,
Shemshak Resort
(day pass US$17;
8.30am-3.30pm Jan-Mar)
has the slopes that will get hardcore skiers most excited. There
are six lifts, the longest being about 1450m with a vertical descent of about 500m (some
of it at an adrenalin-inducing 45-degree angle) and plenty of moguls. Snowboards are
welcome. Boots, skis and poles can be hired for about US$35 a day.
