Western Iran - Iran - page 225

From Sarchal it's also possible to climb Mt Takht-e Soleiman , at the other end of the
main knife-edge ridge, but there's a lot of bolder-jumping on the glacier and plenty of
slippery scree. Note: this is the peak that Freya Stark wandered up almost by mistake in
her book Castles of the Assassins . However, it is not the Takht-e Soleiman citadel near
Takab ( Click here ) .

Sleeping & Eating

Hotel Azarbayjan$$
( 262 2678; Mahestan 3rd lane off Nasiri St, Hasankeif; tr US$25-50) Cheap by Kelar-
dasht standards, this overgrown homestay is just 500m from Hasankeif Sq via Modarres
St (fork left then right). Rooms have gas stove, fridge, bathroom and three squeezed-in
beds. Those with sitting rooms cost US$10 extra. The communal dining terrace is good
for meeting other guests.

HOMESTAY

Hotel Park Chaman$$
( 264 3159; Park Chaman, Rudbarak; small/large ste US$30/55, bungalows US$60)
Almost 7km from Hasankeif Sq, 700m before the Mountaineering Federation, look for the
obvious blue-roofed modernist restaurant across the river. While not entirely tasteful, the
suites are well-equipped with bathtub, choice of toilets and a balcony (no mountain
views). The peaceful location is a good starting point for hikes.

HOTEL

Arash Restaurant$
( 262 8312; Hasankeif Sq; meals US$3-7; 11am-3.30pm & 7.30-10pm) This is a
bright, clean pine-ceilinged restaurant offering Iranian and Caspian favourites right on
Hasankeif Sq.

TRADITIONAL IRANIAN

Getting There & Around
Savaris to Chalus (US$1, one hour) and Tehran (back/front US$9/11, 3½ hours) leave
from a stand 400m north of the square. Buses (US$6, five hours) to Tehran's western ter-
minal leave from the tiny Rahat Safar/Talayi Safar office in Zibardast, 3km east of Has-
ankeif departing at 8am and 2pm in either direction.
Transport within Kelardasht usually requires chartering a taxi ( 262 9191) at US$7
per hour) .