Central Iran - Iran - page 351

Public transport in the mountains is relatively expensive. A minibus travels between
Chelgerd and Shahr-e Kord (US$4.50, 1½ hours) once per day most days of the week.
Savaris go to and from Shahr-e Kord (US$5.50 to US$7), Tehran (US$12), Shiraz
(US$13.50), Esfahan (US$11) and Yasuj (US$11), but only when there are enough pas-
sengers to fill the car. A taxi dar baste will cost US$13.50 to/from Shahr-e Kord and
US$40 to/from Esfahan.
CHELGERD TO YASUJ
There is no tourist infrastructure whatsoever between Chelgerd and Yasuj, but the 380km
road winds through villages, gorges and steep-sided valleys hosting fast-flowing rivers
and is one of the most spectacular in the country. The drive takes approximately 4½ hours
and the stretch between Chelgerd and Farsan is the most scenic.
The large town of Yasuj (population 100,540) is surrounded by densely forested moun-
tains, but there's nothing here to interest the traveller. If you must stay overnight, the only
conceivable places to stay are the basic Eram Hotel ( 0741-422 4599; Janbazan Sq; s
& d US$38; ) , at the beginning of Motahari Ave, or the overpriced, rundown and char-
acterless Azadi Hotel ( 0741-422 3471; www.parsiangrouphotels.com ; Namaz Blvd; s
& d US$75; ) , on the hill overlooking town.
Savaris travel between Yasuj and Chelgerd (US$11), and regular buses ( mahmooly
US$1.80, two hours) and savaris (US$7) link Yasuj with Shiraz. Both will stop at Sepidan
on request.
SEPIDANنادیپس
The alpine village of Sepidan is a one-hour drive from Yasuj and is the jumping-off point
for Pooladkaf, a ski slope about 15km uphill from the village. There are four lifts, one be-
ing 2100m long and climbing to 3400m. There is no public transport to Pooladkaf from
Sepidan, but you should be able to negotiate a ride in a private car. There is a small chalet,
and a larger hotel was under construction when we last visited.
Sepidan is a popular centre for outdoor activities. Mr Raeisi from Shiraz-based Iran
Sightseeing ( 0711-235 5939, 0917 313 2926; www.iransightseeing.com ) can arrange
downhill and cross-country skiing in winter and trekking and mountain biking during the
rest of the year. He also has excellent contacts with the nomads and can customise trips to
visit and stay in their camps.
The drive between Sepidan and Shiraz takes one hour.