Central Iran - Iran - page 376

Around Yazd
There are two popular day trips from Yazd: the Kharanaq, Chak Chak and Meybod loop to
the northeast of the city and the Zein-o-din, Saryazd and Fahraj loop to the southeast.
Both are best done in a tour or with a private driver/guide.
The first is a long day (about 7am to 6pm) but the second could be done in half a day.
KHARANAQقنارخ
The virtually deserted and crumbling mud-brick village of Kharanaq (Kharanagh) is in a
valley about 70km north of Yazd and is believed to be more than 1000 years old. The
Qajar-era mosque , the 17th-century shaking minaret and the caravanserai on the edge
of town have all been restored. You'll need a key to get into these, however, and you'll
need a guide (or the folks at Silk Road Kharanaq) to arrange that.
Many of the buildings are falling down, so watch your step. Walk into the valley below
to see an ancient aqueduct, built to irrigate the surrounding fields. Photographers will love
it mid-afternoon.
Those wanting to extend their stay overnight can book into Silk Road Kharanaq (per
person US$24) , which is run by the Silk Road crew in Yazd ( Click here ). The modest
adobe building has been extensively renovated but remains as simple - and appropriate -
as you'd expect in a virtual ghost town. Rates include breakfast, lunch and dinner.
CHAK CHAKکچ کچ
This isolated Ateshkadeh (admission US$0.90; 8am-5pm), about 72km northwest of
Yazd and deep in the desert, is Iran's most important Zoroastrian pilgrimage site. Legend
has it that after the Arab invasion in AD 637, the Sassanian princess Nikbanuh fled to this
site. Short of water, she threw her staff at the cliff and water began dripping out - chak,
chak means 'drip, drip'. The steep, cliffside location is impressive even if most of the
buildings are not. The exception is the Pir-e-Sabz fire temple , home to the drip, which
has a brass door embossed with the likeness of Zoroaster. The dramatic views make it
worth the steep climb.
Chak Chak attracts thousands of pilgrims for an annual festival held between 14 and 18
June.
MEYBODدبیم
About 52km north of Yazd, Meybod is a sprawling mud-brick town that is at least 1800
years old. Of most interest is the crumbling Narin castle (admission US$0.20;