Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
One Month, Maku to Mirjaveh
Turkey to Pakistan
Travellers with an adventurous bent have been following this 4420km overland route from
Europe to subcontinental Asia for centuries. It's doable in less time, but you'll need a
month to really appreciate Iran's diversity without feeling you're constantly on the move.
The journey is serviced by regular buses and some trains.
With its soaring canyon,
Maku
makes a pleasant introduction before spending three
days in
Tabriz
, which has a fine bazaar, then checking out
Jolfa
and the troglodyte homes
at
Kandovan
, before heading via Zanjan for a look at the remarkable Oljeitu Mausoleum
at
Soltaniyeh
. Continuing east, historic
Qazvin
is the staging point for excursions into the
spectacular Alamut Valleys to walk among the ruined
Castles of the Assassins
. Head
north via Rasht to lush
Masuleh
, a charming village ideal for chilling out before dashing
along the Caspian Coast to reach
Kelardasht
in a beautiful setting, then zigzag up
through the dramatic Alborz Mountains to Tehran.
