MUL21 – A fabulous trip to East & West Azerbaijan and trekking to Babak Fort
- Tour Code: MUL 21
- Duration: 8 DAYS & 7 NIGHTS
- From: TEHRAN
- To: TABRIZ
- Service level: STANDARD
- Difficulty: MODERATE
- Activity: TREKKING & SITESEEING
- Calendar:
Overview
Brief Itinerary
What To Bring
Services
Overview
Trip Highlights
- Visit 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one trip
- Visit Babak fort- a good resemblance to Rudkhan Castle
- Trek through Arasbaran Biosphere Reserve registered in UNESCO World Heritage
- Visit Armenian Monastic Ensembles of Iran: Saint Stepanos Monastery in Jolfa, The Chapel of Dzordzor in Maku and Saint Thaddeus Church in Chaldoran, UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Experience traveling by Iran Trans-railway, UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Photograph beautiful landscapes and wild life
- City tour of Tabriz and Jolfa
- Visit manmade cliff dwellings area of Kandovan
- Meet locals in Kandovan with their “handicrafts”
- Relish authentic and flavorful Iranian food
Extra Information
This trip is doable in all seasons but the best time is from early April to mid-October.
Note: Pre- booked room in the hotel for early arrival check-in is recommended.
Overview
- East Azerbaijan
One of the most gorgeous aspects of this journey is Babak fort. Babak fort, also called Babak Castle and locally known as Qale Babak, is an old stone fort lies on top of a mountain at an altitude of 2,300- 2,600 meters and it is believed to belong to the Parthian Empire (from 247 BC to 224 AD) and later was modified under Sasanid Dynasty (224-651). The fort named after Babak Khorramdin, the leader of Khurramites who resisted Arab invaders until his death in 838 CE. A very fantastic trekking towards Babak fort. It takes about 2 hours to trek to the castle. There are two ways to get there; one through forest and the other via a long series of broken steps and trekking the hills. In every passage you have a new window to the amazing nature of Arasbaran forest and scenic views of Arasbaran mountains in East Azerbaijan.
Kaleybar is a small village in East Azerbaijan, in the woods near a mountain which comprises a fortress. We passed by many towns and cities. Kaleybar is where the battle took place between the armies of caliphate and Babak’s forces. Kaleybar was the stronghold of Babak Khorramdin. The inhabitants are Turks or Mongols and follow the rite of Schafey.
Arasbaran, also known as Qaradagh, is a large mountainous biosphere reserve situated in the north of Iran, covering mountains with jagged cliffs up to 2,200 meters and contains semi-arid steppes, high meadows, oak forests, rivers and springs. So, it is the home of about 23,000 nomads who are living in buffer zones. In antiquity, this area was inhabited by the Alarodians and Caspian tribes. Later, it was alternately part of the Medes and Persia. Economic activities in Arasbaran biosphere reserve are mainly agriculture, animal husbandry, horticulture, apiculture, handicrafts and tourism. A unique characteristic of Arasbaran biosphere reserve is the ubiquity of edible wild trees. https://en.unesco.org/biosphere/aspac/arasbaran
In addition to the hiking, there will be sightseeing in the most important cities, villages, some UNESCO World Heritage sites and national heritage sites, namely Tabriz, Kandovan, Jolfa, Maku and Chaldoran.
The ancient village of Kandovan is another gorgeous destination of East Azerbaijan. It is situated in Sahand rural distinct in the foothills of Sahand mountain. It is an extraordinary village for its architecture. The locals inhabited in manmade cliff dwellings of their own. It is a good opportunity to socialize with troglodytes who are very kind and hospitable and invite you to their handmade caves to visit their handicrafts and farm products. It is very interesting to know that the rocks of Kandovan were formed during the eruption of Sahand when pyroclastic flows.
The most desirable time to experience the beautiful Arasbaran region ranges from mid-April to mid-November. Each season offers different nature and beauty along the way.
- West Azerbaijan
Another fantastic aspect of this trip is to travel to Maku and Chaldoran in West Azerbaijan which is a must to visit. At this trip, you will visit The Armenian Monastic Ensembles of Iran, in the north-west of the country, consists of three monastic ensembles of the Armenian Christian faith: St Thaddeus and St Stepanos and the Chapel of Dzordzor. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1262
Brief Itinerary
Day 1: Depending on your arrival to Tehran International airport (IKA), you need to check in your hotel in Tehran. Overnight at the hotel in Tehran. (-, -, -)
Day 2: Tehran city tour. You will visit some UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Tehran. Overnight train from Tehran to Tabriz. (B, L, D)
Day 3: Pick up by local guide from Tabriz train station. Having breakfast in a local coffee shop and then go for Tabriz city tour. Transfer to hotel and rest for noon. Overnight stay at the hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 4: Half day city tour in Kandovan, manmade caves- travel to Kaleybar town. Overnight stay at a hotel/ local house. (B, L, D)
Day 5: Trek to Babak fort. Overnight stay at the hotel (B, L, D)
Day 6: Drive to Jolfa in West Azerbaijan through a very scenic road. Half day city tour in Jolfa. Overnight stay at a hotel in Jolfa. (B, L, D)
Day 7: Drive to Maku in West Azerbaijan to visit the chapel of Dzordzor and Saint Thaddeus Church in Chaldoran. Drive back to Tabriz late afternoon and take local flight to Tehran. Overnight stay at a hotel in Tehran. (B, L, D)
Day 8: Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Tehran International airport (IKA). (-, -)
What To Bring
Trekking shoes, Long socks, Cotton Pants, Cotton shirt (quick dry), Light gloves, Sun glasses, Fleece wind stopper jacket, Sun screen, Head lamp, Cup, Pole, Sun shielding cap, Head wear, Day backpack (25-35 LT), Anti-insect spray, Linen
Services
INCLUDES:
- Accommodation in hotel, guest house, local house.
- Transportation in a private vehicle
- Meals as detailed in the itinerary
- Services of a professional driver.
- Mountain guide proficient in English, English spoken driver guide
EXCLUDES:
- All airfares & airport taxes and visa fees.
- All meals other than stated in above itinerary.
- All entrances and excursions other than stated in above itinerary.
- All items of a personal nature, i.e. telephone calls, laundry, tips for meals, tips for guides and drivers, all beverages etc.
- It is our recommendation that all passengers take out all the necessary travel insurances for cancellation/curtailment, loss of baggage as well as Medical Cover
- Porterage.
Private Tour
Group Tour
Fixed Departure
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