Caspiantrek

The general European conception about dealing with the middle eastern is that they should bargain or haggle for a better price. In Europe you have price labels, taxi meters and no-one argues with them they take it or leave it. In Iran like many other third world countries sometimes labels lack, there are no taxi meters and you could end up paying much more that what is due. So here are some useful tips. If you want to buy a rug, carpet, jajim or kilim then try not to buy it in Isfahan. Try the big bazaar in Tehran first and buy from a whole seller. Here you should bargain a little perhaps for a 20% reduction. If going through the labyrinth of hundreds of narrow alleys in the bazaar is unattractive for you then try Shiraz, Qom or Yazd. You are much less likely to be ripped off. If you have seen something you like and it happened to be in a shop in a touristy area of Isfahan then bargain hard and long. A family staying with us came across a rug they really liked. It happened to be in...

There is a bus from Qazvin to Isfahan at 1300 hours and one from Isfahan to Qazvin at 22.00 hrs. Qazvin is the nearest city to the valley. Enjoy your trek! For any tour reservation or further information please write to info@caspiantrek.com or send a Whats App to +98 937 150 1993

https://e_visa.mfa.ir/en/#/travel-business/ An Australian couple recently applied on line for an e-visa. Half way through the application form they realized that it was only possible to get e-visas if they entered Iran via the Persian Gulf Island of Kish, not the commonest point of entry for foreign visitors and definitely not the easiest. Please contact the Iranian Consulate about the latest on Iran entry visa regulations before you apply. Visa on Arrivals are easy to get for many nationalities.

Persian "Daf" is a mother percussion instrument. You may savour a private concert by one of the best Daf players in Persia, Suryadima. A 2 hour concert will cost 100 euros. Here is a sample of the master in India last summer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2wYphQVB https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daf

At the moment and despite rumors all UK citizens still need to be accompanied by an official guide or join a group tour to visit Iran. The only exception is for those who can get a business visa which would allow them to roam freely for up to 15 days. Business visas can be applied for by companies. For any tour reservation or further information please write to info@caspiantrek.com or send a Whats App to +98 937 150 1993

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvMCJu9m2Hg

The Alamut Valley is very popular with hikers and quite rightly so. It is a spectacular valley filled with high summits such as Khashechal 4180m, Siyalan 4250m and the grand Shah Alborz 4100m as well as many canyons and waterfalls and remote isolated settlements. The departing point for shared communal taxis is the Gharib Kosh square in Qazvin . These "savaris" will take you to Moalem Kelayeh which is where you need to get off if you are heading for Lake Ovan or Garmarood if you are going to do one of the impressive treks to the Caspian side . The side valleys and canyons such as Gazorkhan where the main Assassin's Castle is located are not served by shared taxis and you are better off getting a taxi to yourself. If you are coming from the Caspian coastline then the Sehezar road ( under construction) is your best option. However, you should note that this road is closed in winter months. There is a minibus that leaves Tonekabon early in the morning and goes as fa...