Professional Documents
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SEVEN WONDERS OF
QESHM
ISLAND
Qeshm is the biggest island
in the Persian Gulf which is
larger than 17 countries.
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Satrap Magazine
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL GUIDE
ABOUT US
Nowadays, the modern communication facilities and data production rate , put a lot
of pressure on human being. Dealing with this much stress, asks for seeking some
solutions to provide us with peace of mind. Realizing this goal recreations are of
great importance.
Travel and tourism is the best and most efficient available mean for the men to
confront this growing pressure. Tourism give us an opportunity to get rid of daily
routines, to enjoy our life as well as getting familiar with new cultures, foods, customs
and conventions, indigenous people round the world. Travel and tourism give us a
lot of opportunities much further than a simple visit to a new place or destination.
To take all tourism relevant issues into concern, Satrap magazine is to open up new
horizons to travel fans. Satrap is to offer a new outlook to cultural, artistic, social and
economic aspects of tourism. To introduce new creative and practical concepts and
investment opportunities to trace back the tourism events and to pave the way for
tourism development.
The main policy of Satrap is to offer the travellers various information about new
tourism destinations, particularly off the beaten tracks tourism attraction with
beautiful pictures from eye-catching sceneries. Doing so, our interlocutors can have
a real and touchy experience, to feel the difference through informal cult of a tourist
personal touch about where they have not been to before.
We feel responsible to share the best practice and memorable experiences of tourists
and stakeholders through teamwork and creative thinking.
We are hopeful to be able to give our readers useful information on tourism related
issues, keen on having close cooperation with groups, organizations and institutions
with the same mentality and to be of real impact on our readers mind. The magazine
is to do a concerted effort by its creative staff to be helpful to its readers
w w w. s a t r a p m a g . c o m
www.satrapmag.com 5
CONTENTS
09 Soles lake
scary, mysterious and wonderful
16 Strength, balance, value and sanity
Castell represents courage, trust,
teamwork and mutual success.
23
32 Introducing Qeshm Island
Qeshm Island covers an area of
almost 1,500 square kilometers.
46 Travel to India
It might be the first thing learnt from traveling.
94 Thai Tiamond
Chiang Mai is the largest city in northern
Thailand. It is the capital of Chiang Mai
Province.
105 Bicyclist
Farhad Asgari and Ahmad Koozegar are two
Iranian bike riders that were planned to travel
62 46
to eight countries in Middle Asia- Azerbaijan,
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kirgizstan,
Nepal and India with we Together slogan.
www.satrapmag.com 9
SOLES LAKE,
scary, mysterious and wonderful
www.satrapmag.com 11
ed, registered in a tour. The op- second path and to avoid dark- then to the specific road of the
erator name was Mini Tour. The ness I decided to have overnight lake that was about 10km.
lake is located in 5 km distance stay in Noshahre and leave the All of path was covered in
to Chalandar Village and Nos- city toward late in the morning. trees. A unique scene that was
hahr is the nearest big city to I left Tehran at 5 in the after- relaxing. I was trying to imagine
this lake- in a deciduous forest. noon and continued our path to the lake all the time. I thought
Google map offers two differ- Noushahr nonstop-200km dis- to myself how can be a pris-
ent paths to this lake. One path tance that took 4 hours-. I was tine place .I was quite busy all
goes through Tehran Pardis, scheduled to get to Noshahr at through the way. Getting to Ve-
Noor, Venoush and second path about 9pm and have overnight noush, we entered the side road
goes through Tehran karaj Nos- stay there. Then I leave here to of Chalandar and Salahedin Kal-
hahr and venoush.The first path the lake early morning.After 12 aye Sofla. There a nature guard-
is about 256km and the second km to noor we will go to a side ian stopped us for doing some
one is 248 km. I selected the road of Venoush after 10 km and paper work- a specific permis-
sion was needed to be taken-.
the nature guard warned us of
wild animals as the region is
pristine and can be dangerous.
When I heard that, I was more
curious to see the lake sooner.
After doing paperwork we con-
tinued the path for about 10 km.
when we saw the Mamraz Plain
and dam we got to the side road.
Though the weather was sunny,
but because of tall trees there
was a full shade like evening.
The forest was exactly like fairy
tales oh my God, Dark, wet land
and thick and tall trees heaven
it was-. The forest noise made
me realize the reason of naming
the lake. It was relevant to the
animals in the forest,-a wildlife
www.satrapmag.com 13
What myster-
ies are hidden
in this lake?
Fereshteh Sabetian
www.satrapmag.com 17
CASTELL
REPRESENTS COURAGE,
TRUST, TEAMWORK AND
MUTUAL SUCCESS
T
inseparable part of the
This is a tower, a liv- Human tower is a major sym- colles castelleres. During
ing tower, formed by bol of Catalan culture. Although the whole practice, it is
played in specific tunes to
individuals, literally rely- these are not the only human be in tune with formation of
each level. Toc de Castells
ing on each other, holding each towers in the world, but they is played by drums and
other, and constructing the tow- have become distinct and fa- .gralla
er, until the smallest kid on top mous enough to exhibit Catalan
holds his or her hand above the identity. If you wonder why Cata-
head and showing four fingers, lan cultural identity matters, you
as a representation of Catalonia. should look back in the history,
This is an exciting moment, when to Francos dictatorship when the
all those people become one, for language and culture of Catalonia
one single purpose, and as the was banned at schools and even
tower falls apart, these people Catalan names were not permit-
are not the same as before. Now ted for newborn babies.
they are parts of a living body, Let us look at the history of
who trust other parts and can be Castell now. It is said that before
trusted. They are pleased for an- the 18th century, making of hu-
other achievement, a victory that man towers in 2 or 3 levels were
they could not reach without the practiced, but not documented,
help and participation of every- and the first report goes back to
one. small town of Valls in their annu-
www.satrapmag.com 19
climbing on top of the pinya, as-
cending on the tronc to join and
form the next levels. A castell
finally ends with young children
to form the dome, or as it is said
pom de dalt.
Music is an inseparable part
of the colles castelleres. During
the whole practice, it is played in
specific tunes to be in tune with
formation of each level. Toc de
Castells is played by drums and
gralla.
De-constructing castell is as
important as its construction,
members must be careful while
climbing down, otherwise the
castell can collapse and cause
injuries. Nowadays young kids
al festival, and as the competi- the family and connects all gen-
who form the pom de dalt must
tion began, different teams also erations. It creates a sense of
wear helmet.
formed. continuity and social cohesion
Everyone in the society can between all members involved.
Castell represents courage,
join a team or so called colles Their slogan is Fora, equi-
trust, teamwork and mutual suc-
castelleres, the team is distin- libri, valor i seny, which means
cess. It involves every member
guished by their unified t-shirt strength, balance, value and
of the society in a physical activ-
and the first level of the tower sanity. It is often used as a rep-
ity and challenges them to rely
is formed by everyone. This part resentation of the voice of Cata-
on each other, it is passed on in
is called Pinya, a human ring, lan people. For instance in June
which acts as the basis of the 2014, Castells were formed si-
castell and everyone, from dif- multaneously in 8 European cap-
ferent age or strength can par- ital cities and in over 50 towns
ticipate in this section, so the and cities around the world, to
weight of the tower will be dis- declare a message: Human Tow-
tributed on it and its balance is ers for Democracy. They were
guaranteed. The next levels are asking for recognition of Cata-
called tronc. Strong men and lonia as an independent state.
women, in group of 3 to 5 people They use traditional means to
form a small ring, steady enough display a modern intention. Hu-
for the next levels to be formed man towers give them strength
on their shoulders. Individuals and hope, and they thoroughly
climb up the first ring of tronc, experience the power of normal
form the next level, and so on. people marking extraordinary
It is amazing to watch members phenomenon.
www.satrapmag.com 21
Qeshm
Island
SEVEN WONDERS OF
QESHM
ISLAND
QESHM IS THE BIGGEST ISLAND
IN THE PERSIAN GULF WHICH IS
LARGER THAN 17 COUNTRIES. THERE
ARE MANY NATURAL, WILDLIFE AND
GEOGRAPHICAL ATTRACTIONS THAT
ARE WORTH VISITING.
www.satrapmag.com 23
SEVEN WONDERS OF
QESHM ISLAND
Qeshm is the biggest island in the Persian Gulf which is larger than 17 countries. There
are many natural, wildlife and geographical attractions that are worth visiting.
www.satrapmag.com 25
Naaz Islands
The island is located almost one km to the east of Qeshm and ex-
pands over three hectares but lacks sandy coasts. It enjoys beautiful
beaches, colorful fishes and shells, as well as eye-catching sceneries
of the Gulf. It is surrounded by cliffs with close to 10 meters height.
The island is totally flat. When there is a low tide, a narrow patch of
land connects Naz to Qeshm Island. Presently there are no dwellers
on the island. Watching these beautiful views and walking on its soft
sand at low tides can be wonderful for tourists
www.satrapmag.com 27
Salt caves
Some mountains of Qeshm have
turned into salt caves as a result of
accumulation of sea water in deep
fault and subsequent precipitation of
salt. Such caves are not only impor-
tant as a tourism attraction, but are
also significant geological hallmarks.
The caves are more than 6 km long.
Namakdan salt dome is among
natural attractions of Qeshm Is-
land, which attracts a lot of tourists
every year. Namakdan salt dome is
the only salt dome in Qeshm Island
which extends from southern prom-
ontory of Salakh anticline up to the
northwestern promontory of Basaee-
dou anticline.
www.satrapmag.com 29
ducing a mysterious mood. The latter
www.satrapmag.com 33
es of two inter-connecting rooms
constructed of sun baked bricks
and clay, with an area of 4m x 3
m. Burqa
Historical castles It is a kind of Islamic
On Laft Beach a village in the covering that women in
island-Naderi Castle that fea- Qeshm and other Sothern
tures common Iranian castles is Coastal areas. In Qeshm
considered as a fortified castle to most of rural women
defend the island. Other impor- after marry use
tant castle is called Portuguese Burqa.
This castle was built in the year
1030 AH. to the north east of this
island under the decree of the
Spanish monarch of the times.
The same has two ramparts and
towers in the four corners. Within
the castle a number of extremely
ancient and rusty canons remain
to date.
Temple Fig Tree.
This wonderful tree is ever-
green and known as temple fig
www.satrapmag.com 35
are called talla wells (tal
means mound in Persian.)
These wells located near
laft village which is said
in the past the number of
these cisterns equaled the
number of days in a year
(366-equal to leap-year)
and every day one of the
wells was used for water.
Rainwater, which is prized
like gold, is directed to the
wells from the hills around.
Some historians believe
that these wells are related
to Achaemenian and Sassa-
nian dynasties.
Laft Historical Village
The architectural facets of
the dwellings in this village
display interesting points.
The main feature here are
the traditional air vents or
ventilators in various sizes.
The constructions or hous-
es are built close together
and the streets are extreme-
ly narrow too. Historical rel-
ics in Laft are the following:
The Naderi and Portuguese
castles, two water reser-
voirs having round domes,
historical cemetery, the pil-
grimage sites of Seyed Has-
san Mansoor, Sheikh Moo-
sa and Sheikh Andaraie.
Qeshm Mosques: some
mosques were constructed
here when Islam was just
introduced to the country
like Sheikh Barakh Mosque
in Goosheh Village. Once
some parts of the mon-
Oud
The oud is an Iranian short-
neck lute-type, pear-shaped
stringed instrument with 11 or 13
strings grouped in 5 or 6 cours-
es. This musical instrument is
often used in Arabic countries.
Lodge Construction
It is a small ship or a large boat
and passenger that is seen in
the Persian Gulfand Oman Sea
and the Indian Ocean . The craft
is made on the basis of common
sailing boats in the Persian Gulf,
with the difference that it moves
instead of sailing with the en-
gine. Open or semi-open deck .
Since the 1950s, a gasoline en-
gine or diesel engine has been
used to make lagoons, and today
relic was built under his com- Burqa
they have more engine Lorries.
mand in the Koosheh Village It is a kind of Islamic cover-
The island is considered as
of Qeshm. The mosque was re- ing that women in Qeshm and
one of the centers of its con-
paired once in the year 244 AH. other Sothern Coastal areas. In
struction. Shipyards are closed
In the year 737 AH. It underwent Qeshm most of rural women af-
in summer and Ramadan. The
renovations under the orders ter marry use Burqa.
main body of Lodge is made of
of Soltan Fathollah, a descend- Lachak
walnut, Seder and teak. Walnut
ant of Soltan Mahmud who was It is a women hat and newly
trees are from Iran and teak
possibly one of the monarchs of married women used them. This
trees are imported from India or
Hormoz or Larestan. hat is common with old ladies
Singapore
Handicrafts: these days. This hat is so tiny
Qeshm is a big island. It has and small that the ladies wear
urban area as well a great num- them under Islamic Covering.
www.satrapmag.com 37
TRAVEL ACCOUNT TO
SOUTHERN
INDIA
I
Introduction:Incredible India Magic smelling of incense and trash mixed together-India
India.Dirty India, Noisy and crowded is like this. I was so fatigued that I went to bed with
India, These are the common sayings my jeans and cotton shirt I bought in my last visit
among people. Tome India means all of to India in Delhi-. I get up at abou9 because of ho-
them further more I was spelled by the majesty of tel passengers and staff noise. Long life for India
India. This magic power will not come to an end Viva India, again India. Dressed and ordered Indian
for me. tea and cheese sandwich I was happy to have a
The beginning: Mumbai the first path chance to try Indian food and drinks again. I had
. My travel schedule was for two months. First I my small breakfast on worn out leather sofa and
got to busy and populated city of Mumbai at mid- went to see Coulaba neighborhood and Marine
night. I booked an Inexpensive Inn room from Book- magnificent beach. It was January and Mumbai hot
ing.com. An inn located near Colaba The gate of and wet day were started. I walked to Taj Mahal
India where the Hotel. Going
English soldiers through se-
last leave India curity check
in 1947. My hotel point-ar-
name was Ever- ranged to
est a small ho- prevent ter-
tel on the fourth rorist attack-
floor of an old I could see
building-. It is gigantic Indi-
located in an old an Ocean in
neighborhood front, some
full of historical ships were
sites, wonderful boarding
museums, shop- Passengers
ping centers to Elephan-
and restaurants. tine Island-
Here you can reminded me
also find some of some old
Persian food restaurant which serve Iranian cuisine painting drawn by Portuguese and English paint-
like Kebab (grilled meat) and Chicken barbecue ers in 18 and 19 centuries- unconsciously my mind
for Iranian and Indian customers. Getting into the went back to history. I always appreciate Mumbai.
hotel and leaving my backpack in my room, I felt walking on the ocean, beach I took a lot of photos
happy- The feeling I have when I get to India with to record my travel memories but I was disturbed
www.satrapmag.com 39
CHATUCHAK
WEEKEND MARKET
www.satrapmag.com 41
you can get a single or even dou-
ble bed in Indian coach to have
rest on long path, so never forget
your pillow and blanket getting
on one them-. Finally the coach
departed to Goa beautiful state.
The second Path Goa:
Mumbai Road to Goa was wind-
ing, uneven and busy. As a great
number of visitors go there an-
nually for sightseeing its beau-
tiful nature ,beaches and also
attending its great festivals that
are held almost every nights. An-
yhow I was planned to sleep as
I was so tired but the first road
bump woke me up and I found
out I should stay up all night. It
is noteworthy that ladies who
travel alone should take the up-
per single beds to be safe from
disturbance and thieves that is
so common in India. Anyway the
coach continued to Goa with a
lot of noise-roaring as it sounded
its horn very often and swerved
a lot and the passengers have to
bear. At any rate I tried to take a
nap and I used my cellphone to
get rid of noise to some extent.
Finally I fell asleep and rested for
two hours. Another swerve woke
me up and I decided to read a
book on Indian family tradition
to pass time.- I bought the book
so many years ago in Delhi and
I never had a chance to study
that. Going through the first 20
pages of the book, I realized a lot
things here are quite familiar to
me, as I have personally experi-
enced them in my 12 year life in
India. This shows that long travel
in a country can teach you a lot
about its people real culture. The
bus driver had a stop by Delba-
zi Restaurant at about 7 in the
morning. I was happy to walk for
some minutes and like other pas-
sengers I rushed to toilets. Then
I ordered my favorite breakfast,
Indian tea and Poha-It is made of
crushed rice with fresh parsley,
peanuts, salt and seasoning and
water, often served with lime and
www.satrapmag.com 43
We had 4 more hours to Goa. Indian roads are long
and tiring, so train is the most convenient mean to
travel in India.
it is so delicious-. Eating lime is there,- to take a taxi to Calanguta - due to heavy traffic- we got fi-
highly recommended in Indian beach, I decided to share the taxi nally to Calanguta Beach. My ho-
culture. Hearing the bus constant ride with some of my bus travel tel was not so far from the beach
horn we got on once again. Goa companions from Germany and and I could get to that after 10
road beautiful sceneries made Finland who were going to the minute-walk. I was booked JMD
me take some photos to pass same beach. I selected another Villa Hotel room for four nights
time. We had 4 more hours to reasonable hotel from Booking. for 100$. At reception desk a 20
Goa. Indian roads are long and com. From Panchim to Calangu- year old young man from north-
tiring, so train is the most con- ta Beach is about 20-minute taxi east India ordered the bellboy
venient mean to travel in India. ride. The beach is next to Arab to carry my backpack-I realized
The railroad was constructed by Sea with great many of Palm his origin from his face as these
Britain in 300 years of its con- trees. Listening to an Indian hap- people look like Chinese in ap-
trol over India in order to exploit py Music in the taxi after a long pearance, They are well-known
this vast country. Driver an- bus journey made me refresh. In- to be calm-.I got to my room and
nounced that we got to Panchim dians are fond of their own Music rushed to bathroom. At about
the capital of Goa state. I was and playing Indian music loudly 2 I felt hungry and Iwent down
so happy, as I was tired, hungry in Taxi, bus and public places is to have something. I asked the
and suffered from a headache. a part of their culture. Most of same receptionist about restau-
I picked my backpack and went Indians are not interested in oth- rant and he showed me to a small
to taxi station- later I could find er countries music like western, place that looked clean. Finding a
out, It was possible to take a bus Arabs or so on. After 30 minute clean place in India is so precious
Travel to
AS A NEWCOMER TO A
BIG CITY I WISH TO TRY
DIFFERENT PLACES FOR
STAYING AND EATING, TO
INDIA
It might be the first thing learnt from traveling.
It was probably the first time that I figured out
WONDER AROUND THE
CITY AND SEE THE PEOPLE straight way is not the best choice, I came to
PASSING BY I WOULD
RATHER BE A LONELY
know that sometimes you can get more things
PASSENGER. KHALIL from the route.
GIBRAN
www.satrapmag.com 47
Taj Mahal An immense mausoleum of
white marble, built in Agra between
1631 and 1648 by order of the Mughal
emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his
favourite wife, the Taj Mahal is the jewel
of Muslim art in India and one of the
universally admired masterpieces of the
worlds heritage.
www.satrapmag.com 49
lasts for about 18 hours but because of road repair it there in near future.
took us 25 hours to get there. We stayed in a hostel Taj Maha, The building of Love
introduced by an Indian friend. I have never tried a Visiting Taj Mahal is equal to visiting India. This won-
hostel before and I was curious to explore its inter- der of the ancient world was constructed because
esting environment .It was exciting to know that, the of love. Mumtaz Maha-Iranian Wife of the Shah Ja-
hostel was recommended by Trip Adviser in 2015. han-asked her husband on her dying days not to mar-
Watching The Ganges River beautiful Sunrise, we ry anyone after her and also construct a memorial for
got up so early-At about 4- . Walking through quiet her. Doing so, the king constructed this monument
streets of the city, we got to the riverside. I was aston- in 22 years. Interestingly the architect of the building
ished to see the people who did yoga by rather busy was Masih Esfahani and 20000 workers participated
river bank, some burning corpses and some others in its construction. He was invited to Indian during
drumming, not to forget this is 2015.Riding a boat on Safavid Dynasty Reign.
the river, our tour guide -Ahmad- gave us some expla- It takes 6 hours to get to Agra from Jaipur. Agra is
nation about the holy river. Sun rose finally at 5: 30 I warmer than Jaipur. Getting to Taj Mahal I was sur-
felt strange as if I was standing by the world most sa- prised to see the entrance, there was no sign of while
cred place, impressed by the peaceful environment structure, I just saw some red buildings and finally
of that. I wish I could stop the time at that moment. I saw the glorious building. It was slightly different
Walking on Varana- from my expecta-
si Streets, I felt like tion. It was hard to
a real oriental girl. abandon the place
Blue Lassi but we had to leave
Lassi is a popu- in two hours.
lar drink in India. Beautiful colors
Walking for about of traveling to India
three hours on I wish to write
the city streets, about the people
our guide started too. People and
taking about Las- colors are worth to
si. An Indian drink visit here in India.
quite similar to We visited a kind
Iranian Dough-Yo- couple and their
gurt mixed with son-. Ankel and
water-. We went to Anti (parents) and
small store called Blue Lassi, where you can enjoy Shanton (their seven year old son)-. They answered
the most delicious Lassi in India, Ahmad said. The our questions eagerly and patiently. The shopkeepers
store was full of the memorial of great many people welcomed us pleasantly and kindly. A musician sang
from different countries inscribe some comments on a Rajasthan Song sadly. When I had a cold, my Jaipur
the wall as a remembrance. Combining some fruit University Mate was so worried about me, asked me
juice, the creative shop owner could make a delicious very often. This forty five- day journey was a like a
drink with lasting effect. Drinking Lassi we inscribed sweet dreams, so many nice photos, a lot of friends
a comment on the wall-was a good feeling-. Getting that you feel so close to them, so friendly that al-
back to hostel at 5, we went to the roof, it was raining though they were so different from us you can never
cats and dogs, unbelievable to me. forget them.
We departed the city at 10, full of excitement about
unique oriental feelings, Ganges River, hope to be
www.satrapmag.com 51
SOUTHERN INDIA
CUISINE www.satrapmag.com 53
I Indian Southern states means Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala are
well known for their cuisine and cooking. In this part of India, Rice is the main ingredients
and coconut, its milk and oil. Other ingredients are sun-dried Chili, hot green pepper,
southern flavors and seasoning, fruits, local vegetables, special beans, cinnamon, Indian
Tamarind, garlic, banana and local cucumber. In states by Indian Ocean like Andhra Pradesh,
Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala rice is the main ingredients but some other local beans like
Millet(bajra in Portuguese), Cluster corn( Jowara in Portuguese) and a type of wheat(Ragi in
Portuguese) are also common among people. It is noteworthy that High social cast like Brahman
prefer to eat rice. In some parts of Southern India Biased Hindus avoid garlic and onion as
Biased Hindus believes eating these two vegetables intrigue lost in human being and can make
him lose its control
www.satrapmag.com 55
Iranian nobility
beside Indian love-
from Taj Mahal to
Taj Mahal
www.satrapmag.com 57
Taj Mahal hotel, manifestation of
culture and love in Iran capital
I
Takht e Jamshid famous columns
Iranian nobility beside Indian and the doors were designed by
love-from Taj Mahal to Taj Mahal Shiraz and Mashhad artisans. We
were invited to the restaurant by
Taj mahal is a glorious mon- Indian ladies. owners- Mr. Moghadam and Mr.
ument that stands for love and Right now there is a 5 star hotel Asli-. We were welcomed warm-
sweetheart. It is located at and Restaurant with this name- ly up on arrival. It is worth to say
200km South of Delhi This mag- Taj Mahal- The restaurant has that Mr. Asli has good command
nificent building was constr5uct- been launched twenty years ago of four languages. Chatting in the
ed by Iranian architecture and it by Mr. Moghadam and Mr. Asli to restaurant managers Office and
visiting gives a lot of pleasure to stand for Iranian and Indian cul- drinking Indian tea we decided to
tourists. The architect of that are ture nobility and glamour. explore it.
two Iranian architects are Ahmad At the entrance of the restau- First we went to Indian restau-
and Hamid Lahouri. They used rant, there are some columns like rant. Its architecture, warm wel-
their innovation and artistic taste
to combine Iranian and Indian ar-
chitecture to construct the build-
ing in 15 years.
Throughout the history, India
and Iran had a lot of common
features specifically in their mon-
uments and culture .The similar-
ities root in Two nations mutual
interest.
This common culture has de-
veloped mutual relations of two
nations in all through centuries.
For instance Indian ladies spe-
cial dress origin is Iranian ladies
dressing style in Achaemenids.
Nowadays this dress is so beauti-
ful and charming and symbolizes
www.satrapmag.com 59
Mr. Asli says: we tried to
Due to it association with love relations with the complex. Mr. Asli do our best to preserve
and affection, the hotel hosts young explains that they his grandfather Iranian nobility. We would
couples who travel to spend their and mother that started a charity in- like everybody see real
honey moon. This stands for Taj Ma- stitute to help people to rehabilitate Iran and we try to make
hal association with love. from addiction. us of common cultural
According to its manager, the ho- The hotel arrange for the treat- bonds for peace making.
tel hosts a number of grooms and ment of addicted people free of I invited all people of the
brides monthly. To start their mar- charge, doing so it has hired a psy- world to make a visit to
ried life with the same love as the chologist, family counselor and a Iran. Here in this hotel we
king felt for his wife. These young dentist. are ready to host them
couples receive special gifts and at- My visit is almost to be finished. I in Taj Mahal. We are to
tention here. review everything in my mind. I en- host all world lovers and
This location is full of lovers sweet joyed this beautiful name, its asso- specially those who love
memories. Exploring the names we ciation with love, honeymoon, Gilani peace and friendship.
find out Ali and Fatimah, among food; visiting politicians and so on Here in Taj Mahalour main
different names we cant find their are all good memories. aim is to share love and
peace.
RAILWAYS
LABOR CAMPS IN
THE VICINITY OF THESE
RAIL PATHS WERE MADE
THERE RUINS ARE STILL
REMAINED HERE AND
THERE.
IN MOST CASES,
ESPECIALLY IN
MOUNTAINOUS PARTS
OF THE COUNTRY
RAILWAY IS THE ONLY
WAY TO ACCESS. IT HAS
CREATED A HARMONY
BETWEEN RAILWAYS
AND NATURAL
SCENERIES IN A
PERFECT WAY.
STATION
Iran National Railways dates back to 80 years ago and it is still working
today. It has gone through a lot of ups and downs since its construction
necessity has been realized ,its legal act ratification, planning for its con-
struction and inauguration which characterize national railways of Iran
and gives it a historic credit in the country contemporary history.
www.satrapmag.com 63
I In addition, the
county wide rail-
way connects north
to South from
sons convinced Parsyad Compa-
ny-the company is managed by
Mr. Mohsenian,-with Railways of
through the Alborz and Zagros
mountain ranges in north and
south as well as watching out-
(Torkaman Port- to Imam Islamic Republic of Iran (RAI) co- standing sceneries in plains and
Khomeyni Port), Therefore it operation to introduce Iran Rail- deserts of central parts of the
goes through different climatic way to the public. Mohammad country, provides the visitors
conditions in different parts of Mohsenian is a graduate student with an ideal opportunity to en-
Its route. Climate diversity of of archaeology is personally in- joy a memorable journey.
Iran is of influence on its per- terested in Iran railway system In most cases, especially in
spective and usage. he has investigated its different mountainous parts of the coun-
The other issue of concern attractions out of his findings, try railway is the only way to ac-
about Iran railways is lack of he could realize the significance cess. It has created a harmony
public understanding about of this topic for tourism. Today, between railways and natural
its structure and its integrated his group invites travelers to vis- sceneries in a perfect way.
management system. For public, it attractions of railways and get
the concept of railways is just familiar with the history. Toward Technical Attractions
equal to train. However, trains this end, he and his colleagues Construction of Iran railway
like the pointers of a clock are have selected some routes base system has been considered a
only visible parts of a complicat- on railway accessibility and in- backbreaking and frustrating
ed system works based on co- vited travelers to hear the story as there was not many access
ordination and planning. For the of railways in exclusive tourism ways to carry the most re-
public this complexity of design trains. quired equipment and logistics
and construction is not quite Natural Attractions for making railways. Therefore,
clear. Iran Railways goes through the project implementation has
All of above-mentioned rea- the most pristine and eye-catch- been so impressive in terms of
ing attractions of Iran. Passing not only access ways provision
CHATUCHAK
WEEKEND MARKET
terial and tools make the engi- proved to be 28 in a thousand. 80-year-old history. The presence
neers to come up with creative It led to a considerable increase of superpowers like Russia and
solutions and make the best use in rails length -sometimes three England sometimes could direct-
of available facilities. Making use times bigger than the length of ly influence decision making pro-
of stone and concrete together current roads, in mountainous cess, lack of financial sources,
as well as delicacy and accura- districts-. Therefore this railway not easy access ways to trans-
cy in implementation also must features twisty Routes that turn- port the equipment, opponents
be appreciated. Construction of about frequently, going up and and advocates of the railways in
many tunnels in north and south down the mountains and roads, parliament, and the important
is also a matter of concern, con- not so tangible for passengers of role of the railways in World War
structing this railway system. As train-.A view from above will give II are some of its prominent point
www.satrapmag.com 65
Construction of
Iran railway system
has been considered
a backbreaking and
frustrating as there
was not many access
ways to carry the
most required equip-
ment and logistics
for making railways.
Therefore, the pro-
ject implementation
has been so impres-
sive in terms of not
only access ways
provision in remote,
far- reaching areas
but also a technical
masterpiece among
world national rail-
ways. But it is also
considerable in cre-
ating access ways at
the beginning stages
of the project.
www.satrapmag.com 67
ab, Dowgal, Versek, Sorkh Abad, of mountainous districts at mid- Dinner and other meals will be
Do ab. night; therefore, Parsyad train, served in the train.
The schedule consists stops in addition to having tourism sta- In the return route, under the
apart from ordinary stations of tions, enables travelers to visit sunset which is red, there is
north railways. It means that ordinary stations during the day abundant joy. The afternoon
Parsyad train stop at tourism with more patience and time. meal is organized in one of the
stations. Some of these stations One hour after getting on the small stations and travelers will
coincide with ordinary stations train, the packed breakfast will be hosted in a green outdoor
of the railways. Passenger train be served to you while green near the station. Gardeners usu-
of the route are moving at nights, and fertile plains of Varamin ally bring their fruit baskets to
and they pass through stations are evident outside of windows. the stations and travelers most-
ly inspired to buy some fruit. The
nature of north railways from
Tehran to Savadkuh is greatly
variable. When the train is mov-
ing, in addition to colorful nature
of Varamin plain to Garmsar de-
sert, then green gardens of Simin
Dasht and mountainous districts
of Alborz mountain range, sings
of abandoned factories and old
building are also observable.
Golden Line
One of the most interesting
and eventful parts of the Iran
Railways is related to north rail-
ways, specifically mountainous
districts, there is a one-day tour
known as Golden Line which
has been developed by Parsyad
train. The name originates from
www.satrapmag.com 69
three popular golden lines in nascent stages of railways in cause of minerals, called Shor-
north railway where three con- the mind of travelers. They are ab, resulting in a red current in
secutive lines are recognizable buildings and equipment which the depth of the mountain. Shor-
at one side of mountains. Ac- are appealing and wonderfully ab is also important because of
cording to Mr. Mohsenian, this admirable despite the fact that containing clues and elements
part of the north railway is not they are out of usage. of railways. Site seeing and ex-
the only section where three On the rest of the route, high planation of tour guide accom-
lines are located under each oth- Tabrizian trees accompany high panied by tea and local cookie,
er, but due to spectacular view mountains, showing a spectacu- specially made by villagers for
of the Firoozkoh road, stretching lar portray of nature in Kabootar travelers, sweeten the entire
to north railway, it has gained Dare. In addition, sceneries and tour.
fame and popularity. fruit gardens of Simin Dasht and By leaving the Shorab dis-
The Golden Line program is Zarin Dasht are miraculously trict, the mountainous part of
launched from Tehran railway showing off. These are extreme- north railways where popular
which is a station analogous to ly brilliant sceneries that barely elements like Versek Bridge are
age of Iran Integrated Railways. meet travelers and tourism train located is started. However ac-
After moving out of Tehran, the is a great opportunity to visit cording to Mr. Mohsenian, the
train pass across fertile plain them. Explanation about land- bridge is not the toughest and
of Varamin, then Pishva and scapes and events of railways the most expensive one in north
Abardej stations, and entering can help the mind of travelers. railways. But for some reasons,
to beautiful desert of Garmsar By entering to a small village like its role in second world war,
which is a district full of red known as Shorab, travelers visit legends passing from one gen-
mountains with inscriptions, the a unique tourism site in the rout eration to another regarding its
most famous one is known as of north railways. A village that construction, and its relatively
Ezhdeha Kuh, because of salty even its name has merged into great sight from the highway
water currents. By stopping at the name of railways: when con- route, it has excelled its rivals.
Bon Kuh station, ancient equip- struction of the railway tunnel, a In Iran, it is incorrectly believed
ment that are useless resemble water spring is erupted and be- that the integrated railways have
www.satrapmag.com 71
BRAZIL
THE HOST FOR
IRANIAN
GIRL
www.satrapmag.com 73
I never have a travel schedule and I just
know of my departure and returning date
and time due to booking the ticket.
B Brazil as a vast
country with various
climatic conditions,
unique music and various eth-
date and time due to booking
the ticket. During my journey, I
just make plan for tomorrow the
night before. I started my jour-
ware to translate my sentence
to Portuguese to ask about the
waterfall. Thy told me it is locat-
ed at about 6km distance from
nic groups can absorb the tour- ney in Brazil from Rio and went here. After 6 km on highway, you
ists from a lot of countries. The to Blo Horizonte and along the get off the main road to get to
football country is so vast that beach I continued to Sao Pau- waterfall. I took a bus and walk
its visit takes at least about eight lo in southwest toward beauti- to the place. There I could find
months. Miss Sahar Moyed Za- ful waterfall of Fuzdigzo on the caf with interesting decoration.
deh is a young girl who has trav- border line Brazil with Argentina I called the owner but nobody an-
eled alone for about 8 years. and Paraguay. Then I continued swered. I entered but I was in the
He traveled 5700km in Brazil by to Sao Paulo along the seashore kitchen. I asked about the direc-
herself. Staying in villages and and toward Rio de Janeiro. Then tion to waterfall but as they real-
in nature as an Eco tourist and I divided the 527 km distance ized I am not a customer gave me
communicating local people, she between Blo Horizonte to Vitoria a cold shoulder and just told me
could learn about their traditions, to 4 parts to be able to make a that it is a long way to waterfall
customs, conventions and life- visit to the cities and attractions. and it took me three or four hours
style. We will read a part of her On my way I had lunch in a small to walk there. I ordered a cup of
travel experience. town and then I ordered a glass coffee and asked about the over-
I traveled to Brazil alone for of Juice. A wonderful waterfall night stay charge. I tried to start
three months. I never have a took my attention. It is not easy a friendship with the caf owner
travel schedule and I just know to find anybody who can speak in who was a lady named Fabia. Us-
of my departure and returning English in Brazil so I use the soft- ing Google translate we started
www.satrapmag.com 75
when they realized I was alone. her as a memorial. Checking the
To know more about Iran culture meaning of my words Fabia and I
they invited me to lunch. I went cried before leaving. Her two lit-
to Fabias Caf on my returning, tle daughters also hugged me. As
she suggested me to have over- he caf was away from main road
I started my jour-
night stay there. The day after in she asked one of her relatives to ney in Brazil from
the morning she gave me a lot give me a ride to the nearby city Rio and went to
of local handicrafts as gifts and at 20km distance. I have a lot of
I gave he some remembrance sweet memories from Cowboys Blo Horizonte and
from Iran That I took with my- village along the beach I
self and I wrote a text in Farsi for
continued to Sao
Paulo in southwest
toward beauti-
ful waterfall of
Fuzdigzo on the
border line Brazil
with Argentina and
Paraguay.
SHARDEN
ISFAHAN
IN SKY AND STAR IS MORE ATTRACTIVE
I didnt see a city more beautiful and fantastic like Isfahan. Naser Khos-
ro- A well-known Iranian Poet- said this sentence. a description that en-
courages everybody to make a visit to Its magnificent mosques, gardens,
river- Zayandeh Roud-, churches and even Bazars . Through the time thou-
sands of travels from every world corner came to Isfahan to feat their
eyes to its beauty. According to Naser Khosro and Sharden- European
writer- welfare has been a key feature of Isfahan accommodations. In the
past, Caravansaries and gardens host the c city visitors, and now they are
replaced by comfortable modern hotels.
www.satrapmag.com 79
using the update and
standard facilities and
mingling that with Iranian
culture to provide their
guests with sweet and
lasting memories.
www.satrapmag.com 81
Defense against
SCORPION
in Emergency cases
www.satrapmag.com 83
THE PHI PHI IS-
SCORPION
Scorpions eat each other They hide anywhere cool, eye-sight, not to be able to con-
as well as small insects and spi- dry and dark, Under the stones, trol your urinate, too much sa-
ders. in walls holes, under mat and liva and sweet and high blood
During the day it has rest in leaves, wood hole and so on pressure
dark and cool place and at night Dangerous scorpions: In case of body weakness or
it moves and hunts Black and yellow scorpion very strong poison it may cause
When it is intrigued it turns Black scorpion sting is pain- bloody urinate and nervousness
its tail and raises it to it over- ful and yellow sting is painless First Aid right after sting
head. The strong poison of these Keep calm and make the
Invading scorpion just stings scorpions get to its peak in two casualty calm
in case of disturbance and at- to four hours and can cause Physical calmness and tran-
tack heart failure suffocate and seri- quility can reduce the speed of
Each sting discharge the poi- ous breathing troubles poison absorption because of
son bag of it and it has no more In some other types, bloody slow blood circulation
poison after urinate, kidney problem and Carry the casualty to the
Place of living (habitat) numbness is also prevalent. nearest clinic
There are three groups of scor- Call emergency Medical Ser-
pions: Digger, Half Digger and Scorpion sting Symptoms and vice
Non- Digger side effects Lie the casualty before re-
Non-Digger hides under the Scorpion sting is not fatal ceiving the medical help
rocks and so on except in elderly people, kids Lie the injured part of the
Two other types build their and people with serious heart body lower than other parts
nests in sandy and soft soil problem Keep the injured part mo-
They can survive with no The sting place will get bet- tionless to slow down the blood
food and water for 7 months ter after five hours of scratch circulation
During the day light they and bruise. Keep the injured part cool
hide in their nest and get out in The symptoms of sting are: with a bag of Ice- do not let the
darkness to be restless and numb, blurred ice to touch the injured part di-
www.satrapmag.com 85
AFRICAN RED
SCORPION
The farmer
arid land. Behind him, there is a large pit,
BE A DRY LAND. large enough for both cars to fit into, cov-
A
ered to make a shady, seemingly filling up
At dawn, the sky has different with sand.
shades of color, from gorgeous
navy in the west, into bright
blue and finally reaching a fine line of white
These are our fields The farmer said.
His audience didnt seem impressed. He ex-
plains: Since a thousand years ago, people
said.
which is gradually spreading. The roaring were working in these Chals (holes), grow-
sound of two driving cars is muffled within ing different crops. They dog these large
the sea of sand. holes in this region, and maintained them
Drivers are cautious of the road condi- well, and thats what we inherited from our
tions - covered in sand-, passengers are ancestors.
silent and awaiting. They were promised to But Mr. Mehdizadeh, these fields seem
see something they have never seen before, abandoned replies one of the visitors. The
www.satrapmag.com 89
Everyone tries the
watermelons, some are
surprised by the different
taste. The farmer continued, as
he was cutting the watermelons
into smaller pieces: Doctors said
Sonbak watermelons are also ben-
about 8 meters below the surface. Everyone tries the watermelons, some are eficial for prostate and kidney
Wow! is everyones immediate reaction. surprised by the different taste. The farmer diseases.
They all stand on top, and watch the mag- continued, as he was cutting the watermel-
ical farm, as large as 3000 square meters, ons into smaller pieces: Doctors said Sun-
in the middle of nowhere. The surrounding is baked watermelons are also beneficial for
protected with implanted straws and rows of prostate and kidney diseases. them before starting to work. Then in Farvar-
used tires, often filled with sand. The farmer How much watermelon do you harvest din (end of March) we dig holes in the chal.
later explains: Straws and tires protect the every year? Is it enough for you and the fam- Holes of half a meter in diameter and one me-
farm from runny sand, we need to constantly ily? Mr. Mehdizadeh smiled Alhamdulillah ter depth, and each hole is filled with the soil
maintain the Chal, otherwise it will fill up with -(thanks to God)- It is good. From this Chal of the next hole. That way we subsoil all the
sand and cant be used again, just like the -(hole)- I harvest about 5 tons each year. farm and wet soil comes to the surface. We
other holes that you saw earlier. That is a surprisingly good amount from such seed about 6-7 seeds in each hole and it has
But where does the water come from? a hot and unbearable desert. enough water to grow. But then we have to
Asks one of the visitors. The farmer holds Dry farming is not as easy as it sounds, come back and fix the plants by putting pot-
his hands up front: Here! Water is here! especially here where we have to keep the tery on the surface of the soil, the pottery will
He then explained that because of a very sand off and protect the plants against an- protect the roots from burning or the soil from
drought bedrock, water table stands in a high imals and pest. He was right. Many of the losing water, also fixes the roots in the ground
elevation, about 800 meters above sea level, watermelons were half eaten by some an- so they wont be uprooted by strong desert
very close to the surface. That is why since imal. Jackals he says, I need to fix the winds. Then there is also weeding and repair-
many centuries ago, farmers were digging fences around the farm. Jackals love water- ing the sand stoppers.
large and vast holes to reach the fertile soil, melon! So it is an ongoing process
about one meter above the water table, and Do you grow other types of melon? Such Correct, Even after the first harvest in Tir
would grow high uptake crops such as water- as Persian melon? (July), we need to keep the plants maintained
melon. In fact, Mr. Mehdizadehs farm was I have tried before, but you know, we can for the second harvest in Mehr (October).
ready to harvest large watermelons. not use chemical fertilizer and pesticides Interesting, so you also have an autumnal
So, there are no irrigation system. Right? here, and Persian melon usually has problem harvest.
Correct He replies. Then he invites with pests. I am trying to keep this farm as Yes. Those watermelons are smaller and
everyone to check out the crop. Different organic and natural as possible. sweeter than these ones of first harvest!
species of watermelon are growing next to When do you begin the planting process? As sun ascended in the sky, the heat starts
each other. He showed us a large watermel- Before Nowruz. During the winter chals to bother the visitors. They were pleased with
on with light green skin: I used many differ- are filled with sand, so we have to empty this excursion. Who could imagine to see such
ent types of seeds, from the domestic types
with dark skin we used to buy in the past, to
the kinds you see now in the market. I tried
all of them and this type grows well here. It is
not as sweet as the other watermelons, but
it adapts to this climate and grows with little
trouble.
In one side of the farm there was a water
well and a bucket on a short rope. When the
visitors checked the water level, they were
surprised. In less than two meters, clear and
fresh water can be reached
It is potable!
The farmer also had built a sunshade over
a resting area, invited everyone to breakfast.
Tea, bread and cheese are brought from the
city, and watermelons, picked fresh from the
farm. He cut the watermelons in half and
opens them. They looked a little different
from regular watermelons, with a little yellow
shades within the flesh and interesting mul-
ti-color seeds.
You see, these watermelons have thicker
skin, and are not as sweet as regular water-
melons. They have more water and less fruc-
tose, so they are proven to be suitable for
diabetic patients.
Very interesting!
www.satrapmag.com 91
THAI
DIAMOND
Chiang Mai is the largest
C
hiang Mai means new city and
was so named because it be-
city in northern Thailand. It came the new capital of the Lan
Na kingdom when it was founded in 1296.
is the capital of Chiang Mai Despite the constant arrival of planes and
trains full of sightseers, the former seat of
Province. It is 700 km (435 the Lanna kingdom is still blissfully calm
situated amongst the highest batteries with fabulous food and leisurely
wandering. If you dont want to participate
mountains in the country. The in the vast array of activities on offer, just
stroll around the backstreets, and discover
city sits astride the Ping River, a city that is still firmly Thai in its aspect,
atmosphere, and attitude.
a major tributary of the Chao Located amongst forested foothills,
Chiang Mai is much older than it first
Phraya River. appears. During the citys medieval hey-
day, almost everything was made of teak
hauled by elephant from the surrounding
rainforest, with the notable exception of
its towering wt. The monasteries still re-
main, centred on ancient brick chedi (stu-
pas) in a remarkable range of shapes and
styles, but the gaps between them have
been filled in with modern Thai houses
and traveller hotels. Despite this, the his-
www.satrapmag.com 95
RAILAY BEACH
toric centre of Chiang Mai still feels in and surrounding the city that
overwhelmingly residential, more like youll have to plan well to fit them
a sleepy country town than a bustling all in, and this is where these top
capital.
A sprawling modern city has grown
four Chiang Mai Attractions come
in very handy. Wat Chedi
up around ancient Chiang Mai, sur-
rounded by a tangle of highways, but
Doi Suthep
Doi Suthep is a constant part Luangs massive
if you drive in a straight line in any
direction, youll soon find yourself in
of life in Chiang Mai. A Thai say-
ing goes, If you havent tasted
chedi (pagoda)
the lush green countryside of northern
Thailand. A short ride by motorcycle
Khao Soi or seen the view from
Doi Suthep, you havent been to
was built sometime
or chartered rt daang (red truck)
will deliver you to pristine rainforest
Chiang Mai. This regal moun-
tain overlooks the city from the
between 1385 and
reserves, churning waterfalls, serene northwest, providing command- 1402,
forest wt, bubbling hot springs and ing views from its summit. Aside
peaceful country villages as well as from its dominating presence on
a host of adventure camps, elephant the horizon, Doi Suthep is the
sanctuaries and souvenir markets. In home of some of the most deep-
fact, there are so many places to see ly loved symbols in the Kingdom.
www.satrapmag.com 97
In 1981 Doi Suthep, Doi Pui and
Doi Buakha, along with the 161 LUXURY TRAVEL
square kilometres (62 square
miles) of forest in which they THAILAND
are located, became Thailands
24th national park. A year later a
100 square kilometre (38 square
mile) annex was added, bringing
the parks total area up to 261
square kilometres (100 square
miles). Dense forests hang from
the mountains shoulders like a
cloak; deciduous at lower ele-
vations and evergreen near the
peaks of the mountains.
KHAO SOK
NATIONAL PARK
Home to the largest expanse of virgin forest in Thailand, Kao Sok National Park is a must-visit
destination for people who want to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Thailand.
www.satrapmag.com 99
FULL MOON PARTY
AT HAAD RIN
www.satrapmag.com 101
la-making heritage. Cultural pa- corners of the Old City. A floral but nowhere sees as much wa-
rades, performances, umbrel- parade, the biggest highlight, ter flying as Chiang Mai, which
la-making workshops and crafts is not to be missed. Starting at makes it one of the most popular
sales fill the festivals three-day 8:00 (Sat) along Charoen Muang places in the whole of Southeast
itinerary. The one-kilometre Road, the parade progresses Asia to visit in mid-April, par-
street is transformed into a festi- across Nawarat Bridge, then ticularly with overseas tourists
val ground, with shops and hous- down Tha Pae Road before cul- and backpackers. The Songkran
es. minating at Buak Haad Park in holiday lasts from 13th 15th
Flower Festival Location the southwestern corner of the April 2016, and the whole of
Nawarat Bridge-Tha Pae Gate- city wall. the road around the old part of
Buak Haad Park, Old City the ancient city becomes one
CHATUCHAK
WEEKEND MARKET
www.satrapmag.com 103
VARAN C.I.P co. have officially started its
business, targeting luxury services with highest
quality for important commercial and political
individuals and groups. Regarding that the
chief managers of VARAN co. are the executive
managers of Imam Khomeini airports C.I.P
station, VARAN co. using their expertise and
experiences in this very short time since its
beginning have achieved:
www.satrapmag.com 105
106 International Travel Guide
musical instrument for a while.
Our first day of journey was
concurrent to Ahmad birthday.
We dont have cake here, I prob-
ably buy a cake from supermar-
ket and put a match on it to blow
and celebrate his birthday. This
is the only thing I can do. I had
a very good night. I went to bed
at 10:30 and got up at 7 in the
morning. With a woodpecker bill
sound it hit its bill strongly to
a tree trunk. W had a breakfast
and loaded our saddle bags once
more at 8:30; we had a gap with
Mr.Mojtaba. Finally we left at a
quarter to ten toward Khalkhal.
It was half cloudy and there was
no wind. We pedaled with a suit-
able speed on a sloppy road with
5 to 10 percentage of gradient.
At 11:30 we got to a supermar-
ket. We had some rest and a cold
drink. We bought canned food
for lunch and dinner. An old man
asked us about our bikes and we
answered him. After 20 more km
we realized we left our shopping
with the old man, so we had cake,
bread, fig and dates for lunch.
After some rest we continued
the way at 3 oclock and got to
a restaurant. We ordered one
food and we shared it. We con-
tinued and the path was getting
more and more attractive. Going
through a lot of road small and big
defiles, after that we had a dan-
gerous slop with 20 km length.
We passed it carefully and after
80 more km bike riding we got to
Sarcham well-known Tunnels It
includes 12 tunnels- passing two
tunnels with our headlights on,
we realized that Pir naghi suspen-
sion Bridge is near so we got out
of the main road and we contin-
ues on the side road and walked
a part of path for 10 minutes-we
locked our bikes to trees-. Pass-
ing this suspension bridge be-
cause of its shaking is so excit-
ing. The bridge is constructed on
deep valleys. . It has been made
of weak wood peace fastened by
www.satrapmag.com 107
ropes Its location is near Hasht-
jin Town in suburb of Khalkhal
and at the connecting point of
Givi Chai and Ghezel Ozan Riv-
ers. The bridge is quite similar
to scary bridges round the world
with 70 meters length and one
meter width, at the height of
60 meters on the river. Passing
this bridge you may need prop-
er shoes and anorak and proba-
bly a little courage. Passing the
bridge the river voice and dews
of falling water from mount slop
as well as cool breeze make the
ambiance more dreamlike. A
beautiful cream, full of excite-
ment on 70 meters of height is
so memorable. Gheze Ozan River
was glamorous. We went back to
our bikes; it was about 7 in the
evening. We had saffron tea to-
gether. We made spaghetti and
beans for dinner and had an ear-
ly night to be ready for tomorrow,
as the path is uphill and w were
going to Givi Spa. Probably we
could get to Khalkhal.
Today is Friday May the 10th
We got up at 7: 30 after a good
night sleep. We started our day
energetically. The place of our
tent was full of cockroach and
our bag was full of them, so for
half an hour we shook our lug-
gage. Interestingly, there was
a crab in our kettle, although
its door was closed. We packed
and after a small breakfast we
started our day travel.at about
10 we were on the main road, it
was uphill, we were at 960 meter
height from sea level. We passed
through ten more tunnels. Lorry
drivers help us a lot. After 17 km
uphill with 9 km average speed
w got to a junction. Khalkhal was
on the right and Ardebil and Givi
on the right.. we liked to go spa
for some swimminig and rest
but we decided to go to kalkhal.
30km distance to Khalkhal. We
pedaled 23km uphill road with
disagreed wind. The wind was so
hard that our speed sometimes
www.satrapmag.com 109
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL GUIDE Issue 01
MASTER OF TRIP September 2017
@ amirenayatii