NORTHWEST IRAN
THE ALBORZ MOUNTAINS
Snowy volcanoes rise from wide-open mountain steppe and semi-deserts rich in spring bulbs. A broad swathe of Caspian Forest stretches almost unbroken and undamaged from the borders of Azerbaijan to the far east of the Alborz, a distance of almost eight hundred kilometres.
Under the freshly greened forest are the large pale yellow flowers of Paeonia mlokosewitschii. In nearby steppe we'll find ivory white Paeonia wilmottiana with Fritillaria kotschyana, tall Hollyhocks, Aquilegia olympica, beautiful large Poppies and the amazing scarlet broomrape Phelypaea tournefortii. Some of the world's most gorgeous Irises bloom in these hardly-explored mountains, the elegantly pointed blooms of Iris acutiloba lineolata chief amongst them. Other oncocyclus irises include the locally abundant butterscotch-lined blooms of Iris meda and rare Iris barnumae demawendica. The cream and yellow flowers of Iris imbricata are a joy to see among Muscari pseudomuscari and Corydalis, and in steppe to the west we'll see massed blue and white Iris spuria musulmanica. A brilliant area for the typical mountain birds of the Middle-east, we'll see lots of Crimson-winged Finches, Scarlet Rosefinches and Lammergeier too. Clouded Apollos and Gerhard's Black Hairstreaks fly above some wonderful groups of tulips, red systola and montana, the latter sometimes yellow, and also palest pink Tulipa humilis. The very fine Fritillaria olivieri adorns stream banks where golden Buttercups, deep blue Bellevalias and lots of bright pink Primula auriculata combine for a memorable show. Fritillaria zagrica offers its yellow-tipped dark chocolate bells on alpine gravels with Merenderas, Colchicums and icy Puschkinias. One of the most sacred sites of Zoroastrianism, a fire temple known as the 'Throne of Solomon' is situated in a volcanic landscape by a mysterious lake, brilliantly clear but dark as night due to its depth. An extension to incomparable Isfahan offers further cultural immersion!
INFORMATION
Focus
Flowers, Birds, Butterflies, Reptiles, Landscapes and Historical Sites.
Leaders
Walking
Quite easy, no more than three or four miles in any one day, and always at a slow pace.
Included in the Price
All flights. All accommodation, transport and meals in Iran. Services of your leaders. Please note: items of a personal nature including insurance, visas, and tips, are not included.
Group Size
Minimum is 4 and the maximum is 15.
Accommodation
A fair to good standard of accommodation throughout. On the Caspian Coast we have a night in a good hotel at Chalus and then we move back over the Alborz to Khalkhal where we have five nights in the Tourist Inn. One of a chain of government sponsored hotels aimed at tourists and business travellers to less well-known parts of the country, this is a pleasant hotel with large rather basic rooms. Next are two nights at a similar Tourist Inn in Zanjan. In Tankab we stay at the quiet and welcoming Hotel Randji and in Qazvin we've two nights at the Marmar Hotel on the edge of town. The last night will be at the four-star Howzeyeh Hotel in Tehran. The extension to Isfahan takes us to comfortable four star Sadaf Hotel. All rooms on this tour have en suite facilities.
Climate
Variable. Mostly warm, clear and sunny in the day, and cool at night. However rain is likely at times and can be prolonged and then it can be cold on the high passes.
How To Book
Download a booking form (or contact us and we will send one to you)from the Booking Information section. Complete and send to us. You will receive confirmation of your place and a detailed information pack will be dispatched to you about twelve weeks before departure. Flower, bird and mammal checklists are available.
