Qazvin
is the hub to visit Castles of the Assassins situated at Alamut Valley. And
among the ruins, Lamiasar Castle (at Razmiyan) and Alamut Castle (at Gazor
Khan) are the 2 most famous spots. Renting a taxi is the easiest and best way
to explore the valley. All sites could be combined into a single day program.
Scenery
was superb while driving on the fairly good quality mountain roads, the snows
covered all the mountain peaks, carpeting agricultural farmlands… so refreshing!
Lamiasar
Castle, only ruins remained but quite beautiful still, it was set on the sheer
cliffs. Based on the pieces of stones scattered around and those remain intact,
its once grandeur structure could be imagined and estimated. Broken pieces of
earthenware (probably all antiques) were spotted here and there but I didn’t
collect any as souvenir. My driver was so excited hoping me to help him digging
out some treasures buried beneath.
Evan
Lake was not really magnificent, not worth a special detour. Lake was quite small
and water was green.
Alamut
Castle was perched on top of a hill. The climbing on the staircase was quite
strenuous, but rewarded with a splendid mountain and town view. This site is more
beautiful than Lamiasar, as well as better preserved.
The
way home was a bit hair raising. The driver had headache and asked me to drive.
The old car (Peykan) has no power steering, and I'm not familiar with
mountainous curves and slopes. Probably he sensed that I was too slow and less
confident, he repossessed the steering again after 10 min :) It was getting
dark, he sped to rush. It took 3hr to get back to Qazvin.
So adorable... big round eyes that make lots of Asians jealous.
Curiosity.
Rah Kushk Gate.
Rah Kushk Gate details.
4 young men, but we couldn't communicate.
The old taxi that I rent for the trip to Castles of Assassins.
Clouds captured within the mountains.
Farmlands sprawling in the valley.
An old village.
Lamiasar Castle, only ruins remain.
The driver was eagerly looking for some treasures.
Snow carpet.
Evan Lake, not really spectacular.
Snows covered the farmlands.
Snows covered the farmlands.
Alamut Castle on top of the hill.
Quite strenuous to climb up to Alamut Castle.
View of Gazor Khan from the hilltop.
Maintenance and protection were being installed.
Archeologists were working on preservation.
