TEHRAN – Beyond the celebrated destinations such as Isfahan, Shiraz and Persepolis lies another side of Iran, one of mountain fortresses, ancient rock carvings, little-explored archaeological sites, colorful islands and remote desert villages, to name a few, where traditional ways of life endure.
Stretching from the Caspian Sea to the Persian Gulf and from the Zagros Mountains to the central deserts, Iran boasts an extraordinary diversity of landscapes and cultural heritage, much of which remains outside conventional tourist itineraries.
For travelers willing to venture beyond the familiar routes, such lesser-known destinations offer a different perspective on Iran, revealing a country whose historical depth and natural diversity extend far beyond its best-known attractions.
Here is a selection of nine places worth discovering:
Alamut Valley: Castles in the heart of the Alborz
Set amid the rugged Alborz Mountains in northern Iran, Alamut Valley is a landscape of steep cliffs, green valleys, traditional villages and medieval fortifications. Its most famous landmark, Alamut Castle, which along with a satellite of other associated ruins, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, occupies a dramatic rocky outcrop overlooking the surrounding terrain.
The fortress is closely associated with Hasan-i Sabbah, the leader of the Nizari Ismaili community who established his stronghold there in the late 11th century.
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