Masuleh & Roodkhan Castle

Gilan Province

One of the highlights of northern Iran is Masuleh and next to that lies the castle of Roodkhan. The Sassanian-built fortress was reconstructed later by the Ismaili people i.e. the assassins of Alamut valley. When we reach to Fuman, here it goes with a jungle-road of 25 kilometers to the castle. The castle stands at the altitude of around 700 meters above the sea level and we step up around one thousand stairs to reach it. The entrance path of the stair-way is full by different restaurants, handcraft shops and photography studios with the local clothes which practically force you to take a picture.

  And here starts a trip of one thousand steps! The good thing is that this hike is being done at the shadows of trees and from time to time you see a huge tree felt at the path.

And finally after about 1000 steps, it`s over and we are up in the castle. The castle almost remains like a live castle and it is not comparable with Alamut castle. One of the biggest differences is the height, with Almut castle, almost with 600 steps you reach to the castle and you are at the altitude of 2150 meters above the sea level. But here after 1000 steps, you reach to around 700 meters of altitude!

 

  After the hike, on the way back to the entrance, having a cup of Iranian tea which is prepared on coals not gas fire, can give you a good feeling of relaxing.

   Visit and hike to the castle is over and now we head towards Masuleh. On the way we should pass Fuman and there we can have our lunch and buy some special cookie called Fuman (walnut) Cloocheh.

With a half an hour drive, we reach to Masuleh. A village where you can see the combination of jungle, mountain, village. When you walk at the balcony of a house, in fact you are at the roof of the down floor.

 

And finally we are done by another nice day. Today`s tour was with a lovely French couple. And we finish the day while we have found other companions. Thanks to all of them!