Ghale Rudkhan

When it comes to a journey, Iranians are like, “cool, let’s go and have fun in the Caspian Sea!” In the last couple of years, packs of people, predominantly Tehranis, hit the north to escape from all the hustle and bustle of the large city and shelter in the gorgeous villas and suites along the coast. But there is more to the north of Iran that the brilliant sea, which is a usual destination once holidays arrive.

Today, I am thrilled to bring up an extraordinarily impressive option right in the north of the country.

A historic castle, Ghale Rudkhan is beautifully nestled on top of the forest hills, 20 km southwest of Fooman, Gilan Province. According to the experts, the fortress was developed in the Sassanid eras, coincided with Arabs invasion.

Nationally registered heritage site, the treasured castle with its dramatic strategic and military structure was restored in the Seljuk era and served as the combat headquarters for the Ismaili community.

On its portal inscription, it has been engraved that the castle has been recovered from 1512 to 1515 for Sultan Hessam-oldin. He was the first governor who disobeyed the Safavid and built up the castle to resist against them but all to no avail.

Encompassing an area of 2.6 hectares, the solid castle lies at a height of 665 to 715 m. above the sea level, in a village carrying the same name. The castle holds 65 towers and ramparts, some of which still intact, and a 1500-m long walls.

The exceptional building is reached by a flight of steps carved in an expanse of steep land. It might in some ways remind you of the glory of Great Wall of China.

If you drive your own car there, you will need to pay an entrance fee for parking. After getting a ticket, you will be given a map.

There are guides to whom you can refer for more information.

All the way through, you will see local restaurants and snack booths which are good for some refreshments.

You can visit the elevated lands throughout the year but you are recommended to have a summer or springtime visit as you will enjoy your hiking through the profuse trees and lawn-filled hills. Cold seasons are nice too but you should come prepared as far as clothing and shoes are concerned.

The glorious fortifications are open to public from 8 am to 7 pm in summer and spring and from 8 am to 4 pm during cold seasons.

Note:

If you plan to stay in the land overnight, watch out for wild animals.

Make sure to wear comfortable pair of shoes as you will have to take many steps.

Apply sun cream if you are going to visit the castle in daytime.