IBIZA’S SECOND SEASON BEGINS IN SEPTEMBER

As European travel habits continue to evolve, September is emerging as one of the most appealing months to visit Ibiza.
New research from the European Travel Commission suggests travellers are increasingly embracing the shoulder season, with September bookings rising across Europe as visitors look to avoid the heat and crowds of peak summer. At the same time, holidays are becoming shorter, with four- to six-night breaks now the most common trip length across Europe, replacing the longer week or two-week holiday. Ibiza is well placed to benefit from this shift.
While July and August remain the island’s busiest months, September and October offer a noticeably gentler pace without losing the atmosphere that has made Ibiza one of Europe’s most enduring Mediterranean destinations. The sea remains warm enough for swimming, restaurant reservations become easier to secure, beaches feel less crowded, and village life returns to its familiar rhythm. At the same time, internationally renowned DJs continue their residencies, menus begin to reflect the changing seasons, and long lunches naturally stretch into evenings beneath the stars.
Within the space of a long weekend, visitors can move effortlessly between wellness, gastronomy, beaches, countryside and world-class music, experiencing several distinct sides of the island without travelling far. Island Hospitality’s collection of venues reflects that breadth of experience, spanning the shoreline, the marina, the countryside and the island’s music scene.
Slower mornings by the sea
Mikasa Ibiza, the group’s sixteen-room boutique hotel overlooking Marina Botafoch and the UNESCO-listed skyline of Dalt Vila, offers a restful and welcoming home away from home, complete with plant-forward cafe and rooftop yoga sessions. Guests are within walking distance of the marina’s many restaurants and boutiques, the sandy shores of Talamanca Beach and, after dark, some of Ibiza’s best-known clubs, while remaining just far enough away to offer a calmer place to stay.
Nearby, Beachouse Ibiza settles into a different rhythm as the season changes. Mornings begin with yoga on the sand before breakfast gives way to long lunches overlooking the Mediterranean. By September, guests linger later into the afternoon, while cooler evenings make outdoor dining feel even more inviting. Moonlit Dinners continue every Friday and Saturday throughout the season, before the year’s final LUNAR gathering on 26 September brings together Mediterranean dining, music and community beneath the full moon.
Beyond the coastline
Around twenty minutes inland, Santa Gertrudis offers a different perspective on Ibiza. Independent boutiques, galleries and cafés surround the village square, while Finca La Plaza, housed within a centuries-old finca, reflects the changing season through ingredient-led Mediterranean cooking. Menus evolve with the harvest, while charcoal, citrus and locally sourced produce remain at the heart of the kitchen’s approach. As the evenings become cooler, dinner naturally stretches into another course and another bottle of wine beneath the courtyard’s palms and citrus trees.
After dark
While the beaches become quieter, Ibiza’s music calendar continues well into autumn. Chinois maintains its programme of internationally acclaimed artists throughout September and October, including residencies from Defected, Claptone presents Masquerade, La Troya and Bedouin presents SAGA.
For many visitors, Ibiza will always be associated with the height of summer, but those returning to the island are increasingly discovering that September and October offer something different: warm seas, seasonal cooking, cooler evenings and the opportunity to experience more of Ibiza in a shorter stay.
VENUE INFORMATION
BEACHOUSE IBIZA
Beachouse Ibiza, Platja d’en Bossa, 07817 Sant Jordi de ses Salines, Ibiza
beachouseibiza.com | @beachouse_ibiza
FINCA LA PLAZA
Finca La Plaza, Plaça de l’Església 5, 07814 Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera, Ibiza
fincalaplaza.com | @fincalaplaza
MIKASA IBIZA
Mikasa Ibiza, Carrer d’Ibosim 11, 07800 Ibiza
mikasaibiza.com | @mikasaibiza
CHINOIS IBIZA
Chinois Ibiza, Passeig Joan Carles 17, 07800 Ibiza
chinois.com |  @chinoisibiza

Alexander Prison

The unknown is always mesmerizing. The darkness that surrounds Alexander Prison in Yazd has always drawn the attention of visitors. “Ziaiyeh School” or “Iskandar/Alexander Prison” is definitely one of the most historically remarkable tourist spots in Yazd. The very importance partially lies in its uncertain story behind it. Structurally speaking, entering the building is through a very small, narrow door, but when you step into the yard, you will shockingly see the majesty of a construction that is really striking and unique in its own Ilkhanid style. There are many interesting wonders about Ziaiyeh School, but the one that sounds significant is the way its dome is highly similar in shape to the dome of the Twelve Imam Shrine that is situated in its neighborhood.

 

Alexander Prison was registered in Iran’s National Heritage list in 1967. Many shops selling handicrafts are located there, where the tourists can buy Persian souvenirs and, more importantly, witness the artistic process of their production. Historically speaking, Alexander Prison has been with us for eight centuries, and is still solidly safe like a strong rock in the middle of the desert area of Iran. As inferred by the stories and some sayings, Alexander Prison was built by Alexander the Great when he was invading Rey in the north of Iran, in an area that was called “ Khteh ”, the place that we know as Yazd city presently. Following that time, Yazdgerd I, the king of the Sassanid dynasty, ordered the foundation of a city in that area, which he named “ Yazdan Gerd”.

 

It is worth mentioning that there is no reliable historical or scientific document authenticating the relationship of Alexander the Great to this monument, but as mentioned earlier, it is only based on the stories and oral folktales of the Yazd people. However, strategically, Yazd city was a very suitable place for the formation and distribution of the Greek military forces, leading to the capture of Media and Great Persia by Alexander the Great. Geographically, the pathway was very important, which made this presupposition very likely. The old road and the station of the traditional mailmen who were passing to Kerman and Khorasan willy-nilly had to pass through Yazd city. So, reasonably speaking, it was not unlikely that an area existed for the adversaries of Alexander the Great in the place that is currently Yazd city.

 

From oral evidence, we can infer that the relationship to the monument to Alexander makes sense. There are many quotations from Alexander that people from Yazd mention regarding his invasion of Persia. His exile to Yazd city is also referred to by the Yazd citizens. We can even refer to the way people of that period were scared of Alexander and how they deeply hated him. Based on these historical and anthropological signs, we can conclude that the very labeling of Ziaiyeh School as Alexander Prison is not irrelevant. The anthropologist and the researchers of Yazd city during the 9th century AH, figures like the great historians Kateb and Jafari, related the source of the word “ Katheh” to the written evidence of Alexander Prison. Originally, they considered Katheh as the beginning shape of Yazd city, constructed by the direct decree of Alexander.

 

They considered this monument to be a place that is referred to in literary documents as “ Zulqarnain Prison”. This is exactly what Hafiz, the Persian poet of the fourteenth century, has referred to: “My heart is filled with the horror of Alexander’s Prison/ I pack my bag and leave for Suleiman’s land”. Following the decay of the building, a ditch appeared in one of its sections where an underground prison was found. That is why the likelihood of the presence of Alexander’s Prison became even stronger and more reliable following that discovery. However, when the archeologists reexamined the site, they found that this underground cell might have belonged to a water supply plan. Following that discovery onward, one can find out how genius Persian people were to design underground systems for water supply in a dry land like Yazd. Within this context, the majority of archaeologists do not approve of the likelihood of a prison in that spot.

 

Anyhow, what matters regarding the very building is the unique structure of Ziaiyeh School or Alexander Prison. Although the form of the building seems very simple, the detailed beauty of its structure reveals the wisdom and unique artistic taste of that epoch. Amazingly, there is nowhere in this building that the architect used any kind of tile work as an embellishment. It simply consists of raw clay. According to the engineering findings, this method was quite intentional in order to make the building quite endurable and long-lasting. The style appears in the Azari architectural form, which is very specific to the style of Architecture after the invasion of the Arabs and the beginning of the Islamic era and the Ilkhanid period in Iran. The experts also call this style “Mongol” or “Iranian/Mongol” school of art. The process for building this monument was bipartite, meaning that the construction had two stages. The first stage dealt with constructing the antique tomb’s dome, which took place during the Mongol invasion of Iran. At that time, it was not in the shape of the building designed for a school.

 

Following the next 200 years, the second phase of the building continued, which was at the beginning of the eighth century AH, when the grandson of the architect who constructed the building in its first phase, built a school close to the dome area. Now that you have experienced roaming in the historical stories of the so-called Alexander Prison, it is time to get refreshed by the restaurants where fragrances of Persian foods and the local cuisines of Yazd can be tasted, this time with no similarity or not even a small trace to the Greek commander Alexander. It is one hundred percent Iranian. The restaurants are so cozy and worth sitting and enjoying your very Persian meal. Tahmoures Historical Restaurant is, without doubt, the first choice that suits the ancient ambience of the site. Karisma, Fooka, Emarat, Dragon, Marco Polo, Termeh, and Tanoorak are among the best restaurants in the neighborhood of Ziaiyeh School. Koohan, Firoozeh, Hooman, Fahadan, Laleh, and Sharbaaf are the great hotels where you can stay and enjoy the lovely traditional atmosphere of the nearby site.

 

UNESCO-listed Alamut reflects Iran’s military architecture, enduring cultural legacy

Iran’s “Alamut Castle and Related Fortifications” was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List on Sunday during the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea, becoming the country’s 30th tangible cultural heritage property to receive the designation.
In an interview with Miras-e Aria, Labaf-Khaniki said sites admitted to UNESCO’s World Heritage list possess values that extend beyond national boundaries and are considered significant for humanity as a whole.
“Such values must not only have shaped identity in the past, but also continue to inspire people today and represent human civilization for future generations,” he said.
Labaf-Khaniki, one of Iran’s leading archaeologists and a recipient of the country’s “Everlasting Figure” cultural heritage distinction, said Alamut Castle occupies a prominent place in Iranian history because of its association with the Ismailis and its role during periods of political conflict.
Iranian archaeologist Rajab-Ali Labaf-Khaniki in an undated photo
He said the Ismailis, centered at the mountain fortress of Alamut, became an influential political and religious movement whose opposition to ruling powers stemmed from a combination of religious beliefs, political aspirations and what he described as patriotic motivations.
According to Labaf-Khaniki, the castle’s historical importance is also linked to resistance against the Abbasid Caliphate and later the Mongol invasions. He said the Mongol ruler Hulagu Khan entered Iran with two principal objectives: eliminating the Ismaili movement and overthrowing the Abbasid Caliphate in Baghdad, both of which were ultimately achieved.
Turning to the site’s architecture, Labaf-Khaniki described Alamut as an exceptional example of military and residential design.
“Architecture is the setting for human life,” he said, adding that Alamut should be viewed not only as a political and military stronghold but also as a remarkable architectural achievement.
He said the fortress contains an extensive range of functional spaces, including residential quarters, defensive installations designed to withstand sieges, and elite sections whose scale and structural sophistication rivaled those of royal palaces.
The combination of monumental construction, carefully selected building materials, and refined architectural decoration demonstrates the engineering capabilities of medieval Iranian builders, he said.
Labaf-Khaniki said the site’s architectural, historical, cultural and social significance, together with its lasting influence on human civilization, justified its inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

Emirates redefines Economy Class journeys with world’s first U-Dream headrest

Emirates is revealing another world first in the sky, transforming journeys for Economy Class passengers with the introduction of the U-Dream Headrest – a game-changing new seat addition that enables Economy Class customers to experience a whole new level of support and comfort inflight. Backed by a significant investment, installation is already underway across Emirates’ fleet, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to helping Economy Class customers fly better.
The U-Dream is a multi-way adjustable headrest designed to provide full neck and head support during sleep or relaxation, which will be incorporated onto Emirates Economy Class seats across all Emirates A350s and most of its Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s. As the first airline in the world to introduce it, the U-Dream headrest is already garnering outstanding praise from Emirates customers.
As part of Emirates’ innovative Z400 seat by Safran Seats, the leather U-Dream headrest is padded and features flexible side wings that can be folded inwards to gently cradle the head and neck. This helps passengers maintain a comfortable sleeping position without their head falling forwards or sideways. The design moves vertically and tilts to align with passengers of different heights and body types, providing personalised comfort throughout the flight. The U-Dream has been independently tested and verified to meet the rigorous aviation safety standards of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Emirates is introducing the advanced headrest at scale, giving Economy Class customers an enhanced level of ergonomic support typically associated with premium cabins.
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, said:
‘Emirates never rests on its laurels when it comes to customer experience, and we have found a way to significantly improve the comfort for Economy Class passengers, especially those travelling long-haul. The U-Dream changes the game if the person wants to sleep – by supporting the neck in full. No more neck pillows needed. It’s another innovation that shows our commitment to customers and cements our Economy Class as the best.’
Customers are reporting that the U-Dream headrest is easy to adjust and use, and Emirates cabin crew are also trained to assist customers where needed. The leather headrest is designed to be easily wiped down and is cleaned after every flight.
Currently already in the sky on 3 x A350 aircraft, Emirates is installing more as quickly as possible. In collaboration with Safran Seats, all Emirates’ A350 aircraft will have the U-Dream headrest installed by the end of the year. The U-Dream headrest will also come pre-installed on all 270 Boeing 777Xs that Emirates has ordered. From 2027 onwards, U-Dream headrest installation will also begin on Emirates’ retrofitted Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s.
Emirates has redefined the Economy Class experience by combining exceptional comfort, award-winning hospitality and industry-leading innovation across one of the world’s largest international networks. From gourmet dining, the world’s largest entertainment library in the sky, complimentary Wi-Fi, thoughtful amenities and renowned service – Emirates continues to set the benchmark for Economy travel.
Designed for long-haul comfort
Every Emirates flight is operated by a widebody Airbus A380, A350 or Boeing 777, giving Economy Class customers the benefits of wider cabins, more spacious aisles, larger overhead bins and improved cabin comfort. Ergonomically designed seats, generous legroom, mood lighting and personal entertainment screens help customers arrive feeling more refreshed. On the latest Airbus A350, customers also enjoy spacious 3-3-3 seating, large 13.3-inch 4K screens, USB-C charging, higher ceilings and Emirates’ latest multi-dimensional adjustable headrests, designed to provide enhanced neck support for better rest on long journeys.
The world’s largest entertainment library in the sky
Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment ice offers more than 6,500 channels of content, making it the largest entertainment library available onboard any airline. Customers can enjoy thousands of movies, TV programmes, documentaries, music albums, podcasts and live sport from leading providers including HBO Max, Disney+, Paramount+, BBC, Discovery+, Shahid and Spotify. Younger travellers are equally well catered for, with dedicated children’s content, specially designed headphones and multiplayer games.
Fast, free connectivity above the clouds
Emirates is introducing Starlink across its fleet, bringing fast, reliable internet to customers at 40,000 feet. Economy Class customers can stream, browse, work, game and stay connected with friends and family throughout their journey. 1 million connections to Starlink have already been made by Emirates customers, who praise the speedy service as ‘better than home’.
Exceptional dining – a frequent flyers award winner
Complimentary multi-course meals and beverages are served on every Emirates flight, regardless of route length. Menus are inspired by regional cuisines and complemented by soft drinks, tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages where available. Emirates regularly delights customers with extras such as warm cookies, popcorn and ice cream on selected routes, while a wide range of special meals caters for different dietary requirements. In the recent 2026 Best Airline Food and Drinks Survey, Emirates leads the way when it comes to premium dining in the sky and was ranked as the best for Economy Class meals, as well as Business Class meals and cocktails – as voted by thousands of frequent flyers.
World-class hospitality
With cabin crew representing 140 nationalities and speaking more than 70 languages, Emirates delivers a consistently warm and personalised onboard experience. Every crew member is trained to the airline’s global hospitality standards in the Emirates Centre of Hospitality Excellence Dubai, ensuring attentive service for every customer, with specialist care for families, children and passengers requiring additional assistance.
Made for families
Emirates has long been recognised as one of the world’s most family-friendly airlines. Children’s meals, complimentary baby food and infant essentials, baby changing facilities, children’s entertainment, pillows, blankets and age-appropriate activity packs help make travelling easier for families from take-off to landing.
Thoughtful touches throughout the journey
Long-haul Economy customers receive complimentary amenity kits created in partnership with United for Wildlife, while children receive collectible travel kits, toys and Emirates’ Fly with Me activity magazine. These small details reflect Emirates’ commitment to making every journey more comfortable and enjoyable.
A network customers can rely on
Emirates connects customers across six continents through its Dubai hub, offering seamless long-haul travel with a consistently high standard of service. The airline also handles almost three million bags every month, achieving a remarkable 99.9% baggage handling success rate – one of the best records in global aviation.
Rewarding every journey
With Emirates Skywards, customers can earn and redeem Miles on flights, upgrades, hotels, shopping and exclusive experiences. Young travellers can also join Skywards Skysurfers, allowing the whole family to earn Miles together from an early age.

Thailand announces updated visa measures and prepares to launch new THIM travel app

Thailand is introducing a series of updated visa measures designed to simplify entry arrangements while strengthening security and making the system easier for international travellers to understand. The revised measures have been approved by the Thai Cabinet and will come into effect 15 days after publication in the Royal Gazette, with current entry requirements remaining in place until then.
Under the updated framework, the previous 60-day visa exemption will be replaced by revised country-specific arrangements, following the principle of “one country, one entitlement”.
“For travellers from the UK and Ireland, the changes are expected to have little impact on holidays as most British and Irish visitors travel to Thailand for two to three weeks. They will continue to enjoy 30-day visa-exempt travel once the revised measures take effect. Those planning longer stays should check the latest entry requirements with the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate before travelling to ensure they have the most appropriate visa for the duration of their itinerary,” explains Worapa Angkhasirisap, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, UK & Ireland.
Visitors already in Thailand, or those arriving before the new rules take effect, will continue to be covered by their existing permitted length of stay.
Alongside these changes, Thailand is continuing to enhance the visitor experience through digital innovation with the pilot launch of the Thailand Immigration Management (THIM) mobile app, ahead of its expected full launch in August 2026.
The optional app enables travellers to complete their mandatory Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) registration more quickly by scanning passport details, storing travel information and registering groups of up to 10 people in just a few minutes. THIM is not an additional arrival requirement and does not replace the TDAC at this stage. Looking ahead, the app is expected to expand to include digital immigration services, appointment booking, and direct access to the Tourist Police 24-hour assistance service, making travel to Thailand even more seamless in the future.

The best European holiday destinations for pregnant travellers in 2026

With summer in full swing and peak holiday season fast approaching, many holidaymakers will be finalising their travel plans.
For expecting parents, choosing a holiday destination often means balancing relaxation with comfort, accessibility, and convenience. Whether it’s a short-haul escape with warm weather and beautiful beaches or a peaceful place to unwind before the baby arrives, finding the right destination makes all the difference. So, which European destinations are the best places to go on holiday when pregnant?
To find out, JoJo Maman Bébé has analysed over 30 popular European holiday destinations using factors important to pregnant travellers, including hotel and restaurant quality, spa and wellness facilities, beach ratings, accessibility and local attractions. Average summer temperatures were also benchmarked against an ideal comfort temperature of 27°C, with each destination given an overall score to reveal the best places for a pregnancy-friendly holiday.
Rhodes, Greece, takes the top spot as the best holiday destination for pregnant travellers, achieving an overall score of 7.18 out of 10. The Greek island combines high-quality beaches, with an average rating of 4.57 stars, with an extensive range of accommodation, offering 1,574 hotels, over half (51.14%) of which are rated four stars or above. More than one in ten (11.55%) of these premium hotels also feature spa and wellness facilities, while their average summer temperature of 26°C provides warm but manageable conditions. With 1,532 restaurants, over 81% of which are rated four stars, Rhodes offers plenty of choice for a comfortable and relaxing holiday.
Another Greek island, Naxos, Greece, ranks second. The island boasts 702 hotels, with a slightly higher proportion of four-star or above accommodation than Rhodes (53.28%). Naxos also performs strongly for dining, with 80.74% of its 353 restaurants holding four-star ratings. Combined with highly rated beaches (4.47 stars) and a pleasant average summer temperature of 25.3°C, Naxos is an ideal destination for those expecting.
In third place is Gozo, Malta. The island offers a balance of scenic coastline and quality accommodation, with beaches averaging 4.50 stars and almost half (49.50%) of its 301 hotels rated four stars or above. While Gozo has fewer spa hotels than the destinations above, its comfortable average summer temperature of 24.7°C and selection of 260 restaurants, nearly 80% of which are rated four stars, make it an attractive choice for those seeking a laid-back and relaxing holiday during pregnancy.

Tochal, Iran’s Highest Peak

 

Tochal Peak, situated in the Alborz mountain range, is Iran’s highest peak. There are eight routes to climb it. “Darband” is the main route, and “Darke” is the most popular route among mountaineers and nature walkers. Tehran holds many undiscovered potentials in the tourism industry, not just among tourists but also among the stakeholders who can and should play a role in shaping Tehran’s tourism landscape. Among these, the mountainous nature of northern Tehran and Shemiranat, though vivid in our minds, remains relatively unknown. The majesty of the peaks endeavors to reveal a fraction of the undiscovered potential of nature tourism in Tehran and Shemiranat. Through the framework of these peaks and the trekking routes leading to them, as well as the subsidiary paths of nature tourism in the foothills and northern valleys of Tehran, it aims to stir the blood of outdoor enthusiasts and rekindle contemplation about nature for those who have forgotten amidst their daily routines.

 

Alborz, with its millennia-old silence, holds countless wonders and speaks volumes more through the majestic peaks and awe-inspiring nature. Sometimes, it screams from the mouths of rugged cliffs. Other times, it whispers in the mist-shrouded valleys of Tochal. It sings from the throats of poppies in the plains of Lar, endlessly and tirelessly. There’s a cabin up, and a place there which, amidst the mountains, with a perpetually lit lantern and an old man who opens the door of his cabin to passersby and guests, showing kindness and recounting the tales of our heroes, our youths, and our epics. Mount Tochal, with an elevation of 3,992 meters, although not the highest peak in Tehran, is Iran’s most climbed peak and a popular destination for many mountaineers every week due to its proximity to the southern outskirts of the capital city. In the southern foothills of the Central Alborz Range, within the vicinity of the mountains north of Tehran and Shemiranat, there are five main valleys and 35 subsidiary valleys. In all of these valleys, perennial rivers, tributary streams, numerous springs (both perennial and seasonal), rocky cliffs, pastures, and abundant greenery can be seen.

 

The valleys and foothills of the northern mountains of Tehran and Shemiranat are considered natural paradises due to the diversity of their natural attractions. These valleys and foothills also serve as habitats and genetic reserves for 1,100 species of plants, including various medicinal plants, shrubs, and trees. The wildlife of the Central Alborz is equally diverse, including 48 species of mammals, 26 species of reptiles, 7 species of amphibians, and 17 species of fish. Mount Tochal can be ascended via 8 main routes through the northern mountains of Tehran and Shemiranat. However, there are also routes from the slopes of the north of the Alborz Mountains that are suitable for experienced mountaineers, such as routes from the villages of Roodk, Bagh-e Goli, Shakhrab, and Shahrstank to Mount Tochal. Additionally, one can ascend this peak from the Imamzadeh Davood (AS) road and the villages of Suleqan, Saadat Abad, and Farahzad. These routes, from the northeast, lead to the ridge line and then to the summit of Mount Tochal, and like the ascent routes from the northern foothills, are often suitable for experienced mountaineers.

 

Here are the main ascent routes to Mount Tochal from the southern foothills:

1- Sohank Route: Near the Qoochak Pass towards the northwest, passing through the Kamarkooh and Takht-e Talarz ridges to the eastern ridge line of Mount Tochal.

2- Mini-City Route: From the north of Lavizan towards the Old Waterfall Gorge, through the Yord Ghaterchi Valley and south of Gerd-e Gol Spring, crossing the Farakh Sinah area via the ridge line of the mountains to the eastern ridge line of Mount Tochal.

3- Darabad Route: Ascend from the western and northern branches.

4- Manzarieh and Jamshidieh Park Route: Passing through the Darvar Gorge and Jinni Valley, crossing the Yuq Bolur and Sarchal Bozorg Mountains, Kalkchal Valley, Surlu Garz Mountain, and Espilet, from the south through Baghak and Yurdkhlar and the Chahar Palun Ridge to the eastern ridge line of Mount Tochal.

5- Imamzadeh Qasem Route: From the Abak Hill towards the northeast, passing through the Sang Doqloo and then through Bagh-e Yek Bagh and Hoolcheran Valley, or from the northwest branch passing through Posht Bagh and Takhti Vaziri Zirbandak and Kalkchal Valley, positioning oneself in the Manzarieh and Jamshidieh Park Route towards the eastern ridge line of Mount Tochal.

 

6- The Darband Route is the main ascent route to Mount Tochal. It begins from Darband Square and passes through Peyghaleh and Osun Intersection from the north. It then crosses the Pas Sang Waterfalls and Doqloo towards the Shirpala Shelter, passing through the Siah Sang Mountain, Janpanah Amiri, crossing the Koolahband Ridge line, and finally reaching the summit of Tochal.

 

Subsidiary Branch: Pas Qaleh Branch: From this village, turn eastward and then to the Mine Valley and behind the Zoon Valley, continuing the ascent towards Tochal.

 

Subsidiary Branch: Osun Intersection Branch: After reaching the Ja’far Spring and the Iceberg Band, the Ouj Goleh Spring and the Shirin Shelter, continue the ascent towards Tochal.

 

1- The Velenjak Route is the main ascent route to Mount Tochal. Despite the presence of the cable car and its seventh station, it remains one of the busiest routes suitable for people of all ages and physical abilities, and it is considered the most prominent nature-related tourist route in the capital. However, its subsidiary branches are only suitable for experienced mountaineers with adequate skills and proper equipment.

 

2- The Darkah Route: The most popular ascent route, passing through the lush Darakeh Valley, is among the favorite hiking trails in northern Tehran. It ends at the Panther Shelter and divides into three branches:

 

Eastern Branch: From Panther Shelter towards Kamalchal and Pantherchal Pass, passing through the fifth and seventh stations, and ascending to the summit of Tochal.

 

Middle Branch: Below the Panther Shelter, from the Siah Sang Mountain path towards Ostragarden, ultimately reaching the ridge line of Tochal.

 

Subsidiary Branch: Branches from the valleys below the Tochal peak, which are difficult to ascend and require mountaineering skills and professional equipment.

 

Mount Tochal is located on the southern side of the Alborz mountain range. It extends from the northern valley of the Jajrood River to the ridges of the north of the Alborz Mountains within the Alborz province. The city limits of Tehran define its southern boundary.

 

The summit of Mount Tochal reaches an elevation of 3963 meters, adjacent to the lofty Shah Neshin Peak, which stands at 3850 meters on its western flank. To the east of this peak, one can see several other peaks, including Peyghchal, Lazon, and Dareabad. Towards the north, before reaching the summit of Tochal, one encounters peaks such as Qorqoonchal, Qaleh Dokhtar, Sichal, and the central heights of Alborz.

 

Features of the ascent route to Mount Tochal:

 

Before planning to conquer Tochal, it is essential to familiarize yourself with what you will encounter along the way. Firstly, it is important to know that from the starting point of any ascent route, you will need to trek approximately 9 kilometers to reach the summit. Along the route from Sarband Square to Shirpala Shelter, you can replenish your water supply from several springs.

One positive aspect of the ascent routes to Mount Tochal is the relatively good mobile phone reception available on all routes. Additionally, within the vicinity of Tochal, there is a Red Crescent medical center to attend to injured individuals. Furthermore, you can also enjoy recreational activities in the Tochal area.

 

Conclusion:

 

Mount Tochal is considered one of the highest peaks in Iran and Tehran. Due to its proximity to Tehran, it is regarded as one of the best hiking routes for both professional and semi-professional mountaineers. Climbing this peak is possible via various routes, each with its own challenges and difficulties. Nonetheless, routes such as Darband, Shirpala, Siyah Sang, Tochal Peak, Jamshidieh Park, Kolakchal Shelter, Peyghchal Valley, Lazon Peak, and then Mount Tochal, as well as the Imamzadeh Davood route, are considered the easiest and most popular routes. On some routes, like Velenjak, the fifth and seventh stations of the cable car can be used to reach Mount Tochal. Along the way, shelters and refuges have been built for resting and even overnight stays.

 

This Is the Best City In The World For First-time Travelers, and No, It’s Not London or Paris

There are few experiences more magical than nabbing that first passport stamp and becoming an international traveler. If you are ready to take that step but are not sure where to go, new insights from JB.com can help.

In June, the digital entertainment website revealed its list of the top 10 destinations for first-time international travelers. In a press release, the team said it created a list of 40 major cities around the world, then ranked them by analyzing factors that matter most to first-time travelers, including safety ratings, English proficiency, and friendliness. It also took into account nightly hotel costs, historic sites, walkability, and average meal prices at local restaurants.

Coming in at the very top of that list is Portugal, with both Porto and Lisbon tying for first place.

According to the results, both cities rank fifth in the world for hospitality. Porto is slightly more affordable, with a nightly hotel rate of $105 compared to Lisbon’s $134, and its streets are pedestrian-friendly despite its many hills. Lisbon also shines in this category, with almost 200 landmarks within walking distance of each other, huge if you love exploring on foot. The results also note that Portuguese people are “generally good English speakers, so socializing won’t be a problem” if you’re coming from an English-speaking country.

In second place was Prague, which received high praise thanks to its pedestrian-friendly historic center and more than 200 landmarks scattered throughout the city. “Tourists could spend a week there without running out of things to do,” the team said. The crime rate is low, with the city scoring 75 out of 100 points on safety. Additionally, the nightly hotel rate is an average of $107, “which makes it much more affordable compared to Western European alternatives,” the team said.

Rounding out the top three is Seoul, which is a particularly great spot for travelers on a tight budget. A standard hotel room runs for about $65 per night, and a sit-down meal at a restaurant will cost you about $8 (especially impressive given Seoul’s renowned food scene). With over 80 historical sites to explore, a 94/100 walkability score, and affordable public transit (about $1.30 per ride), it’s easy to see why the capital of South Korea appeals to first-time international travelers.

Other top destinations include Helsinki, Finland, at No. 4, followed by Kyoto, Madrid, Budapest, Vienna, and finally, Seville, Spain, rounding out the top 10.

Lufthansa Signals Readiness to Resume Flights to Iran

Germany’s flagship carrier Lufthansa has expressed its readiness to resume flights to Iran, signaling a potential return of international air connections following the reopening of the country’s airspace.
The issue was discussed during a meeting between executives of the Lufthansa Group and representatives of Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport, The Caspian Post reports, citing Mehr News.
The talks come after Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization announced on June 8 that all restrictions on the country’s airspace had been lifted, paving the way for the gradual restoration of international flight operations.