Trip From Jolfa to Kaleybar ( Babak Castle). Safety

Hi,

In 2 weeks time, i am fliging to Irak for a 3 weeks holiday.
I was planning to go from Tabriz- to Jolfa, and from Jolfa to Kakeybar along the Aras River.
Then Kaleybar- Ardabil.
I would like to know if is safe to travel along the aras river ( armenian border...)...
By other hand do you think that at the beginning of November in Kaleybar there would be snow?

Thanks again for your tips !

Oops I hope you have booked the right flight, to Iran rather than Iraq... ;-)

Hi Wonderland

I think it is just typo ; )

About The road from Jolfa to Kaleybar, yes it is totally safe. And in the beginning of November, I am not sure if it snow. But it can snow.

Alone the river the road is nice and almost flat.
But after almost one and half hour driver, there is two road to turn to Kaleybar and Babak castle, one of them is with lots of bends and turns and uphill and downhills, the other one that it turns to Kaleybar after the first one is much better and more flat.

Along the road, visit St.Stephanus church in Jolfa (17 Km to West of Jolfa), then go back to Jolfa and continue to East, You can visit Asiyab Kharabeh water fall on the road, Kurdasht Hamam, and Ushtibin village (5 Km away from main road) and then continue to Kaleybar.
Although just 300 meters after Armenian and Iran border, you can turn to right to one holy shrine over there and stay over night in there. If you want. (It is before Kurdasht Hamam) And one hour away from Jolfa.

If you need any more information, please let me know, I live in Tabriz and I would like to meet you and show you around Tabriz, if I be available for your arrival.

Best Hopes

SaeedFromIran

I did the trip along the Arras river two years ago in the last days on November. I climbed up to Babak castle. There was light snow falling once I reached the castle but it did not prevent me from making it to the top. I really enjoyed the drive along the Arras river - one of my favourite days in Iran.

I did this route, including the detour to St Stephanos, a few years ago as a day trip from Tabriz. I agree that it's a very interesting and scenic trip. It's a very safe journey, although in many areas you are very close to the border (the river is quite narrow) and you can see plenty of evidence of the Armenian/Azerbaijan war on the other side.

I did this trip in on a wet day in late April or early May, and while there was no prospect of snow it was still quite chilly early n the morning.

Hi,

Many thanks for the answers and help!

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