The Road to Salambar Pass: A Deep Abyss to the Right Hand

Salambar Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,204m (10,511ft) above sea level, located in Iran. The road to the summit is a narrow dirt road, a steep serpentine, with a deep abyss to the right hand. It's one of the highest roads in the country.

Salambar Pass

Where is Salambar Pass?

The pass straddles Qazvin and Mazandaran province, in the northern part of the country, within the Alamut Valley, famous for the Castle of the Assassins.

Where’s Pichebon Carvansaray?

At the summit, on a small crag looking northeast, lies Pichebon Carvansaray. It’s an abandoned building, formerly used by Silk Road traders, shepherds, and travelers to rest and take refreshment. The small Safavid-era caravansary built on the pass indicates that the road from Alamut to the sea was regularly used, even when it was viable only on muleback. The Pichebon Carvansaray is well-preserved and offers a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains.

How to Get by Car to Salambar Pass?

Set high in the Elburz Mountains Range, the road to the summit is totally unpaved. It has dangerous drop-offs with no guardrails. The pass is 45km (28 miles) long, running south-north from Garmarud (in Qazvin Province) to Sar Balan (in Mazandaran Province).

Should I travel to Salambar Pass?

Avoid all travel to Iran due to the volatile security situation, high risk of arbitrary detention, and terrorism threats. Foreign and dual nationals may face arrest for political leverage. Heightened regional tensions could lead to travel disruptions like flight cancellations. The security situation is unpredictable, with risks of attacks against Western interests. Roads are dangerous, with reckless driving, poorly lit trucks at night, and a lack of pedestrian safety. Roadblocks and checkpoints are common; night travel is strongly discouraged.
Pic: yasaman ranjbaran