Step into the Past: Semnan's Caravanserais and Oasis
Embarking on a two-day journey along the ancient caravan route through Semnan province is like stepping back in time. The well-preserved caravanserais along the way offer glimpses into the rich history of trade and travel. From Miandasht to Deh Molla and through the challenging Ahovan Pass, these stops reveal the resilience of travelers in the past. Lasgerd Caravanserai, with its captivating ambiance, provides a unique overnight experience. On day two, Deh Namak Caravanserai continues the historical immersion. The final gem, Deyre Gachin Caravansary, takes us back to the Sassanid era, offering a genuinely unforgettable desert oasis stay.
2 Days
Mayamey Shahrood Damghan Semnan Garmsar
Day 1: Semnan
Our journey begins with a homage to the ancient travelers who traversed the Silk Road, aiming to experience rest in historic caravanserais just as they did. We start from Sabzevar, traveling along the Imam Reza Road towards Shahrood, reaching the first landmark, the Miandasht Caravanserai, situated in a vast plain near Miami. This caravanserai has been meticulously restored and stands ready to welcome us.
Continuing our westward journey for 130 km, we arrive at the Dehmolla Caravanserai in a village bearing the same name. Although smaller and less maintained, Dehmolla offers a compact glimpse into the past. Our next stop is the historical city of Damghan. Here, the ancient mosque stands as a testament to the city’s historical significance, with Cheshme Ali offering natural beauty to explore. However, our primary focus remains on experiencing the caravanserais, leading us towards Semnan through the challenging Ahovan Pass.
At the Ahovan Pass, we find the Anoushirvani Ahovan Caravanserai, also known as Rabat Anoushirvani, a stone marvel built to shelter travelers from harsh winters. While parts of this caravanserai have been restored, it currently does not offer accommodation.
Our day concludes as we head towards Tehran, stopping at the Lasjerd Caravanserai 77 km from Semnan. This caravanserai, the perfect place to rest for the night, invites us to imagine the sounds of arriving caravans and the mingling of travelers from diverse backgrounds.
Day 2: Garmsar
Crossing Semnan province, we venture along the Silk Road’s path, reaching the Deh Namak Caravanserai 40 km from Lasjerd. This well-renovated site offers a glimpse into the life of travelers and merchants of the past, providing an option for overnight stay.
Though our journey through Semnan province is drawing to a close, we’re inspired to extend our exploration to Deyre Gachin Caravansary, situated on the road from Garmsar to Qom. Known as Dirkaj and often referred to as the mother of all Iranian caravanserais, its origins trace back to the Sassanid era. After careful restoration, it now welcomes visitors for overnight stays, promising an unparalleled experience in this desert oasis, far from any village or town, ensuring a memorable conclusion to our journey.
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