Karkas Mountain (3895m)

We start our journey near a river called Tarqrud, 25 km from Natanz and move to a tourist center close to Isfahaniha spring. From here, a dirt road starts toward the North until we get to the Liasen Spring, which is surrounded by walnuts trees. From here, the way gets very steep. After passing a waterfall, we get to the Karkas shelter, which is the only shelter in this area and was built by Isfahan mountaineers community. It includes 3 rooms and a hall and 60 mountaineers can accommodate inside easily.

The clean rooms, adequate facilities and being near the spring are nice features of this shelter. So we rest there overnight and in the morning, start trekking on a sloppy dirt road along a sand area. As we hike the mount, you can see a historical dome named the Gonbad-e Baz (Hawk Dome) from some distance. Let’s talk about this monument story. The Safavid king, Shah Abbas had a favorite hawk which got injured by an eagle and after some days it died. The king got so upset that he ordered to build this tomb for the hawk.

The Hawk Dome is an octagonal construction made of bricks and plaster. It includes a dome and eight hollows on the bottom, established on a stone board, 2000 meters from the ground. This dome is considered as a masterpiece in Persian architecture due to its mathematical calculations and amazing decorations. We continue hiking our way till we see the skyline and the Karkas summit. Indeed, it’s a great achievement and you’ll feel like being on the top of the world.

Note: You need to bring proper shoes for mountain climbing, warm clothes, backpack, sleeping bag.