'Military report on Tehran and adjacent Provinces of North-West Persia (including the Caspian Littoral)' [‎248v] (501/610)

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The track leaves the Nur valley, crosses Balangibu ridge
to Kamarbun and a second ridge named Turkubashm to Duna,
whence it follows a stream flowing West to join the valley run
ning North from Kandavan, and form the headwaters of the
Chains. Above the junction it meets Route No. 5 and goes
South along it over Kandavan to the Laura valley as far as
Shahpul bridge 1 mile South of Gachisar, where it leaves Route
No. 5 and turns West up the Azadbar valley along the direct
route from Talaghan to Tehran, which is considerably used.
The Asalak ridge is closed for two months in winter.
The track on leaving Shahpul rises for several hundred feet
along the mountain side North of the river until it makes a
steep descent down to it and goes through open cultivated land
to Azadbar, 8,500',*(60 houses), 6 miles from Shahpul.
From Azadbar to Asalak ridge is an easy ascent of 6 miles,
and the descent to the Talaghan valley also appears gradual.
The first village reached in Talaghan is Garab (20 houses) stage
6 . The surface is good and free from stones.
S applies.
Duna valley contains 3 or 4 prosperous villages.
Laura and Talaghan villages are poor and a force stationed
in those villages would require to fetch supplies from Kalardasht
or via Tehran.
Sheep are plentiful especially at Azadbar, which has very
fine grazing from June to August.
Section ■ 3.
Shahrak
Kalarud
Hasanabad
Stage 7
| Talaghan district.
>■ Rudbar district.
8
. Dastgird
. Kilishum
. Jarindeh
11
13
. Loshan
. Manjil
Stages 7 and 8 the track follows the valley passing many
villages. In stage 7 it passes through a ravine for 2 miles to
Mir (250 houses), situated on a steep hill above the river. From
Mir it descends and crosses a pole bridge. l,n these 2 stages
"the Talaghan river is unfordable from March to May, but it is
marrow and crossed by pole bridges near all the principal villages.