In the northwestern green mountains of Iran, where cool air persists in the summer and vast meadows stretch out, Fandoghlu resort presents an unusual combination of sports recreation and nature tourism.
In the northwestern green mountains of Iran, where cool air persists in the summer and vast meadows stretch out, Fandoghlu resort presents an unusual combination of sports recreation and nature tourism.
Located near the Fandoghlu forest, approximately 25 kilometers from the provincial capital of Ardabil, Fandoghlu Ski Resort is one of the main destinations in the province for grass skiing. The resort area covers about 90,000 square meters and is equipped for this sport, including a lift and gear.
Unlike traditional ski complexes where the season is determined by the presence of snow, Fandoghlu relies on its mountain meadows. The relatively cool climate makes it ideal for summer activities when much of the country experiences significantly warmer weather.
Grass skiing competitions have been held at the resort since 2014. In the first half of the year, the complex hosts competitions in disciplines such as downhill speed and various spiral events. In recent years, camps for the Iranian national grass skiing team have also been organized here. Depending on weather conditions and snow conditions, the resort has occasionally hosted winter ski competitions.
For visitors unfamiliar with grass skiing, the appeal of the location lies not only in the sport itself but also in the surrounding environment. The slopes pass through the landscape of open green plains and mountain views, and the surroundings of Fandoghlu offer many natural attractions.
The resort is located in the Namin district, which enjoys a cold climate for most of the year and a relatively mild summer. Even in warm months, visitors can enjoy the cool mountain air and light breezes, making this area a popular escape from the heat of the lowlands. Fandoghlu is also part of a wider tourist network that extends far beyond the ski slope. The vicinity is known for forest landscapes, waterfalls, springs, flower-covered meadows, and mineral hot springs.
Among nearby attractions are the Mashe-Sui and Ali-Dashi hot springs, located about 15 kilometers from the resort, and Shurabil Lake, which is about 27 kilometers away. Travelers heading to Fandoghlu via the Ardabil-Astara road can also visit the Heyran road and lift, as well as the Heyran karting track. Another option for a forest walk is the Bibi Yanlu forest park.
The region also provides access to the cultural and historical sites of Ardabil. The city's historic bazaar is near the shrine of Sheikh Safi al-Din Ardabili, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Ardabil Anthropology Museum, located in a historic bathhouse, and the city archaeological museum offer additional opportunities to study the province's cultural heritage.
Accommodation and dining options are available at the resort and nearby: hotels, restaurants, barbecue spots, and fast-food establishments serve guests. Thus, Fandoghlu offers visitors something more than just a typical ski destination. A trip can start on a green mountain slope and continue through forests, hot springs, and historical sites, transforming a sporting event into a broader journey through the natural and cultural landscape of Ardabil province.
Many people enjoy consuming honey in both their morning toast and evening milk. However, most honeys sold in stores contain impurities such as sugar syrup, syrups, and preservatives, which can negatively affect health.
Furthermore, those who adhere to a strictly vegan or plant-based lifestyle do not consume honey produced by bees. If you are looking for a completely pure, chemically free, and accessible alternative, you can make vegan honey that mimics the real thing using just three ingredients found in your kitchen, without involving bees. Its color, aroma, and taste will be very similar to bee honey.
The following components are needed for preparation: 1 cup of apple juice (fresh or boxed), 1 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Optionally, you can use a chamomile tea bag or 2 cloves to give it an aroma similar to honey.
First, place the apple juice and sugar in a clean saucepan or skillet. Then, turn on the heat to medium and stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved.
After the sugar is fully dissolved, add one tablespoon of lemon juice. The lemon juice acts to prevent the sugar from crystallizing and helps keep the honey thick and glossy for many years.
Next, reduce the heat to minimum and cook the mixture for 10–12 minutes. If you want to achieve an aroma as close as possible to real honey, add the chamomile tea bag or 2 cloves during cooking, and then remove them.
When the mixture turns light golden-brown and achieves a syrup consistency, viscous like a thread, turn off the heat. It is important to remember that the honey will become even thicker after cooling.
The finished vegan honey needs to cool down slightly, and then be poured into a clean glass jar. It can be stored for months even without refrigeration.
To better understand the journey of travelers, the publication Viagem e Turismo is inviting readers to participate in a quick survey. This survey aims to collect information about travelers' habits and preferences, including how they select destinations, how they organize their trips, and what they look for before starting the journey, as well as the role of the magazine itself in these decisions.
In recognition of participation, respondents will receive a benefit: three free months of GoRead, Abril's digital reading platform, which offers access to over 200 titles.
The survey has a specific and important objective: to assist in the elaboration of the next edition of the O Melhor de Viagem e Turismo award. This award traditionally honors the destinations, hotels, attractions, and experiences that make up travelers' dreams and best memories. In the new edition, the magazine wants the award to reflect the desires of its readership.
Among the collected answers, two will be used to elect the award winners: the most desired destinations both in Brazil and around the world.
Even if the house is large, a low ceiling can create the feeling that the room is too small and cramped. This problem is especially common in small apartments located in large cities. Many believe that the only solution is a major renovation to increase the ceiling height, but there are ways to achieve the desired effect without demolishing walls or making large financial investments.
If you feel that your room seems smaller because of a low ceiling, you can use several smart design tricks. Changing the appearance of the interior with these tricks allows you to create the illusion of a higher ceiling without destroying walls or expensive decoration.