Take a drive from the shores of the world's biggest lake called a sea, through rice paddies that wouldn't be out of place in Southeast Asia, and end up in a Central Asian village in mist covered mountains? It's not teleportation, but the trip to Masouleh might be the closest thing. Up from the Caspian, a cubist maze clings to green mountainside, the roofs of each house becoming the terrace of the next. Narrow lanes shared by people and water as it rushes downhill to the sea. Hotel it or try one of the homestays that abound along orange-tobacco scented alleys and in the evening enjoy the battle between the sounds of rushing water and the gurgle of hookah pipes.

Writer: Troy Nahumko | Photo: Troy Nahumko