Khalkhal villages attractive to tourists
The city of Khalkhal, in the northwestern province of Ardebil, is neighbor to East Azarbaijan, Gilan and Zanjan provinces. It is connected to Gilan Province through the Khalkhal-Asalem and Punel roads. The city’s appropriate geographical location and unique climate have a significant impact on the economic, social and cultural life of its residents.
Moreover, Khalkhal, home to a variety of ethnic groups including Turks, Tats and Kurds, offers a unique example of coexistence and tolerance among people. It is known as a suitable place for carrying out anthropological and cultural studies chtn.ir wrote.
According to Ali Darvishi, head of the city’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts Department, out of 12 tourist villages of Ardebil Province, five are located in Khalkhal.
Kazaj village
Kazaj village, 57 kilometers from Khalkhal, has unique architectural features. Moreover, its residents attach great importance to the preservation of old traditions and customs passed down through generations.
Grapes, walnuts, apples, pears, hawthorns, apricots, cherries, sour cherries, and berries are among the main crops of Kazaj village.
Darvishi noted that a large number of Iranian and foreign tourists travel to the region to visit the amazing traditional architecture of this village, which has an architecture similar to that of Massouleh in Gilan province.
He said that 12 eco lodges have been established in the village during the past six years, attracting many travelers from across Iran and the world. This helped boost the rural economy in the region and also encouraged a number of villagers to convert their houses into accommodation units.
Referring to the implementation of the province’s first pilot ecotourism plan in the village, he said that permissions have been issued for the establishment of 40 new eco lodges in the region.
Barandaq village
Barandaq is among the largest villages in the province located at the crossroads of Ardebil, East Azarbaijan and Zanjan provinces.
This village is neighbor to the pastures and slopes of Aqdagh Mountain from the north, and Qezl Ozen River from the west.
The people living in the village attach great importance to the environment and nature. On the fourth day of the Iranian month of Farvardin (March 24), which was designated as “The Clean Day of Barandaq,” rural people gather to collect litter and clean the village.
A variety of fruit orchards such as pomegranate, apricot, plum, peach, cherry, nectarine, pear, grape, apple, blackberry, mulberry, fig and raspberry are in the village.
Dried fruits produced in Barandaq are not only supplied to domestic markets but also exported to many foreign countries.
Most of the rural men are engaged in farming, gardening and livestock breeding, while the women are active in the fields of sock-knitting, bag-weaving, carpet-weaving, sewing, and making dairy products such as butter, yogurt, buttermilk, and cheese.
Majulan village
Majulan is another tourist village of Khalkhal, which is neighbor to Gilan Province from the north. Due to its appropriate geographical location, it has a beautiful nature and pleasant climate.
With an elevation of 3,000 meters above sea level, the Shah Moallem peak of the village is a destination for a large number of ecotourists. The village has a large number of springs and an ice cave, which has remained untapped.
Andabil village
Andabil village, where the climatic is mostly moderate in the summer and cold in the winter, is located in the central district of Khalkhal. Due to its geographical location and special climatic condition, a winter festival with various programs such as making snowmen and cooking regional foods is held.
A river passing through the village, with a dense residential area, helps enhance the beauty of the region.
Rural houses with gable roofs and mud walls create a very beautiful landscape.
In addition to farming and livestock breeding, the rural people, especially women, are engaged in the production of various handicrafts including kilims, jajims (a type of traditional Iranian floor covering) and carpets.
Oak forests and raspberry bushes create a beautiful view in the village, especially in the spring, summer and autumn.
Moreover, Miradel spring, originating from a high mountain, dazzles the eyes of every viewer.
Khujin village
Khujin village, home to the amazing Aznav spring, is among the most popular tourist destinations of the province.
Access to natural water resources has caused the agricultural sector of the village to flourish.
Located on the route leading to Gilan Province, the village is near towering mountains, green forests and lush plains.
Khujin village’s weather is moderate in the summer and cold in the winter.