Charm and uniqueness of Esfidan village attract tourists
Esfidan village, located in Bojnurd in North Khorasan Province, is a renowned tourist destination that was recognized as the most beautiful in the country in 2006. The village features stepped architecture resembling Masouleh in Gian Province, adding to its charm and uniqueness.
Apart from its historical structures, Esfidan boasts a variety of attractions including valleys, waterfalls, a castle, gushing springs, caves, and more. The Sandalwood tree symbolizes the village, with only two remaining specimens.
Nestled amidst valleys and towering mountains, Esfidan captivates visitors with its natural beauty and intriguing landmarks. The village’s landscape, characterized by beautiful waterfalls, gushing springs, captivating caves and towers, historic shrines, diverse fruit trees, a flowing river, and forested mountains, attracts tourists from near and far.
In the past, initiatives such as constructing a cable car and a large restaurant aimed at developing Esfidan into a prominent tourist destination were being considered but were eventually abandoned. Despite this, Esfidan remains a popular spot for travelers seeking a unique and memorable experience.
The villagers in Esfidan speak in the Khorasani Turkic language and are primarily engaged in agriculture, horticulture, and livestock farming.
Esfidan village is known for producing key agricultural products such as walnuts, apples, grapes, cherries, potatoes, and more.
The walnuts from Esfidan are of export quality and considered the finest available in the province’s market. In addition to agriculture, beekeeping and fish farming are also important economic activities in Esfidan. The Esfidan trout is highly regarded as one of the most delicious cold-water fish in North Khorasan Province. Hand-woven silk carpets with intricate patterns, along with walnuts and raisins, are popular souvenirs purchased by travelers. By supporting the local economy through buying these goods, visitors not only contribute to the village’s prosperity but also get to appreciate top-quality handicrafts.
This mountainous village has a moderate climate, and as the region enjoys pleasant and cool weather in the summer, many tourists travel to Esfidan during this time. The beauty of the village shines even more in the spring, with its clear and flowing springs and captivating nature. In the early summer, you can taste the delicious fruits and smell their aroma in the village atmosphere. These two seasons are considered the best time to visit Esfidan.
Autumn brings a myriad of colors, while winter arrives with heavy snowfall and extreme cold. As a result, fewer tourists visit Esfidan during these two seasons.
Bahargah Valley
Located in the southwest of Esfidan village, Bahargah Valley boasts numerous springs, a picturesque waterfall, and lush greenery that captivates every tourist. At the valley’s entrance on the left side, sits a moon-shaped hill known as Mousou, spanning about 40 hectares, which tragically collapsed a few years back due to severe landslides, burying all its orchards, houses, and ancient trees.
Esfidan Castle
To the west of Esfidan village stands a rocky structure known as Tash Qaleh, or Stone Castle. This castle features stone walls, simple beige and red bricks, and mosaic tiles in various colors adorning its walls.
Stone towers
Perched atop the surrounding mountains of Esfidan village are ancient stone tower structures constructed with stone and sarooj materials.
Ancient cemetery
Another captivating historical site in the village is the ancient cemetery. The graves in this cemetery face east, with some of the deceased buried vertically.
Sandalwood tree
The sandalwood tree stands as a symbol of Esfidan village. According to the village elders, there used to be around 17 sandalwood trees in the village. However, due to their placement in the alleys and a lack of awareness regarding their significance, most were cut down, leaving only two trees. These remaining trees have a trunk diameter of 2.65 meters and an estimated age of around 1200 years.
Mineral spring and waterfall
Located three kilometers from Esfidan village, a mineral spring and a waterfall are popular destinations for tourists to visit.
Gardens
The gardens of Esfidan are remarkably beautiful, reminiscent of the forests in the northern regions of the country. Unlike the humid summers in the northern forests, the gardens in this area offer a cool and refreshing atmosphere that rejuvenates the soul. While enjoying their splendor, please remember to respect the gardens’ privacy and keep them clean.