Firuzkuh Road: A gateway to natural and historical wonders
The Firuzkuh Road is a primary route for accessing the Caspian Sea in northern Iran, renowned for its abundance of historical and natural attractions. Stretching through the scenic landscapes of Mazandaran and Tehran provinces, this road, also known as the Savadkuh Road, leads travelers from the city of Bomehen in Tehran Province to Qaemshahr in Mazandaran Province. As one of the oldest roads in Tehran Province, it offers a rich tapestry of sights and experiences. Below, you’ll discover some of the remarkable natural and historical wonders along this captivating route.
Vashi Gorge
Vashi Gorge, known in Persian as Tang-e Vashi, is a pristine and scenic natural attraction located near the village of Jelizjand along the Firuzkuh Road. Nestled in the mountains surrounding Firuzkuh, this gorge leads to the stunning Sawashi Waterfall. To reach the waterfall, you’ll need to walk a distance through the river.
To access Sawashi Waterfall, you pass through two distinct gorges: the first is Vashi, and the second is Sa. Between these gorges lies a lush and picturesque plain, creating a perfect setting for camping and resting in nature. This area remains completely untouched and lacks any amenities.
One of the remarkable features of Vashi Gorge is the variety of aromatic and medicinal plants that grow along its path. Visitors are also drawn to a historical inscription featuring relief work from the Qajar dynasty. To reach the entrance of Vashi Gorge, take the secondary road leading to the gorge after passing Lasem Spring on the left side of the Firuzkuh Road, heading south to north. This side road is about 18 kilometers long and takes you through the village of Jalejand to the entrance of Vashi Gorge.
Herandeh village
Herandeh is one of the most beautiful summer villages along the Firuzkuh Road, situated approximately 15 kilometers southwest of the city of Firuzkuh. Its lush nature, pristine landscapes, and the rushing rivers of Namroud and Qazqanchay attract many tourists to the area.
One of the most notable attractions in Herandeh is the Burnik Cave, ranked as the fourth longest cave in Iran. Structurally resembling the Ali Sadr Cave, Burnik Cave is estimated to be around 3,500 meters in length. Other interesting sites in the village include Imamzadeh Yahya and the ancient Shir Dareh Hill.
Herandeh village is less than a kilometer from the Firuzkuh Road, with its entrance located on the eastern side, just after Amin Abad village. The walking path from Herandeh to Khomedeh village is considered one of the best trekking routes in the Firuzkuh area, offering excellent spots for camping in nature nearby. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to stay in local rural houses, providing an authentic experience of the region.
Shourmast Lake
Shourmast Lake is the only natural lake in Savadkuh, located seven kilometers southwest of Pol Sefid. Access to the lake is via a side road that leads off the Firuzkuh Road.
The lake’s depth varies between five and 15 meters, with about one-third being shallow and covered in moss and algae. Shourmast Lake is fed by underground springs. Unfortunately, due to climatic changes and global warming, the water flow from these springs has significantly decreased in recent years, resulting in the absence of rivers flowing from the lake, a phenomenon that was common in the past.
Shourmast Lake offers moderate facilities for tourists, with recreational activities including fishing, boating, and cycling around the lake. However, swimming is prohibited. Camping and overnight stays are also available for visitors in the area surrounding the lake. The side road to Shourmast Lake, located in the Pol Sefid area, is situated on the western side of the Firuzkuh Road and is approximately six kilometers long.
Veresk waterfall and bridge
The Veresk waterfall and bridge are stunning natural and historical attractions located approximately 30 kilometers northeast of the city of Firuzkuh. Tourists traveling along the Firuzkuh Road will pass by the Veresk Bridge, which offers a view of this remarkable structure; however, accessing the bridge and waterfall requires a short walk.
Constructed in 1936 by Austrian engineers during the construction of Iran’s National Railway, the Veresk Bridge was originally named Abbasabad Bridge. Nearly a century old, it serves as a significant historical landmark.
The Veresk Waterfall, also known as Cheshmeh Ali Waterfall, is situated roughly 500 meters from the Varesk Bridge. This waterfall has a height of 20 meters when water levels are high and originates from Qadamgah Mountain. To visit, travelers should take a turn off the Firuzkuh Road towards the village of Veresk after the Gadouk Pass, heading south to north. The walk from the village to the waterfall takes about half an hour and passes under the Varesk Bridge. The area surrounding the waterfall and bridge is pristine and lacks facilities.
Mishineh Marg Gorge
Mishineh Marg Gorge is one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Firuzkuh, located on the border between Tehran and Mazandaran provinces. Access to the gorge is via the Firuzkuh Road, lying in an area called Lask and traversed by the Farahroud River. It is also known as Lask Gorge or Farahroud Gorge.
This stunning gorge is a popular nature tourism route in Iran, requiring good physical fitness and appropriate clothing and equipment. Visitors must navigate the cold river waters, which are filled with pebbles.
Nearby attractions include Mishineh Marg Peak and Lazur Lake, which draw numerous nature enthusiasts eager to explore the area. While the gorge is pristine and lacks facilities, experienced travelers can set up camp, but should bring all necessary equipment.
Access to Mishineh Marg Gorge is via a side road from Lazur village, located on the western side of the Firuzkuh Road, just after the village of Harandeh.
Solehbon village
Solehbon village is a charming rural area with pleasant weather, located along the Firuzkuh Road in the Arjmand region. Situated next to Namroud Dam Lake, one of Solehbon’s most famous natural attractions, the village is nestled between two mountains and is characterized as a cold region.
The flowing rivers and abundant springs in the area contribute to the fertility of the village’s surrounding landscapes. These features make it an ideal destination for nature tourism and camping, offering pristine and scenic views along the Firuzkuh Road.
Access to Solehbon village is via a side road from the Arjmand Road (Lasam to Firuzkuh), reached after the U-turn near Namroud Gas Station. The village provides relatively good facilities for tourists, including rental houses and eco-lodges, suitable for accommodations. Another notable attraction in the area is the ancient Solehbon Hill.