Nature’s gems along Firuzkuh Road
Firuzkuh Road is a vital transportation route that connects Tehran to the picturesque town of Firuzkuh nestled in the Alborz Mountains. This scenic road is renowned for its stunning landscapes, which feature lush green valleys, rugged mountains, and charming villages. Historically, Firuzkuh has been a key passageway not only for travelers but also for trade, linking central Iran to the northeastern regions. The road is also significant for its cultural and historical sites, attracting visitors interested in the rich heritage of the region. As it meanders through the diverse terrain, Firuzkuh Road offers a glimpse into the vibrant life and traditions of the Iranian people, making it an essential part of the country’s infrastructure and cultural landscape. We have already introduced some of the attractions along this road; now, let’s take a brief look at additional sights that make this beautiful route even more remarkable.
Lajvard Castle
Lajvard Castle is an important historical site located along the Firuzkuh Road, dating back to the pre-Islamic period. According to historical texts, it was also used during the Sassanid period. The castle is situated in the northeast of Firuzkuh, and access to it is via the Firuzkuh-Semnan Road. To visit Lajvard Castle, one must enter the Semnan’s road four kilometers after the city of Firuzkuh and continue for about 15 kilometers.
The castle lies beside the road, and to reach it, you need to walk a path of about 30 to 40 minutes, which is not particularly difficult. The structure used sarooj (a type of mortar) and gypsum in its construction, and the outer facade showcases sedimentary stones.
There are no facilities around Lajvard Castle, as it is situated on a dirt hill. From the top of this hill, you will have a complete view of the surrounding villages and areas. The only entrance to Lajvard Castle is located on its eastern side, which was also the main gate of the castle in the past.
Arfadeh Forest
Arfadeh Forest is an area of interest for nature enthusiasts in the village with the same name in Savadkuh, featuring numerous springs, rivers, and waterfalls. This forest is home to various wild trees and shrubs, and a wide diversity of animal species also inhabit the area.
In Arfadeh Forest, there are natural attractions such as a spring and a cave, which provide great enjoyment for nature visitors. As you move towards the higher elevations of this region, you will reach pristine highland pastures and villages, many of which are uninhabited for half the year.
Access to Arfadeh Forest is via a side road after Varesk and Sorkhabad villages, located on the west side of the Firuzkuh Road. For accommodation in the villages of this forest, you have options to rent local houses and eco-lodges, which offer basic facilities. However, for camping in Arfadeh Forest, you will need to bring all of your camping gear and supplies with you.
Simindasht village
Simindasht village is one of the most beautiful villages in Firuzkuh, boasting significant tourism potential and hosting many visitors throughout the year. The flowing Hableh Rud River enhances the greenery of this settlement. The surrounding mountains of Simindasht provide excellent opportunities for hiking, and the high meadows in this area are filled with colorful wildflowers in spring.
Simindasht is located a short distance from Zarindasht village, allowing visitors to plan a day trip to explore both villages. Some of the most famous attractions in Simindasht include the Ahanak Lake, Bala Cheshmeh, and Mount Anar.
Valila Waterfall
Valila Waterfall is one of the most beautiful natural attractions along the Firuzkuh Road, located in the Anjili Forest in Zirab. This waterfall is situated a short distance from a village with the same name and reaches a height of 25 meters in the spring season.
To visit Valila Waterfall, you should prepare for an enjoyable hike through Anjili Forest. This forest offers stunning natural beauty and views, and traversing it requires appropriate hiking gear and a moderate level of physical fitness.
Accessing Valila village is possible via the Lajim road in Zirab, located on the eastern side of the Firuzkuh Road, between Firuzkuh and Qaemshahr. To reach Valila Waterfall, you need to walk approximately one kilometer through the forest along the river of Valila Village. The village provides basic facilities for tourists. Visiting Valila Waterfall and the Anjili Forest can be included in a one-day picnic program; however, if you wish to stay overnight in the area, options such as rural houses, traditional accommodations, eco-lodges, and camping in nature are available.
Rudafshan Cave
Rudafshan Cave is one of the largest natural caves in Iran, located near a village with the same name in Damavand. Its short distance from Tehran makes it a popular destination for tourists from the capital. The entrance of Rudafshan Cave reaches a height of 12 meters and a width of 40 meters, making it the third-largest cave entrance in Iran.
Many areas within Rudafshan Cave are inaccessible, and only about 780 meters of the internal pathways can be traversed. The entrance to this limestone cave is situated on a slope of the mountain and is not visible from a distance; thus, it has earned the nickname Hidden Cave.
Inside Rudafshan Cave, it is dark and lacks facilities. The best way to explore this cave is through group caving with appropriate equipment; however, visiting the entrance and the first section does not require special gear. The side road leading to Rudafshan village and the cave is located on the right side of the Firuzkuh Road, heading from south to north, after the villages of Sarbandan and Seyyedabad.
Lazur Lake
Lazur Lake, also known as the Siahrud Lake, is one of the natural attractions along the Firuzkuh Road, situated in the heights overlooking the area near Lazur Village. Surrounding this lake are charming summer villages with pleasant climates, including Varzaneh and Arjmand village.
Some of the best nature trails are located around Lazur Lake, drawing the attention of nature enthusiasts. Many tourists enjoy climbing in the mountains above the lake and take breaks or relax around Lazur Lake. Fishing, boating, cycling around the lake, photography, exploring Lazur Village, and camping in nature are among the main recreational activities at Lazur Lake.
Lazur Lake is approximately 15 kilometers northwest of the village. You can plan a one-day picnic to visit the lake, but if you wish to stay overnight, you should bring complete camping gear. Lazur Lake has limited facilities for tourists, and to enhance your comfort, you can choose rural houses and local accommodations in Lazur Village for your stay.
Gazou Waterfall
Gazou Waterfall is located in a mountainous and pastoral area in the city of Savadkuh, near the Firuzkuh Road. This waterfall is one of the most beautiful natural attractions of the Lafour Forest, requiring visitors to trek about half an hour through the forest with a steep incline. This distance may not be suitable for children and the elderly.
Gazou Waterfall consists of two cascades, with the first one reaching a height of five meters and the second about 43 meters. Beneath this waterfall, there is a clear pool, which offers a refreshing place for tourists to swim. The surrounding views of Gazou Waterfall are among the most stunning scenes of the Hyrcanian forests in northern Iran, offering great enjoyment for resting and exploring.
The area around Gazou Waterfall is very pristine, and for overnight stays in these regions, complete camping equipment is necessary. Local houses, eco-lodges, and forest cabins are other accommodation options available in nearby villages. To reach Gazou Waterfall, take the secondary Alasht road on the western side of the Firuzkuh Road, and after the Pol Sefid, head toward the Karmozd village and and then make your way to the waterfall.