SAEDNEWS: Located along the scenic road from Astara to Ardabil, Heyran Tourist Village is a captivating destination in northern Iran. Surrounded by pristine nature and dreamy mist-covered landscapes, it offers a peaceful escape along with attractions such as a cable car and alpine coaster.
According to Saednews, There are countless forest roads where driving becomes an experience in itself. The cool air, dense green trees, refreshing atmosphere, and breathtaking scenery make you want to slow down and simply enjoy the journey.
These landscapes may remind many travelers of the Chalus Road or the Asalem–Khalkhal Road. But a little farther away lies another one of Iran’s most beautiful routes: part of the Astara–Ardabil road, known as Heyran Pass—a name that perfectly suits its extraordinary scenery.
Heyran Pass lies along the road from Astara toward Namin and Ardabil. The drive from this area to Ardabil takes around 45 minutes.
In fact, Heyran is the name of a village in Astara, made up of three sections: Lower Heyran, Central Heyran, and Upper Heyran. They are located at the far northeastern edge of Gilan Province, near the border with Ardabil Province. The name itself may have been inspired by the almost unbelievable beauty of the landscape.
On one side, Heyran overlooks mountains covered with thick forests. On the other, it looks down into a valley that appears extremely deep because of the almost permanent mist surrounding the pass. In reality, neither the area itself nor the valley is particularly deep.
The highest point is around 1,500 meters above sea level. The main reason for the almost constant mist is the moisture coming from the Caspian Sea rather than the altitude of the pass. At the bottom of the valley flows the Astara Chay River, which forms part of the border between Gilan and Azerbaijan.
The pass stretches for about 35 kilometers, and the scenery is impressive enough to leave visitors amazed. Along the road, you can stop at certain points, breathe in the fresh and wonderfully cool air, and buy tea, Ash-e Doogh, or local honey from roadside stalls. Honey is particularly abundant here and is considered one of the region’s valuable souvenirs.
The roadside restaurants also serve good kebabs, as well as grilled liver and heart. One popular option is Golestan Restaurant, known for its delicious shishlik kebabs. It is located a little below the Heyran Cable Car.
Heyran is beautiful in every season, with each time of year offering a different experience. However, the best time to visit is generally from mid-May to late September.
Of course, this depends on the weather and a little luck. For example, you might visit in July and find yourself counting the minutes until you can escape the heat and humidity on your way back.
In autumn, the trees transform into a spectacular mix of colors. During winter, heavy snowfall and persistent fog can cause Heyran Pass to close. Temperatures can sometimes fall as low as -23°C, making the area extraordinarily cold.
The pass itself is the main attraction. Often covered in mist, it offers views of the dense forests of the Hircan National Park on the Azerbaijani side. On the other side, the landscape gradually changes into open pastures, where cows and sheep graze among the grass and small cottages, creating a scene that looks like a painting.
The surrounding villages are also worth exploring.
About 30 kilometers from Astara lies Heyran Village, which has a population of around 70 people and covers an area of approximately 22,000 hectares.
The cool mountain climate makes it an ideal summer retreat from the heat. According to local history, during the Sasanian era, the khans of Astara used to spend their summers in this village.
At kilometer 18 of the Astara–Ardabil road lies Meshend Village. In the Talysh language, “mesh” means bee, so Meshend can be interpreted as “the place of bees.” The village is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.
Kashfi Village, about 15 kilometers from Astara, is another peaceful and pleasant destination. Its foothills are suitable for hiking and mountain trekking, while the surrounding villages and highlands are covered with wild raspberry bushes.
If you are looking for more entertainment and adventure, head to the Heyran Tourist and Recreational Complex at kilometer 35 of the Astara–Ardabil road, in an area known as Haji Amir.
The complex began operating in 2011 and is situated along the mountain slopes. Its upper station reaches the forests of Fandoghlu.
The Heyran Cable Car is probably the most popular attraction. It passes through the Fandoghlu forests, and from the cabins you can even catch distant views of Babak Castle, a historic fortress associated with the Sasanian period.
The cable car is 1,752 meters long and has six standard cabins as well as three VIP cabins equipped with leather seats, refrigerators stocked with refreshments, a music system, and tinted windows. However, with scenery this spectacular, you might prefer to enjoy the view without tinted glass. The cable car can transport around 1,350 passengers per hour.
Other attractions at the complex include a go-kart track with 50 cars on a 1,000-meter circuit and a trampoline area for jumping and other activities.
Visitors can also ride what is described as Iran’s longest and highest alpine coaster/sled ride. The ride climbs about 120 meters on its outward section before returning from an elevation of around 1,200 meters.
The complex also includes restaurants, cafés, and a shopping center.
Heyran Pass is approximately 632 kilometers from Tehran, taking around 7.5 hours by car under normal conditions.
If you are traveling from Tehran, you can take the Qazvin–Rasht highway and then continue toward Astara.
If you are traveling from Ardabil without a private car, taxis at the first main entrance roundabout of Ardabil can take you toward Heyran Pass.
