Two hours of footpath, ancient beech and hornbeam trees, and then — turquoise step-pools framed by limestone: Eskelim Waterfall is the kind of hidden spot that makes you forget your phone.
In the list of Mazandaran’s attractions, perhaps you have not yet come across Eskelim Waterfall. Nestled in the heart of the Lafoor forests, somewhere between North Savadkuh and the village of Galesh Kola, there is a waterfall that still flows in silence — away from tour crowds, with no concrete structures, only the sound of water and the deep breaths of nature.
Eskelim Waterfall is located in the Lafoor forest area, North Savadkuh County in Mazandaran Province. The waterfall is near the town of Shirgah and, with winding, verdant trails, draws travelers to one of the most pristine waterfalls in northern Iran.
Eskelim is a waterfall hidden in nature — not beside a busy road nor listed among noisy attractions. Reaching it means passing through the forest and arriving at a calm that only nature knows how to create.
Eskelim Waterfall location on Google Maps
The route to Eskelim Waterfall is a journey from roads into the forest heart. If you start from Tehran and take Firuzkuh Road toward Savadkuh and Shirgah, you will arrive in the region known as Lafoor forest — a green, peaceful point in Mazandaran Province.
But this is only the beginning of the adventure. You must park the car at a point on the route and complete the rest on foot — a several-hour trail that passes through old trees, natural pools and delightful silence.
Along this path, not only Eskelim but other waterfalls await, offering a pleasant multi-stop experience. It is worth noting that the trail to the waterfall is not possible without a guide.
Distance from Tehran to Eskelim Waterfall is about 4 hours and 30 minutes.
Distance from Savadkuh to Eskelim Waterfall is about 2 hours and 35 minutes.
The limestone Eskelim Waterfall, in Lafoor forests of Mazandaran, shows a different face in every season. We can say the best time to visit is spring (mid-May to early July), when the forest is at its freshest and the waterfall is at its most abundant. Although spring rains can sometimes be challenging, they create dazzling vistas.
Eskelim is also a good choice in summer because of its cooler climate relative to many parts of Iran; it’s a pleasant spot for camping and family trips, though water flow may be reduced.
In autumn, the warm colors of the trees give the forested trail a special look, but with cooler weather and increased rain, traveling becomes a bit harder. Early autumn is a good option for those seeking quiet and colourful scenery.
In winter, conditions are more difficult: slippery paths, reduced water volume and cold weather make this season appropriate mainly for experienced mountaineers.
Eskelim Waterfall (Galesh Kola) lies within the Hyrcanian forests — ancient woodlands dating back millions of years and recognized as one of the world’s natural heritages. This area, with high biodiversity in plants and animals, is an ideal destination for nature tourism.
The area around the waterfall is covered with broadleaf trees such as beech, hornbeam, anjili (maple-like) and cornel; you’ll also find wild fruit species like apple, pomegranate, wild pistachio and pear.
Medicinal herbs such as thyme, oregano, nettle, hawthorn and borage grow here too. Wildlife includes species like brown bear, wild boar and fox, and birds such as partridge, eagle, falcon, starling and nightingale — features that increase the appeal of visiting this region.
If you travel to Eskelim Waterfall, note that the surroundings are full of attractions that can enrich your trip. Below are several nearby points of interest.
Lafoor Forest is one of Iran’s most pristine and spectacular woodland areas. It’s popular with nature-lovers due to hiking trails that lead to multiple waterfalls, varied flora and scenic outlooks.
Walking the Lafoor trails beneath beech, hornbeam, anjili, cornel and lilac trees is an experience full of freshness and calm. The fresh air, scent of plants and views of rivers and streams amplify the pleasure of forest hiking.
After about two hours of hiking on sloped, tree-covered trails, you’ll reach a cluster of well-known waterfalls that provide good rest and enjoyment opportunities.
Lafour Dam is one of the major water projects in Mazandaran, located within the Lafoor forest region and fed by the Azarrud, Eskelim River and Karsang rivers.
With a capacity of about 150 million cubic metres and an approximate depth of 75 metres, the dam plays an important role in supplying agricultural water and producing electricity for surrounding counties.
The rock-and-gravel design of the dam blends with the natural texture of the area, and its position inside the Hyrcanian forests makes it a notable northern attraction. The access road to the dam passes through woodland with several springs, making the visit itself an interesting experience.
Terz Waterfall is a lesser-known but accessible cascade near Shirgah. If you visit Savadkuh or Eskelim, you can also stop by Terz — it’s only about 13 kilometres away.
Terz is close enough to Eskelim that you can visit both in one outing and enjoy two distinct waterfall settings.
Activities around Eskelim Waterfall are primarily nature-oriented and conservation-friendly: hiking on forest trails, landscape photography, camping and observing diverse plant and animal species are the most common pursuits.
Because Eskelim is a limestone waterfall with natural pools, visitors usually rest around the falls, but given the environmental sensitivity of the area, swimming and entering the pools is not recommended. For safety and conservation reasons, avoid swimming in the pools.
Another activity is visiting Galesh Kola village. The village near Eskelim is one of Lafoor’s scenic spots; you can tour traditional houses and taste local dishes there.
In the Eskelim area there are no typical tourist facilities. There is no official parking lot, no restrooms, prayer room or permanent shop.
The approach requires several hours of hiking through the forest, so bring basic gear like suitable walking shoes, food, water and a groundsheet.
There are no gazebos or ready platforms around the falls; the area suits visitors who are prepared to experience pristine nature with minimal services and who accept limited facilities.
Visiting Eskelim is not only a daytime attraction; it is an immersive forest experience. If you plan to stay overnight, your accommodation choices are more rustic and local in character.
If you want a traditional, simple atmosphere with basic facilities, nearby eco-lodges are a good choice.
Options include small native guesthouses such as Nardoun (with local architecture and cozy location) or Pilepaz near Galesh Kola — suitable for visitors who wish to stay close to nature without giving up contact with local life.
In Shirgah and nearby areas there are wooden cabins and simple lodgings that suit those who seek silence, forest ambience and distance from urban life. These are relatively near the waterfall and add calm and privacy to your trip.
If you have camping gear and like the challenge, the areas around Eskelim Waterfall in warm seasons are good for overnight stays in nature. Make sure to camp in protected areas and coordinate with locals or responsible bodies beforehand.
For those who prefer more conventional accommodation, hotels in nearby cities such as Babool offer standard services — hotels like Marmer or Arshia provide dependable options at a reasonable distance from Lafoor.
Bring complete hiking gear and wear comfortable, season-appropriate clothing and proper walking shoes.
Use only marked and passable paths; entering side tracks can be dangerous.
Pack out all your trash and take it with you to avoid damaging the environment.
Travel in a group and with experienced companions to increase safety.
Avoid getting close to slippery edges, rock ledges and steep tracks, especially after rain.
Always check the weather forecast before you set out.
