A twisty dirt turn off the Chalus road, a friendly sign for a local restaurant, and a short climb later — Harijan Waterfall drops like a clear ribbon from the Alborz crown and feels so private you’ll think you’ve found your own secret mountain.
Our virtual trip today visits a heavenly place called Harijan Waterfall a waterfall that pours down from the crown of a mountain and is among the notable attractions of Kelardasht. From the green path to the postcard view, this waterfall will surprise you.
Harijan Waterfall is a narrow, tall waterfall located in Mazandaran Province, Chalus County, Kelardasht District, in the village of Harijan.
Let’s take a virtual trip together to Harijan Waterfall. At first you should drive along the Chalus Road toward Siyah Bisheh. When you see the sign for the restaurant “Jafar Mirdar Soltani,” turn onto a dirt road. Continue along that road until you reach Harijan village.
Harijan Waterfall detailsPhoto credit: Google Maps
When we reached the village, if we ask anyone they point us to the waterfall on the west side of the village. From here the wonder begins: we reach the waterfall and see clear streams trickling down from the high mountain — a stony mountain covered in a green layer of various vegetation.
Harijan Waterfall detailsPhoto credit: Google Maps
Of course, we only walk along the mountain’s foot to admire Harijan Waterfall, because the higher we go, the greater the risk of encountering wild animals. Also, some areas are restricted by the Department of Environment and entry is prohibited.
Harijan WaterfallPhoto credit: AkharinKhabar
Anyway, back to the main subject. Along the route the sounds of nature accompany us: our ears fill with birdsong, and our eyes see nothing but green meadows and colorful flowers.
To reach Harijan Waterfall, if you are driving, as mentioned earlier first enter the Chalus Road. When you reach Siyah Bisheh, drive four more kilometres until you see the sign for the restaurant “Jafar Mirdar Soltani” on the right-hand bend. From there take a side road. Drive five kilometres on this dirt, steep road to reach the village of Harijan.
From the village to the stream formed by Harijan Waterfall is also about a fifteen-minute walk. The waterfall is located on the west side of the village, and to reach it you must follow a dirt path — but with the help of locals or a guide you can find the safest, least risky route.
If you do not have a private car and want to use public transport to get to Harijan Waterfall, ask the driver to drop you near the village where cars can go, and then proceed on foot toward the waterfall.
Distance from Tehran to Harijan Waterfal
The distance from Tehran to Harijan Waterfall is 81 kilometres, which takes approximately 1 hour and 28 minutes to drive.
Distance from Karaj to Harijan WaterfallThe distance from Karaj is 106 kilometres — about 1 hour and 55 minutes by car.
Mazichal Kelardasht — paradise above the clouds
Distance from Chalus to Harijan WaterfallThe distance from Chalus is about 70 kilometres — roughly 1 hour and 33 minutes by car.
Harijan Waterfall is one of those natural attractions where visiting at the right time will let you capture memorable images and spend a few carefree hours among its beautiful background. Therefore, we recommend choosing a season when the waterfall is full, the weather is cool and the meadows are green; in other words, spring — especially the month of Ordibehesht (April–May) is the best time. Also, don’t be tempted to climb to the highest rim of the waterfall: besides the danger of wild animals, the rocks can be slippery and unstable.
If you cannot visit in Ordibehesht, May (Khordad) or the summer months are also possible choices; though the waterfall is not as full as in spring, summer still offers cool weather.
If your preferred seasons are autumn or winter, be aware that because of rainfall and falling rocks, the path becomes difficult and dangerous. Though those seasons provide dramatic, colourful (autumn) or snow-white (winter) views, the route is much harder to traverse.
The village and Harijan Waterfall together look like postcard photographs everyone would like to hang on their wall.=
Imagine entering a green meadow where grazing is forbidden, which has preserved beautiful, untouched vegetation. The path ahead is full of small scree stones created by erosion of large rock faces.
Facing us is the Alborz mountain, shrouded in a soft layer of mist. We also notice a variety of colorful wildflowers and medicinal plants growing in the area, their fragrance filling the air.
We arrive at Harijan Waterfall. We see the first crown (tier) of the waterfall, which is about nine metres high and gives the waterfall a magnificent appearance. Here it is better not to be tempted to climb the crowns, because both the path is rugged and wild animals may be present — moreover, some areas are off-limits.
Animals such as brown bears, mountain goats (capra), wild sheep, partridge and pheasant inhabit the area. So it’s wise to watch your footing.
A trip feels complete when you visit nearby attractions. If you know what other natural wonders surround Harijan Waterfall, you may be tempted to add them to your itinerary. Below are some nearby points of interest.
If you enjoy visiting religious sites, on your trip to Harijan Waterfall you can stop by Imamzadeh Shahzadeh Mahmoud; its beautiful dome is visible from afar before you enter the village, and alongside the village’s heavenly beauty it lends a spiritual atmosphere.
Hesel Marsh is a natural attraction in the forests of Chalus that mesmerizes any visitor. Its waters spring from the ground; after seasonal rains it fills, and algae and moss covering the surface plus large trees create a lovely reflection on the water — a little paradise.
If you have spare time, include a visit to Hesel Marsh in your Harijan itinerary.
If you like picnicking and exploring forest parks, after visiting Harijan Waterfall you can visit Fin Forest Park. The Chalus River runs along the park; its facilities make it an enjoyable family destination.
Fin Forest Park also provides cultural facilities, wooden pavilions, camping areas, children’s playgrounds and souvenir shops — all useful for a pleasant family outing.
Harijan Waterfall is a natural site. Recreational options here include walking around the waterfall, photographing nature backdrops, and dipping hands and feet in the clear water — unique activities that offer an escape from city life.
Because Harijan Waterfall springs from the mountain, there are no built facilities such as shops, pharmacies, hotels or parking right beside it. For such services you must return to Harijan village.
Note that you cannot drive directly to the waterfall — park your car in the village. Also small village shops sell basic necessities and local souvenirs like mountain herbs.
For meals you can buy from local food vendors or use home-style meals offered by local eco-lodges in the village.
If you prefer to stay overnight rather than make a day trip, there are options near the waterfall.
Camping is one of the thrilling experiences for visitors: spending a night in the green meadows and listening to nature is unforgettable. However, if you plan to camp near Harijan Waterfall, consult local guides or tourism authorities in advance about safe and protected sites.
Also bring a suitable tent, sleeping bag and flashlight.
Harijan village is a pleasant settlement with traditional mud-brick and straw-roof houses alongside some newer homes. Many of the older houses have been converted into eco-lodges that let you experience rural life; make sure to confirm availability before travelling. Below are a few accommodations near the waterfall:
Setareh Eco-lodge: about 2 km from Harijan Waterfall.
Parvaneh Hotel: about 31 km from Harijan Waterfall.
Bagh Aghamati (guest garden): about 25 km from Harijan Waterfall.
This area is home to animals such as bears, mountain goats, partridge, and so on. The region is protected and hunting is prohibited — do not attempt to hunt.
For visiting the waterfall, use a local guide or ask townspeople familiar with the routes to avoid dangerous or risky paths.
Stay near the lower parts of the waterfall and avoid climbing the rocks: the paths are unstable and slippery, and you might enter restricted zones.
Before booking accommodation in Harijan village, confirm availability.
Facilities are scarce near the waterfall — bring enough drinking water and snacks.
Stick to marked routes and avoid unofficial paths.
