When the scent of holiday plans fills the air, many head north — but you don’t have to leave Tehran to find green slopes, waterfalls and a breath of mountain air.
If you ask people to name Tehran’s mountain parks, Abshar Park might not be the first to come up — it’s relatively new and still not widely known. That obscurity can be an advantage: on a holiday you can either find a busy, noisy scene (if you arrive where everyone else has already gathered) or a calm, tree-shaded spot where the wind and running water are the only sounds. Many visitors discover the latter.
The park is called “Abshar” (Waterfall) because it includes a waterfall — but it’s important to note the waterfall is man-made, added during park construction rather than emerging naturally from the mountain. The water flow is managed by park authorities and, due to recent water shortages, the waterfall is not always running.
One of the best park activities is following the uphill, stepped hiking route. Besides the pleasant scenery and fresh air, the path culminates in a panoramic viewpoint over the park and Tehran.
Because the park sits on one of Tehran’s western fringes, tall buildings don’t obstruct the views, giving you an unobstructed, peaceful skyline.
The walking route is tiered: each level includes green space, drinking taps and shaded pavilions so you can rest and recover your breath before continuing.
Abshar Park is located at the western end of Hemmat Highway (Hemmat West), on Shahid Kharazi Highway — look for the “Abshar Tehran” exit.
No. The park lies slightly outside the main urban grid and currently has no dedicated metro or bus stops, nor a regular taxi stand.
The waterfall exists, but it is artificial. The park team controls the flow and may limit it during periods of water scarcity.
The park’s tiered design creates microclimates on each level; the highest tier houses the waterfall and small terraces where water pools, and reaching the top reveals the park’s most beautiful views.
If you like hiking but find real mountain trails too demanding, Abshar Park offers a gentler alternative — marked uphill paths with resting areas, water and pavilions for a safe, comfortable trek.
Photographers — amateur or pro — will find plenty of attractive spots. Each tier offers a different frame, and the park provides a rare angle over Tehran that many haven’t seen.
There are public exercise stations for adults and a children’s play area, so both active visitors and families with kids can enjoy the park.
Although the park is fairly new, it already offers practical amenities suitable for families:
Restaurant and café with views toward Chitgar Lake (breakfast options available)
Snack booths (from about 10:00 a.m.)
Restrooms (Iranian and Western style)
Parking area
Mosque / prayer room
The park is planned to expand further in the future, with proposed additions such as stroller paths, a cycling track and more parking.
Address: End of Hemmat West (Hemmat Highway), Shahid Kharazi Expressway — Abshar (Waterfall) Tehran exit
Note: No metro or dedicated bus/taxi stop currently serves the park; private car or a pre-arranged ride is the most practical option.
Abshar Park is an excellent alternative to long, costly, traffic-filled trips outside Tehran. It offers a compact nature experience — trees, water, light hiking and family amenities — that can satisfy a day-trip craving without the travel time. For families, the nearby Jurassic Park (a separate attraction) provides additional entertainment for children.
What do you think the park still needs? More cycling routes, shaded picnic areas or weekend shuttle service might make it even better — share your suggestions.
