If you live in bustling Tehran but have only a day, you don’t have to travel far to feel refreshed. Within a short drive of the capital are meadows, waterfalls, mountain villages and scenic roads that offer clean air, quiet and picturesque landscapes — perfect for a fast nature fix without the long commute.
If you’re among Tehran’s busy residents, you probably sometimes crave a pleasant trip but don’t have much time. If you know that many beautiful spots are only a short distance from this crowded city, lack of time and long travel won’t be an obstacle — you can escape the city’s bustle and retreat into nature with a relatively short drive.
It may be hard to believe, but just a few kilometers from this polluted, crowded city you can find places that are little short of paradise. Indeed, the sights around Tehran can give tired city dwellers a refreshing reason to travel.
Choosing any of these places depends on your means of transport, budget, how much time you can allocate, and your preferred accommodation.
Because of its exceptional plant and animal life, Lar Plain has long been one of the protected areas around Tehran and is among the most popular nearby sights.
This beautiful plain, at the foothills of Mount Damavand, is part of Mazandaran province. From the north it leads to Noor county and from the south to Afjeh, Emameh and Greater Lavasan — a location that guarantees pleasant climate for a lovely outing.
The best seasons to visit Lar Plain are spring and summer; historically it was a summer retreat for royalty. Lar is about 75 km from Tehran and takes roughly two hours to reach — a fine option for a one-day trip.
Scenic Barghan is in Alborz province, Savojbolagh county, situated between the Senj and Shahroud rivers. Barghan’s superb nature makes it one of the standout sights around Tehran.
Because it lies in the Alborz highlands, Barghan is a summer pasture area and suits visits in spring, summer and autumn.
With lush orchards, fields and rushing rivers, Barghan is a favorite weekend getaway for locals and attracts domestic and international tourists. It is about 80 km from Tehran — roughly a two-hour drive — making it an ideal one-day destination to enjoy Barghan’s nature.
If you can spare more than a single day, we recommend the scenic Lafur district. Composed of 29 villages and hamlets, Lafur is one of the richest and most varied nearby regions.
The Lafur forests — pristine, green Mazandaran woodland — contain rivers and springs that have sustained the forest for centuries.
Lafur’s flora is very rich; to explore it properly you may want to hike 2–3 hours. Lafur lies about 250 km from Tehran and is roughly a four-hour drive. If you love forest trekking and river landscapes, include Lafur in your plans — the four-hour drive will be worth it.
If you’re a fan of highland views and seeing a sea of clouds beneath you, Filband is a top pick.
Filband is one of northern Iran’s most popular scenic spots and is not very far from Tehran. The village draws many visitors in late spring and through the three summer months.
This charming mountain village is a Mazandaran summer pasture. After winding mountain roads, when you arrive at the road’s end you may find yourself standing above an ocean of clouds.
Weather at Filband changes quickly — it may be cloudy one moment and sunny the next. The drive from Tehran takes about four hours; you can also camp overnight and enjoy a full 24 hours of sky and cloud. Filband technically lies in Mazandaran and is not strictly within the immediate Tehran vicinity, but it’s still an attainable escape from Tehran’s noise if you’re motivated.
Lavasan is one of the closest and most popular sights around Tehran and doesn’t require a large time commitment. The town sits on the southern slopes of the Alborz mountains and is the center of Lavasanat district in Shemiranat county.
The Jajrood River runs through the area and overflows into Latyan Dam, giving Lavasan a pleasant climate and scenic views. Lavasan is a four-seasons destination — anytime you crave a short, refreshing trip, Lavasan can be a first option. It’s about 10 km from Tehran, under an hour’s drive.
Not far from Tehran on the Tehran–Firuzkuh road is Vashi Gorge, one of the best known warm-season sights around Tehran. Visiting Vashi requires a taste for walking and playing in water.
Along the hiking path you pass tall rock walls and encounter springs and cascades; you’ll likely get wet and forget summer heat for a few hours. Vashi is about 160 km from Tehran and takes roughly two hours to reach.
Afjeh is a village in Shemiranat, roughly five kilometers northeast of Lavasan. The large, prosperous mountain village has a cool climate — a good option for hot seasons.
One of Afjeh’s highlights is the Carrot Plain (locally called Garčāl, Gehchāl or Giyāhchāl). Afjeh is not far from Tehran — about 30 km — making it a convenient choice for short day trips.
If you choose Lafur as your destination, don’t miss Gazo Waterfall. Gazo drops roughly 75 meters in the green Lafur area of Mazandaran, near the shrine of the “Three Honored” (a local site), and is about 25 km from the city of Zirab.
Pristine nature and striking scenery make Gazo a favorite among visitors. Best seasons are spring and autumn; summer’s high humidity may bother some, but its summer beauty is still notable.
Ask anyone where to go for a quick mood change and you’ll often hear Chalus Road. It’s easily one of the most beloved of Tehran’s nearby attractions and a default for short scenic drives.
Green vistas, short driving distance and no special gear make Chalus a top short-trip pick. Some consider it among the world’s most beautiful roads. Many people head to Chalus daily, and heavy traffic is common during weekends and holidays — check traffic before you go.
Kordan (in Savojbolagh county, Alborz province) has become a major recreational destination and one of the most popular nearby sights in recent years. Located about 65 km northwest of Tehran and close to the Tehran–Qazvin highway, Kordan’s accessibility contributes to its popularity. Its pleasant climate suits visits in all four seasons, though autumn and winter can be noticeably colder than Tehran.
The truth is there’s no end to the sights around Tehran. Depending on time, resources, season and equipment, you can pick the right destination among countless options. This article introduced several of the most popular, easy-to-reach places. If you recently visited any memorable site around Tehran, share it with us — we’d love to hear about your experience!
