Escape the city heat in one day — Taleqan’s emerald lake, wild waterfalls and ancient caves are the perfect summer reset.
As a lush, highland county in the Alborz Mountains only about 120 km northwest of Tehran, Taleqan is a lesser-known summer paradise of verdant meadows, clear streams and cascading waterfalls—a quick escape from city heat for day-trippers and longer-stay nature lovers alike.
Taleqan is a beautiful county in Alborz Province with its administrative center in the town of Shahrak. It borders Mazandaran and Alamut to the north and Savojbolagh and Fashgel-dareh to the south. Taleqan lies in a highland, summer-pasture area of the Alborz mountain range and is about 120 kilometers from Tehran; for fans of day trips, that makes a memorable one-day excursion entirely feasible.
The main road to Taleqan branches off roughly 50 kilometers past Karaj on the way to Qazvin; after passing the Zeyaran area, follow the clearly marked signs to this well-known summer resort.
There is also an unpaved road from the Chalus route to eastern Taleqan that is usable only in summer due to heavy winter snow. If you plan to take this route, check road and weather conditions in advance.
If you love nature and outdoor activities, you’ve likely heard of the Taleqan Reservoir and Dam. Built on the Shahrud River—a river that rises in the mountains of Mazandaran and flows through the Taleqan valley—the Taleqan Dam came into operation in 2006 and is one of the region’s largest dams. The reservoir is surrounded by extensive meadows perfect for picnics, and anglers can fish for species such as carp, zardpar and rainbow trout. Weekends can get crowded, so plan your visit accordingly.
Scattered across Taleqan are lush, breathtaking villages—Oruzan is one of them, located about 12 kilometers north of Taleqan. Oruzan is known for its perennial springs and waterfalls, as well as walnut orchards and fields of hollyhock and other wildflowers. To reach Oruzan, take the Guran–Oruzan side road. The village is also the birthplace of the noted Iranian writer Jalal Al-e Ahmad. Many of Taleqan’s famous cascades—such as Hayat Waterfall, Khoshke Chal, Sorkh Band, Varyid and Siah Band Waterfalls—are found in and around this area.
If you love selfies and dramatic scenery, visit Karkabud Waterfall near the village of Karkabud, about 14 kilometers from Taleqan. Although modest in height—around five meters—the waterfall is framed by towering cliffs of 30 to 50 meters that give it a striking presence. The nearby rocks have a bluish hue that inspired the waterfall’s name.
High above the village of Sohan lie the Sohan waterfalls, a group of six falls whose tallest cascade is known locally as 'Chareh'. The site is about 25 kilometers from the town of Shahrak in Taleqan; reaching the upper falls requires navigating a winding trail that takes two hours or more for average hikers. Sohan is among Taleqan’s reliably water-rich waterfalls.
Shaleban (or Shalben) Waterfall is another year-round, water-rich cascade favored by visitors to Taleqan. Located about 10 kilometers north of Taleqan, it is fed from the peaks of Khesban and forms the Shaleban River. The waterfall has three tiers; to reach the highest tier, visitors walk through scenic village lanes and gardened paths.
If you prefer untouched countryside, spend a weekend in Mir village. About 40 kilometers south of Taleqan, Mir is prized for its pristine environment and its variety of wildlife. Approximately 300 people live here; because the area is relatively unspoiled, visitors are asked to avoid lighting fires in the forests and to carry out their trash to help preserve this valuable natural jewel.
Still unconvinced that Taleqan is Tehran’s summer-pasture heaven? Visit Dizán. Its green plains and meadows, the roar of running water, gentle breezes and birdsong create a restorative atmosphere. The village’s unspoiled calm guarantees an unforgettable nature experience.
Let’s turn to Taleqan’s historical sites: Arjang Castle—located in the village of Minavand—is one of the county’s oldest attractions, with a history dating back to the 6th century AH (Islamic calendar). The castle was reportedly constructed in 544 AH by order of 'Amir Kia Mohammad-e Bozorg Omid' as a defensive bastion during the Ismaili period. Only parts of the ancient structure remain; historically it has been known by names such as 'Qaladosh' and 'Del Jang.'
One of Taleqan’s more mysterious historic artifacts is a Qajar-era stone inscription called the 'Aslak Pass Stele.' Scholars have not reached a consensus on the full meaning of its text, but the inscription is thought to have been commissioned by a man named Ayub Mirdaftar during the reign of Naser al-Din Shah and relates to the construction of a water channel. To view the stele, travel to the village of Grab—about three kilometers southwest of the Aslak Pass.
Taleqan is home to several important religious sites, including the shrine of Imamzadeh Qazi Mir-Saeid in the Taleqan district of Savojbolagh. The shrine, which dates to the post-Islamic period, is associated with a descendant of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir and became a focal point for devotions, especially during the mourning rituals of Tasu'a and Ashura. The site was registered as a national heritage site in 2002 (1381 SH). Visitors can reach the shrine via the villages of Hasanjun and Seyyedabad in Taleqan.
The house of Ayatollah Taleghani is another local historic site. The cleric—an influential opponent in the Pahlavi era who died in 1979—lived in a traditional Qajar-era earthen house in the village of Gilard. The house’s architecture reflects traditional building methods using sun-dried bricks and clay.
Imamzadeh Harun is located in the village of Jovestan north of the Shahrud River. The shrine is attributed to a descendant of Imam Musa al-Kadhim and, despite being small, is a cherished local sacred site. Historical records indicate the shrine was repaired under Shah Tahmasp I and Shah Abbas I, and a white marble stone over the entrance dates to the Safavid era.
If you still doubt Taleqan’s historical depth, visit the Panjali Cave: a very large cave on the northern side of Minavand village, south of Barikan, believed to be approximately 3,000 years old. The cave has two large entrances and an interior depth of about six meters. Cultural heritage authorities believe the cave may have served as a shelter in certain historical periods. Panjali Cave is registered in the national list of heritage sites.
Taleqan’s points of interest do not end with the items listed above; the county is full of beautiful, varied sights—green pastures, abundant springs and waterfalls, historical monuments and religious sites—which together make Taleqan one of the most appealing destinations near the capital.
If you have visited Taleqan before and want to share your experiences, please leave your comments to let other readers know what to see and do in this delightful county.
