If you want a place where the forest hushes the world and the water looks like a painted mirror, Shiadeh Dam near Babol might be the most unexpectedly lovely stop on your Mazandaran route.
Shiadeh Dam is one of those places that leaves a lasting impression: nestled inside Mazandaran’s untouched forests, framed by evergreen foliage and cool mountain air, the dam resembles a living landscape painting. If you love traveling and are compiling a list of sights near Babol or in Mazandaran, Shiadeh Dam deserves a top spot. Its beauty isn’t only visual — the surrounding mood and quiet also make it a true refuge from everyday crowds. Take a slow walk along the water and you’ll hear nothing but the gentle sounds of nature.
Shiadeh Dam sits in northern Iran in the western Bandpei district of Babol County, Mazandaran Province. The dam occupies a mountainous, forested area and—thanks to its location—offers special natural views. The earthen Shiadeh dam is built on the local Shiadeh River and its reservoir plays an important role in local water supply and control. The dam takes its name from the nearby Shiadeh village; to the north the landscape reaches the village, to the south the forested heights of the Alborz mountains, to the east the villages of Kotna and Khoshkdasht, and to the west lie forested land and the village of Pi-Ghaleh.
Cities close to the dam include Babol (about 30–40 minutes away), western Bandpei (where the dam sits), and the towns of Golgohar and Imamzadeh Abdullah.
To reach Shiadeh Dam you should first travel to Babol in Mazandaran. From there continue on the road toward Golgohar (via Bandpei West). After passing villages such as Imamzadeh Abdullah and Kotna you’ll arrive at Shiadeh village.
From Shiadeh village, the dam itself is roughly a 3-kilometer dirt and forest road; depending on road conditions and your vehicle you may need to walk a portion (about 20–30 minutes). High-clearance vehicles like SUVs or pickups handle the track best, though in dry seasons many passenger cars can manage it.
The drive from Tehran to Shiadeh Dam is roughly 240 kilometers and typically takes about 4.5 to 5 hours by private car. Common approaches use the Haraz or Firuzkuh corridors toward Babol.
Shiadeh Dam is approximately 35 kilometers from the center of Babol. By car, the trip usually takes 40–50 minutes over rural and forest roads in western Bandpei.
The distance between Babolsar and Shiadeh Dam is about 50 kilometers and the drive generally takes around one hour, passing through Babol and regional secondary roads.
Sari is around 75 kilometers from Shiadeh Dam, a drive of roughly 1.5 hours by private vehicle. The recommended route passes by Babol and then continues into Bandpei West.
Spring and early autumn are the best seasons to visit Shiadeh Dam. At those times the surrounding nature is at its finest and the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities. May (Ordibehesht) and late September (Mehr) are especially attractive for nature lovers.
Summer — particularly July and August — is warmer, but because the dam sits in higher forested terrain it is usually bearable; expect more visitors on summer weekends. During Nowruz (the Persian New Year) the site gets busy, so avoid that holiday if you prefer quieter visits. Visiting in low-tourist windows like early autumn or late spring tends to be calmer and more economical.
Swimming and fishing in the reservoir are not officially permitted in many cases. Swimming is dangerous due to depth and water conditions and is not recommended for safety reasons. Fishing requires permits from the Fisheries Department or the Department of Natural Resources; these controls protect the local ecosystem and prevent harm during fish spawning seasons (often in spring), when fishing is typically prohibited.
Some nearby areas may be seasonally closed to protect wildlife; check with Babol’s environmental authorities or fisheries office before planning water activities.
When engineers and officials planned a dam in the forests of western Bandpei, naming was more than administrative — it tied the structure to local identity. “Shiadeh” was chosen for its warm, familiar resonance. The name derives from the local language and evokes height, mature trees and deep roots — imagery that fits the place. The dam was conceived not just to control water but to harmonize with the surrounding nature. Close to the Shiadeh village, the structure soon became part of local life: concrete walls that echo the springs that have long run in the soil. Today the name “Shiadeh” carries both the physical dam and the story of a people bound to the land.
The area around Shiadeh Dam offers several noteworthy nearby sights: Shiadeh Village, Lake Elimalat, and Babol Bazaar. Each spot delivers a different mix of nature and local culture.
A few kilometers from the dam, Shiadeh village feels like a different world: fresh air, old houses with thatch roofs, and stone-paved lanes that evoke the past. Locals greet visitors warmly; walking here gives a sense of belonging to a simpler rhythm of life.
About 20 kilometers from the dam you’ll find Lake Elimalat, set within the dense Hyrcanian forests. Its clear waters and absolute quiet make it a jewel in the region. Here you can listen to the gentle lapping of water and recover from city noise.
After forest walks, a visit to Babol Bazaar is a contrasting, lively experience. The market is about 30 minutes from the dam and offers spices, local produce, and handicrafts — a colorful, sensory place for shopping and sampling regional foods.
Around the reservoir you can enjoy diverse activities. Camping by the lake is popular — spend a night under the stars and wake to birdsong. Photographers will find endless frames in every corner. In warm months, some visitors rent small boats for gentle paddling, though you should check regulations and safety rules first. If you fish, secure the required permits and follow seasonal restrictions. Forest walks and wildlife watching are other calming pastimes that help forge a personal connection with the place.
On arrival you’ll notice a peaceful environment with basic visitor conveniences. There is parking space near the dam that allows you to stop comfortably. Along walking routes a small prayer room is available, and public restrooms have been installed for travelers’ ease. Picnic gazebos sit near the water and several local shops and mini-markets are close by for essentials.
Imagine pitching a tent by the lake after a long day of hiking — the sound of water and a canopy of stars. Bring a tent, sleeping bags and the usual camping supplies. Facilities are limited, but the calm of the place often compensates for that.
If you prefer something cozier, several rural guesthouses and eco-lodges near Shiadeh village provide comfortable, traditional stays. These homes offer a chance to experience local life, warm rooms and a peaceful atmosphere. For more facilities, nearby hotels (a short drive from the dam) offer modern comforts such as Wi-Fi and on-site restaurants; they are a convenient choice if you prefer not to camp.
Bring essentials like a tent and sleeping bag if you plan to camp, sturdy waterproof shoes, a camera, and sunscreen. Aim for early morning or late afternoon for the best light and cooler temperatures. Choose an appropriate vehicle (SUV or pickup recommended) for the unpaved road and be prepared for a 20–30 minute walk from Shiadeh village to the dam in some seasons. If you plan to fish, obtain permits from the fisheries office; check local rules before swimming — it’s usually unsafe and discouraged. Visiting outside major holidays will deliver a quieter, more peaceful experience. Since there’s no formal entrance fee, pack out any trash and respect local environmental rules.
Tip | |
|---|---|
Best seasons: spring and early autumn for pleasant weather and scenery. | “Best time to visit” section |
Use a high-clearance vehicle (SUV/pickup); expect a 3 km dirt/forest road and possible 20–30 min walk. | “How to get to Shiadeh Dam” |
Swimming is unsafe; fishing requires permits from fisheries/natural resources and may be restricted in spawning season. | “Swimming and fishing” |
Bring camping gear, waterproof clothing, and essentials; limited on-site facilities (toilet, prayer room, small shops). | “Accommodation” and “Facilities” |
Avoid Nowruz and busy summer weekends for a quieter visit. | “Best time to visit” |
