SAEDNEWS: Tehran is often portrayed as a polluted, noisy, and bustling city. Yet, if we lift the veil of this modern metropolis, we discover a clean and fertile natural landscape, with flowing rivers and enchanting garden-lined alleys—just as historical accounts of old Tehran describe it.
According to the Tourism Service of Saed News, the villages and mountainous regions surrounding Tehran, with their temperate climate, orchards, mountains, and waterfalls, evoke the charm of old stories and offer memorable destinations for day trips or villa rentals near the capital.
Whether you only have a Thursday or Friday for a short escape, love hiking, cycling, or walking, or want to organize a friendly gathering, birthday, or family party in a serene villa surrounded by nature, here are 20 remarkable destinations near Tehran.
Kordan is a picturesque village 68 km from Tehran and 18 km from Karaj, known for its clean, cool climate. Popular for day trips, picnics, and weekend stays, Kordan features flowing rivers sourced from the Kahar Mountains, summer-friendly cool weather, fruit orchards with cherries, apricots, mulberries, and walnuts, and a range of restaurants and guesthouses. Don’t miss the historic Kordan Mausoleum (Imamzadeh Hossein).
Located 60 km east of Tehran, Ayneh Varzan (locally "Ein Varzan") is a historic village within Damasd County, surrounded by flowing rivers and fruit orchards. The nearby Ayneh Varzan Waterfall, accessible via a scenic uphill hike, is a major attraction in spring and summer.
Ahar (locally "Ohar") lies 40 km from Tehran in the Rudbar Qasran region. Two rivers, Shakar Ab and Pish Kank, flow through the village, nourishing orchards and creating stunning natural landscapes. In late spring, cherry and sour cherry trees bear fruit that visitors can buy directly from local farmers. Hiking and cycling along village paths, or visiting the Shakar Ab Waterfall, are popular activities. Early morning arrivals can enjoy a picnic lunch beside the waterfall.
Vardij and Varish, 40 km from Tehran and 6 km apart, are idyllic mountain villages in the Kon and Solqan region.
Vardij: Known for the "Rock Spirits" – uniquely shaped and naturally eroded rock formations – the village also boasts a river and lush orchards. Winter visits are less recommended due to snow and cold. Accommodation is limited, so day trips are ideal.
Varish: Renowned for environmental preservation, locals provide trash bags for visitors to maintain cleanliness. The village features the Varish spring and the Pahneh Hesār heights, offering 4–5 hours of hiking to the summit.
Famous for Barghan plums used in traditional dishes, this historic village lies along the Karaj-Qazvin road. Attractions include the Atashgah of Karaj, Barghan Mosque and Hussainiya, Barghan Square, Ilkhanid Castle, Chehel Dokhtar Shrine, and ancient trees such as the thousand-year-old plane tree.
Kon (also "Kon-e Solqon") and Solqan, near Tehran, feature rivers, mountains, and scenic valleys. Notable spots include Sangan Village, Vardij, Varish, Biuk Agha Cave, and Kouhsar Forest Park, ending at the famous Imamzadeh Davood.
Taleqan, 120 km from Tehran, is accessible via Karaj-Qazvin Highway or Chalus Road. Attractions include Taleqan Lake and Dam, Orzan Village, Sohan (Chareh), Shaleh Bon, and Karkabood waterfalls. Historical sites include the graves of Qazi Mir Saeed, Ayatollah Taleqani’s house, and Imamzadeh Haroon. Local accommodations include traditional guesthouses and villas.
Barg-e Jahan ("Belgjun") is 40 km from Tehran, known for fruit orchards and high-altitude landscapes. Fall foliage is spectacular, and cultural events such as the Muharram Ta’ziyeh attract many visitors. Attractions include Barg-e Jahan Waterfall, Khamireh Cave, Tangal Castle, and the historic Zendan Khané cave. Villas and rural homes are available for stays.
Lavasan is famed for upscale villas, rivers like Jajerud, and the Dark Zone Lake. Natural reserves like Varjin offer biodiversity, and nearby villages such as Emameh provide scenic spots like Mehrchal Plain and Golokan Waterfall. Additional attractions include Naran and Kaftrloo waterfalls in Kond Aliya Village.
Unique Experience: Dr. Vaziri Cave Museum, a private museum created from recycled materials, displays works inspired by Iranian folklore and the Shahnameh.
Afjeh, part of Lavasan, is known for its accessible location and the beautiful Havij Plain, a perfect short-trip destination.
Shahrestanak: Historic village along Chalous Road, home to the Naser al-Din Shah Palace, Shahrestanak Castle, and natural attractions like Tappeh Shensatoon and Horst Old Cypress. Best visited late spring to early autumn.
Nater: A hidden gem 50 km from Tehran near Chalous, featuring forests, fresh springs, and mountains (Karcham, Takht-e Soleyman, Hamm-e Kar). Currently lacks overnight facilities.
Fasham includes Oushan, Fasham, and Meygun, historically popular for luxury villas. The nearby Dizin Ski Resort offers 23 ski trails, four gondolas, two chairlifts, and seven ski lifts, hosting international competitions.
Telo Forest Park: 5 km from Tehran, ideal for picnics, cycling, and half-day stays.
Alimestan Forest: Near Amol, featuring springs, meadows, and free-roaming horses.
Lafur Forest: In Savadkuh, Mazandaran, part of the historic Hyrcanian Forest. Highlights include multiple waterfalls and forest parks, best visited mid-spring to late summer.
Located 20 km from Firuzkuh, Tangeh Vashi features two gorges and a scenic waterfall. Visitors enjoy a 1.5-hour hike along rocky trails to reach Savaashi Waterfall.
Lar Plain, next to Lar Lake on the Tehran-Mazandaran border, is a protected area with seasonal wildflowers. Activities include camping, hiking, cycling, and fishing.
A’la Spring, near Abali in Damavand County, is famed for its clean mineral water, believed to help with high blood pressure and kidney stones. The surrounding area features orchards of apples, walnuts, cherries, sour cherries, apricots, and dried apricots, 45 km from Tehran.
Ideal for hiking and off-road trips, these mountain lakes are accessible via Damavand and Chenar East Village, offering a cool climate even in summer. Visitors should avoid using vegetation for fires or leaving litter.
Located in Damavand County, a 45-minute downhill hike leads to Rudafshan Cave. The cave features vast halls and limestone columns, offering an accessible yet extraordinary spelunking experience. Local guesthouses or Damavand city provide overnight accommodation.
