SAEDNEWS: The historic stepped village of 'Kang' is located 29 kilometers from Mashhad. The village dates back over 3,000 years, and some unofficial sources even suggest its history stretches as far as 8,500 years, making it, in a way, older than Masuleh in Gilan."
According to Saed News, quoting Fararu, have you ever experienced life in a village? A place where you wake up with the sunrise and the crowing of roosters, and at sunset, the sound of the bells on returning sheep signals that night and bedtime have arrived. A place where there is no trace of crowds, traffic, or air pollution.
We want to invite you for a few minutes to a 3,000-year-old historic village and take a look at this ancient stepped village. This village, known as the “Masouleh of Khorasan,” is believed by cultural heritage and tourism experts to have possibly inspired the architecture of Masouleh in Gilan Province after a single night of stay.
The historic stepped village of Kang is located 29 kilometers from Mashhad. Its history dates back more than 3,000 years, and some unofficial sources even claim it is 8,500 years old, making it older than Masouleh in Gilan.
Kang Village is situated in northeastern Iran, 29 kilometers from Mashhad, in a pleasant climate near the city of Torghabeh. It has a population of about 450, mostly elderly men and women who have chosen to preserve authenticity over city life and have not migrated.
The village’s adobe houses are built from clay, wood, and stone. The courtyard of one house serves as the rooftop of another, and the architecture closely resembles Masouleh in Gilan.
Kang Village is not only architecturally beautiful but also boasts unique natural scenery that attracts many tourists. The area features waterfalls, rivers, and numerous gardens, enhancing its charm.
Kang lies on the slopes of Binalud Mountain, the most famous mountain in Khorasan. Cherry orchards, quaint alleyways with clay walls, lush valleys, and flowing rivers are part of the region’s beauty.
Besides agriculture and livestock, villagers are also skilled in carpet weaving, a long-standing tradition that continues to this day.
In recent years, with the rise of eco-tourism homes, some residents unofficially hosted tourists, earning extra income, although only one officially licensed eco-tourism house operates in the village.
The village is so historically and culturally appealing that it attracts foreign tourists, particularly from Germany, the U.S., Sweden, and even Greece.
In spring and summer, visitors can enjoy walking through the scenic alleyways, experiencing the village’s historic stepped architecture, and exploring its archaeological sites. After about an hour’s walk, you can reach the Shah Abbasi Caravanserai, located in a valley overlooking the beautiful Kang River.
On a hill overlooking the village lies the ancient cemetery of Kang, which is a historical attraction. Gravestones often feature carvings like faces or shoulders, indicating the deceased’s position, age, and gender. Dates of birth and death are noted in the Hijri calendar.
The village also has a 150-year-old mosque, the Tigh-Mian Castle, the Hesar Castle for watchkeeping, and the tomb of Sheikh Abdullah, a revered Sufi born in 1266 Hijri.
The Binalud Mountains offer pristine views, attracting hikers and tourists. The Kang Waterfall, located 5 kilometers from the village, is another key attraction.
Local products include barberries, saffron, fruits, and rock sugar, which make excellent gifts. Traditional dishes include ash mash (mung bean soup), ash sholeh qalamkar, bulgur dishes, and special mountain herb soups prepared by local residents.
The customs of Kang villagers are ancient, with weddings and mourning ceremonies following long-standing traditions. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, weddings lasted seven days of celebration. Villagers continue to observe Tasu’a and Ashura mourning rituals, carrying ceremonial flags from the lower to the upper Hosseiniyeh of the village in a traditional greeting.
Kang Village is on the slopes of Binalud Mountain, making spring and summer the best seasons to visit, with cooler nights—typically 3–4°C cooler than Mashhad.
Though autumn and winter are cold and dry, photographers and nature enthusiasts may visit in autumn to capture the colorful foliage ranging from yellow to red.
If visiting Mashhad during Nowruz or for pilgrimage, be sure to stop by the 3,000-year-old Kang Village. To reach it, go to Torghabeh, take the bypass road to Naghndar Village, and continue along the road to the last village on this route, arriving at the Masouleh of Khorasan.
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