A Stroll in Tehran’s Beautiful, Refreshing Paradise! + Stunning and Captivating Photos

According to Saed News, quoting Fararu: For residents of the capital, spending a day away from polluted air, noise, and city traffic is considered a great blessing. For this reason, the natural attractions around the capital hold great significance and have always been popular. Havij Plain, also known as Garchal Plain, is one of Tehran’s most beautiful tourist destinations, offering a delightful environment near the village of Afjeh—a perfect spot for a one-day trip during the upcoming holidays.

Introduction to Havij Plain

Havij Plain is located at an altitude of 2,400 meters above sea level, upstream of Afjeh Village, in the Golandok region of Lavasanat. From the heights of the plain, Mount Damavand is visible. For those living in Tehran or nearby cities, Havij Plain is an ideal destination for a one-day getaway. Simply make your way to Lashgarak, pass the sharp turn of Ghochak, and you will reach Lavasan and Afjeh. The beautiful plain of Havij awaits you there.

Where is Havij Plain?

Havij Plain is located in Shemiranat County, Lavasan City, Afjeh Village, just a short distance from Tehran.

Access Route to Havij Plain

Havij Plain is easily accessible and safe. The route begins in Tehran and extends to Lavasanat. Residents of northern and eastern Tehran are relatively close to the plain. Generally, Tehranis can take one of the highways leading to Shahid Babaei Highway, then enter the Lashgarak Road. Travelers from northern Tehran can also take Artesh Highway, then Sohank Road, pass the Ghochak Pass, and reach Lashgarak Square.

Visitors from Karaj or northern Iran can, after confirming the Bala-ye Dizin road is open, pass through Migun, Fasham, Oushan, and Zardband to Lashgarak Square. From there, continue straight using signs directing to Afjeh. After passing Basij Square, turn left to reach Afjeh. Once in the village, you will encounter a fork: continue on the dirt path, park your vehicle, and start walking. Vehicles can pass too, provided they are four-wheel-drive SUVs.

History of Havij Plain

The unusual name originates from the plain’s historical use. Historical accounts indicate that in the past, large sections of this land were dedicated to carrot cultivation, although no trace of these fields remains today. The alternative name, Garchal, combines “Gor” (fire) and “Chal” (place), meaning “place of fire.” The name likely refers to the plain being warmer than surrounding peaks.

It is said that during the Safavid era, the plain was a popular hunting ground, and paths led to Lar Lake and Lar Plain. Safavid caravanserai ruins are visible at the end of the valley along rocky cliffs. The northern part of the plain connects Afjeh Pass to Fasham via a mule track, linking Havij Plain and Afjeh to Lar Plain and other central Alborz peaks. Nasir al-Din Shah and other Qajar kings reportedly used this pass to travel by carriage to Lar Plain and other summer resorts. This path, sometimes paved with stone, is known as the Shah Abbasi Route.

Attractions in Havij Plain

Havij Plain and its surroundings offer many attractions, so it is best to start early in the day to explore comfortably.

• Northern Afjeh Valley: If visiting this region, check out the untouched landscapes of Northern Afjeh Valley, popular with hikers heading to Atashkadeh, Saka, Yakhchal, and Mehrchal peaks.

• Waterfalls: Near the beginning of the path is Paschoobak Waterfall, which is a must-see. After 1.5 km, you can view a 15-meter waterfall surrounded by interesting vegetation. Maple trees enhance the beauty of the area. Another waterfall, Moab, flows from Saka Peak and is active most of the year.

• Sabostan Plain: Northwest of the plain lies Sabostan Plain, along the path to Atashgah Peak, featuring Cherand Waterfall, 50 meters high, surrounded by fruit trees such as plums, cherries, and walnuts.

• Safavid Bath: In the same area is an old Safavid-era bath, still in use by villagers.

• Haj Abar Fatemi Shrine (Saqakhaneh): In Afjeh Village, you can visit the Cheraghan neighborhood and the shrine of Hazrat Abal-Fazl, home to a 500-year-old plane tree.

• Saka Castle: Located on Sarbund Peak near Imameh Village, this ancient castle dates to the 2nd–3rd century AH. Constructed with brick, clay, and mortar, it was decorated with green and blue glazed tiles and was used until the Safavid era.

• Naseri Palace: North of Afjeh, overlooking village gardens, this palace belonged to Nasir al-Din Shah, built under the supervision of Etemad-ol-Dowleh, now a ruin.

• Dr. Vaziri Cave Museum: Located near Kand Alia Village, this cave museum was handcrafted by sculptor Nasser Hosmand Vaziri. Visitors can enjoy outdoor tea or coffee and panoramic mountain views from the treehouse in the courtyard. The entrance is shaped like a lion’s mouth, and inside are wooden, plaster, cement, stone, and metal sculptures depicting Iranian historical figures and mythical characters.

Best Time to Visit Havij Plain

Since the plain is warm, summer is not ideal for visiting. Autumn and winter offer a different charm, with winter being suitable for winter sports. However, spring is the best season, when nature rejuvenates and the plain becomes vibrant.

Facilities in Havij Plain

The land mostly belongs to villagers who earn a living through farming and fruit harvesting. Visitors should respect private property and avoid damaging trees or gardens. There are no dedicated facilities in the plain itself, but in Afjeh Village, visitors can access restaurants, shops, and restrooms.