Saed News: The historic and stepped village of "Kang" is located 29 kilometers from Mashhad. The village dates back more than 3,000 years, and some unofficial sources even claim that its history goes back 8,500 years, making it even older than Masouleh in Gilan.
According to the Saed News analytical news outlet, quoting Fararu, have you ever experienced life in a village? A place where you wake up with the sunrise and the crowing of a rooster and know that night has fallen with the sunset and the jingling bells of sheep returning from pasture. A place free from the noise of crowds, traffic, and air pollution.
We invite you to take a brief journey to a 3,000-year-old historical village and explore this ancient stepped village together. Known as the "Masouleh of Khorasan," experts in cultural heritage and tourism believe that even a single night’s stay in this village might have inspired the construction of Masouleh in Gilan Province.
The historical and stepped village of "Kang" is located 29 kilometers from Mashhad. Its history dates back over 3,000 years, and some unofficial sources even claim it goes back 8,500 years, making it older than Masouleh in Gilan.
Kang Village, situated in northeastern Iran, lies in a picturesque region near the city of Torghabeh. It has a population of around 450 people, most of whom are elderly men and women who have chosen to preserve their traditional lifestyle rather than migrate to urban areas.
The village houses are made of mud bricks, clay, wood, and stone, with one house’s rooftop serving as the courtyard for the house above it. This architectural style closely resembles that of Masouleh in Gilan.
Not only does Kang Village boast stunning architecture, but its breathtaking natural beauty also attracts many visitors. The area features waterfalls, rivers, and lush gardens, adding to its charm.
Nestled on the slopes of the Binaloud Mountains—Khorasan’s most famous mountain—Kang Village is surrounded by cherry orchards, picturesque alleys with earthen walls, verdant valleys, and flowing rivers.
The villagers engage in agriculture and animal husbandry, but they also take pride in carpet weaving, a long-standing tradition in Kang. Many still uphold this heritage, producing high-quality handmade carpets.
In recent years, the rise of eco-lodges in rural areas has allowed some locals to informally host tourists for additional income. However, only one officially licensed eco-lodge operates in the village.
Kang Village has become a popular destination for foreign tourists, attracting visitors from Germany, the U.S., Sweden, and Greece.
In spring and summer, visitors can enjoy strolling through the scenic village alleys, admiring both the natural beauty and the historic stepped architecture. The village is home to fascinating historical sites, including:
Shah Abbasi Caravanserai: Located in a valley overlooking the Kang River, this centuries-old inn is a relic of Iran’s historic trade routes.
Old Kang Cemetery: Perched on a hill, this ancient cemetery features valuable gravestones engraved with symbolic images such as faces and combs, indicating the deceased's gender, status, and age. Dates are inscribed in the Hijri lunar calendar.
150-Year-Old Mosque: A significant religious site for villagers.
Tiq Miyan and Hisar Fortresses: These old fortifications were once used for surveillance.
Sheikh Abdullah Mausoleum: The tomb of a revered mystic born in 1266 AH (Islamic calendar).
Binaloud Heights: Offering stunning natural scenery, this mountain range attracts hikers and nature enthusiasts. It is home to Shirbad Peak, the highest summit in Khorasan, known as the "Roof of Khorasan."
Kang Waterfall: Located just 5 kilometers from the village, this waterfall is a must-see attraction.
Popular souvenirs from Kang Village include barberries, saffron, fruits, and rock candy. Local dishes include mash soup, sholeh ghalamkar (a traditional thick stew), bulgur soup, and herbal mountain stew, all prepared by the village residents.
The people of Kang have preserved ancient customs. Until the COVID-19 pandemic, weddings in the village lasted seven days, filled with celebrations and festivities.
During Tasua and Ashura (Shia mourning ceremonies), villagers maintain a long-standing ritual by carrying flags from the lower Hosseiniyeh (religious hall) to the upper one, greeting each other’s flags in a mark of respect.
Due to its mountainous location, the best time to visit Kang is spring and summer, when the nights are pleasantly cool—typically 3 to 4 degrees Celsius cooler than Mashhad.
Although fall and winter can be harshly cold and dry, photographers and nature enthusiasts still flock to the village in autumn to capture the stunning spectrum of colors ranging from yellow to deep red.
If you are visiting Mashhad for pilgrimage during Nowruz (Persian New Year), a trip to Kang Village is highly recommended. To reach the village, follow these steps:
Head to Torghabeh City.
Take the beltway to the Noghondar Village Road.
Pass through Noghondar and continue to the end of the road—this will lead you to Kang, the Masouleh of Khorasan.
