Ahār Village / A Hidden Paradise in the Slopes of Alborz

Saturday, May 24, 2025

Saednews: Ahār Village, one of the most beautiful tourist destinations near Tehran, with pristine nature and pleasant weather, is an ideal place to escape the city's hustle and bustle.

Ahār Village / A Hidden Paradise in the Slopes of Alborz

Where is Ahār Village?
Ahār is one of the villages in the Rudbar Qasran Rural District, in the Rudbar Qasran district of Tehran Province. It is located in the Rudbar Qasran area of Shemiranat, which is a popular destination for mountaineers. The village is situated 23 kilometers northwest of Golanduk city. Its location is at a point where two valleys, named Dah Tangeh and Zargah Pass (to the northwest), and the area with farms and the Shakarāb waterfall—the source of the Ahār River (Banjūk)—along with Tochal Peak and the border of Shahrstanak (to the southwest), converge.


Ahār Village is recognized as one of the flourishing and prosperous villages in the region. Many residents are engaged in agriculture due to the presence of vast farms and orchards. Various fruits such as cherries, sour cherries, pears, and apples are cultivated here.

The natural beauty of the area is especially captivating during spring and autumn. Ahār Village is one of the charming attractions for spending time around Tehran. It is located on the edge of the Alborz Mountains, surrounded by high peaks ideal for mountaineering. For this reason, hiking enthusiasts frequently visit this area.

If you live in Tehran or plan to visit, you can spend a day in this beautiful village. Given the city's hustle and bustle and the stress of urban life, escaping to a natural area with fresh air is essential for city dwellers. Spending a day embraced by nature, away from the city, can reduce everyday stress.


Brief introduction to Ahār Village
Ahār Village has many natural attractions and tourist potential, considered one of the best sights around Tehran. Lush orchards, green mountains, and pleasant weather create beautiful landscapes around the village. You can plan a day trip to visit Ahār and explore the area.


How to get to Ahār Village
Ahār is located at an elevation of 2,140 meters above sea level, parallel to the Tajrish area in northern Tehran and 23 kilometers northwest of Golanduk in Lavasan. The village lies at the meeting point of the Dah Tangeh rural district and Tochal peaks, forming the Shahrstanak border.

You can reach Ahār via Shahid Babaei Highway in northeast Tehran. From the highway, take the entrance to Lashgarak Road and follow it. The distance from the beginning of Lashgarak Road to Ahār Village is 33 kilometers. After reaching the police checkpoint, continue towards Fasham. After passing Hajjiabad and Oshan, take the "Dareh Behesht" exit before Fasham. This side road leads to Ahār Village.


Climate of Ahār Village
Due to its favorable climate, agriculture thrives here, with water sourced from local springs and rivers. The surrounding rivers contribute to the cool, pleasant air in warmer months, irrigate fields and valleys, and enrich the area's greenery and beauty.

Surrounded by tall mountains, Ahār experiences cold and frost from late autumn through winter. Summers are moderate but direct sunlight can cause sunburn. Spring weather is mild and pleasant, with cool summer nights. Cold and precipitation begin early autumn and last through the year’s end. Annual rainfall, including snow, exceeds 600 millimeters.


Rivers of Ahār Village
Historically, locals called Ahār "Ohar," which gradually changed to "Ohar." The older residents referred to the entrance path from Eygel Village as "Gol Ohar." In the local dialect, "O" means water, and "Har" means mill, referring to the abundant water resources in the region.

Ahār is a large village, one of the biggest in the Rudbar Qasran area of Tehran. The climate supports high agricultural productivity. Most residents farm and garden. The abundant rivers around supply water for daily life and agriculture. The 15-kilometer-long Shakarāb River, originating from Sanduqchal Mountain, passes through mountain valleys such as Tar Cheshmeh and sustains many villages along its course.

The Pish Kanak River, sourced from Si Chal Mountains, joins Shakarāb River downstream near Ahār and flows into the Jajrud River. These rivers, along with the green mountain slopes, beautiful orchards, and flowing springs, have made Ahār one of the most popular summer resorts near Tehran.


Visiting Ahār Village and Shakarāb Waterfall

Best time to visit Ahār Village:
Spring, with blossoming trees and lively nature, is the best time to visit Tehran and Ahār. Springs and rivers are full and lively. Autumn, with falling leaves and cool weather, also offers beautiful scenery. Summer is perfect for camping and enjoying the dreamlike meadows of Ahār.

Due to the mountainous location, winters are cold and snowy, so it’s better to avoid winter visits.


Where is the beautiful Shakarāb Waterfall?
Shakarāb Waterfall is near Ahār Village in a lush, scenic valley and is one of Lavasan’s notable attractions. This summer resort lies west of the Ahār valley and features qanats and beautiful springs like the Shakarāb Snow Spring, creating extraordinary beauty. The Shakarāb village and western paths leading to Shahrstanak were leisure and hunting grounds for Qajar kings.

With clear rivers, high mountains, green trees, and relatively easy paths, the area has become a popular destination. The waterfall itself is one of the village’s most beautiful natural sights. Also nearby is the seasonal "Chehel Peleh" waterfall, located on the slopes of Ahār’s Ghaleh Dokhtar mountain, featuring a series of stunning cascades.


Shakarāb Waterfall: One of Iran’s Most Beautiful Waterfalls
Located in northern Iran on the slopes of the Alborz Mountains, Shakarāb Waterfall significantly affects the local climate. Hiking groups and tourists often travel here. When snow melts, water volume multiplies, creating breathtaking views. The waterfall continues as a river through the valley toward the village.

The water irrigates surrounding lands and orchards. The waterfall is not just a natural attraction but offers magnificent views along the path. On the way, visitors enjoy cherry and sour cherry orchards. In spring, cherry blossoms enhance the beauty, and from late June to early September, trees bear abundant fruit. The area features pleasant natural views of valleys and green slopes with diverse flora.


If you know herbal plants, you may spot thyme, rhubarb, and borage along the way. The Shakarāb River flows through mountain slopes and serves as a guide to the waterfall’s base. By mid-spring, some snow remains on peaks, creating an amazing panorama. The pleasant mountain climate makes the experience even better.


The image of the waterfall nestled in a green valley is like a beautiful painting. After a challenging mountain path, you reach the waterfall’s base. The breeze gently caresses your face. The waterfall seems to welcome visitors. Sitting on a rock listening to water hitting the stones, nature’s melody soothes your soul.

Dipping your hand in the cool water refreshes you. Closing your eyes and placing your feet in the stream lets the water wash away fatigue. Swimming on hot summer days is incomparable, but be cautious—the rocks can be slippery.


Best time to visit Shakarāb Waterfall
Spring and summer are ideal. Snowmelt causes rivers to swell, and cherry blossoms make the area look like a small paradise. You can take beautiful photos among cherry trees. Breezes scatter petals, creating a stunning scene.

In summer, juicy, colorful fruits hang from branches and the air is cool and pleasant. Autumn also offers a beautiful view, but check weather forecasts for sudden rains.