Tucked in the heart of Mazandaran’s mountains, Filband Village rises nearly 2,300 meters above sea level, offering visitors a rare spectacle: a sea of clouds surrounding rustic wooden homes and emerald pastures.
Filband Village is one of Babol’s most renowned attractions. Surrounded by pristine nature, it is enveloped in clouds for half the year.
Filband Village
Recommended Visit Duration: Half a Day
Entry Fee: Free
Location: Filband Village, Bandpey-e Gharbi District, Babol County, Mazandaran Province, Iran
Sea of Clouds in Filband Village
Filband Village is located in the heights of Chalav, one of the finest summer highlands in Mazandaran. Its most famous feature is the sea of clouds—a striking natural phenomenon that attracts tourists throughout the year. Spring and summer are the best seasons to visit, offering pleasant weather and breathtaking scenery. Visitors can experience local village life by renting rustic cabins. Kajaro provides a complete guide for your journey to this enchanting destination.
Address: Filband Village, Bandpey-e Gharbi District, Babol County, Mazandaran Province, Iran
Filband Village is part of Babol County in Mazandaran Province. It lies 57 km south of Amol city, east of Haraz River. Access is through Haraz Road, then a mountainous detour towards Filband, situated between Alimestan Forest and the village of Rezkeh.
Filband’s northwest neighbors are Sangchal Village (Amol), while to the south lie Vaneh Bon highlands and Varzaneh and Neshl villages. To the southeast are Sheikh Musa, Nirasem, and Goliran villages. Locals travel to Filband during warm seasons on foot or by horse or mule; however, the routes are treacherous and navigable only by experienced villagers.
Filband is the last village in the Chalav Forest, famous for its sea of clouds, drawing countless visitors annually.
From Tehran: 170 km, approximately 4 hours due to winding mountain roads.
Route: Take the Tehran-Pardis Highway via northeast Tehran exits, continue through Rudehen, then follow Haraz Road. Upon reaching Alimestan Forest, turn east onto the mountain detour towards Filband.
From Haraz Road to Filband Detour: 140 km.
From Detour Start to Filband: 30 km, roughly 1 hour.
On this path, you’ll pass Pashakla Village and then Sangchal Village before reaching Filband. Note: During rainfall, the road becomes very dangerous.
Driving on this winding road in autumn and winter is especially hazardous due to possible landslides and snow. In spring and summer, access by personal vehicle is feasible.
Mahmoudabad Beach: ~80 km
Babolsar: 95 km (2 hours)
Amol: 57 km (closest city)
Sari: 126 km
Nur: 104 km
Shirgah: 124 km
From northeastern cities like Mashhad, first reach Sari, then proceed through Babol, Amol, and Filband. From northwestern cities, travel through Rasht, along the coastal road to Nur, then to Amol.
Filband tours are available via various travel agencies, especially in spring and summer.
One of Mazandaran’s highest and most beautiful villages, Filband sits at approximately 2,300 meters above sea level—earning it the nickname "Eastern Roof of Mazandaran." Locally, it is called "Felband" or "Felben." In the Mazandarani dialect, "Fel" means exhaustion, and "Band" means halting, referencing the historically challenging route to the village.
The sea of clouds forms most days of the year, creating unforgettable moments as clouds swirl around visitors’ feet.
Popular among locals and tourists alike in warm seasons
Empty during cold seasons as villagers migrate
Famous sunrise and sunset views
Hiking is popular
No rivers, but mineral springs such as Lar Spring, renowned for its kidney and bone-healing properties
Spring and summer are ideal. In spring, you might witness all four seasons in one day—sun, rain, hail, snow, and rainbows. Summer maintains cool temperatures even at night.
Peak Tourist Season: Spring and early summer
Best for Sea of Clouds: At sunrise and before rainfall
During winter, dense clouds form, but travel becomes nearly impossible due to snow and road closures.
No hotels or inns. Best options:
Renting village cabins (can be booked online)
"Takyeh Gharb" Inn on the west side of the village: basic rooms with shared bathrooms
Small guesthouse near Imamzadeh Ghasem
Camping is popular, but check weather forecasts carefully due to sudden hail and storms.
Warm clothing
Sturdy hiking boots
Rain gear (windbreaker, raincoat)
Complete camping gear if staying outdoors
Sufficient food and water (prices are high locally)
Offline maps due to lack of signposts and intermittent internet
Light backpack, sleeping bag, camera
Most importantly: Leave no trash behind to preserve the ecosystem.
Wildlife:
Leopard
Bear
Wolf
Jackal
Weasel
Hedgehog
Roe deer
Buffalo
Wild boar
Rabbit
Pheasant
Falcon
Vegetation:
Maple, Kandus, Hornbeam, Hawthorn
Barberry shrubs, among others
Address: Larijan District, Amol County, Mazandaran
Distance: 11 km (30 minutes from Filband)
A charming spot for nature walks with grazing livestock and scenic wooden cabins. Visit "Imamzadeh Yahya" shrine. Local guides are recommended as the area lacks signage and getting lost is common.
During August, Sangchal holds a local festival with traditional clothing and customs.
Near Andvar Peak, south of Filband. Reachable via challenging trails—local guides are essential. Nearby is a small accommodation. Walking onward leads to "Rostamchal Village," featuring two large craters believed to be meteor impacts.
Address: 20 km on Haraz Road, near Alimestan Village
Distance: 50 km (1.5 hours from Filband)
Known for high elevation, cool climate, mineral springs, diverse flora, clear waters, and roaming horses.
