SAEDNEWS: Discover the Beauty of Lafour Dam in Mazandaran Province
According to Saednews, Lefur Dam, also known as Alborz Dam and officially named Salehi Mazandaran Dam, is one of the region’s natural attractions in Lefur, North Savadkuh County, Mazandaran Province, Iran. Thanks to its pristine landscapes, dense forests, and rushing rivers, Lefur is a popular destination for nature lovers visiting northern Iran.
The earthen Lefur Dam became operational in 2001. It was built to supply water for agriculture, generate hydroelectric power, and control flooding. The distance from Tehran to Lefur Dam is approximately 250 kilometers, and the drive takes around three hours.
One interesting feature of the area is the dam’s elevation, estimated at approximately 225 meters above sea level. The dam has created a vast, deep reservoir, offering spectacular views of the water, surrounding mountains, and forests.
The Lefur region forms part of the protected Hyrcanian forests and is home to remarkable biodiversity and vegetation. Near the lake, visitors can explore nearby attractions such as Esklim Waterfall, Andargoli Forest, Borkhani Village, Gazo Waterfall, and natural springs.
These destinations are just a few of the attractions in Savadkuh that can turn an ordinary visit into an unforgettable experience.
Lefur Lake and Dam lie within the Hyrcanian forests, one of the world's oldest forest ecosystems, dating back more than two million years. This unique location has enabled the Lefur region to support an exceptional variety of plant and animal species.
The forests surrounding the lake are filled with native trees, including oak, hornbeam, alder, Persian ironwood, boxwood, maple, and linden. Throughout the year, ferns, wildflowers, medicinal plants, and moisture-loving mosses carpet the forest floor, adding to the area's natural beauty.
Lefur is also home to numerous mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Animals found in the region include wild boars, jackals, foxes, rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, and occasionally brown bears.
Migratory birds visit the lake during certain seasons, making it an appealing destination for birdwatching. Species include herons, bitterns, wild ducks, and pheasants.
The lake itself supports various native and farmed fish species, making fishing one of the area's popular recreational activities. The combination of forests, water, and wildlife makes Lefur an outstanding destination for nature exploration, photography, and sustainable tourism in Mazandaran.
This natural diversity gives the region not only significant tourism value but also considerable ecological importance.
Visiting Lefur Dam (Alborz Dam) offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities amid unspoiled natural surroundings. Here are some of the experiences visitors can enjoy in the area.
Features: The reservoir behind Lefur Dam is a scenic place for boating and enjoying its calm, clear waters. Visitors may be able to rent pedal boats or motorboats to explore the lake. This activity is particularly popular during summer.
Features: With its variety of fish species, Lefur Reservoir attracts fishing enthusiasts. If you enjoy fishing, bring your equipment and spend a few relaxing hours by the water.
Features: Lefur's lush, dense forests offer excellent opportunities for hiking and trekking. Numerous forest trails are available for visitors to explore. You can also visit attractions such as the Haft-Ganeh waterfalls and Gazo Waterfall while enjoying the surrounding scenery.
Features: For camping enthusiasts, the area around Lefur Dam can be an appealing place to pitch a tent and spend the night in nature. The peaceful atmosphere, cool air, and sounds of flowing water and birds create a memorable experience.
Be sure to bring the necessary equipment and follow safety guidelines and environmental regulations.
Features: There are several spots around Lefur Lake and its forests where visitors can picnic and relax. Spend a pleasant day outdoors with family or friends, enjoy the fresh air, and share a meal surrounded by nature.
Features: Lefur Dam and its surrounding forests offer beautiful, unspoiled scenery, making them ideal for nature photography. Capture memorable images of the lake, waterfalls, forests, and local wildlife.
Features: Exploring the Haft-Ganeh waterfalls, also known as Haft Cheshmeh, and Gazo Waterfall is among the most rewarding activities in the region. These waterfalls lie deep within Lefur's forests and can be reached by hiking along forest trails.
Features: If you enjoy cycling, the natural and unpaved roads around Lefur Dam provide opportunities for outdoor rides. Cycling along these routes allows you to appreciate the scenery and fresh air while enjoying an active adventure.
Features: The forests and reservoir provide habitats for a variety of bird species. Bring binoculars and a birdwatching guide to observe the birds in their natural environment.
Features: Nearby villages, including Lefur Village, offer a peaceful atmosphere and a glimpse into traditional rural life. Visitors can learn about local culture, handicrafts, and regional products while exploring village shops.
If one season must be chosen as the best time to visit Lefur Lake and Dam in Mazandaran, the period from mid-April to early June is an excellent choice. During these months, the landscape is at its most vibrant. Spring rainfall brings greenery and abundant water to the region, forest trails are often easier to navigate, and the lake can be particularly full.
Summer is also suitable, especially if you choose cooler days or stay at higher elevations. It is a popular season for activities such as fishing, boating, swimming, and family camping. However, visitors should be mindful of midday heat and the possibility of mosquitoes and other insects near the water.
Autumn is an excellent option for couples, photographers, and anyone seeking peace and quiet. Colorful foliage, pleasant temperatures, and fewer visitors make the landscape especially appealing. Sudden rain showers and shorter daylight hours, however, can present challenges.
Winter is the quietest season in Lefur but has a special appeal for those who enjoy misty scenery, solitude, and peaceful forests. Because the ground can be wet and slippery, winter visits require careful preparation.
For visitors who appreciate nature, tranquility, and patience, fishing at Lefur Dam is one of the most relaxing activities in the region.
Lefur Lake and Dam were formed following the construction of Alborz Dam across the Lefur, Esklimrud, and Azarrud rivers. The reservoir holds substantial amounts of water and provides a habitat for different fish species. Its relatively clear and deep water offers suitable conditions for fish to thrive.
Several locations along the reservoir's river inlets and around quieter sections of the lake may be suitable for fishing. Fish species reported in these waters include common carp, grass carp, whitefish, zardeh-par, trout, and occasionally zander.
Many local residents and tourists visit the area with basic or professional fishing equipment to enjoy a peaceful day outdoors and experience fishing in a beautiful natural setting.
When fishing at Lefur Dam, it is important to respect the environment, take all rubbish away, use permitted bait, and avoid overfishing. Spring and autumn are often pleasant seasons for fishing because of the cooler weather and potentially favorable water conditions.
Some organized tours also combine camping with fishing around the dam.
Lefur Lake and Dam are attractions in their own right, but the surrounding area also offers remarkable places to explore. From the ancient Hyrcanian forests to towering waterfalls and traditional villages, Lefur is one of Mazandaran Province's diverse destinations for nature tourism.
Here are some of the main attractions near Lefur Dam.
One of the most beautiful sights near Alborz Dam is a small island covered with forest trees in the middle of the reservoir. When water levels are high, the island becomes completely separated from the surrounding land and can only be reached by boat.
The island formed as a result of changes in water levels following the dam's construction. Today, it is an appealing location for photography and camping.
Visiting the island offers a distinctive experience, with peaceful surroundings, panoramic views of the lake, and fresh mountain air. Visitors who reach it by boat often spend several hours there taking photographs or even pitching tents. The combination of mist, trees, and mountain reflections creates a scene reminiscent of a painting.
Veresk Bridge is one of Iran's outstanding engineering achievements and a well-known attraction in Savadkuh. It is located within reach of the Lefur area.
This historic railway bridge was built during the reign of Reza Shah and remains in active use, with trains still passing over it.
Its dramatic position in a mountainous valley makes it a popular destination for photography and sightseeing.
A visit to Veresk Bridge can be included on the way to or from Lefur. Since several routes to the dam pass through the wider Savadkuh area, a short stop at the bridge can be a rewarding addition to the trip.
Gazo Waterfall is one of Mazandaran's best-known forest waterfalls and a major attraction near Lefur Dam. It is located deep within the Lefur forests.
Reaching the waterfall involves approximately three kilometers of walking along a forest trail, offering visitors an immersive nature experience.
The waterfall is more than 70 meters high. Popular activities nearby include photography, enjoying the sound of the falling water, and exploring the surrounding landscape. Access is possible through the Lefur rural district, near the road leading toward the dam.
For adventure enthusiasts, Gazo Waterfall is a destination worth adding to the itinerary.
Near Gazo Waterfall stands Emamzadeh Gazo, a historic religious shrine that adds a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere to the surrounding forest.
The shrine is respected by local residents, and pilgrims from nearby towns visit throughout the year.
Surrounded by dense trees and vegetation, the site also provides places where visitors can pause and rest. Its combination of natural beauty and religious significance makes it a distinctive stop when exploring the lake and waterfall area.
The Lefur rural district includes numerous small and large villages characterized by traditional architecture, agricultural land, and the cultural heritage of northern Iran.
It serves as a main access route to Lefur Lake and the surrounding forests. Wooden houses with sloping roofs, citrus orchards, and rice paddies contribute to the area's distinctive appearance.
Exploring these villages provides an opportunity to learn about local lifestyles, traditional foods, and handicrafts. Several eco-lodges have also been established in the area, offering welcoming accommodation for travelers.
Lefur is an appealing destination for visitors seeking tranquility and an authentic rural experience surrounded by nature.
The Hyrcanian forests surrounding Lefur Dam are part of Iran's and the world's natural heritage. These ancient forests extend along the northern slopes of the Alborz Mountains and support a remarkable variety of plant and animal life.
Trees such as Persian ironwood, alder, beech, and hornbeam, together with diverse bird and animal species, give the region its rich natural character.
Walking through Lefur's Hyrcanian forests, particularly on misty mornings, can be an unforgettable experience. Trails leading through the forest toward the lake or Gazo Waterfall are among the region's most scenic nature routes.
These forests are not merely a natural attraction; they are also an important part of Mazandaran's cultural identity.
The climate around Lefur Dam in Mazandaran Province is generally mild and humid due to its proximity to dense forests and mountainous terrain. The area enjoys pleasant conditions during much of the year, making it suitable for nature trips.
Here is an overview of the weather in each season.
Temperature: 15–25°C
Features: Spring is one of the best seasons to visit Lefur Dam. The forests become lush and green, and the weather is generally cool and pleasant. Wildflowers, birdsong, and flowing waterfalls make this a particularly attractive time to explore the area.
Temperature: 20–30°C
Features: Summers in Lefur are warm and humid, although the surrounding forests and reservoir can make conditions more bearable. This season is popular for camping, boating, and other outdoor activities. Evenings are generally cooler than midday and can be suitable for camping.
Temperature: 10–20°C
Features: Autumn brings colorful scenery to Lefur Dam. The trees turn shades of yellow, orange, and red, creating beautiful landscapes. The cool, humid weather makes this another appealing season for a visit.
Temperature: 5–15°C
Features: Winters in Lefur are relatively cold and humid, with frequent rain possible. Higher elevations, particularly in mountainous areas, may receive snowfall. Winter can appeal to travelers seeking solitude and peaceful scenery, but heavy rainfall and difficult road conditions should be taken into account.
Note: These temperatures are approximate seasonal ranges and may vary with elevation and weather conditions.
A trip to Lefur Lake and Alborz Dam offers a wonderful opportunity to relax and reconnect with nature. However, like any outdoor destination, the area requires preparation and responsible travel.
Wear suitable clothing and footwear: Lefur has mountainous terrain and forest trails. Non-slip shoes and layered clothing are recommended.
Bring safety and first-aid supplies: A flashlight, mosquito net, insect repellent, and first-aid kit can be useful.
Arrange accommodation in advance: During public holidays and weekends, book your accommodation, such as a Savadkuh hotel or cabin, ahead of time.
Carry drinking water and food: Shops around the lake are limited, so bring drinking water and essential supplies.
Protect the environment: Take your rubbish with you and avoid lighting uncontrolled fires.
Stay out of restricted areas: Some locations around the dam are protected water-resource zones. Stop and camp only in permitted areas.
Drive carefully: Forest roads can be narrow, so drive cautiously and ensure your vehicle is in good condition.
Avoid swimming in dangerous areas: Swimming in the reservoir can be hazardous because of its depth and the lack of lifeguards.
Lefur Dam is a destination where forested mountains, tranquil waters, ancient woodlands, and spectacular waterfalls come together. Whether you enjoy hiking, fishing, photography, birdwatching, or simply relaxing in nature, this scenic corner of Mazandaran offers a memorable escape from busy city life.
The best experience comes from planning your trip carefully, respecting local communities, and protecting the natural environment so that Lefur's remarkable landscapes can be enjoyed for generations to come.
