The best snow villages in Iran; Winter dreamscapes

A number of villages in Iran are famous for their unique winters and in addition to spring and summer, they create a different and pure experience for tourists in winter. Iran’s snowy villages such as Masoleh in the dense forests of Gilan, Abyaneh in Isfahan province, Kandavan village with its attractive architecture in Azerbaijan, Oraman Takht in the mountainous province of Kurdistan and other special and beautiful villages invite you to a winter trip. When traveling to Iran’s snowy villages, be sure to check the access routes before leaving and take safety equipment such as wheel chains with you.

Let’s get to know the best snow villages in Iran:

Masuleh

• Address: Gilan province, Foman city, 32 km west of Foman city

The attractive and spectacular view of Masuleh with traditional windows, special houses and stairs and beautiful trees that can be seen in its corners is what every eye will be captivated by seeing. Masuleh is one of the attractions that you will return to see several times. Be sure to plan one of your trips to this beautiful attraction in the winter season so that you don’t miss the winter scenery of Masuleh. Masuleh was registered in the list of national monuments of the country in 1354 as a historical and living city. Currently, Masoleh is known as one of the smallest cities in Iran. This charming attraction looks like a painting in winter and its view is extraordinary for those who are interested in photography.

In Masuleh snow days, local people start shoveling snow from the roofs and yards of houses, fog and cold cover the alleys and if you wear warm enough clothes, this cold will be very pleasant with a hot drink. Masuleh is one of the attractions that is quiet in winter. You can find an accommodation in Masuleh to escape from pollution and enjoy winter nature and spend dreamy days in cozy, quiet and wintery Masuleh. Treat yourself to a glass of hot drink next to the oil heater after exploring the narrow alleyways. To reach Masuleh, start your journey from Fuman city, after an hour of driving you will reach Masuleh. Be careful on the road in winter and be sure to take a chain.

_{Photo source: sitetasnimnews.com; Photographer: Mohammad Ranjbar}

Abyaneh village

• Address: Abyaneh village, central sector, Natanz city, Isfahan province

Abyaneh shines like a red gem in the heart of Isfahan province. This village is about 2,200 meters from the sea level, and for this reason, it is considered one of the highest villages in Iran. Abyaneh houses are built with red soil. Winter depicts a different face of Abyaneh village; The snow leaves a white halo on this red soil and creates a unique sight. The narrow streets and pages of the village are covered with snow, the chimneys of the houses are on the way, and watching this pleasant winter scene gives tourists an experience like watching a postcard.

Due to the special geographical location of Abyaneh, tourists are very few in the autumn season and certain people brave the cold conditions of this village to see Abyaneh in winter. Traveling to Abyaneh village in winter has challenges. There is a possibility of closing or limiting restaurants and tourism services; So if you plan to go to Abyaneh in winter, plan for it and be prepared. Access to Abyaneh is very easy and can be reached through the Kashan-Natanz-Isfahan highway. Another access route is the Persian Gulf highway that connects Qom to Isfahan.

_{Photo source: sitestock.adobe.com; Photographer: Unknown}

Kandavan village

• Address: East Azarbaijan province, Esko city, central sector, Sahand village, Kandavan village

One of Iran’s special villages is Kandavan village, which has a very strange and unique architecture and is known as “Little Cappadocia”. Kandavan shines in East Azarbaijan province and is visited by domestic and foreign tourists every year. This village is known as one of the unique examples of rock villages in the world. Kandavan village has cold and long winters. The sugarcane houses that have been created in the heart of the rocks, under the cover of snow, create a spectacular view and a postcard. Each of these lumps of sugar, which are the effects of volcanoes, is called “Karan”. In winters, coldness and silence reign over this village and it becomes a special and relaxing place for those who want to live differently for a few days.

Traveling to Kandavan in winter requires a lot of preparation. It is recommended to bring warm clothes, suitable shoes for ice and snow conditions, and food. To reach Kandavan, you can travel from Tabriz to Azarshahr and then to Kandavan; But before starting to travel, check the condition of the roads. The Kandavan area is considered to be completely mountainous and it is possible that the roads will be blocked in the winter due to snowfall. Traveling to Kandavan, despite its harsh winter conditions, requires equipment; But the beauty you will understand there is worth touching this cold.

_{Photo source: itto.org website; Photographer: Unknown}

Dilman’s summer house

• Address: Gilan province, Siahkal city, Dilman

Dilman is considered as a plains city, a part of Siahkol city. Historically, Dillman can be considered as one of the oldest human settlements. This region, with its unique mountainous nature, is one of the important destinations for travel in the spring and summer seasons; But this region offers different conditions in winter. All the pastures of this area are covered with snow and give this area a unique view. Despite its special beauty, Dillman takes on a calm and cold face in winter. Heavy snowfall turns the green nature of the area white. However, before traveling to this frigid region, keep in mind that the access routes to this region are often blocked when it snows. So pay attention to weather warnings and travel with caution during these seasons.

One of the ways to reach Dillman is the route from Qazvin to Rasht. After Lushan and Manjil area, you will reach Rostamabad village, then move towards the east and pass through “Sands” and “Hajideh” villages, passing through “Syahrud” protected area, you will step into a green and vast area. After passing through the “Asiabar” area, you will reach Dillman. This access route has a pristine and untouched nature. In winter, this winding road becomes dangerous; So drive carefully. The other route starts from Rasht, you can reach Rasht, then go to Lahijan for about 40 km, before reaching Lahijan, enter the Siahkol road; Then take your way on its dreamy and beautiful road towards Dillman. On the way, you can have a cup of hot tea at a cafe along the way. Keep in mind that due to the cold weather in the winter season, it is possible that the services and cafes will be closed.

_{Photo source: siteasriran.com; Photographer: Mohammad Ranjbar}

Palangan village

• Address: Kurdistan province, Kamiyaran city, Palengan village

Another terraced village in Iran, located on the border between Kermanshah and Kurdistan, is Palengan village. Similar to Masoleh, this village has terraced houses. As the roof of every house, the yard of the house is higher. This type of architecture, in addition to the beauty it gives to this area, also makes optimal use of the mountain space. Palangan village shines like a paradise in the mountains in all seasons. There are a variety of beautiful attractions, such as towering mountains and flowing rivers, in this fertile region. This village is located about 57 km from Kamiyaran and is a part of Oraman region.

If you are looking for adventure and nature tourism in the cold seasons of the year, Palengan is considered a very dreamy and beautiful destination in the winter season. In the winter season, snow covers the houses and the beautiful and narrow streets of the village. This landscape is very pleasant for nature lovers; But to travel to this winter village, bring the necessary and appropriate equipment. You can check the weather forecast and start your trip a few days after the snowfall so that the roads are open and you can see the snowy landscape of Palangan village. To reach this village, you can reach Kermanshah and from there move towards Kamiyaran and then Palangan.

_{Photo source: komalia.ir website; Photographer: Unknown}

Oraman Takht village

• Address: Kurdistan province, Marivan city, southeast of Marivan city, Oraman Takht

One of the thousands of attractions in the beautiful province of Kurdistan is “Uraman Takht Village”. This village is located in the west of Kurdistan province, and it neighbors Iraq from the west. Oraman is also called “He-Varaman” in the Kurdish language. This word consists of two parts, Hora and Man, which some consider Hora to be Ahura. Accordingly, Ahuraman means the house of Ahura and this name, with a slight change, is still used for this beautiful village. According to some evidences, people lived in this country dating back to 40,000 years ago.

Oraman village is one of the terraced villages of Iran, which has created a double attraction for this village. The pyramid shape of this village is completed with a historical castle at the top of the pyramid. Oraman Takht in winter has a completely different shape. Heavy snowfall turns the terraced houses of the village into a white and dreamy landscape. Although the weather is very cold in this season and it is difficult to travel through its stepped alleys, the winter beauty of Oraman Takht is indescribable. Stone houses covered with snow, along with bright chimneys, mixed with peace and silence that dominates the space in winter, are considered a winter gift for lovers of this season. If you visit this village in the middle of winter, you can also participate in Pir Shaliar ceremony.

_{Photo source: itto.org website; Photographer: Unknown}

Sangan village

• Address: Tehran province, 20 km northwest of Tehran, Ken sector, Sangan village

Sangan village, a hidden gem in the northwest of Tehran with pristine nature and cool climate, is a great destination to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. This village, which is located at an altitude of 2,575 meters above sea level and among the Alborz mountains, has many natural and historical attractions. From the beautiful Sangan waterfall with a height of about 30 meters to Imamzadeh Qasim and the peak of Paneh Hesar, each has its own beauty.

Sangan in winter, with a white cover of snow, presents a spectacular and relaxing view. Sangan waterfall, which has a special effect in the hot seasons with its roar, turns into an ice cube in the winter, which creates a unique beauty. The silence and peace that prevails in the village in winter provides a good opportunity to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the pristine winter nature. To reach Sangan, you must go through Imamzadeh Dawood road. This road starts from the northwest of Tehran and after passing through Solghan, it reaches Sangan. It should be noted that traveling to Sangan in winter requires preparation and planning. Due to snow and ice, access routes to the village as well as hiking routes to the waterfall may be slippery and difficult.

_{Photo source: pinorest.com; Photographer: Unknown}

Khor village

• Address: Alborz province, Karaj city, Asara district, Adan district

The beautiful village of Khor is one of the functions of Karaj city. This village is located at a distance of 17 km from Karaj and on the Chalus road. Khor village, as a cool shelter in the foothills of Alborz, is not only a holiday destination, but a piece of history and nature. Imagine a green valley with ancient trees, a river that breaks the silence of the mountains with its song, and a waterfall that flows down from the heart of the rocks. This picture is a corner of the beauty of Khor. This village is located a short distance from the big cities of Tehran and Karaj; But this short distance keeps travelers away from the hustle and bustle of the city. In this village, you can visit the beautiful waterfall of Khor, “Qaleh Gandamchal” with unique views and an old plantain tree with a life of more than 800 years.

Winter comes to Khor village with all its beauty. Khor ski resort, which is located near the village, is a good opportunity to experience an exciting winter trip to this village. Also, the Khor waterfall turns into an ice lantern that shines with sunlight. All these winter attractions complete your exciting trip to this village. To reach the estuary, the best route is the Karaj-Chalos road. After traveling a distance of about 17 kilometers from Karaj and before reaching the Karaj Dam, there is an exit on the left side of the road that will lead you to the village of “Khuzenkla”. This path is asphalt; But be sure to bring a chain wheel in the winter season.

_{Photo source: Google Map site; Photographer: Mohammad Amiri}

Kong village

• Address: Razavi Khorasan province, Targaba Shandiz city, Targaba sector, Kong village

Kong village, like a shining jewel in the slopes of Binalud, beyond a terraced village, tells a story of the coexistence of man and nature. Kanak village is 19 km away from Targahba and 30 km away from Mashhad. This village is considered an old village dating back to before Islam. Despite the dominance of old age and wear and tear on this village, nothing has been lost from the beauty and originality of this village. The height of this village is estimated to be about 1,700 meters above sea level. Due to its location, Kong village has a moderate climate. But in some winter days, it snows, which adds to its charm.

Kong village has a lot of gardens that are located along the main river of the village with a special arrangement. This village has fruit trees such as cherries and cherries, which go into hibernation in the cold season and appear whiter than ever when it snows. To reach the village of Kong, go from Mashhad to Targahba and take the ring road of Targahba to the village of Ngandar. After this village, you will reach Kong.

_{Photo source: nedabal.com; Photographer: Unknown}

Shandiz

• Address: Razavi Khorasan province, Targaba Shandiz city

Shandiz was known as a village in the past; But with the expansion of the city and the increase in the population of this area, this village became a city. In the past, there was a very strong fortress in this village where people took shelter. This fort was known as “Shah Dej”. Other names of this castle were “Shahan Dej” and “Shands”. For some travelers, traveling to Shandis in winter seems difficult; But others like to travel in winter and are interested in traveling to snowy areas. Shandiz is covered with snow on some days of the winter season and is considered a charming attraction for winter friends.

In winter, the hustle and bustle of summer tourists gives way to peace and quiet. The sound of walking on snow is very pleasant. The rivers in this area become calmer in winter and some of them freeze. These beauties, along with a cover of snow that sits on the trees, double the beauty of Shandiz in winter. In this season, access routes to Shandis are open; But due to the location of these roads in the mountains, on some days of the year you have to carry chains. To reach Shandiz, head towards Vakil Abad highway and after traveling a few kilometers, take the Shandiz route at the intersection of Targaba and Shandiz.

_{Photo source: eneshat.com; Photographer: Unknown}

Maimand village

• Address: Kerman province, Shahrbabak city, central sector, Maimand village

One of the best winter villages in Iran is Meimand village in Kerman, which was registered in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014. This village is located in the mountains and is one of the largest Dastkand villages in Iran. Life in Maimand village is still going on after many years and people have not left this beautiful and old village. Maimand village is located at an altitude of 2,240 meters above sea level, between the plain and the mountains. This area has rich flora and fauna. The natives of this village raise livestock in the plains in the hot seasons and engage in agriculture and horticulture in the cold seasons. Meimand is considered to be a part of Babak city and it is about 38 kilometers away from this city.

Maimand village, which is several thousand years old, was created in the heart of the rock and mountain. Imagine houses dug into the mountains instead of being built on the ground. Winter in Maimand with dry cold and snowfall creates a different face for this village. The snow that sits on the rocky houses, together with the people who try to live and work in peaceful coexistence with nature in this area, creates an indescribable pleasure for the tourists of this area.

_{Photo source: aftabesobhonline.ir; Photographer: Unknown}

Ziarat village

• Address: Golestan province, Gorgan city, Central sector, South Estrabad district, Ziarat village

Ziarat village, a hidden gem in the heart of the Hyrkan forests of Golestan province, is a place where nature and history have joined hands to create a unique picture. Imagine houses with colorful gable roofs and thatched walls standing out among the fertile plains and tall trees. The sound of flowing water from the springs and rivers that pass through the village spreads a pleasant sound in the atmosphere and gives visitors an indescribable sense of peace. But pilgrimage in winter takes on a completely different face. Heavy snowfall turns the village into a white and silent world. Trees, houses and alleys are covered with snow and create a postcard view.

Unfortunately, the construction of villas outside the architecture of Ziarat village took this village out of its traditional texture and beauty. However, this village still has a beautiful nature, which along with various attractions, such as Imamzadeh Abdullah, Ziarat waterfall, Ziarat spa spring and Tal Anbar valley waterfalls, will host tourists in all seasons as well as the cold season of winter. Access to Ziarat village starts from Naharkhoran road. If you follow this road to the end, you will reach a square. From the square, you will drive for about 20 minutes on a winding road. After traveling a distance, seeing a cobblestone road means that you have entered Ziarat village.

_{Photo source: irna.ir website; Photographer: Majid Mihandost}

Dizin village

• Address: Alborz Province, Karaj, Chalos Road, Dizin Road, Dizin International Ski Track

One of the important villages around Tehran is “Dizin” village, which has a mountainous climate. This area is covered with snow in winter. The peak of tourism in Dizin region is related to the winter season; When the Dezin ski resort in this area is filled with snow and tourists interested in winter sports travel to it for fun and skiing. The types of welfare and tourism services available in this complex, which have increased in number and quality over time, made Dizin known as one of the most important and largest winter sports complexes. Dezin ski resort hosts domestic and foreign tourists in the cold seasons of the year.

There are a variety of services such as cable car, cable car, ski lift, restaurant, hotel and various accommodations in Dezin ski resort. In winters, in addition to skiing, you can also enjoy various activities in this complex, such as paragliding, kite riding, and shooting range. Whenever you are tired of the hustle and bustle of Tehran city, you can drive to Chalus road for about an hour, enter the exit of “Valait Road” and by taking this side road, you will reach Dizin village. In this area, the silence and peace of the snow and the pure scenery you will experience will free you from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

_{Photo source: Google Map site; Photographer: MJ Omidi}

Are you interested in traveling in winter? Which of the villages introduced in this content have you visited in winter? What were the experiences and challenges of winter travel for you? Please share your views with other Kajaro users.

_{Photo source: tasnimnews.com; Photographer: Mohammad Ranjbar}