Darband Gorge

A mountain gorge on the northern edge of Tehran, at the foot of Tochal; the name means "the mountain's gate". From Darband Square the city's best-known walking trail climbs along the stream — first past teahouses and restaurants on platforms above the water, then through the village of Pas Qaleh and past the Double Waterfall to the Shirpala shelter at about 2,750 metres.

The shelter was built by the Iranian mountaineering federation, and for many it serves as an overnight stop before setting out for the summit of Tochal, which rises to almost four thousand metres. The height gain from the start of the trail to the shelter is serious, so the way up takes several hours even for people used to the mountains.

From above a view opens over the whole Tehran basin, and in clear weather Damavand can be made out from that height as well.

The trail starts at Darband Square, which is reached by taxi; the first stretch is a string of teahouses on platforms above the water, after which the climb becomes serious. A proper trek calls for good shoes and water. It is coolest here in the hot season, when the whole of Tehran is sweltering. In winter the upper part of the trail ices over, and without equipment it is better not to go above the teahouses.

Address

Darband Square, Tehran

On the map