Khayrud Kenar Gorge

Khayrud Kenar Gorge, also known as the "Amazon of Iran", lies in the heart of the Khanikan forests in Nowshahr County, Mazandaran Province. With its roaring river and towering rock walls, this beautiful canyon is one of the most popular nature-tourism destinations in northern Iran. The gorge is about 13 kilometers from Nowshahr. To reach it, take the Haraz or Kandovan roads toward Nowshahr, then continue to the village of Khayrud Kenar. The clear water of the Khayrud River, which rises in the central Alborz mountains, forms small waterfalls and natural pools along its course. Together with the soothing sound of flowing water, they give visitors a feeling of renewal.

Canyoning in Khayrud is a rare experience for lovers of nature, photography, adventure and tranquility. The Khayrud Kenar canyon is roughly 1.6 kilometers long and offers an exciting walking route through the heart of nature. A roaring river passes between tall, narrow rock walls, and ancient trees at the top of the canyon reach toward one another, letting barely any sunlight reach the canyon floor. Along the way there are natural pools where you can bathe and swim. In some places the water is a meter and a half deep or more, and getting through requires swimming or safety equipment such as a life jacket. Thanks to its distinctive features, the canyon is regarded as one of the outstanding natural attractions of northern Iran.

To reach Khayrud Kenar Gorge, travel from Nowshahr toward the village of Koshksara, then walk about 100 meters to the entrance of the canyon. The access road to the gorge is fully paved, and there are signposts along the way. The best time to visit is spring and summer, when the weather is mild and the river has enough water for swimming. When visiting the area, it is essential to follow the principles of responsible nature tourism, such as keeping the environment clean and not damaging the vegetation.