Tel Anbar Valley

Tel Anbar Valley lies near Ziarat village, 17 km south of Gorgan, and is one of the region's natural attractions with high tourism potential. The Tel Anbar range is part of the eastern Alborz Mountains, and its summit, at 3,030 m, is the highest point in the area. The valley sits on the northern slope of this peak and contains 53 waterfalls ranging from 2 to 40 m in height, 20 of which are over 10 m high. The valley has two sections, upper and lower. The upper section runs from the Tel Anbar ridge to the Sandoq waterfall in the Miyan Valeh area, and the lower section continues from that waterfall to the twin waterfall of Ziarat village.

Visiting and traversing these waterfalls requires technical skills and specialized equipment, such as ropes and gear for building anchor stations. Many of the waterfalls also require rappelling, and there is no way back once you have descended the first waterfall. There are two main routes to the start of the valley: the Cheshmeh Shahrbat route and the Chamazchal route. The Cheshmeh Shahrbat route has a clear, historic footpath that was once used by people from the surrounding villages. After passing Cheshmeh Shahrbat and continuing to Cheshmeh Siah Khani at an altitude of 2,300 m, you will reach a fork: the right-hand path leads to the Tel Anbar summit and the left-hand path leads to the valley. Beyond a small pasture there is no clear footpath, and after crossing a gully you will reach Tel Anbar Valley.

The best season to visit Tel Anbar Valley is from early Tir to the first half of Shahrivar (roughly late June to early September), and participants need to be skilled in rappelling and team management. Because there are not enough trees for building anchor stations in the lower parts of the valley, you will have to use cracks in the walls, and in some places the existing anchors are not up to standard. It is therefore recommended that you build your own safe anchors before descending. Pay special attention to properly waterproofing and insulating your clothing and equipment, and carry food and a first-aid kit. A full visit to Tel Anbar Valley usually takes two days, and there is mobile phone coverage in some places, which should be factored into your trip planning.