Abqad Valley

Abqad Valley (also spelled Abghad) lies near the city of Chenaran, about 69 km northwest of Mashhad, and is one of the most scenic natural attractions of Razavi Khorasan Province. At an elevation of about 1,500 m above sea level, with a mild, dry climate, the valley is a great destination for nature lovers and anyone who enjoys unspoiled mountain scenery. The route to Abqad Valley follows the Mashhad–Chenaran road, and the permanent Chenaran River running through the heart of the valley gives the area a special beauty and freshness.

The tall walls of Abqad Valley, 200 to 300 m high, offer excellent conditions for exciting activities such as rock climbing. The tallest waterfall in the valley, about 8 m high, is one of its highlights, and together with the varied vegetation of shrubs and meadows, it completes the nature-trip experience. The trail is also gently graded, and stream water is available along the way, which makes the trip even more enjoyable.

Abqad Village, right next to the valley, has several beautiful waterfalls and pristine views of its own, which, together with the valley's nature, make a trip here memorable for pilgrims and tourists visiting Mashhad. To reach this attraction, drive from Mashhad toward Chenaran. After passing through Abqad Village, the paved road ends and you need to continue on foot for about three kilometres. The walking trail passes through orchards and alongside streams, and you will come across small and large waterfalls along the way. The best time to visit is from spring to summer, when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is green and lush. For responsible nature travel, we recommend stopping only at designated spots along the trail so as not to damage the vegetation and ecosystem.