Lar Plain

Lar Plain is one of the attractions of Amol. It lies in the easternmost part of Shemiranat in Tehran, on the border between Mazandaran and Tehran, at the foot of Mount Damavand. In terms of administrative divisions, the northern and northeastern part of Lar Plain is in the Larijan District of Amol County in Mazandaran Province, while its southern and southwestern part is in Lavasanat, Shemiran County, in Tehran Province. Lar Plain is bordered on the north by the mountains of Nur County in Mazandaran; on the east and northeast by Mount Damavand; on the southeast by Ira, Damavand County and Polur in Mazandaran; on the south by the villages of Afjeh, Emameh and Greater Lavasan; and on the west by Khatun Bargah and Garmabdar.

Because it lies at the foot of Mount Damavand, Lar Plain is a summer pasture region with a pleasant climate. In the warm seasons of the year its mild, agreeable weather makes it an excellent destination for a trip and for enjoying its beauty, and it offers some of the most beautiful nature-trekking routes in Iran. Throughout the year, the cool air of Lar Plain welcomes many tourists and travellers.

One of the sights of Lar Plain, and the one that has made it famous, is its enchanting red poppies. In spring the plain is covered with a sea of red poppies, as if Lar had put on a soft, delicate silk robe of poppies. For this reason, this lush and pleasant plain has become known as the Plain of Wild Poppies. So if you would like to see Lar immersed in beauty, travel to this dreamlike and captivating place in spring.

Numerous mountains and heights rise across Lar Plain and stand guard over it like sentinels. These peaks are a great opportunity for climbers and mountaineering enthusiasts. Div Asiab, Yakhkamar, Gol-e Zard, Pahnak, Zereshki, Kamardasht, Namak Kusar, Siyahchal, Aru Barau, Asb Kalak, Kafer Rah and Kabud are the mountains that make up this stunning plain. To the south of the plain are the peaks of Mehrchal, Atashkadeh, Rizan, Siyahchal and Maz, and on its northeastern flank are the mountains of Khansak and Shadkuh. From the heart of the mountains of Lar Plain, rivers with clear, sweet water flow into Lar and irrigate the plain. The Lar, Div Asiab, Sefid Ab, Vararud, Elarem, Chehel Barreh, Ab-e Imam Pahnak and Ab-e Siyahchal are among the rivers of this plain. The Lar River is the most famous of them, and Lar Dam has been built on it.

Lar Lake and Dam are among the sights of the wide, expansive Lar Plain. However, the dam is not part of Lar National Park and is counted among the attractions of Mazandaran Province. Lar Dam was built in 1361 (1982) and transfers part of the Lar River's water to Tehran for drinking and agricultural use, while the rest joins the Haraz River in the Polur area. The dam's water is also used to generate electricity. Many travellers and tourists spend their holidays amid the beautiful nature of Lar Plain and beside its reservoir, relaxing and enjoying themselves. Fishing, boating and nature walks are among the fun activities you can enjoy at this lake. Cycling also has its fans, especially since the feeling of pedalling here recalls the best cycling routes in Iran.

It is interesting to know that the first fishing competition after the Islamic Revolution was held at Lar Dam Lake in 1379 (2000), and that such competitions have been held every year since 1373 (1994). The permitted fishing season on Lar Lake begins on the first of Khordad and continues until Shahrivar. Enthusiasts who wish to take part in this activity must obtain a special daily fishing permit from the environment offices at Qushkhaneh, Polur and Delichay.