Derakesh Village

Derakesh Village is located in Maneh and Samalqan County, North Khorasan Province, about 30 kilometres from the town of Ashkhaneh and 70 kilometres from Bojnord, the provincial capital. The village lies in a lush mountain valley at an elevation of about 1,040 metres above sea level, and thanks to its distinctive geographical setting it has become one of the most popular nature tourism destinations in northeastern Iran.

With its oak forests, the Zohar River, numerous springs such as the Yeylaq Forest Spring, Sardar Spring and Golzar Spring, the Kongereh Zou Waterfall, and summer pastures such as Kashgorbeh and Narges-Lu, Derakesh holds a wealth of natural attractions. In addition, historical sites such as Qezelqaleh (Qezel Castle), the Sabz Ali Khan Tower and ancient mounds testify to the long history and rich heritage of the region. According to the 2016 (1395 SH) national population and housing census, Derakesh had a population of 1,027 people living in 316 households. These figures point to a relatively stable settlement and a typical family structure in this area.

To reach Derakesh, you can drive from the town of Ashkhaneh along a mountain road to the village. The best time to visit is spring and summer, when the weather is mild and nature is at its most beautiful. When travelling to Derakesh, it is recommended to follow the principles of responsible nature tourism, including not harming the environment, respecting wildlife and keeping the area clean.