Ab Esk Cave

Ab Esk Cave lies near the village of Ab Esk, in Larijan District of Amol County, in the heights along the Haraz Road. Thanks to its mountain setting, it offers an unrivalled view of Mount Damavand and is regarded as one of the region's most remarkable natural and historical attractions. The cave's large, high mouth makes it easy to enter, and its two separate entrances make access even easier for visitors. The best view of Damavand appears right at the first entrance, a scene well worth pausing for: sit for a moment, catch your breath and take in the calm of this magnificent landscape. The cave is roughly 370 metres long, and its intricate, interconnected layout shows that it is a historic hand-carved structure, a site that speaks of long human presence in the Haraz highlands.

As you move deeper inside, the distinctive features of this historic hand-carved cave become apparent. The cave was built on two levels, and in its eastern part there is an open-air room with a small niche in one corner; at night, together with Haraz's starry sky, this space makes a spectacular and enchanting sight. The entrance to the second level is arched, and beyond it lies a small room measuring one by two metres, which leads to a narrow one-by-one-metre passage; according to historical findings, this passage was once used as a toilet. Beside this passage there is also a small chamber with a half-metre platform and a height of about one and a half metres, which the region's early inhabitants created as a bathing space inside the mountain. Some sections of the route require stooping and extra care, and bats may be present in places, so enter with caution and bring adequate lighting.

To reach the cave, take the dirt track from Ab Esk village, which involves about an hour's walk along the slopes and the bank of the Haraz River. The trail has a gentle mountain gradient and suits light nature walking, but it requires proper footwear and a moderate level of fitness. The best time to visit the cave is usually from late spring to the end of summer, when the weather is stable and mountain trails are at their safest. Responsible nature tourism is especially important in this area: avoid damaging the cave walls, do not leave any litter behind, and respect the vegetation and wildlife so that this natural and historical site is preserved for future generations.