Akhlamad Waterfall

Akhlamad Waterfall is one of the best-known natural waterfalls in eastern Iran. It lies in a valley among the Binalud mountain range, in Chenaran County, Razavi Khorasan Province. Located near the village of Akhlamad, it is a popular destination for visitors from Mashhad and the surrounding province, with unspoiled nature, tall limestone cliffs, and scenic views of orchards and mountain vegetation all around. There are several waterfalls along the valley; one of the most famous is about 40 metres high, and a few smaller waterfalls lie above it.

Akhlamad, one of the natural getaways around Mashhad, has a history of several thousand years. It lies in a valley in the Binalud mountains. At the start of the valley you will see a variety of beautiful flowers and plants, dense trees, and many fruit orchards. After walking for a while you reach the first waterfall, which is 23 metres high. Passing through this waterfall and continuing for one kilometre, you reach the main Akhlamad Waterfall, about 40 metres high, while the third and fourth waterfalls are located above these. With its varied natural scenery, fruit orchards (including apple and pear trees), and mountain atmosphere with walking trails through the valley, the Akhlamad Waterfall area is appealing to visitors. In spring and summer, the trails around the waterfall, with their mix of rocks and diverse vegetation, offer a good setting for walking, nature tourism, and landscape photography. In addition, because of their limestone composition, the rock walls around the waterfall have formed natural round hollows beneath it, which add to the area's geological interest.

To reach Akhlamad Waterfall, you usually travel from Mashhad towards Chenaran County and then continue along the road to the village of Akhlamad; from there, part of the way to the waterfall must be covered on foot along the valley trail. The best time to visit is spring and early summer, when the water flow is greater and the vegetation is at its greenest, but in winter the sight of the frozen waterfall and its natural icicles is also well worth seeing. When visiting, it is important to practise responsible nature tourism, such as respecting the established footpaths, collecting your litter, and protecting the area's vegetation and wildlife, so that the natural beauty of this area is preserved for future visitors.