Kand-e Olya Village

Kand-e Olya village, also known as Kand-e Bala, is one of the villages of Lavasan-e Kuchak Rural District in Lavasanat District, Shemiranat County, Tehran Province. It lies northeast of Tehran, on the slopes of Mount Mehrchal. Together with Kand-e Sofla it makes up the Kand village complex, with Kand-e Olya in the upper part. The village is about 46 km from Tehran and has an average elevation of about 2,050 meters above sea level. Its mountain setting, cool climate, abundant water, streams running between the orchards and green garden lanes give Kand-e Olya its natural and tourist appeal. Orchards of sweet cherry, sour cherry, apricot and apple are also among the village's signature sights, and its residents speak Tati. Remains such as Pirzan Castle (Ghaleh Pirzan), the Gushvareh Hills, and the historic Shir-Tazeh and Jowhak hills are evidence of the region's long history.

Kaftarlu Waterfall is the most important natural attraction around Kand-e Olya. It lies about 6 km north of the village, in a mountainous area with a green valley. The waterfall flows among the rocks of the area, and a small pool has formed at its foot. Naran Waterfall is another natural attraction near the village. It is described as one of the perennial waterfalls of Tehran Province, and its flowing water has carved beautiful grooves into the rocks. Around the village there are also the Pavanak Farm and the Saka Heights, where natural cover of wildflowers and rangeland plants creates different landscapes for nature tourism. The combination of fruit orchards, mountains, waterfalls, a river and natural trails makes Kand-e Olya a good destination for day trips around Tehran.

To reach Kand-e Olya, one common route is through the town of Lavasan and Imam Khomeini Boulevard. From the middle of the boulevard, the Asadian road continues uphill and reaches the village. Another route runs from the villages of Emameh and Rahatabad and joins the first route further on. Spring and summer are the best times to visit Kand-e Olya and the surrounding nature. In the month of Tir (late June to late July) in particular, the cherry and sour cherry orchards and other fruit trees look especially beautiful, and the village's high elevation keeps the air cool in summer. When visiting the orchards, do not enter without permission or damage the trees. On the natural trails, do not leave litter, light fires among vegetation or harm nature.