As a modern province, Alborz is not an old division. Until a few years ago, Karaj and its surrounding cities were considered to be part of Tehran Province. In 1389 SH, the western cities of Tehran formed Alborz Province, with Karaj as its capital. It is not groundless to call this place the Little Iran; Karaj is the second most immigrant-friendly city in the country, with a hugely diverse population. The population of the province is estimated about 3 million.
A large part of the Alborz Mountain Range passes through the north of this region, and that is why this nascent province is named after Alborz. However, life in this area has a very long history. In addition to the remarks of Karaj in the Avesta and Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh, remnants of Zoroastrian temples and artifacts from the Achaemenid period can be seen around the city.
Geography
The Karaj-Chalus Road, one of the most spectacular roads in Iran, connects Alborz to Mazandaran Province to the north. From the east, it borders the capital. To the west, it borders Qazvin, and to the south, it borders Markazi Province. The northern part of the province is humid and semi-humid, while the south has a desert climate. In fact, two-thirds of the province’s area is mountainous. Karaj, Taleqan, Savojbolagh, Nazarabad, Eshtehard, Meshkin Dasht, Mahdasht, Hashtgerd, Kamalshahr, Mohammadshahr, Garmdarreh, and Fardis are located in the province.
Climate
In 1396, like always, Taleqan was announced as the coldest city in Alborz Province, and people in Eshtehard experienced the highest temperature in the province. It seems that summer is the best time to travel to this land, as it has a moderate temperature, while in autumn and winter the locale is freezing cold.
Cities and Attractions of Alborz Province
Alborz Province has a fascinating nature. There are a large number of waterfalls and tourist villages in this province, attracting many tourists yearly. There are abundant features in Karaj and its surroundings that gift a unique opportunity for sightseeing. Taleqan is also regarded one of the tourist counties of the province.
Karaj
Jahan Nama Park and Abi Pars Village on Tehran – Karaj Highway, Chamran Park and its flower garden at the entrance of Karaj, Soleymanieh Palace situated at the Faculty of Agriculture, Bam-e Karaj, Iranzamin Park, and Fateh Bagh are historical landmarks for touring.
The Zoroastrian fire temple in Kalak, Shah Abbas Bridge, Mesbah Bathhouse in the Mesbah neighborhood, Shah Abbas Caravanserai in Tohid Square, Imamzadeh Taher, Imamzadeh Hasan, Iran Historical Car Museum on the Makhsus Road, and the Four Gardens Bird Garden are regarded the sights of Karaj.
Morvarid Palace is placed in Mehrshahr, Karaj, with an amazing architectural style. Mehrshahr has a popular apple orchard, which is introduced as its symbol; It was conventionally part of the Morvarid Palace grounds.
Karaj-Chalus Road
Everyone who once passes through the twists and turns of the Karaj-Chalus Road will never forget its visions. There are many gardens at the beginning of the Karaj-Chalus Road. It is possible for travelers to enjoy the plot atmosphere by renting.
There are numerous restaurants and ice cream shops on this road that will create your memorable moments. Twenty-five kilometers of the Chalus Road, Karaj Dam or Amir Kabir Dam is situated, which its green waters have a picturesque view.
A little further on, at kilometer 65, the Dizin and Gajereh routes diverge from the Chalus Road. Tourists who want to ski can proceed from here to Dizin. Khor Ski Resort, Dizin Ski Resort, and Shemshak are the ski resorts favored in this province.
There are many mountain villages on the Chalus Road and near Taleqan, some of which are noted here.
Gachsar village is known for its tulip garden, which blooms in Ordibehesht (April-May). But in other months of the year, you can also explore Rezashahi Palace, stone bridge, and Yakh Morad Cave. Yakh Morad Cave is reputed for its ice candles and is a destination for nature lovers.
In Shahrestanak village placed at kilometer 88 on the Chalus Road, there are ancient monuments such as Nasser al-Din Shah summer palace and Dozdband Castle. Goleh Gileh spring is located nearby.
Alborz Waterfalls
Alborz Province has many waterfalls, and Khur is one of its famous ones. It freezes and turns into an ice waterfall specially in winter. Nashe-Rud Waterfall, Nojan Waterfall, Kondor Waterfall, Haft Cheshmeh Waterfall, Sepahsalari Waterfall, and Charan Waterfall are accessed through the Chalus-Karaj Road.
Karaj Highlands
Baraghan fascinating village can be accessed through Kordan exit, on Tehran-Qazvin highway, by taking Ashtegan route. Barghan has a historical bridge, garden, orchard, old trees, and a famous walnut tree.
Another well-known village near Karaj is Atashgah. In order to access Atashgah, you need to take Eshteraki boulevard of Karaj or the Chalus Road. The history of Atashgah dates back to the Parthian period. Zoroastrians lived in this area since the past. However, it has nowadays a reputation for its abundant restaurants and a pleasant climate.
Kordan is one of the loveliest highlands near Karaj, with its river and astonishing trees.
Taleqan
The nature of Taleqan is mesmerizing. Its lake, mountains, waterfalls, and colorful landscapes are spectacular in all seasons. It is about two hours Karaj to Taleqan by car.
Taleqan Dam is built on the Shahrood River. Many tourists visit Taleqan Lake on holidays. Fishing is allowed in this lake.
The village of Orazan is about 12 kilometers away from Taleqan. Orazan Waterfall is placed in the village, which is regarded one of its main sights. Jalal Al-e Ahmad was born in this village.
There is a historical site named Arjang Castle in the village of Minavand which has been built by the Ismailis. Shaleh Bon Waterfall is another feature of Taleqan, situated in the village of Bozaj.
Accommodations
A variety of hotels from luxury to budget is available in Alborz Province. Azadi hotels in Gachsar, Dizin Tourism Hotel, Gajereh Hotel, Kahar Eco-lodge, and Shaemshak Tourism Hotel are located on the Chalus Road. Amir Kabir, Saman, and Marmar Hotels are located in the center of the city.
There are also numerous accommodations in Taleqan, too; Kourosh Hotel, Koohestan Hotel, Negine Apartment-Hotel, Regina Hotel, Sahel Hotel, and Setareh Abi Apartment-Hotel. Haj Davood Bozorgmehr Eco-lodge in Baraghan is also a proper place to stay.
Local Foods
Marjoo Khoresht, Ash-e Joo, Valak Polo, Khoresht-e Lubia Pileh, Torshi Ash, and Halim with Lamb Meat are known as local foods of Alborz Province.
Restaurants
Chenin, Roma, Local, Byzance, Damond, Sib, Burgerland, Joojeh Farari, Saheb Gharanieh, and Burger Vill are famous and popular restaurants in Karaj.
There are many restaurants on the Karaj-Chalus Road, most of which are situated by the river or inside gardens, including Orkideh, Tochal, Haft Cheshmeh, Mirzayi, Vineh Noroozi, Pamchal, Himeh, and Alborz rstaurants. Pesarkhaleh Restaurant in Hashtgerd has a reputation for its high-quality food and delicious kebabs. Tourists visiting Taleqan can also use restaurants like Nekas, Sadaf Hotel-Restaurant, Aziz and Negar, and Sadeghiyeh.
Handicrafts
Carpet weaving, making sculpture from reinforced concrete, pottery, ceramics, needlework, stone cutting, glassblowing, and wood carving are among the handicrafts of Alborz Province.
Souvenirs
Alborz Province has fertile soil and a pleasant climate, which is why it produces high-quality agricultural products. Walnut, apples, pears, Rhubarb, savory, mountain chives, mountain barberry, and apples are harvested in Taleqan.
Those returning from Baraghan buy famous Baraghani apricots or green tomatoes, honey, mulberries, walnuts, yogurt, milk, and local dairy products.
There are many shops on the Chalus Road selling local dairy products, honey, and Qare-ghoroot. pomegranates, loquats, jujubes, plums, and grapes are also abundant in Alborz Province.
Customs and Traditions
The people of Alborz Province have many ancient and traditional customs. Reading Hafez poetry on Nowruz, cleaning the house, cooking Samanu, and visiting the graves are some customs during the last days of a year. Shal Andazi and Doraji Sareh are part of the Yalda Night customs in Taleqan.
Cooking Ash-e Posht-e Pa and Ash-e Baran are also popular among Alborz people.
