Introduction to Iran’s Ice Waterfalls (List of 8 Ice Waterfalls + Photos and Locations)
- heliya erfani
- 4 months ago
Have you ever seen Iran’s ice waterfalls?
Iran, a country with a diverse, four-season climate, offers historical and cultural attractions and unique natural wonders that showcase their beauty each season. One of the most remarkable sights in Iran during winter is its ice waterfalls. While many seek warm, tropical destinations in the winter, others are drawn to explore frozen landscapes and witness stunning natural phenomena.
In this post from the fly Sepaharan’s blog, we’ll discuss Iran’s ice waterfalls—from the best times to visit safety tips and ice-climbing adventures. If you’re looking for a unique and thrilling experience, stay with us until the end of this article.
The Damavand Ice Waterfall, highly renowned among Iranian climbers, stands at an impressive 5,100 meters above sea level, making it the highest waterfall in the Middle East. Due to its altitude, it remains frozen year-round, except for a few summer days when a small stream flows due to the melting snow in the basin above the waterfall. The waterfall’s height ranges from 7 to 12 meters, and reaching it requires a detour from Damavand’s main southern route.
When visiting, note that sulfur hills are located to the left of the waterfall. While they add unique beauty to the area, the gases they emit can pose risks to climbers, affecting their breathing, vision, and alertness during ascent.
📍 Address of Damavand Ice Waterfall: Iran, Mazandaran Province, Amol County, Larijan District, southern slope of Damavand (Location of the waterfall on the map)
The Nova Icefall is one of Iran’s permanent ice waterfalls, located at an elevation of 2,500 meters above sea level near the villages of Nova and Niak along the Haraz Road, about 85 kilometers south of Amol in Mazandaran Province. Except for a short period in summer, the waterfall remains completely frozen throughout the year.
The steepness of this beautiful icicle waterfall is about 85 degrees, with a height of 8 meters and a thickness of approximately 3 meters. It is composed of two sections: the lower part is 15 meters long, and the upper part stretches for 80 meters.
📍 Nova Icefall Address: Iran, Mazandaran Province, Amol County, Larijan District (Nova Icefall location on the map)
This beautiful waterfall is located on the slopes of Mount Shahvar, the highest peak in northeastern Iran, in the eastern range of the Alborz Mountains, within Semnan Province, about 15 kilometers north of Shahroud. Forming stunning icicles from early January to late March, it is considered one of Iran’s seasonal ice waterfalls.
📍 Avesta Abrsej Icefall Address: Iran, Semnan Province, Shahroud, 10 kilometers from Bastam, Abrsej Village (Avesta Abrsej Icefall location on the map)
This beautiful waterfall, with a height of approximately 40 meters, is located in Akhlamad Village, 60 kilometers from Mashhad in Chenaran County, nestled in a valley within the Binalud Mountains. It is one of the four permanent waterfalls in the area that transforms into a frozen cascade during the cold season, creating a unique spectacle that attracts numerous climbers each year.
📍 Akhlamad Icefall Address: Iran, Razavi Khorasan Province, northwest of Mashhad, Chenaran County, Akhlamad Village (Akhlamad Icefall location on the map)
In late winter, icicles form throughout the waterfall, covering it entirely. Below the waterfall, a beautiful ice mound often develops from the water droplets hitting the ground, creating a unique spectacle.
📍 Sangan Icefall Address: Iran, Tehran Province, 20 kilometers northwest of Tehran, Sangan Village (Sangan Icefall location on the map)
Haranj is a mountainous and cold village in the central district of Taleqan County in Alborz Province, known for its pristine and beautiful nature, with numerous springs and local rivers. Due to its geography at an elevation of around 300 meters above sea level, the village’s rivers create small and large waterfalls along their paths, some of which transform into stunning icefalls in winter.
The Haranj icefalls form on a mountain at an elevation of 2,630 meters, covering much of its slopes. The first group of waterfalls, varying from 3 to 10 meters in length with slopes between 70 and 90 degrees, starts from around 2,300 meters in height. So, the next waterfall is 10 meters high, descending at a 70-degree slope into an icy chute.
The tallest waterfall in this series is 20 meters long, with a steep drop, where about 8 meters of it is nearly vertical.
The following waterfall is 17 meters in length, with 6 meters completely vertical, and the next waterfall is about 4 meters high.
At the end of this stair-like slope lies the last waterfall, which is about 12 meters long and 8 meters wide, making it suitable for ice-climbing training activities.
📍 Haranj Icefall Address: Iran, Alborz Province, Central District of Taleqan, Haranj Village
The best time to visit icefalls in Iran is usually during the cold season, from late autumn to mid-winter. During this period, temperatures drop low enough for the waterfalls to freeze, creating stunning, icy landscapes. However, weather conditions vary by region; in colder areas, some waterfalls may freeze as early as late autumn, while in milder areas, peak freezing typically occurs in January and February(dey- bahman).
Necessary Equipment
If you plan to visit these icefalls in winter, be sure to bring suitable equipment, including ice climbing boots, ropes, ice axes, warm clothing, sunscreen, and energy snacks like sugary foods and chocolates. Good physical fitness is also essential.
Safety Tips
Ice climbing and scaling icefalls require experience and skill. If you lack sufficient experience, it’s essential to go with a professional guide. Traveling in groups is recommended, and solo climbing should be avoided.
The Appeal and Adventure of Ice Climbing
Ice climbing is a thrilling winter sport that can be experienced on Iran’s icefalls. It requires physical strength, high concentration, and adequate experience.
Protecting the environment is crucial when visiting icefalls. Plastic waste and other pollutants can harm these natural areas. Be sure to collect your waste and avoid leaving it in nature.
Iran’s icefalls are unique natural attractions that offer a distinctive adventure and nature experience. Given the challenging winter conditions, thorough preparation and adherence to safety guidelines are essential. For a unique winter experience, don’t miss the chance to explore Iran’s icefalls.
Frequently Asked Questions
