Havij Plain (Havij Plain) is one of the most popular tourist attractions near Tehran. Tehran is one of the largest, busiest, and most bustling cities in Iran, and living in such a city intensifies the need for trips to natural areas and excursions in nature. If you are a resident of Tehran or plan to visit this city and are looking for a natural attraction nearby, it is best to join us in this article to get acquainted with Havij Plain near the city of Tehran.
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Introduction to Havij Plain
Havij Plain, also known as Gurchal among locals, is a stunning plain located at an altitude of 2,400 meters above sea level in the Shemiranat County, specifically in the city of Lavasan and the village of Ouch. It is not far from Tehran and is surrounded by natural beauty.
This expansive plain is covered with lush greenery and flowers, providing breathtaking beauty and numerous attractions that draw people from Tehran and other cities to this region.
The entire plain is adorned with greenery and blossoming flowers, and traversing this area offers a beautiful path filled with colorful shrubs and plants that will delight your senses.
Why is it called Havij Plain?
You might be wondering why it is referred to as Havij Plain. The unusual name can be understood by learning about the history of this plain. According to various historical narratives, a significant portion of the land in this plain was once devoted to carrot cultivation. Although today you won’t find any traces of carrot farms in this area.
As mentioned, it is also called Gurchal, which is a combination of two names: “Gur” and “Chal.” “Gur” or “Ager” in the dialect of ancient Iranians means “fire” (the term “Gur gerytan” means to ignite or flare up in Persian), and “Chal” means “place.” Therefore, Gurchal translates to “place of fire” or “fire pit.” It is believed that this name was given due to the warmer temperatures of this plain compared to the surrounding peaks.
Introduction to the History of the Havij Plain
Historians believe that the Havij Plain was a bustling hunting ground during the Safavid kings and that it connected to the lake and the Lar Plain through a route. Today, the remains of Safavid caravanserais can be seen along the path at the end of the valley next to the rocky wall.
It is worth mentioning that on the northern side of this plain lies the Afjeh pass leading to Fasham, which has a path that connects Afjeh and the Havij Plain to the Lar Plain of Luasaran and other heights of the Central Alborz.
According to accounts, Nasr al-Din Shah and other Qajar kings used this pass for traveling with carriages to the Lar Plain and other summer resorts in the area. Interestingly, this pathway, which in some places becomes cobbled, is also referred to as the Shah Abbas Path.
Climate of the Havij Plain
The Havij Plain enjoys good weather throughout the various seasons of the year. In spring, you will see cherry blossoms in the village of Afjeh, and the spring weather will take your breath away. The spring nights in the Afjeh plain can be a bit chilly, so you must definitely use a sleeping bag for overnight stays.
In summer, the weather becomes a bit warm; however, in the village of Afjeh and the heights near the plain, it is somewhat cooler.
In autumn, the plain is adorned with yellow and orange hues, resembling a “fireplace.” In this season, it is typically colder, and you must carry sufficient warm clothing. Overnight stays in autumn and winter are not recommended.
During winter, the plain is covered in snow, and some people visit this area for winter entertainment and snow activities. However, the Havij Plain does not have facilities for winter sports or ski slopes.
The Beautiful Nature of the Havij Plain
The plant species found in the Havij Plain or Gurchal are primarily wild plants. Nonetheless, walnut and cherry trees can also be seen in the vegetation of this area. This plain is lush in the warm seasons and turns orange in autumn.
In spring, the snow from the surrounding mountains melts, creating streams, waterfalls, and seasonal brooks. If you love hiking in the mountains, you can explore the mountains surrounding the plain. If you prefer camping with your family and friends, you can pitch a tent under the shade of the plain’s trees and enjoy a picnic.
Introduction to the Attractions of the Havij Plain
As mentioned, the Havij Plain encompasses many attractions that attract numerous tourists each year. This plain not only features natural wonders but also various historical sites. In the following, join us as we introduce these attractions.
Saboostan
Plain Among the sights of this region is the Saboostan Plain, also known as the Sostun Plain, located in the northwestern part of the Havij Plain and on the way to the Atashgah Peak. In this plain, you can also find the beautiful Charnad Waterfall, which is 50 meters high and also known as Sostun Waterfall.
In this plain, you will see fruit orchards, particularly plum, cherry, and walnut gardens. You can also find wild fruit trees around the waterfall. Saboostan Plain is a perfect spot for resting on the way to the peak or for family picnics.
To reach Saboostan Plain, you need to head northwest from the Havij Plain. As you move toward the waterfall, you will need to follow the trail, and after a bit of hiking, you will arrive at Saboostan Plain.
Pashchovik
Waterfall This waterfall is another sight of the Havij Plain, known by various names, including Afje Waterfall, Pashchovik Waterfall, Paskouhak Waterfall, and Pasgoeik Waterfall. This waterfall is approximately 15 meters high, surrounded by pristine nature covered with diverse plant species that will captivate your attention.
Maple trees are among the major attractions of Pashchovik Waterfall. This waterfall is situated on the route of climbers who aim to ascend the Saka Peak.
The path to Pashchovik Waterfall may be a bit challenging for those without experience in nature touring and climbing. Additionally, the areas around the waterfall are not particularly suitable for picnics and are best as a brief stop on a hiking trip.
Dr. Vaziri Museum Cave
One of the most interesting sights in the Havij Plain region is the Dr. Vaziri Museum Cave. Dr. Nasser Hoshmand Vaziri established this cave museum on a thousand square meter plot in 2005 using his personal funds and displays his sculptural works there.
The artworks in this museum narrate stories from Iranian mythology and the Shahnameh, and it is interesting to know that many of these sculptures were created using recycled materials. Dr. Vaziri undertook this effort to promote recycling and environmental conservation.
This place features various corridors, each designated for specific purposes. Some of these corridors include the Bastami Courtyard, the cave’s interior space, the gallery, open space, sculpture workshop, handicraft workshop, and the corridor for recycled sculptures. The chess collection and the water jug collection are among the other attractions of this cave museum.
Nasiri Palace
The Nasiri Palace, of which only ruins remain today, is another attraction of the Havij Plain built on the orders of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar and is part of the county of Shahrak. It is said that after the construction of this palace, Naser al-Din Shah used to visit Shahrak once a year with his entourage to hold his cooking ceremonies.
Safavid Bathhouse
The Safavid Bathhouse is another attraction of the Havij Plain, which is actually the traditional bathhouse of the village of Afjeh. This bathhouse is divided into male and female sections, and its architecture features all components of a traditional Iranian bath, including arches, domes, and intricate designs.
The bathhouse in this village dates back to the late Safavid period and the early Qajar era. It is worth noting that the Safavid Bathhouse is still operational today, and the residents of Afjeh continue to use it.
Saka Fortress
Saka Fortress is an ancient castle located atop the Sarband hills in the Emamieh village. This monument dates back to the 2nd or 3rd century AH (Islamic calendar) and was in use until the Safavid period. The structure of this castle is made from lime mortar, bricks, clay, and is decorated with green and blue glazed tiles.
The Watering Place of Hazrat Abolfazl
One of the other attractions of the Havaj Plain is the Watering Place of Hazrat Abolfazl, located in the village of Afjeh, which captivates tourists with its beautiful and interesting architecture. The ancient plane tree of this watering place is also worth seeing, as it is around 500 years old.
How to get to Havaj Plain?
To reach Havaj Plain from Tehran, first head northeast out of the capital and enter the Babaei Highway. Then, take the highway to the Lashgarak Road and continue until reaching the Lashgarak Square. After the square, there are signs for the village of Afjeh, and by following them, you can reach the village and then the plain.
Final words
In this article from Eligasht, we introduced one of the most beautiful natural attractions around Tehran, the Havaj Plain. If you plan to visit a lush and appealing region near the capital, you should definitely keep this place in mind.
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FAQ
Where is Havaj Plain?
This plain is located at an altitude of 2,400 meters above sea level in Shemiranat County, Lavasan City, and the village of Afjeh.
Why is it called Havaj Plain?
The reason for this name is that in the past, a vast area of the lands in this plain was dedicated to carrot cultivation.
What attractions does Havaj Plain have?
Among the attractions of this plain are the Sabustan Plain, the Pashchovik Waterfall, Dr. Vaziri Museum Cave, and the Naseri Palace.
How far is the Havij Plain from Tehran?
The Havij Plain is generally located within a short distance from Tehran, approximately 40 to 60 kilometers (25 to 37 miles) depending on the specific area you are referencing.
Is the Havij Plain accessible to visitors?
Yes, the Havij Plain is accessible to visitors. The region is frequented by those interested in agricultural tourism, photography, and exploring rural life. It’s advisable to check local travel guidelines and permissions beforehand.
What is the best time to visit the Havij Plain?
The best time to visit the Havij Plain is during the spring and early summer months (March to June), when crops are in full bloom, and the weather is pleasant. Autumn (September to November) can also be a beautiful time to see harvest activities.