Darakeh in Tehran

Introduction about Darakeh in Tehran

In this article, we want to introduce you to Darakeh Tehran and all tourism and leisure facilities. 

This article is one of the series of articles on the HotelOneClick site designed to provide travelers with more information about Tehran tourist attractions.

In this article, we will try to describe all the tourist attractions in Darakeh Tehran, along with its details.

This article is, in fact, a guide to Darakeh tourism in Tehran.

In this guide, you will be introduced to Darakeh's sights and amenities. Besides, you will get to know the history of Darakeh and the people of that area.

Why is Darakeh one of Tehran's most famous attractions?

Today we are going to one of the memorable spots in the capital. We will try to portray its beauty and mood for you.

Darakeh is a mountainous neighborhood in the north of Tehran.

 Darakeh has become very popular among the Tehranis because of its hiking route.

However, the delicious dishes and pleasant climate are also good reasons to go to this part of the capital.

 It can be said that the main reasons for choosing Darakeh, as one of the most important tourist attractions of Iran, can be the followings:

• Darakeh is one of the popular hiking trails for the whole family.
• The breezy environment of the Darakeh, the amazing river, the hiking path that passes through the region's relatively old and rustic texture, is very tempting to spend a day away from the noise and pollution.
• If you are a foodie, there are great and tasty options waiting for you.

Getting to know Darakeh Tehran - A memorable climb to the northern highlands of the capital

At first glance, Tehran may seem aa crowded city full of tall buildings. But in different parts of the city there are recreational places that bring happiness and joy to life.

 One of these popular places for walking and hiking is Darakeh.

This old promenade is located on the westernmost foothills of the north of Tehran and is one of Shemiranat's oldest and most beautiful countryside.

This landmark is renowned for its beautiful nature, pleasant climate, lush garden alleys, sour and sweet plums, pomegranate juice and its traditional restaurants.

Residents of the pleasant climate and refreshing area have built their homes linearly in a north-south route along the Darakeh River.

Next to the Darakeh neighborhood is the Evin Valley, where there is a staircase and a natural pool by the Darakeh river. 

Over time, traditional and modern restaurants and cafes were built along the river, known today as Haft Hoz among tourists and locals.

Darakeh is said to have been taken from the name Darageh, which is a shoe for snow. Some, however, believe that the name was given to it because of a valley of the same name above the neighborhood.

Attractions and entertainment in Darakeh Tehran

It is home to some of the most fascinating leisure and entertainment destinations and has become one of Tehran's favorite resorts.

In this section, we get to know more about the entertainments.

2. Pleasant weather of Darakeh

Many people in the capital, even for a once, have strolled down the paths and enjoyed the pleasant climate away from the everyday concerns in this mountainous countryside.

The water sound and the hum of people's presence in the restaurants and cafes that are found all over the road have made it a memorable place for many. 

It is where the garden old alleyways still have houses with gable roof and thatch walls. A neighborhood where many still use donkeys and mules to carry their things. 

There are also colorful handicrafts in different places that go hand in hand between buyers and sellers.

4. Hiking, picnics, and photography

If you do not have the time and ability to climb the mountain, but want to have a walk in Darakeh, you can take a snack and stroll through its garden alleyways to have a light walk.

You can even go a bit further and reach the top of the road to enjoy the pristine river and the surrounding trees.

If you like to enjoy the river and its pleasant weather a little more, you can go along the riverbank, sit and immerse yourself in the soothing sound of water and its scenery.

On the way, you can see talented people and artists who capture the beautiful moments of nature with their camera and try to take a reminder of their journey to their homes.

Darakeh climbing route

Darakeh has one of the most spectacular hiking paths of the capital.

The main hiking route is the path to the Palang Chal or Station 5 of Tochal, and many use it for hiking on their weekends.

The six-kilometer route passes through the beautiful valley of Darakeh and Palang Chal and along the Darakeh river.

Of course, for hiking in the winter, it is best to continue your route only to the area called Azghalchal, as there may be dangers like avalanches along the way.

Of course, there is also a path along the eastern side of the Palang Chal camp, which connects the camp to the 5th station of Tochal resort. 

This route is also very dangerous in the cold seasons and there is an avalanche hazard.

The climbing route of Darakeh is easier than the other hiking paths north of Tehran. Its route has many ups and downs and has been fenced in some places for more security, but in general, people of all ages can use it.

To get there, it is best to go early in the morning to avoid the crowd and have enough time to take a break and enjoy the natural scenery around.

Along the climbing route, there is the peaceful sound of the Darakeh river, just a short distance from the path and accompanies the climbers.

The high altitude of the surrounding mountains makes it shady around the river most of the day, making it easier to climb in the summer.

Schedule the climbing time

Notice that the times mentioned in this article are based on the experiences of people who have gone to this route several times.

Certainly, times are different for those who go hiking for entertainment.

So try to measure time along the way with the people you are climbing with, and always set the weakest person as the criteria of your schedule so that you do not get into trouble.

Overall and on average, the Darakeh climbing route takes between two to three hours to reach the Palang Chal camp.

The Start of the climbing path from Darakeh Square

To start the climbing route of Darakeh to Palang Chal you must first reach Darakeh Square at 1,700 meters above sea level.

Before Darakeh Square next to the Khaneh Moalem, there is a path for climbing and from there to the foot of the mountain, the road is asphalted.

At the top of the square, however, there is another way to reach the foot of the mountain that passes through the Darakeh neighborhood.

If you would like to have a river along the route to reach the mountain, you should follow the waterway from the opposite.

Otherwise, the alternate route is above the river next to the mosque. After crossing both routes, you will reach a single road from where the main climbing road begins.

If you choose to cross the neighborhood, different cafes, restaurants, and shops are on your way.

You can have a meal in one of these restaurants or take it with you. Keep in mind, however, that the amount of food you eat will not be high to cause problems along the way.

Also, try to avoid low-calorie fatty foods and choose rich high-calorie and high-carbohydrate foods to help you along the way.

You can also buy fresh bread from local bakeries in Darakeh and have a delicious breakfast in the heights of Tehran.

Kalagh Chin Peak after the Kara jungle

If you like the Kara jungle path and want to experience more adventure along the way, Kalagh Chin Peak is in front of you. 

To get to this place, you have to follow the gutter that runs through the woods, up to the summit Kalagh Chin.

The path to the summit is impassable, so it is not possible to climb too high without sufficient guidance and preparation.

It is also very cold in the fall and winter and you must have a strong body, warm clothes and comfortable shoes and climb in groups.

Tips

All paths of the west of Darakeh valley, the Palang Chal, Siah Sang, Doshakh and Kalagh Chin, have steep avalanche and rocky slopes and are very dangerous to cross the valley. 

Do not use this route at all and continue your way only on the main road used by the other climbers.

Halfway to Darakeh: Sports Federation Information Station

Halfway down the path is the Sports Federation Information Station where you can get information from.

Near the station, there is a photographer that takes snapshots with a little cost and gives you a little reminder.

The further you get along the path the farther you will be from the houses and other man-made objects and the more nature you will see.

Continue with the other climbers to the Palang Chal camp. In the meantime, if you have breakfast and snacks, have them to keep going energetically.

Tochal Peak: The rest of the path for those who love adventure

If you would like to continue your climbing in Darakeh, you can head to the Tochal resort which is Tehran's most famous mountain peak.

There is a path to the northwest from the Palang Chal camp that can reach the summit in three to four hours (on average).

There are also routes to Imamzadeh Davood, Shah Neshin Peak (in the village of Shahrestanak) and Tochal 5th Station from Palang Chal camp.

If you wish to take a different route back to Tehran, you can take the Tochal cable car or take its climbing route.

Various attractions of the Darakeh mountainous path

Apart from the Kara jungle and Kalagh Chin summit, there are many other natural attractions along the way. 

These sights are:

• Divaneh valley
• Dosang cave
• Kara waterfall
• a pool called Haft Hoz where some swim in hot seasons
• Abdollah dam
• jozak, espioo (white water)

The best season to go to Darakeh

As we mentioned earlier, Darakeh is in the northern part of Tehran and therefore has a good spring and summer.

In old times, princes, courtiers, and Qajar kings came to the area to escape the heat.

Darakeh in Spring:

Spring is very pleasant except for the beginning of the year, which still has some traces of winter coldness, especially if you are planning to go to Kara jungle.

Darakeh in Summer:

 Summers are very popular and many tourists and travelers choose this time of year to go to that area.

Darakeh in Autumn:

Autumn is cold particularly in the last month of the year and maybe slippery due to snow and rain, but the Kara jungle at this time of year is very spectacular and colorful and has beautiful scenery.

Darakeh in Winter:

If you want to take the Darakeh Mountaineering route in this season, be sure to travel with the suitable equipment, full preparation, and in a group.

Darakeh Address: Where is Darakeh in Tehran?

Address: Davoodian Street, Rashiduddin Fazlollah Street, Yaman Street, Shahid Chamran Highway, Tehran

What are the ways to access Darakeh?

There are two ways to get there. You can go to the area with your car or use public transport.

Public transportation

The nearest metro station to Darakeh is Tajrish Square Station at the end of line 1 (Tajrish-Kahrizak Red Line). Once you get off the station, you can get to Darakeh by taxi, bus or minibus.

You can also use Line 4 of the BRT bus (JonoobTerminal-Parkway Terminal) or Line 1 of the BRT bus (Rah Ahan-Tajrish). Get off at Parkway Station and head to the International Exhibition. Next to the Velenjak gas station (next to the International Exhibition), there are taxis to Darakeh.

Personal car

There are three ways to get to Darakeh with your car; first, you can reach Valiasr Street or Shariati Street in Tajrish Square and from there head Darakeh Street. 

However, this route is often crowded and not recommended.

 The second way is through the Chamran highway.

Take the highway to the north, turn at the end of the highway to the Parkway and on the way back to the south of Tehran, go to Velenjak from the road next to the Velenjak gas station.

Having reached Daneshjoo Square, follow the road to Darakeh Street.

The other way is through Yadegar Emam highway, at the end of this highway, enter Evin Street and from there you will reach Darakeh.

The important thing to keep in mind when taking your car is that parking in this area is very difficult.

So either head to Darakeh early in the morning or use public transport.

Conclusions for Tourism Guide in Darakeh Tehran

Tehran is a city full of tourist attractions. In this guide, we tried to thoroughly explore the tourism and leisure facilities of Darakeh in Tehran, which is one of the tourist attractions of Tehran.

Today, we took you to one of the most famous leisure attractions in Tehran, at the HotelOneClick.

We spent hours hiking in the nature of the resort and enjoyed the beauty of the mountains.

What do you think about this tourist destination in Tehran? Have you ever been to this memorable spot in Tehran?

Share your thoughts, experiences, and stories about hiking in Darakeh with us at HotelOneClick. We are looking forward to hearing from you.

If you have a comment about Darakeh Tehran that is not mentioned in this article, you can write in the comment section of this guide.

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Our references to prepare Darakeh Travel guide:

we have used many references to prepare this article. They are some of them in the following:

• Darakeh in Wikipedia
• Kara Jungle in Darakeh
• Darakeh info in lonelyplanet
• All about Darakeh in Virgool
• The complete guide of Darakeh
• Darakeh neighborhood
• Palangchal in Wikipedia