Kiyapi Village

Kiyapi is a lush, historic village in Kuhdasht Rural District, in the Central District of Miandorud County, Mazandaran Province. With a population of around 920 people in 212 households, it is one of the authentic settlements of the Tabari people, who have ancient roots in the Amard and Tapuri tribes. The people of Kiyapi speak Tabari in the Sari dialect, and their local culture and mother tongue remain part of everyday life. The village lies amid dense Hyrcanian forests, in the highlands between Sari and Chahardangeh. Its mild mountain climate and green landscapes have made it an attractive destination for nature lovers. Kiyapi is close to Chourt Lake and the Shahid Rajaee Dam, and is about 65 kilometres from the city of Sari, which makes it relatively easy to reach and suitable for a day trip.

With its dense forests, waterfalls and cold springs, Kiyapi's scenic nature has made it an appealing destination for nature tourism and village trips. Among the village's religious and recreational sites are the Imamzadeh Abdolazim and the Mostafa Mahmoud Mazeh Memorial, which add a cultural dimension to the area alongside its natural beauty. The main occupations of the villagers are farming and animal husbandry, and nectarines are one of the village's most important orchard crops and sources of income. The village has thick forest scenery with species such as hornbeam, oak, alder and maple, and green meadows and clear springs can be seen around it. In spring and summer, the scent of wild plants and colourful flowers fills the air, and the morning mist gives it a dreamlike look. The surroundings of Kiyapi are a good place for wandering in the Hyrcanian forests, photographing mountain landscapes and walking along forest trails. In autumn, the colourful falling leaves and cool air create an ideal setting for nature lovers.

Despite its beauty, Kiyapi has not been spared from natural disasters. One of the most severe was a violent storm that swept through the village on Thursday, 16 Mehr 1394. The storm, with winds of 70 kilometres per hour and hailstones the size of eggs and ping-pong balls, caused heavy damage. More than 90 percent of the houses were damaged by between 30 and 60 percent, and the citrus orchards were completely destroyed. Many wild animals and birds in the area also died in the storm, and this bitter event remains in the memory of the villagers. To reach Kiyapi, take the Sari–Kiasar road from Sari and, after about 55 kilometres, turn onto the side road towards Dodangeh and Kiyapi village. The road is paved but has mountainous, winding sections, so careful driving is recommended. The best time to visit Kiyapi is spring and early summer, when nature is at its greenest and the weather is pleasant. When visiting, please do not leave the marked route, carry your rubbish back down with you, and do not harm the wildlife or vegetation, so that the area's beautiful nature is preserved for future generations.