Khalno Lake

Khalno Lake is located in Tehran Province, near the village of Varangeh Rud, on the southern slopes of Khalno Peak. The lake lies in the heights of the Central Alborz range and, thanks to its geographical position, is a popular destination for mountaineers and nature lovers. This small lake sits at the end of the beautiful Varangeh Rud valley, and its water comes solely from the melting of natural glaciers and the northern snow patches of the Harzeh Kuh and Khalno peaks.

Khalno Lake lies in a bowl-shaped hollow at the foot of the Harzeh Kuh ridge, and the surrounding scenery, especially in spring and summer, displays the natural beauty of the region at its finest. Because of its particular location, the lake is one of the coldest spots in Tehran Province in summer, making it a pleasant place to escape the heat during the warmer months. The vegetation around Khalno Lake consists of cold-climate meadows, mountain plants and rocky terrain that is mostly treeless, since the high altitude of the area does not allow forests to grow. Because the environment is high in the mountains, short grassy patches and wild plants can be seen along the water's edge, doubling the beauty of the mountain landscape.

To reach Khalno Lake, you can start from the village of Varangeh Rud on the Chalus road. The trek is about 18 kilometres long and passes through a range of altitudes. The route suits mountaineers with moderate to good physical fitness. The best time to visit is early summer, especially from late Khordad to mid-Tir, when the snow patches have melted, the lake is at its fullest and the weather is relatively favourable. At that time, cold west and southwest winds can be felt, and the long, cold nights make it all the more important to bring warm clothing, mountaineering equipment and suitable sleeping gear.