Yooj Village

Yooj Village is a small and highly photogenic settlement in Tonekabon County, Mazandaran Province, Iran. It lies in the mountainous Khomarabad district and Sehezar Rural District, and is the administrative center of that rural district. The village sits in the highlands of the western Alborz mountain range, surrounded by mountains and forest, and in population terms it is one of the province's sparsely populated settlements. In official censuses its population is reported at only a few dozen households. It has a quiet, unspoiled rural character, and the natural scenery around it is one of its most outstanding features.

For tourism, Yooj is especially appealing to those interested in ecotourism and experiencing village life in the Alborz highlands. In recent years the village has been introduced as one of Tonekabon's target ecotourism villages, offering the chance to experience the local way of life, stay in village houses, enjoy misty views above the clouds, and learn about the native culture. The surrounding Sehezar forests, the nature trails nearby and the mild summer climate with a cool mountain breeze are other major attractions of the area. The village's ecolodge accommodations also host visitors who want to experience rural life, with local food and views of the natural landscape.

The route to Yooj Village begins in the city of Tonekabon in western Mazandaran. From the city center, drive about 47 kilometers along the forested mountain road toward Sehezar, then take unpaved side roads into the village area. The route can be driven in a standard passenger car, but in some sections the dirt road becomes narrow and requires caution. The best time to visit is from spring to early autumn, when the roads are safer and the weather is milder. In winter, heavy snowfall, fog and mountain rain make visiting difficult. Visitors to Yooj are encouraged to practice responsible nature tourism, including not leaving litter, respecting natural resources and local culture, staying on established trails, and using standard ecolodge accommodations, in order to help sustain the area's environment and tourism.