Zeshk Village

Zeshk is one of the cool, pleasant summer-pasture (yeylaq) villages of Torqabeh and Shandiz County in Razavi Khorasan Province. It lies about 32 kilometres from Mashhad, on the southeastern slopes of the Binalud mountain range. The village sits at mountain altitude and, thanks to its particular geographic position, has a temperate mountain climate with cool summers and cold, snowy winters. The combination of deep valleys, rocky heights and extensive orchards has made Zeshk one of the most distinctive nature-tourism destinations around Mashhad, and its traditional character has largely been preserved.

Zeshk's defining feature is its many permanent springs and streams, which rise in the Binalud highlands and have nourished the extensive fruit orchards of the area. Because of these water sources, the village is also known as the "Land of Gushing Springs." The Zeshk River flows through the orchards and valleys, creating a very green landscape. Economically, orcharding (especially fruit such as cherries, apples, plums, apricots and walnuts), animal husbandry and local crafts are the residents' most important activities. The local products and traditional dishes of the area are also very popular with visitors. The surrounding heights, including the Chaman and Shirbad peaks, have made this area one of the major mountaineering hubs of eastern Iran.

Zeshk can be reached from Mashhad via the Shandiz road: after driving along Vakilabad Boulevard and joining the Shandiz road, continue for about 15 kilometres to reach this summer village. The best time to visit Zeshk is spring and summer, when nature is at its greenest and the weather is best suited to sightseeing and hiking. When visiting the area, it is important to follow the principles of responsible nature tourism, including keeping the streams clean, not damaging local orchards and respecting the privacy of the villagers, because this mountain and water ecosystem plays an important role in sustaining the region's environment.