Lerd Village

The tourist village of Lerd is in Ardabil Province, Khalkhal County, in Shahrud District, Palangah Rural District, about 35 kilometres from the city of Khalkhal. This mountain village lies on the eastern slopes of the Agh Dagh range, in a lush, high-altitude area that has long been part of the historic Hezarjarib region of Khalkhal. As one of the largest and most populous villages in the area, Lerd has a rural, mountain character and is still full of life. Thanks to its special natural setting, it has always been one of the main nature tourism destinations in Ardabil Province.

The village is known for the rare variety of its natural attractions. These include numerous springs, such as Sibiyeh Khani, Mirzolal, Sang-e Now, Sang-e Cheshmeh, Vasar and Shafto, which flow in different parts of the village and the surrounding heights and create clear, lively landscapes. The famous Sibiyeh Khani Waterfall is also one of the area's most distinctive attractions. It has formed amid the high ground and varied vegetation, and with its roaring flow it is one of the main reasons for Lerd's tourist fame. In addition, extensive orchards, natural plains, local rivers and historical remains such as old stone cemeteries combine nature and history in this area. Sights worth visiting include the Kukhol Anbar stone cave, the shrine of Imamzadeh Mohammad, the field of poppies, natural springs and the Agh Dagh Protected Area, which is an important habitat for the province's wildlife. Together, these attractions make Lerd an appealing destination for nature tourism and for experiencing village life.

Lerd can be reached by several routes: from Khalkhal via Kalur and Shal, and also along the Bafrajerd road, part of which is a dirt track through the mountains. Because they run through a high, mountainous area, these routes offer beautiful natural scenery, but in the cold seasons they require suitable equipment. The best time to visit Lerd is spring, especially Ordibehesht and Khordad (roughly late April to mid-June), when nature is at its greenest and the springs and waterfalls are at their fullest. Responsible nature tourism is essential to protect this valuable ecosystem. That means keeping the springs clean, respecting the ecosystem of the Agh Dagh Protected Area and avoiding damage to the vegetation.