Chehel Chay Gorge

Chehel Chay Gorge is located in Golestan Province, within Minudasht County, to the southeast of the city of Minudasht, in the heart of the Hyrcanian forests on the slopes of the Alborz Mountains. The gorge is part of Chehel Chay Rural District and, thanks to its lush valley setting, permanent river and dense forest cover, it is considered one of the most distinctive nature tourism destinations in eastern Golestan. Its location on the route linking northern Iran to Mashhad also makes it very easy and appealing for travellers to reach.

With its rare combination of broadleaf Hyrcanian forests, a crystal-clear river and both permanent and seasonal springs, the area offers a completely natural and calming landscape. Thanks to its high humidity and dense vegetation, the Chehel Chay valley has a cool, misty and green climate for most of the year. The river flows between moss-covered rocks and cliffs, and in some places there are spots suitable for stopping, resting and enjoying nature. Rice paddies and farmland around the area also add to the visual variety of the region.

Chehel Chay Gorge can be reached from the city of Minudasht by travelling about 7 to 10 kilometres along a green, forested road. Near the entrance there is a parking area and short walking trails leading into the gorge. The best time to visit is spring and early summer, when the water flow is at its strongest and the vegetation is at its greenest. Practising responsible nature tourism is very important here, including keeping the environment clean, avoiding damage to the river and forest cover, and using the designated areas properly for stopping and camping.