Rabat Valley

Rabat Valley is one of the most beautiful natural attractions of the Silvana region in Urmia County, West Azerbaijan Province, and lies near the village of Razhan. Known among locals as the "Valley of the Natural Pools" (Abbandha), it has become one of the most popular nature-tourism destinations around Urmia thanks to its natural pools, flowing water, towering cliffs and unspoiled scenery. The village of Razhan, one of the highest villages in the Mergor region, lends the area a striking beauty with its green meadows, high mountains and cool climate.

Rabat Valley consists of several different sections. The first part, with its relatively flat trail, offers a pleasant place for a family picnic or a short camping stay. The deeper you go into the valley, however, the steeper the trail becomes, and crossing the narrow, rocky sections requires experience in mountaineering and canyoneering. Natural pools, rock walls, springs and diverse vegetation double the valley's beauty. Its proximity to the village of Razhan, the Khoshako Ski Resort, the Shahrchay Dam and the Silvana Paragliding Site also makes it possible to visit several tourist attractions in a single trip.

To reach Rabat Valley, drive from Urmia towards the Silvana district and the village of Razhan, which is about 30 to 40 kilometres from Urmia and takes around 50 minutes. You can drive to the start of the valley, then walk about 10 to 20 minutes to reach the first natural pools. The best time to visit Rabat Valley is summer and late spring, when the weather is cool and the landscape is at its greenest. If you plan to enter the deeper, more technical sections of the valley, a local guide and suitable equipment are essential. You can also play an effective part in protecting this precious natural environment by not leaving litter, not damaging the vegetation and keeping the water sources clean.