Naghandar Village

Naghandar is one of the villages with a pleasant climate in Jaghargh Rural District, Torqabeh District, Torqabeh and Shandiz County, Razavi Khorasan Province. It lies among the peaks of the Binalud Mountain Range in a lush valley and is regarded as one of the popular summer retreats around Mashhad. The village is close to Torqabeh, and with its mountain scenery, orchards, river and flowing springs, it makes a good destination for outings in nature and a break from city life. In the past, Naghandar was called "Noghan-Darreh"; "Noghan" means silk and "darreh" refers to the village's natural setting in a valley. The name is linked to the history of silkworm rearing in the region, and the mulberry trees have long provided favourable conditions for this activity to thrive. The village's traditional economy is based on farming and animal husbandry, and grains, broad beans (benshan) and various fruits are among its products.

The nature of Naghandar is a mix of lush orchards, fields, fruit trees, mulberry trees, a river and springs, which together with the surrounding heights create a pleasant highland landscape. Walnuts, cherries, apricots, peaches, apples and mulberries are among the area's orchard crops, and the Naghandar River helps supply water to the village and its orchards. Alongside its natural attractions, the remains of Naghandar Castle are among the village's most important historical sights; the castle stands on the heights, served as a defensive and lookout post, and its origins have been attributed to the World War II period or the years before it. The Stone Frog is another natural and geotourism feature near Naghandar, located beside the Torqabeh–Kang road about two kilometres from the village. Orchards, old houses, flowing streams, the rural atmosphere and the area's restaurants also offer visitors a range of attractions and tourist experiences.

To reach Naghandar from Mashhad, you can take Vakilabad Boulevard towards Torqabeh and, once you reach Torqabeh, turn onto the road to Naghandar. The access road to the village is paved, and the route continues beyond Naghandar towards Kang. Thanks to its highland climate, Naghandar is a good destination for nature tourism in spring and summer, especially in Ordibehesht (the second month of the Persian calendar, roughly late April to May). In spring, the blossoms and the green orchards are especially beautiful, while in summer the cooler air makes the area a good option for escaping the city heat. Autumn gives the village a different look as the leaves of the orchard trees change colour. When visiting, please avoid entering orchards and farmland without permission, damaging trees and vegetation, polluting the river and springs, and leaving rubbish behind. Respect the privacy of homes and the lives and activities of local people, and help preserve the village's nature and culture.