Khor Village

Khor is a village in Asara District of Karaj County, Alborz Province. It lies at the start of the Chalus Road, a short distance from Tehran and Karaj. The village sits on the western slope of Gandomchal peak at an altitude of about 2,800 metres above sea level, in the high part of the Central Alborz. Khor is at the end of the Arangeh district road, alongside the villages of Arangeh, Sijan, Sarziarat and Charan. To reach it, you need to turn onto the village's side road before reaching the Karaj Dam facilities. Mountain scenery, green valleys, orchards, views of mountains and clouds, and cool, pleasant air have made Khor one of the nature-tourism destinations close to Tehran and Karaj. The villagers speak Tati, and the local orchard produce includes peaches, apples, walnuts, pears and sour cherries. In spring, plants such as rhubarb, mushrooms, thyme, valak and wild artichoke (kangar) can also be found around the village.

The main attractions of Khor include Khor Waterfall, Pahneh Hesar or Gandomchal peak, Khor Ski Resort, Dezhbar Hill and the holy shrine of Imamzadeh Shahzadeh Askari. Khor Waterfall, also known as Shalal-e Khor, is about 50 metres high and roughly 2 kilometres from the village. The route to it passes through cherry, apricot, sour apple and greengage orchards, alongside a water channel. In winter the waterfall freezes and large icicles form around it. Gandomchal peak, at about 3,600 metres, is one of the region's prominent summits, and one of its climbing routes passes through Khor village. Khor Ski Resort lies at an altitude of about 2,800 to 3,000 metres, with runs of 1,850 and 350 metres, and is one of the area's winter attractions. Alongside the natural attractions, the historic Khor cemetery, with gravestones dating back about 600 to 700 years, and the shrine of Imamzadeh Shahzadeh Askari, which is built of mud and stone and is listed among the historic monuments, reflect the village's long history. Dezhbar Hill is also an ancient site of the region and is registered under the same name on the cultural heritage list.

Khor village can be reached via the Chalus Road and the side road leading to Arangeh District. After passing through the villages of Khuzankola, Arangeh and Sijan, you arrive at Khor. The access road has mountainous sections, bends and slopes, and should be driven with caution. Reaching the waterfall from the village requires about 2 kilometres of walking, and given the conditions of the trail, extra caution is especially important during rain and in the cold season. Spring and summer are good times for walking, nature touring and enjoying the waterfall and the village's orchards. In winter, Khor Ski Resort and the view of the frozen waterfall have a special appeal, although snowy and icy routes require preparation and suitable equipment. While in Khor's natural surroundings, it is best to avoid damaging vegetation, picking plants excessively, leaving litter and approaching wildlife, so that the mountain environment and the habitat of animals such as mouflon rams and ewes, ibex, wild goats, wolves, jackals, foxes, partridges, eagles, falcons, owls, nightingales and woodpeckers are preserved.