Randan Village

Randan is a summer village with a pleasant climate in Soleqan Rural District, Tehran County, Tehran Province. It lies on the slopes of the Alborz mountain range, roughly 20 to 30 kilometres northwest of the capital. The village is located on the road from Kan and Soleqan to Imamzadeh Davood. Thanks to its mountain setting, lush orchards, river and natural scenery, it is one of the most popular nature destinations around Tehran. Randan has largely preserved its traditional character, and much of its residents' livelihood still depends on orchard farming and animal husbandry. The villagers have long spoken the Tati language, which, together with the village's history and indigenous way of life, gives its cultural identity a distinctive character.

Randan is more than 700 years old and is said to have been one of the favourite summer retreats of kings around Tehran during the Qajar era. Its orchards of sweet cherry, sour cherry, apple, peach, walnut and persimmon trees make the surroundings especially spectacular in spring and summer. One of the area's main natural attractions is the Randan Waterfall, which lies about two kilometres from the village in a mountain valley. About 40 metres high, the waterfall appears after a walk of nearly an hour along the river. The valleys around the village, with their rocks, river, mountain plants, plane trees and ash trees, offer a fine setting for strolling and photography. Plants such as walak (wild sorrel-like mountain greens), thyme, rhubarb and borage grow on the surrounding slopes, adding to the area's natural charm, and Walak Polo is a well-known local dish of Randan.

To reach Randan, head from northwest Tehran toward Kan and Kouhsar Boulevard, then enter the Soleqan road, pass the Imamzadeh Davood route and take the side road to the village. You can also reach it from the Hemmat Expressway West area and the Tehran–Shomal Freeway route. Once you arrive in the village, park your car in a suitable spot to visit the waterfall and continue on foot along the valley trail beside the river. The best time to visit Randan and its waterfall is spring and early summer, especially Ordibehesht and Khordad (roughly May and June), when the landscape is greener and the waterfall is at its fullest. Summer is also a good time for village visits and nature trips thanks to the area's cool, mild weather. In autumn you can enjoy the colourful valley scenery, but in winter and on days of heavy rain you should avoid unnecessary trips because of slippery roads, snowfall and the risk of the river flooding. While visiting, please take your rubbish with you, avoid damaging orchards and farmland, refrain from picking mountain plants excessively, and respect the peace and privacy of the villagers.