Chalous ? Iran’s Paradise
TEHRAN – Road 59, also known as the Chalous Road or Kandovan Road is an important road for people of Tehran, a large number of whom drive to popular tourist attractions in the north of Iran on weekends and for holidays.
This road is one of the busiest roads in Iran. The road becomes dangerous because of the narrowness and the mountainous terrain.
The road is difficult and it’s a nightmare in the wet or dark (or both). The surface of the road is asphalt, and chains or snow tyres can be required anytime.
Approaching from Karaj to the south, the road initially leads through jagged cliffs, then on the north side of the range through endless old-growth beech forests that wolves, lynxes and bears all call home. Then, at last, the Caspian Sea appears on the horizon.
This road, which displays a variety of sceneries from green to snow clad surroundings to Rocky Mountains in the north, is usually open all year, but during winter months, it can be closed when the access is not cleared of snow. In winter, avalanches and heavy snowfalls can sometimes block some sections of the road and can be extremely dangerous due to frequent patches of ice.
The road is in dreadful condition and requires strong nerves to negotiate it. Any barriers along the edge afford little more than token protection; large stretches should be taken at a snail’s pace and a lookout kept for vehicles coming from the opposite direction! The road’s winding design, providing stunning panoramic views, is very curvy and fun for a leisurely ride, so it pays to take it slow. Exercise extreme caution when passing on-coming traffic, over-taking and around corners.
It’s about 200 Km long that in its northern part is totally Green (120 Km). There are many beautiful views when you drive on Chalous road; beautiful rock formation, rivers, dam lake, untouched woods, fountains, wild mountain animals and many other eyes pleasing views are available when you drive on this road.
Because of many U turns Chalous is not an easy road for novice drivers. Beside of its beauty it can be a very dangerous road for those may like driving fast.