In the print dialog pick “Save as PDF” to keep it on your phone. A5 makes a pocket booklet; A4 suits a desk printer.
Voykit pocket guide · Iran
Taleghan
طالقان
Taleghan is a half-day stop for the lake and mountain scenery, not a base. One night if you want to hike or visit the isolated Ista village.
Taleghan is a quiet mountain county in Alborz Province, 105 km northwest of Tehran. The Shahrood River valley, Taleghan Lake and the Tat-speaking villages offer a break from the city. Most visitors come for the afternoon lake view and a meal of marjoo khoresh, then leave. The unusual Ista village adds a cultural detour for those who plan ahead.
- Country
- Iran
- Local name
- طالقان
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- Avoid
- Jul–Aug (hot), Dec–Feb (snow may block roads)
- Stay
- 1 night
Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.
Essentials
- Currency
- IRR
- Money
- Foreign cards and ATMs do not work in Iran: see Insurance & payments above.
- Daily spend
- Budget IRR 1,500,000–3,000,000 excl. bed · Mid IRR 3,000,000–6,000,000 excl. bed · High IRR 6,000,000+ excl. bed (estimate; check)
- Emergency
- Police 110 · Ambulance 115 · Fire 125
What things cost
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Marjoo khoresh (plum stew) at a local restaurant | IRR 200,000–400,000 |
| Tea at a village teahouse | IRR 50,000–100,000 |
| Taxi from Taleghan town to Karkabood waterfall (one way) | IRR 500,000–1,000,000 |
| Guide for Ista village (half day) | IRR 2,000,000 |
Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.
Get in
By air
- THR · Mehrabad International Airport
- Domestic flights; about 2 h drive to Taleghan (check road conditions)
- IKA · Imam Khomeini International Airport
- International flights; about 2.5 h drive
Typical fares
- Tehran → Taleghan, private taxi
- about IRR 3,000,000–5,000,000, about 2 h (check)
- Taleghan town → Karkabood waterfall, taxi
- IRR 500,000–1,000,000 (check)
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card
Get around
Private car or hired taxi is the only practical way. The valley road follows the Shahrood River; villages are spread out. No public transport within the county (check).
See and do
Known for
- Taleghan Lake
- Shahrood River valley
- Karkabood waterfall
- Ista village (no modern services)
- Marjoo khoresh (plum stew)
Day trips
| Where | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Karaj | Private car or taxi via the Taleghan–Karaj road, about 1.5 h | About 1.5 h |
| Alamut Valley | Private car via the mountain road over Shahkooh, about 2 h (check road conditions) | About 2.5 h |
| Qazvin | Private car via the Qazvin–Taleghan road, about 1.5 h | About 1.5 h |
Sleep
- Taleghan town centre
- Basic guesthouses and a couple of hotels; limited options, book ahead in high season.
- Villages along the valley
- Eco-lodges and homestays in Karkabood and other villages; more local character but no online booking for most.
Phrase card
| English | Say or show |
|---|---|
| Hello | سلامsalaam |
| Thank you | مرسیmersi |
| How much? | چقدر؟cheghadr? |
| I don't understand | نمیفهممnemifahmam |
| Where is the toilet? | دستشویی کجاست؟dastshooyi kojast? |
Etiquette, safety and scams
Scams and watch-outs
- Ista village has no water, electricity or mobile signal; respect the residents' wish to live without modern services.
- Roads can be icy or blocked in winter; check conditions before driving.
- Credit cards are not accepted anywhere; bring enough Iranian rials (or tomans) for the whole stay.
- Foreign tourists need a guide for some areas; confirm with your hotel or a local agency.
Taleghan is safe for tourists who respect local customs. The main risks are road conditions in winter and the lack of medical facilities. Ista village residents may not welcome photography or interaction; ask a guide before approaching.
One and two days
No timed day plan for Taleghan yet. Suggested stay: 1 night. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.
- Taleghan Lake
- Shahrood River valley
- Karkabood waterfall
- Ista village (no modern services)
- Marjoo khoresh (plum stew)
Sources
Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.
- Wikivoyage: Taleghan, revision 5038779 (CC BY-SA 4.0): en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=5038779
Pocket card
Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.
Taleghanطالقان
به این آدرس لطفاً
To this address, please
My hotel (write the name and address in the local script)
Most foreign embassies are in Tehran. The nearest consular services are in the capital (about 2 h drive).
Prices are often quoted in tomans (1 toman = 10 rials). Always confirm the currency when paying.
Voykit · checked 2026-09
Printed from Voykit (/taleghan). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.