When the name of Khorasan or Mashhad is mentioned, there are few people who do not think of visiting Imam Reza’s shrine. However, with a little research, you can find out that the sights of Mashhad, in addition to religious places, also have a lot to offer in terms of historical and natural attractions. One of these natural attractions is Ortokand Waterfall, which is a great place to spend an unforgettable weekend. Many people in Mashhad choose this waterfall for their weekend trips from mid-spring to early autumn.
In this article from OverIran tourism magazine, we would like to fully introduce Ortokand Waterfall to you.
The attractive route of Ortokand
When you arrive at Ortokand, your fascinating journey to the waterfall just begins. You have to navigate the water and continue the path through the river. The river path is rocky and a little slippery in some parts, so be careful. After passing through this gorge-like section, surrounded by huge rock walls on both sides, you reach a more open space where family gardens and beds line both sides of the river.
During the journey, you will need to cross the river several times. In the end, you will reach a space resembling a cave or a tunnel where the river water flows, and you must cross it. After traversing the winding corridors of this cave-like area, you reach a relatively open space. Here, you can see the opening of a cave with a low height, which you must enter to reach the first waterfall.
the first waterfall
We walked about fifteen meters in this space to reach the first waterfall. On the left side of this cave-like area, there is another way to cross, which leads to a green and cool space with numerous waterfalls, eventually reaching the first waterfall. The interesting thing about the route of this waterfall is that, unlike other waterfalls, you have to pass under the waterfall to be able to see it from the front.
In fact, passing through the cave-like space brings you under the waterfall, and it is only by passing under the waterfall that you can stand in front of it. The height of the waterfall is about ten meters.
Now the second waterfall is in front of us
Getting to the second waterfall requires a bit of adventure and careful navigation. After leaving the cave, if we continue along the left path slightly upwards, we will reach a steep wall with a rope hanging from its top. We have to climb this wall with the help of a rope and walk along the river for about fifteen minutes to reach a space with high walls. In the past, there was a metal staircase to pass, which is not available now.
The waterfall is still not clear, and due to the winding path of the wall, it can only be seen by approaching the waterfall. The second waterfall is higher and more voluminous than the first waterfall, measuring about 35 meters in height. It is said that by climbing the wall, you can reach the top of the waterfall and the most pristine part of the area, but due to the steep slope of the wall and the falling water that has made it slippery, it is not recommended at all and is only possible with rock climbing facilities.
What equipment should I take with me?
It is better to bring extra clothes, shoes, or a poncho, along with some food and water because you will definitely get wet on the way to the waterfall. It is recommended to have a headlamp or flashlight to navigate the dark parts of the path, especially the cave-like spaces.
If you are not traveling by private vehicle, plan your return in advance and do not postpone it until the end of the day because public transportation may not be available. In this case, the only way to return to Mashhad is through agencies, which usually charge a significant amount of money.
If you are traveling by car, it is better to make sure that the car’s gas tank is full. It’s good to know that the nearest gas station is Zavin gas station, which may be closed, but don’t worry; you can get a few liters of gas from supermarkets on the way. Another point is that there is a possibility of overcrowding on holidays and weekends. The narrowness of the dirt road makes it difficult to pass during busy times.
In the end, I must say that there are few places where spaces such as valleys, caves, mountains, and rivers exist together, and from this point of view, Ortokand Villa offers a unique opportunity to tourists.
Finally
If you come to Mashhad during your trip to Iran, be sure to visit this waterfall. This place is truly beautiful and will create an experience in your travel history that you will never forget. Ortokand Waterfall is one of the best places to visit in Mashhad.