No matter where we live, or even if we have seen Damavand, this tallest peak of Iran awakens feelings of pride and magnificence in our hearts. Climbing to the peak of the tallest volcano in the Middle East is no easy task; but it is possible to see it a little closer up this time. This journey will take you on a promenade to one of Damavand’s foothills and open a window to see this lovely peak from a different angle.

Azou is a lush pasture covered with mountain plants measuring 35 hectares. It is a 2-hour drive from Tehran, at the foothills of Damavand with a magnificent view of the peak. Springs and summers in the plain are very cool and the winters are often very snowy. This alluring pasture is on the Firouzkouh-Amol road and can be reached via Nava village, where most of the inhabitants are cottagers from Amol.

Azou is in fact slightly different from what we think of as a plain. It is more of a foothill and moor covered with a velvety green vegetation in the spring.

Recreation in Azou

1.    Hiking and promenading at the foot of Damavand
2.    Shooting the picturesque scenery
3.    Camping and picnicking
4.    Climbing up to Pashureh station
5.    Watching the night sky of Azou

Access

Address: Iran, Mazandaran Province, Haraz Road, Nava Village, Azou Plain

From Tehran: Take the Haraz Road. After passing Roudehen town, Imamzadeh Hashen Mausoleum, and Polour mineral water, you will come to Ab-e Ask. Drive another 5kms from here, past Salari restaurant where you will see the sign for Rineh on your left. Drive around 200 meters past the Rineh exit and look out for a byroad on the right hand side which leads from Haraz Road to Nava and Kandelou villages. Take this tarmac route and follow the signs for Nava mineral water for another 10kms all along the steep, winding road to Nava village.