Exploring the Village of Filband: A Journey into the Clouds and Highlands of Babol
In this article, we will delve into introducing the village of Filband and provide sufficient information for a trip to this beautiful highland.Stay with Golf City Pedia
What You Need to Know When Traveling to the Village of Filband:
- Introduction to the Village of Filband
- Where Is the Village of Filband?
- Best Time to Travel to the Village of Filband
- Accommodations in Filband
- What to Bring on Your Trip to Filband
- Nearby Attractions of Filband
Introduction to the Village of Filband
The village of Filband is one of the most picturesque villages in the Mazandaran province. Due to its unique geographical location and being situated in the mountain foothills, the village offers a beautiful view of the meadows and surrounding villages. Filband is often surrounded by clouds during half of the year, and nature enthusiasts are drawn to this region for its pleasant climate during the warm seasons. The sea of clouds in Filband forms on most days throughout the year, providing unforgettable moments for tourists.
The highland of this village is also popular among the residents of nearby villages, and during the warm seasons, many people from the surrounding villages come to Filband to enjoy its excellent weather and refreshing nature. In the cold seasons, however, the villagers migrate to other areas, leaving the village empty.
For residents of Tehran and its vicinity, Filband is highly popular due to its close proximity to the capital. One of the most beautiful views of Filband is the beautiful sunrise and sunset in this village. Mountaineering in this village is also enjoyable. Situated at an altitude of approximately 2,300 meters above sea level, Filband is the highest village in the eastern part of Mazandaran province, earning it the nickname “Eastern Roof of Mazandaran.” In the local Mazandarani dialect, this village is called “Felband” or “Felben.” “Fel” means fatigue, and “band” means to come, and according to locals, the difficult path to this village in the past led to this naming.
Where Is the Village of Filband?
Address of the village of Filband: Mazandaran Province, 25 kilometers from the Haraz road from Amol to Polur, a branch road to the village of Filband
The village of Filband is one of the attractions of Babol and is part of this city in Mazandaran. This village is located 57 kilometers south of Amol and east of the Haraz River. The access route to this village is from the Haraz road and on the secondary route towards Filband, between the Alimastan forest and the village of “Razkeh.” The scenic views of this secondary road in the mountains are very beautiful.
The village of Filband is connected from the northwest to the village of Sangchal in Amol, from the south to the “Vane Bon” highland, and the villages of “Varzaneh” and “Neshel,” and from the southeast to the villages of “Sheikh Mousa,” “Nirasam,” and “Galiran.” The locals of these villages also travel to Filband during the warm seasons, either on foot or with horses or tractors. However, the route is very dangerous, and only locals familiar with the path can traverse this distance.
Filband is the last village in the Chaloos forest and is considered the edge of the “Chaloos” forest. The phenomenon of the ocean of clouds in this village attracts many tourists every year.
Best Time to Travel to the Village of Filband:
The best time to visit Filband is from early April to the end of September. If you haven’t seen Filband and the sea of clouds up close, it’s recommended to plan a one-day trip to this area.
Accommodations in Filband:
In Filband, it’s preferable to plan a one-day trip rather than staying overnight. However, if you intend to experience staying at this altitude, make sure to coordinate with the available rental villas and ensure they have an available room for your overnight stay. Also, inquire about all the facilities in these rural accommodations, as there may be limited access to water during certain hours of the day due to water rationing. If you opt for an adventurous trip and a night stay in the highlands, be sure to bring a sleeping bag and warm clothes.
What to Bring on Your Trip to Filband:
Due to the high altitude of the village, it’s essential to bring warm clothing. A light or rain poncho can come in handy to protect against sudden rain showers. If you plan to hike some of the paths, don’t forget suitable shoes for rocky trails. Since the captivating sea of clouds will mesmerize you, don’t forget your camera to capture the extraordinary moments.
Nearby Attractions of Filband:
In addition to the enchanting sea of clouds, Filband is surrounded by other attractions that nature lovers will appreciate. The Alimastan forest, the Herkan forests, and the beautiful landscapes around the village provide a serene environment for visitors.
In summary, the village of Filband offers a unique and captivating experience, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility and beauty in the Mazandaran province.
Access Route to the Village of Filband
The village of Filband is considered one of the attractions of Mazandaran, and the access route to it is through the Haraz road. The distance from Tehran to Filband is approximately 170 kilometers; however, the winding twists and turns of the mountainous secondary road make the journey take about four hours. To reach Filband from Tehran, you need to enter the Tehran-Pardis highway through the northeast exits of Tehran, pass through Rudehen city, and reach the Haraz road exit. Continue on the Haraz road until you reach the Elimestan forest, and in front of the village of “Parn,” enter the Filband secondary road. This secondary mountainous road is located east of the Haraz road.
The distance from Tehran to the beginning of the Filband secondary road is 140 kilometers, and from the beginning of this road, you have 30 kilometers to reach the village of Filband. However, covering this distance takes about an hour. At the beginning of this mountainous road, you will pass through the village of “Pashakla,” and then you will reach the village of “Sangchal.” The village of Filband is located after this village, but the distance from Sangchal to Filband becomes very winding, especially during rainy seasons, making travel on this road hazardous. At the beginning of the road, minibusses also travel to the village.
The mountainous secondary road to Filband is more dangerous in the fall and winter seasons, and during winter rains, travel to this village is not possible due to the risk of falling into the valley. However, in spring and summer, traveling to Filband by personal car is feasible. Accessing the village of Filband on foot from surrounding villages is also possible, but it takes a long time and requires a local guide familiar with the route.
The distance from the village of Filband to the sea through the nearest route to the Mahmudabad coast is about 80 kilometers. The distance from Filband to Babolsar is also 95 kilometers, and covering this distance takes two hours. Due to its widespread fame and unique beauty, Filband attracts tourists from various parts of the north, and Amol, the nearest city to Filband, is on the route to access it. Amol is approximately 57 kilometers away from Filband. The distance from Sari to Filband is 126 kilometers, and covering it takes two hours. Nour to Filband is 104 kilometers. Shiregah to Filband has a distance of about 124 kilometers.
If you are staying in the northeastern cities of the country or Mashhad, you must first go to Sari city and then continue the route towards Babol, Amol, and Filband. If you are in the northwestern cities, by passing through Rasht and continuing on the coastal road, you will reach Nour and then Amol. In other cities of the country, to go to the village of Filband, you must pass through Tehran and the Haraz road.
In suitable seasons, Filband tours are organized by various travel agencies, offering a variety of tour durations and service levels. Due to the high demand of nature enthusiasts for this scenic village, Filband tours are also provided from Sari and other northern cities.
Best Time to Travel to the Village of Filband
The village of Filband experiences diverse weather conditions throughout different seasons. Staying in this village becomes challenging from early autumn with the onset of cold weather. As winter arrives and snowfall begins, the residents leave the area and head to warmer towns and villages around Filband.
In spring, Filband becomes a land of four seasons. In one day, you might witness sunshine, rain, fog, snow, and even a rainbow with short intervals in Filband. However, the village enjoys the best weather conditions during the summer. The air remains cool, and even in summer nights, the temperature stays moderate.
The best time to travel to the village of Filband is during the spring and summer seasons. Starting from early spring and progressing towards summer, the weather conditions in this village become more favorable. This period is the busiest tourist season, and many visitors explore Filband during this time. The sea of clouds in Filband exists on most days of the year, but its concentration is higher during sunrise and near rainfall. In the colder seasons, cloud masses are denser, but traveling to Filband is not possible due to the risk of falling into the valley. To enjoy the sea of clouds in Filband, you can visit in spring, although the chance to see clouds remains in summer as well. Just be an early riser.
Where to Stay in Filband?
For accommodation in Filband, you have limited options. The village does not have hotels or inns, and due to its natural beauty and tourists’ preference to stay within the village, the best choices are rural and local houses. However, keep in mind that the prices for rural cottages in Filband increase during the busy seasons of spring and summer. You can rent a cottage in Filband remotely and make reservations online.
In the western part of the village, there is a guesthouse known as “Tekiye Gharb.” This guesthouse offers rooms for nightly rental, but its facilities are very basic, and the rooms share communal bathrooms. The price of this guesthouse is reasonable, and its basic amenities in a rural setting can be charming for some travelers.
Near the Imamzadeh Ghasem Filband, there is a small guesthouse. For those interested in camping in the open air, Filband is one of the best options. However, keep in mind that due to the specific weather conditions of the area and the possibility of fog and sudden rainfall, check the weather status before your trip and be fully prepared. Watching the sunrise can make your stay in this area very pleasant and memorable.
What to Bring on a Trip to Filband?
When traveling to the village of Filband, make sure to bring warm clothes and suitable shoes. Due to the village’s altitude, exploring around it will involve trekking, and considering the unstable weather conditions with the possibility of rain, having proper hiking boots or high shoes is essential. Don’t forget a windbreaker and a raincoat.
If you plan to stay in the open air, make sure to have complete camping gear with you. Filband’s facilities are limited, and obtaining even the simplest supplies and food items may come at high prices, so bring a sufficient amount of water, food, and necessary camping equipment. The areas around the village of Filband do not have directional signs. Although having a local guide is necessary for visiting more distant points, for extra caution, download an offline map in advance to be aware of your location in case of no internet access.
A lightweight backpack with limited and essential items is very suitable for exploring Filband. Your sleeping bag will keep you warm at night, and a camera for capturing beautiful moments in this journey is a must. Remember not to leave any trash in Filband to preserve cleanliness and the local ecosystem.
Notable Attractions around Filband The village of Sangchal and the beautiful Chelav forests near the village of Filband are suitable options for nature walks and exploring. In the surroundings of Sangchal, you will encounter grazing herds and charming wooden cottages along the way. The shrine of “Imamzadeh Yahya” is located in this village, and you can visit this shrine during your exploration. However, be sure to visit this village with a local guide to find your way back. For unfamiliar individuals in this area, the likelihood of getting lost is very high, as there are no directional signs on the route.
In the direction of the village of Filband and at the beginning of the Sangchal village, there are local shops with northern products and handicrafts. In August, a local festival is held in this village. If you travel to this area during this time, you can enjoy watching indigenous celebrations with local costumes and get more acquainted with the culture and customs of the people in this region.
The surroundings of the village of Filband do not have rivers, but there are mineral water springs around this village. One of the most famous is the “Lar Spring,” whose water properties are excellent for kidney and bone pain diseases.
The “Imamzadeh Ghasem” is located near the peak of “Andavar” in the southern mountains of Filband. The path to this shrine is quite steep. For walking this path, be sure to ask for help from local guides. The nature around the shrine of Imamzadeh Ghasem is very picturesque. Inside the shrine, there is a suitable place for resting, and nearby, there is a small accommodation.
After the village, you will notice a clear path towards the Alimestan forest. Walking in this lush forest and enjoying the pristine nature is delightful but not void of challenges.
Imamzadeh Ghasem in the Highlands of FilbandHerd of sheep grazing in the vicinity of the village of FilbandView from the top of the village of Sangchal near FilbandBeautiful nature of the village of Sangchal in Amol Photo Sources: anaktourism.ir, shomalestan.ir, wikiloc.com, fa.wikipedia.org
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is the village of Filband?
- The village of Filband is one of the tourist attractions of Babol and is located in Mazandaran, Iran.
- What is the reason for the fame of the village of Filband?
- The phenomenon of the ocean of clouds in this village attracts many tourists to the area every year.
- What is the best time to travel to the village of Filband?
- Spring and summer seasons.
- Is it possible to stay in the village of Filband?
- This village does not have hotels or inns, and due to its natural beauty and tourists’ inclination to stay within the village, the best options are rural cottages and local houses
