Chalus Road
Iran, asia
190 km
3,050 m
moderate
April to November
The Chalus Road is a 190-kilometer mountain highway connecting Tehran, Iran's capital, to the Caspian Sea coastal town of Chalus. The road climbs through the Alborz Mountains, reaching elevations above 3,000 meters before descending dramatically through lush Hyrcanian forests—an ancient forest ecosystem recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—to the subtropical Caspian coast.
Built during the reign of Reza Shah in the 1930s, the Chalus Road is one of Iran's most famous and heavily traveled routes, especially on weekends and holidays when Tehranis escape to the Caspian seaside. The road features a remarkable series of tunnels, bridges, and viaducts carved through steep mountain terrain. The contrast between the arid, brown southern slopes near Tehran and the verdant, misty northern forests is striking, and the descent through ancient beech and oak forests with their dense green canopy feels like entering another world entirely.
Where is it?
Chalus Road is located in Alborz Province, Iran (asia). Coordinates: 36.2000, 51.2000
Driving Tips
Avoid Friday and holiday traffic when the road becomes extremely congested. Drive south to north for the most dramatic scenery reveal. The old road is more scenic than the newer freeway sections. Stop at the Veresk Bridge area for mountain views. Autumn foliage in the Hyrcanian forests is spectacular. Carry warm clothing as temperatures drop significantly at the summit.
Road Surface
Paved asphalt
Road Details
- Country
- Iran
- Continent
- asia
- Region
- Alborz Province
- Length
- 190 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,050 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Surface
- Paved asphalt
- Best Season
- April to November
- Coordinates
- 36.2000, 51.2000
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