Tochal, the Roof of Tehran
Tochal is considered one of the most important and attractive recreational and sporting destinations in Tehran, hosting a large number of nature enthusiasts and mountain sports fans daily. With an elevation of 3,962 meters, this peak is located only 5 kilometers from the city of Tehran, providing ideal conditions for activities such as mountaineering and skiing for the residents of the capital.
One of the easiest and most popular ways to access Tochal Peak is by using the Tochal Cable Car, which offers visitors a unique experience of stunning and expansive landscapes. Access to Tochal via public transportation is also possible. For this purpose, you can use taxi lines located at Tajrish Square, which reduces your travel time to this beautiful location to approximately 7 to 10 minutes.
If you prefer to go to Tochal by private vehicle, you should know that the area is equipped with a large parking lot available to the public. The entrance to Tochal is located at the end of Velenjak Street, which is easily accessible.
The name “Tochal” means “basin” or “small lake,” likely named due to the water resources and natural beauty of this peak. With these features, Tochal is recognized as a suitable destination for recreation and sports near Tehran, providing a fun and pleasant experience for visitors.
In recent years, numerous recreational and sporting facilities have been added to the Tochal complex, leading to increased popularity among the public and tourists. These facilities include the Tehran Sledge (Alpine Coaster), Tochal Cable Car, Tochal Chairlift (Tele-sieze), Tochal Hotel, Tochal Zip-line, Tochal Ski Resort, Archery Club, Shooting Club, and the Tochal Tennis Club.
For domestic tourists, it is important to know that the Tochal Cable Car is one of the best and easiest ways to reach the summit. Along this cable car route, passengers can benefit from various stations established along the way. The complex features three main cable car lines and seven stations providing access to different points.
With a length of 7,500 meters, the Tochal Cable Car is considered one of the longest cable car lines in Iran and even globally. This cable car is capable of transporting up to 600 people per hour. It is worth noting that the construction project began in 1974 and was completed and operational by 1978. These facilities provide extensive capabilities for recreation and sports in the Tochal area, creating a suitable space for people’s leisure time.
Tochal Cable Car Station 1
Station 1 of the Tochal Cable Car serves as the starting point of this beautiful mountain route, attracting various groups of visitors. Due to the gentle slope of the valley, this path is paved, making it easy and pleasant for everyone, whether for recreational or sporting purposes. Additionally, several secondary paths have been added to this layout that still maintain their dirt and natural conditions.
At Station 1, visitors can enjoy diverse facilities, including tennis courts, bungee jumping, and an archery and shooting club, each providing a unique and exciting experience. If you intend to spend the night at the Tochal Hotel, you can obtain the relevant forms at Station 1. To do this, you must have your ID card with you and pay the accommodation fee.
Tochal Cable Car Station 2
Station 2 of the Tochal Cable Car is located at a significant altitude that allows visitors to view the beauties of Tehran, although this view may be affected by air pollution. At this point, the elevation reaches 1,900 meters, and the temperature drops by an average of 3 to 4 degrees Celsius compared to the city.
If you have hiked to this station, it is an excellent place to rest and recharge. You can use this time to gain the necessary energy to continue your journey with more motivation and vitality.
Tochal Cable Car Station 5
Station 5 is an attractive and beautiful location recognized as a major tourist destination around Tehran. If you have trekked this route with effort and hard work, you should know you have passed a specific and challenging path. However, if you are looking for more comfort, you can reach this station from Station 1 in a short time (about 30 minutes) using the cable car.
From the 2,910-meter altitude of this station, you can observe one of the best and most beautiful vistas of Tehran. Watching the delightful scenery and surrounding mountains will give you a special feeling and surely bring you an unforgettable experience.
Station 5 is also known as the Tochal Cultural Center and is a popular destination for those traveling to the area for snow play and winter recreation. You can stop at this station and spend an exciting and fun day.
A very beautiful two-story wooden restaurant has been built at this station, which multiplies the pleasure of dining in the cold alpine air. Additionally, the gazebos in the area and limited playground equipment provide suitable facilities for spending leisure time.
Tochal Cable Car Station 7
Station 7, the final station of the complex, is an exciting destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Facilities such as the Tochal Ski Resort, Tochal Hotel, chairlifts, ski lifts, and snowmobile rentals are available to visitors.
To reach this station, you must first disembark at Station 5 and then board a different cable car line. After an hour of travel and covering a distance of 7,500 meters, you will reach the 3,680-meter altitude of Station 7.
Due to the high altitude and extreme weather changes, it is recommended to bring warm clothes and necessary equipment before heading here. This includes gloves, boots, face masks, hats, and goggles, as the weather is significantly different from the lower stations.
At Station 7, you can experience skiing by renting equipment. If you are interested in professional training, you can register at the Tochal Ski School to receive instruction from expert coaches. Note that the use of inner tubes (tubing) is not permitted at this station.
Tochal Hotel
If you are looking for a unique experience in the heart of nature, Tochal Hotel is a suitable choice. This hotel allows guests to spend the night in one of its cozy and quiet rooms and wake up the next morning to the delightful, cold winter air.
An important point to note is the age restriction for staying at this hotel; only individuals between 7 and 55 years old are permitted. Additionally, before check-in, guests must receive clearance from the on-site doctor at the hotel clinic. This measure is to prevent issues like altitude sickness (Mountain Syndrome), which usually occurs at night due to the decrease in pressure at high altitudes.
It should be noted that certain individuals cannot stay at this hotel. Pregnant women, people with cardiovascular issues, lung diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, and those with physical disabilities will not be accepted for accommodation.
During your stay, you can benefit from the hotel’s numerous facilities. The hotel restaurant offers diverse and delicious food, and there is an entertaining space where you can play table football, billiards, and chess, or socialize with other guests. To reserve a room, you must be present at Station 1 between 8 AM and 12 PM.
Tochal Chairlift (Tele-sieze)
The Tochal Chairlift is a prominent attraction with two main stations. The first station, known as “Cheshmeh Station,” is about one kilometer long. It is an ideal place to enjoy extraordinary views of the entire city of Tehran and the beautiful surrounding waterfalls.
The second station of the chairlift continues the path toward Station 7 and the ski resort. A notable point is that children under 5 years old can use these services for free.
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Hours: Saturday to Wednesday (5 PM – 1 AM); Thursday and Friday (8 AM – 1 AM).
Tochal Sledge (Alpine Coaster)
The Tochal Sledge is one of the most exciting facilities at Station 1. Designed and built in 2015 in collaboration with the German company Wiegand, this project holds standards from the Iran National Standards Organization and TUV Germany.
With a length of 1,420 meters, it can transport 250 people per hour and is recognized as the longest and most thrilling sledge in Iran.
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Hours: Weekdays (11 AM – Midnight).
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Entry: Free for children under 5.
Tochal Ski Resort
Located at Station 7, Tochal Ski Resort is one of the most famous and accessible ski resorts in Iran. As an international resort approved by the International Ski Federation (FIS), it has hosted international snowboard competitions.
As the country’s highest snow-covered resort, it is typically active from November until June. The resort consists of three main sections: the summit, the western slope, and the area between Stations 5 and 7. The ski school and a dedicated training ski lift make it an excellent choice for beginners and professionals alike.
Mountaineering in Tochal
Tochal offers a delightful experience for hikers. The mountaineering route to the summit is approximately 17 kilometers long, featuring restaurants, shelters, and Red Crescent rescue stations.
Famous shelters along the route include Darabad, Kolakchal, Shervin, Shirpala, Amiri, and Espid Kamar (the oldest shelter, located south of the peak and east of Station 5).
For casual walkers, a shorter 2,000-meter path starts from the parking lot and ends at Station 1. This path features Health Park 1 (3,350 m²) and Health Park 2 (2,650 m²), offering gazebos, benches, and beautiful night lighting. The “Roof of Tehran” (Bam-e Tehran) area at Station 1 also provides courts for badminton, volleyball, and basketball.
Snowmobiling at Tochal
If you seek a high-speed thrill, snowmobiling is an excellent option. Riding these motor vehicles, you can experience the rush of snow against your face at speeds up to 80 km/h over a distance of 1 to 2 kilometers. The best time for this is during the heavy snow seasons when the resort turns into a dreamy landscape.
