Plizio Visual Lab
Sefid-Rud
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
River
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Sefid-Rud, whose name literally translates to White River, is the longest and most important river of the northern Gilan province of Iran, reaching a total length of 670 kilometers. The river is formed near the city of Manjil by the confluence of the Qizil-Uzan and Shahrud rivers. From here, it cuts with tremendous force through the deep gorges of the Alborz mountains before stepping out onto the coastal plain and emptying into the Caspian Sea. The watercourse owes its reputation to the massive amount of sediment it carries along, which gives its water a characteristic whitish-muddy color. The Manjil Dam, built at the mountain breakthrough, creates a giant reservoir that generates hundreds of megawatts of electricity annually.
- Location: Iran
- Top sights: Stone bridge · Ezhdeha Balouch No Hunting Area · Boujagh National Park
- Nearby: Anbar sar (18 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 10 | 10 | 12 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 27 | 28 | 25 | 21 | 16 | 12 |
| Rain mm | 96 | 86 | 78 | 63 | 24 | 26 | 40 | 61 | 124 | 180 | 169 | 110 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The river and its scenic valleys can be accessed by driving along the main highways connecting Tehran to Rasht and the Caspian coast. Various small towns like Manjil serve as convenient riverside stopping points.
Best season
Spring is remarkably lush and green, offering spectacular scenery as the snowmelt swells the river powerfully. Autumn brings crisp air and brilliant changing colors to the forested slopes flanking the gorge.
Terrain & paths
The river carves intensely through the Alborz mountains, creating a contrasting landscape of steep, arid rocky cliffs and lush green riverbanks. The valley floor has relatively flat spaces for strolling.
What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes are handy for exploring the flatter shoreline paths near the towns. If planning to trek higher into the steep mountain trails overlooking the water, proper ankle-supporting hiking boots are necessary.
Parking
Pull-offs and informal gravel parking areas are common along the riverside highway, especially near major bridges or dams. In the surrounding villages, space can be quite limited and tightly packed.
Safety
The region is famous for extremely strong, unpredictable canyon winds which can destabilize hikers standing near cliff edges. The river current is deceptively swift and incredibly dangerous for unauthorized swimming.
Time needed
Many travelers stop for just an hour to enjoy the panoramic views or a quick riverside picnic while driving through. A comprehensive hike exploring the side canyons and dams can easily occupy a relaxing half-day.
Geography
Facts
- The riverbed measures about 670 kilometers from the source to the mouth.
- Formed at the city of Manjil from the confluence of two major river branches.
- Carries a massive amount of sediment, which gives the water its light color.
- The dam system built on the river generates significant amounts of electrical energy.
- The water of the river is essential for the extensive rice cultivation of Gilan province.
- After breaking through the mountains, it flows directly into the Caspian Sea.
- Frequently served as a natural border between territories throughout Persian history.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Sefid-Rud (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Sefid Rud mean?
Sefid Rud means 'White River', named after its foaming waters.
Where does the river flow into?
It flows through the Alborz mountains and empties into the Caspian Sea.
Is there a dam on the Sefid Rud?
Yes, the Manjil Dam is a significant structure for irrigation and power generation.
Can you camp by the river?
There are many scenic spots along the banks suitable for picnicking and camping.
What is the weather like in the region?
The Manjil region is known for its strong winds, which is evident from the many wind turbines.
Sefid-Rud: where is it located?
Sefid-Rud is located in Iran.
Sefid-Rud: what is there to see?
Highlights include Stone bridge, Ezhdeha Balouch No Hunting Area, Boujagh National Park.
Sefid-Rud: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Sefid-Rud: why is it worth visiting?
The Sefid-Rud, whose name literally translates to White River, is the longest and most important river of the northern Gilan province of Iran, reaching a total length of 670 kilometers.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Iran →
Nearby cities
Anbar sar
An idyllic coastal village in Gilan Province, nestled between the Caspian Sea and rice paddies.
Rasht
Rasht is the capital of Gilan Province, near the Caspian Sea, known for its humid climate.
Bandar-e Anzali
Iran's most important Caspian port and home to a stunning lagoon filled with pink lotus flowers.
Kala Chay
A charming center for citrus and rice in Gilan province, located directly on the shores of the Caspian Sea.
Chaboksar
A spectacular location where the mountains nearly meet the sea, famous for its orange groves and proximity to Ramsar.
History & landmarks
More places
Hyrcanian Forests
These lush, humid broadleaf forests stretch along the southern coast of the Caspian Sea and are millions of years old.
Zard-Kuh
Zard-Kuh is one of the highest peaks in the central Zagros Mountains and a vital water source.
Eram Garden
Eram Garden is a historical Persian garden paradise in Shiraz, famous for its cypress trees and elegant palace.
Tomb of Hafez
The Tomb of Hafez in Shiraz is a pilgrimage site for lovers of Persian poetry.
Vakil Bazaar
The Vakil Bazaar in Shiraz is a bustling labyrinth of vaulted brick passages.
Vakil Mosque
The Vakil Mosque in Shiraz is famous for its grand prayer hall and detailed tile work.
Nasir al-Mulk Mosque
The Nasir al-Mulk Mosque in Shiraz is world-famous for its colorful stained glass windows.
Tomb of Saadi
The Tomb of Saadi in Shiraz honors one of Iran's greatest poets.