The Tochal Telecabin carries passengers from a lower station in Velenjak, northern Tehran, up the slopes of Mount Tochal in the Alborz range, in a multi-stage gondola system that can be ridden in full or in shorter individual segments. The upper stages climb well above Tehran's smog line, giving increasingly clear views back over the city and, in winter, access to a ski resort near the top. Along the route, several intermediate stations offer restaurants, viewpoints, and hiking trail access for visitors who want to get off partway. A full round trip, including waiting for cabins and time at the top, takes roughly half a day; a shorter ride to an intermediate station can be done in two to three hours. Weekday mornings are the calmest time to ride, since Thursdays, Fridays, and public holidays draw very large numbers of local visitors and can mean long queues at the lower station. Weather affects operations directly, and the upper stages can close in poor conditions or heavy winter snow.
| Admission | Full-route foreign-visitor ticket approximately 5,500,000-6,500,000 IRR (~$2.38-2.81); shorter single-stage tickets cost less; Iranian nationals pay a lower domestic rate |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily approx 07:00-17:00, weather-dependent; upper stages may close in poor weather or in winter |
| Typical visit | Half day for a full round trip |
| Best time | Weekday mornings; Thursday, Friday and public holidays draw very large local crowds and long queues |
| Getting there | Taxi or Snapp to the Velenjak lower station (about 30-40 minutes from central Tehran) |
| Address | Tochal Complex, Velenjak, Shemiran, Tehran |
Location
Tochal Complex, Velenjak, Shemiran, Tehran
35.8080, 51.4184 View on map
Highlights
- Multi-stage gondola climbing above Tehran's smog line
- Panoramic views back over the city from upper stations
- Winter ski resort access near the top station
- Hiking trails accessible from intermediate stations
- Restaurants and viewpoints along the route
Tips for visiting
- Ride on a weekday morning to avoid the long queues typical of Thursdays, Fridays, and holidays
- Check the weather forecast, as upper stages can close in poor conditions
- Dress in layers, since temperatures drop noticeably at higher stations
- Consider a shorter single-stage ticket if a full round trip is not needed
- Bring cash for food and drinks at the intermediate station restaurants
When to visit
Weekday mornings avoid the largest crowds, which build heavily on Thursdays, Fridays, and public holidays.
Accessibility
The gondola cabins require stepping up from the platform, which can be difficult for wheelchair users, and intermediate stations have uneven, sloped terrain.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Tochal Telecabin take?
A full round trip takes roughly half a day, while a shorter ride to an intermediate station can take two to three hours.
Is Tochal Telecabin worth it for kids?
Children generally enjoy the gondola ride itself, though very long queues on busy days can be tiring for younger visitors.
Is photography allowed on the cable car?
Photography is allowed throughout the ride and at all stations along the route.