Farshid – 1 Eagle Roost

Farshid 1 (Eagle Roost) is a high, sunny launch on the western slopes of the Zagros mountains south-west of Isfahan, discovered and named by Iranian pilot Farshid Torkamanzadeh. At 2,605 m, it is best suited to novice and intermediate pilots with a local — solo beginners are not permitted here — and it's considered a great site for advanced skills work. Autumn and summer are the best seasons, with a smooth south wind that produces sustained thermals and long-duration flights; spring is described locally as exceptional. The site is remote and easy to underestimate: always fly it with a local pilot first, and consult the local flying community before you go.

Launch & conditions

One paragliding takeoff, relatively small — launch one pilot at a time towards the north, in reverse mode in ~5 m/s wind. Not suitable for paramotors (not enough space). Take off promptly: the runway is very short and ends at a line of rocks. Beginners are not allowed to fly here unaccompanied.

Getting there & local rules

Step 1: from Esfahan (Isfahan) to Zarin Shahr by car or taxi. Step 2: Zarin Shahr to Borujen; about 3 km before the Fajr tunnel, the site is visible on the left. Roughly 30–35 minutes. Reaching Farshid 1 from Farshid 2 (Eagle Eyes) is best done by 4WD. Landing is easy in almost any suitable open area; the recommended landing is on the left-hand-side path when looking from launch, and is visible from takeoff.

Local rules & hazards

Site is remote and lonely — treat launch very seriously and take off immediately (short runway ending in rocks). Consult local pilots before flying; beginners are not permitted to fly unaccompanied. South wind gives smooth thermal conditions and long durations.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Farshid – 1 Eagle Roost, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Farshid – 1 Eagle Roost with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.