Iran has not only the amazing and precious historical monuments, but the pure, diverse and eye-catching nature also . No matter when you travel to Iran; You can see every season in different regions of Iran! Here, we are going to introduce you some of the most famous ones:
1- Mount Damavand
More than 65 kilometers northeast of Tehran at the height of 5,610m Mount Damavand is located as the highest mount in Iran. Visible from Tehran on a clear day, the mountain is snow capped all year round and features prominently in Persian folklore and literature. Reaching Damavand`s peak will take at least two days for a fit and experienced hiker and earns the eternal respect of any Iranian.
2- Mount Sabalan
Mount Sabalan (Savalan) is Iran’s third highest peak with altitude of 4811 MASL. Natural warm springs, eternal glaciers and astonishing ecosystem are of its attractions. In addition it is believed to be the intuition place for Zoroaster which has made this mount holy for the local people. There is also a fresh water pool at its peak and Alvares ski piste close to its glaciers. The most popular route to Sabalan is from Shapil warm spring at the east north, near Meshkin Shahr city.
3- Kaluts of Shahdad Desert
Kaluts are the sandy hills made by erosion during thousands of years and Shahdad desert (part of Lut desert) is the hottest point in Iran and sometimes in the world with 70.7 degrees Celsius record. The signification of Kalut is from 2 words: “Kal” (Oasis) + “Lut” (Lut desert). Kaluts of Shahdad desert are the largest and most beautiful Kaluts in Iran with an approximate area of 145 m x 70 KM.
4- Maranjab Desert
A two-hour drive from the city of Kashan in Esfahan province leads you to Maranjab desert with one of the sandiest dunes in the country. Whilst most of Iran’s deserts are salty, rocky or scrubland, Maranjab is a stereotypical desert with particular fauna and flora. You can combine your visit to the Namak Lake and stay night in a 16th century caravanserai.
5- Masal Region
To see the most beautiful forests of Iran and the clouds ocean, you should visit Masal region in the north of Iran, but remind to take warm clothes with you even in summer. Here, you will experience the mixture of forest and mountain view in an amazing foggy background. Olesablangah and Bilgadol are the most famous villages in Masal region.
6- Horaman (Oraman) Region
Horaman or Oraman is an ancient amazing region in Kordestan Province in neighborhood of Kermanshah province (at the south),West Azarbayjan province and Zanjan province (at the north), Hamadan province and Zanjan province (at the east) and Iraq border (at the west). As this region is located in the high forests and hosts Sirvan and Layleh rivers, it has a marvelous view and pleasant weather especially in Spring and summer. The center of this region is the terraced village of Horaman Takht in Marivan city. The human life in Horaman dates back to stone age and the civilization to 2500 years BC.
7- Laton Waterfall
Laton waterfall with the height of 105 meters is the highest waterfall in Gilan province. It is 6 km away from “Kuteh Kumeh” village in Lavandvil (a city near Astara). From Kuteh Kumeh it takes about 4 hours by walk through the beautiful forest to the waterfall. Its water originates from eastern faces of Spinas peak and pours into Lavandvil river and finally leads to Caspian sea.
8- Shevi Waterfall
Shevi waterfall with height of 85 meters and width of 70 meters is the largest waterfall in Iran and maybe the most beautiful. it is located in the border of Lorestan and Khuzestan province. In local dialect Shevi means smoothness. It is originated from a cave in the Zagros mountains and finally leads to Dez dam. As it is close to Taleh Zang rail station, some people also call it Taleh Zang waterfall
9- Badab-Surt Terraced Springs
Badab Surt, in sisterhood with Pamo Kaleh in Turkey is a must see natural wonder in Iran. Badab Surt in local dialect means severe fizzy water. It is located in Mazandaran province in north of Iran. It consists of golden, orange and red stepped terraces of sedimentary rocks formed by deposits of minerals carried from nearby hot springs.
10- Qeshm Island
Situated in the Persian Gulf at the south of Bandar Abbas, Qeshm is famed for its unspoiled natural beauty and diversity. The largest island in the Persian Gulf boasts some particularly impressive geological features like: Namakdan salt caves which are reportedly the longest of their kind in the world; Chahkouh Valley formed by wind erosion; Mangrove forests and many other sites.
11- Hormoz Island
Hormoz island, thanks to its minerals (mostly of ferroxide) is called Iran natural geology museum. This 42 sq Km island is 30 minutes away from Bandar Abbas. Due to its strategic location it used to be as a hub for international trade transactions until it was invaded by Portuguese in 14th century. Except a small area that is inhabited by locals, most of the island is uninhabited. The most famous tourist site in Hormoz is the Portuguese castle dating back to 1515. Its colorful soil (mainly red) is also a point of interest for tourists.
12- Asalem-Khalkhal Road
Asalem-Khalkhal road is known as the most fantastic road in Iran with the composition of forest, lake and waterfall views. This 70 km route starts from Asalem city in Gilan province and ends to Khalkhal city in Ardabil province. In most of the seasons it is raining on this road and near Khalkhal, thanks to its height, it is cold even in summer. In winter you need to take care of precautions before entering this road.
13- Chalus Road
Chalus road is an amazing 160 km route starting from Karaj city in Alborz province and ends to Chalus city, in Mazandaran Province. Although Chalus road is individually enough for garbing your eyes, there are many detours which lead you to astonishing places. It usually takes less than 4 hours to cover this road, but it can be dangerous (especially when rains) at its intense turns. There are many sight-seeings on the way like Amir Kabir (Karaj) damn, Kandovan tunnel and Siah Bisheh village etc.
14- Darak Beach
Darak beach is an amazing beach next to the desert, in Darak village, 180 km away from Chabahar city in Sistan & Baluchestan province. The amazing point about Darak is that if you dig in the sands you’ll reach fresh water after only 2 meters. That’s the reason why palm trees grow in this sandy desert. Here is the only place in Iran that you can spot the neighborhood of sea with desert. The best time to travel to Darak is early Spring and late Fall.
15- Alisadr Cave
Alisadr cave is the world’s largest water cave with the altitude of 1900 M.A.S.L. It is located in Alisadr village in Kaboodar Ahang city in Hamadan province. It has lots of corridors and inlets made out of Calcium Carbonate residues with the halls having upto10 meters high. Its water origin is underground springs and rain falls finding their way into the cave through the small holes on the ceiling. The temperature is always constant inside the cave, 20 Degrees Celsius.
16- Urmiah Lake
Urmiah lake used to be the largest salt lake in the world with an area of +5200 sq km and the home of immigrant birds like: Flamingos, Pelicans and Seagulls; and many reptiles and mammals. Although there are 13 rivers pouring into Urmiah lake due to the climate changes, nonintellectual changes in rivers paths and the government ignorance in environment field, it has lost lots of its water within last 2 decades.
17- Saravan Forest Park
Saravan Forest Park has 1487 ha area and is located on the west of Rasht-tehran route (17 km away from Rasht). It has one of the oldest and uniquest flora in Iran and worldwide. There is a very beautiful lake and river in it camouflaged under a green layer of trees belongings. It is also the origin of Iran Rural Heritage Museum. There are also paintball, ATVs and paddle boats entertainments in this park.
18- Golestan National Park
Golestan National Park is Iran’s largest national park with the area of +91000 ha among Golestan, Northern Khorasan and Semnan provinces. As the majority of its area is situated in Golestan province, its name is given Golestan. It was registered under UNESCO heritages list in 1971. It has the minimum height of 450 and the Maximum of 2411 MASL and the minimum temperature of -25 and the maximum of +35 degrees Celsius in different seasons which has given diverse fauna and flora to it. Over 50% of Iran’s mammals, one-third of Iran’s birds and one-eights of Iran’s flora are living in this national park
19- Anzali Wetland
Anzali Wetland with the area of 20,000 ha is located in Anzali harbor in Gilan province. It has the sisterhood with Kushiro wetland in Japan. Its maximum depths is 2 meters that is critical and needs a lot of care. It is the main source of Iran Caviar and the main habitat for immigrant birds like Pelicans and duck family. The flora consists of plants growing by the coasts, plants floating on the water and plants underwater.
20- Hessel Pond
Hessel Pond is in 10KM away from Southwest of Chalus and 15 KM away from Northwest of Marzan Abad. There are a lot of algae on its surface making it color green in Springs and summers, and reddish color in Falls. It has an oval shape with the maximum depth of 15 m. Its water originates from springs and rains.
