Did you know that one of the oldest forests in the world is located in Iran? Did you know that a part of these forests remained from the pre-ice age? Hyrcanian forests are not only a natural destination for travel; Rather, they are a rare living and evolving genetic collection. For this reason, this forest has been registered in the UNESCO World Heritage List and its scieific, ecological and conservation value has been confirmed at the global level.
The importa question is: Why are these forests so special? Exactly in which geographical area are they located? What seasons are best for planning a trip to this region? And which spots are recommended to experience deeper nature tourism? In the rest of this article from tourism magazine Fly TodayYou will read the answers to all these questions.
Where are the Hyrcanian forests?
Hyrkani forests started from the east of Gilan and extended to the eastern areas of Golestan province. This green zone is a coinuous moisture belt that starts from the shores of the Caspian Sea and coinues to the northern slopes of the Alborz mouain range. The main part of these forests is located in the three provinces of Gilan, Mazandaran and Golestan, but the concept of Hyrcania is not just an administrative area, but an independe climatic zone, with a special and irreplaceable pla and animal structure.
The combination of broadleaf forests, high humidity, fog production, height variation, and low-altitude Caspian plains have caused this region to have a complex and rare ecological structure. So far, more than 3,200 pla species have been recorded in this collection, and a significa part of them are endemic. For this reason, Hyrcanian forests are scieifically considered a living genetic bank on a global scale.
In terms of travel experience, the remarkable diversity of this region makes each part of these forests offer a differe quality and ideity: from Talash, Masal, Amlesh and Islam regions to Ramsar, Nowshahr, Noor, Behshahr, Aliabad Katul, Jahannama and Jangal Abar. To choose a travel destination, the style of travel should be decisive. To experience the beach and forest trip, the areas west of Gilan and west Mazandaran will be more suitable, and for deep nature tourism trips in the forest-mouain structure, the middle areas of Alborz offer a better option.
Location of Hyrcanian forests on Google map
The age of Hyrcanian forests
The age of the Hyrcanian forests is far beyond the popular belief. Based on paleoological data and the analysis of pla layers, these forests are the direct heritage of the third geological period and their age is estimated to be around 25 to 50 million years. A very importa part of the Hyrcanian value is its unierrupted historical coinuity uil modern times.
Many of the temperate forests of Europe and North America were completely destroyed during the ice ages; But Hyrcania was able to survive and adapt due to the special climatic conditions of the Caspian Sea and the moisture dynamics of the northern slopes of Alborz.
From this poi of view, Hyrkani is not only a natural ecosystem, but also a living docume of evolution and survival; With an ancie pla and genetic structure that is still producing, reproducing and maiaining its ecological cycle. The global registration of these forests in UNESCO has been done precisely on the basis of this historical coinuity, non-repeatability, and unique genetic value.
The climate of the Hyrcanian forests
The climate of the Hyrcanian forests is a wet, humid structure with a limited range of thermal fluctuations. The proximity to the Caspian Sea directly transports moist air masses to this area, and the collision of these masses with the slopes of Alborz, causes the formation of stable fog, numerous rains and the production of special humid conditions. For this reason, even in the hottest mohs of the year, the temperature of this region is more moderate than other parts of the northern half of Iran.
In the western regions, such as the Hyrcanian forests of Talash, the amou of relative humidity and fog generation is higher, and as we move towards the east, the climate becomes slightly drier, although the domina feature of the region remains humidity-orieed. The best travel time in terms of temperature balance and reduction of humidity fluctuations is generally from late May to early autumn; However, the autumn season is considered one of the most attractive seasons for nature photography and photography in this region due to the remarkable coloration of the vegetation.
Access route to Hyrcanian forests
In terms of travel accessibility, Hyrkani forests have the best and most diverse transportation routes in Iran. The exte of these forests in the three northern provinces of Gilan, Mazandaran and Golestan has made travelers able to travel by private car, bus, train ticket and plane ticket Eer this geographical area from differe cities.
For land travel, the main erances to this region are from Tehran, Qazvin, Semnan, Sari, Rasht and Gorgan. Haraz, Firouzkoh, Qazvinresht and Tehran-North Azadrah are among the most used corridors. The arrival of passengers from the west or east of the coury is also possible through the Tabriz-Astara axis and Bojnoord Golestan route.
For rail travel, Tehran-Gorgan and Tehran-Rasht routes are the most common options, and in the next stage, by using local transportation or a reed car, it is possible to eer forest areas and nature tourism areas. For air travel, the destinations of Gorgan, Sari, Rasht and Ramsar are among the most importa cities.
Passengers from Tehran, Shiraz, Mashhad, Tabriz and Isfahan can use direct flights to these destinations and then eer the forest area with a short distance. In general, access to the Hyrkanian forests is very suitable for short and medium-term trips, and the combination of several modes of transportation makes it possible to plan a trip for all tourists.
Iroducing the most famous Hyrcanian forests
The range of distribution of Hyrcanian forests is wide and this has made this region one of the most diverse forest bioclimates in the world. A significa part of these forests is located in Mazandaran province, and in terms of vegetation diversity, climatic conditions, tourism use and nature tourism, significa differences can be seen between its differe parts. Next, the most importa index forests of this area have been iroduced so that when planning a trip, choosing a destination is more accurate, more principled and targeted.
Golestan National Park
Golestan National Park It is one of the most valuable parts of the Hyrcanian forests and in terms of biodiversity, it is considered one of the most importa wildlife reserves in Iran. This park is considered an independe and official part of UNESCO, and its conservation and research importance has been recorded at the global level. The location of the park is on the transition border between the forest and the drier eastern climate, and this climatic corast is the main reason for the difference and richness of its flora and fauna.
The eire traffic route in this park can be done through the main axis of Golestan-Bojnord, and the main asphalt route passes through it. This feature makes it easier to access than many other forest areas. In addition to its scieific value, Golestan National Park is one of the most importa sightseeing places in Golestan for nature trips, bird watching, scieific photography of wildlife and studying the forest-grassland ecosystems of Iran.
Golestan National Park location on Google map
Amol Alimistan forest
Alimistan forest One of the most well-known mouain forests is the middle part of Hyrkani in Mazandaran, and it is considered one of the importa destinations for professional nature tourism in the north of the coury due to its standard hiking trails, wide views, and the possibility of observing the cloud ocean. This area is located in the eastern heights of Amol and due to the combination of forest and open landscape, it is a very suitable destination for nature photography and studying Hyrcanian vegetation in high altitude layers.
The access route to Elimistan is through Haraz road and the secondary road of Imamzadeh Abdullah area, and then the coinuation of the route to the forest area can be done through a narrow asphalt road and finally a shorter dirt section. Due to the structure of the ridges and wide slopes, this forest is considered one of the most importa destinations for light hiking and in terms of tourism, it is one of the most importa Sights of Amol It is for short-term and weekend travel.
The location of Amel Alimistan forest on Google map
Abar Shahrood forest
Abar forest is one of the most promine forests of the eastern part of the Hyrcanian zone and due to its location at the eastern end of this forest cover, it has a very high study value in the field of ecosystem transition. The cloud forest is formed on the border between semi-arid and humid climates, and this climate corast is the main factor in creating the lasting phenomenon of the “sea of clouds” in the highlands of this region.
The main access to the Abar forest is from the Shahroud route, and after eering the Bastam and Abar area, it is possible to reach the starting range of hiking trails and high passes. A significa part of the trip in this area, due to the higher altitude compared to the western Hyrcanian forests, makes the combination of mouain and forest landscape visible to the tourist.
Bola Sari forest
Bola forest is one of the importa and less crowded mouain forests in Mazandaran and is located in the highlands south of Sari. In terms of vegetation, this area is one of the examples that can be studied in the structure of Hyrcanian forests in the ceral part; Because the change in altitude in this area directly changes the texture of the forest cover and provides the possibility of observing the adaptation of Hyrcanian broadleaf plas to colder altitude conditions.
The main access route to Bola is from the Sari axis of Semnan, and then it is possible to eer the forest area through the secondary route of the villages in the area. Passengers can by preparing Sari train ticket Eer this city from the main cities of the coury and then reach Bola forest area by car. Bola forest is one of the most importa Sightseeing places in Sari It is considered to be low-traffic trips for nature-viewing trips, research trips, light mouain climbing, and planning experience.
Forest and light
Vaz forest is one of the least developed and yet very valuable forests in the ceral part of Mazandaran, and from a scieific poi of view, it is considered a suitable example for the study of the semi-altitude Hyrcanian cover. The location of Vaz is located in the south of Noor city and due to its relatively short distance from the city ceer, it can also be used for planning a one-day trip. After eering Noor, travelers can reach the forest area through rural roads.
One of the importa features of Vaz is the variety of vegetation in the short distance of the route; In such a way that the change of humidity and altitude creates the opportunity to observe the difference in the structure of the upper layer of the forest. This area is far from the iense crowding of many forests in the west of Mazandaran and is more suitable for tourists who wa a quieter, more scieific and less irusive experience in the forest. The forest is one of the most importa Sights of Noor And it is considered a favorable poi for research-orieed nature tourism trips.
Nowshahr’s unruly forest
Kajur forest is one of the valuable middle areas of Hyrkan forests in Mazandaran, which is located in the south of Nowshahr. And due to its ecological connection with Alborz heights and access to wide forest paths, it is considered a suitable destination for semi-professional nature tourism trips. In terms of topographical structure, this area has mild to moderate slopes, and this issue allows for longer and safer hiking programs.
Access to Kajur is done through Nowshahr Kajur axis and after eering the rural area of the region, it is possible to eer the forest paths. A significa part of biologists and naturalists prefer Kajur due to more peace than the crowded areas in the west of Mazandaran. This area is one of the most importa Sightseeing places in Nowshahr From the poi of view of nature, observing the moisture-orieed layers of the forest and studying the Hyrcanian ecological structure is an iermediate scale.
Lisar forest, Gilan
Lisar forest is located in the north-west of Gilan, within the boundaries of Talash city, and it is considered one of the remaining valuable examples of the Hyrcanian forests of Gilan. In terms of height structure, this forest includes a wide range from low slopes to foggy heights, and this has made the visual and climatic quality of this area very distinct for tourists.
Access to Lisar can be done through the Anzali Talash or Astara Talash axis, and then by eering the sub-routes of the region, it is possible to access the heart of the forest. Due to the combination of forest, pasture, open ridges and natural terraces, Lisar is a suitable destination for nature photography, hiking and light camping. In addition to the ecological value, this area is one of the most significa in terms of tourism Sightseeing places in Gilan and for planning multi-day trips, it is considered more suitable than the crowded coastal destinations of Gilan.
Lajim Sawadkoh forest
Lajim forest is one of the importa middle areas of Hirkani forest zone in Mazandaran and it is located in Swadkoh city. Due to its mouainous location and proximity to the historical routes of the Northern Railway, this area has created dual natural and cultural importance for environmeal researchers and professional tourists. The main access to Lajim can be done from the Firouzkoh route and then the side road leading to Lajim area, and a significa part of this route is standard and suitable for passenger car travel.
One of the importa advaages of this area is the possibility of rail access to Swadekoh; Passengers with Swadekoh train Those who eer the area can then reach Lajim forest area by car. In terms of tourism, Lajim is one of the most importa Sawadkoh sightseeing places and due to its relative distance from the bustle of the western parts of Mazandaran, it is very suitable for specialized nature and photography trips.
Chaharbagh Chalus forest
Chaharbagh forest is one of the importa forest areas in the middle area of Western Alborz and south of Chalus city, and due to its lowland structure and various heights and open views, it is considered one of the suitable destinations for nature tourism in the ceral axis of the north. Chaharbagh can be accessed from the Chalus route, and after leaving the main axis, by eering the secondary roads of the region, it is possible to reach the forest area and natural terraces.
Due to its location in an area with balanced humidity and mouain winds, Chaharbagh is very useful for light hiking field trips, nature photography, and observing the Hyrcanian vegetation structure at an altitude scale. This area is one of the most importa Sights of Chalus It is considered and offers a quieter and quieter environme for researchers and naturalists compared to busy coastal areas. Choosing Chaharbagh to travel to Mazandaran is a more professional and purposeful choice than more general destinations.
Tunkabon dry forest
Khokhedaran forest is one of the very special ecological areas in the west of Mazandaran; Because unlike many Hyrcanian forest areas that are located in the slopes and highlands, the dry land includes a series of marshes, shallow wetlands and semi-steppe vegetation. This area is located in the range of Tunkabon, and in terms of the diversity of aquatic and semi-aquatic birds, it is considered one of the most valuable study ceers for researchers in the field of bird watching.
The main access to the area is from the Tonkabon axis and then eering the rural paths around the lagoon. In terms of protection structure and ecological sensitivity, the dry land is an area that requires responsible behavior in tourism, and due to its biological importance, ery to some parts is corolled and limited. This area is considered one of the most special Hyrcanian places in the west of Mazandaran for scieific trips, observation of importa species of wildlife and professional nature photography.
The best time to travel to the Hyrcanian forest
The best time to travel to the Hyrcanian Forest depends on the type of experience expected from the trip, but in a general summary, the second half of spring to the first half of autumn is considered the best climatic ierval. In the spring season, the wettest and most growing period of Hyrcanian vegetation is formed, and there is a more favorable temperature balance than in summer. Summer is wetter in the plains and cooler in the highlands, ideal for high-altitude travel.
Autumn is one of the most valuable seasons for traveling to this region in terms of color variety; Because the color receptivity of broadleaf leaves in Hyrkani is iense, impressive and can be photographed professionally. Wier is not recommended for general trips, but for researchers and specialized naturalists, it has study value due to the study of pla sleep structure and stable fog generation observation. For general tourists, late May to early November is considered the most balanced time.
Recreational places near Hyrkani forest
All the Hyrkan forests that were iroduced in this article are spectacular and independe tourism destinations in themselves, and each one is suitable for camping, nature photography and forest climbing. Many of these areas are still pristine and semi-uouched, and the best quality travel experience in them is achieved by maiaining responsible tourism standards.
Besides this, some parts near the main erances of Hyrkani in Gilan, Mazandaran and Golestan provinces also have additional recreational facilities; Such as beach parks, managed nature trails, boat rides, cable cars and family fun spaces.
Combining these facilities with the experience of traveling in the core of the forest makes travel planning applicable for all kinds of age, family and specialized groups. Therefore, at the time of choosing a destination, a forest area can be determined as the main core of the trip, and then the urban and coastal recreational spots around the same area can be considered as complemeary travel plans.
Stay in Hyrkani forest
Staying in the Hyrcanian Forest depends on the city you choose for ery and access. Since the area of Hyrkani is very wide and it is located in three provinces, the logical and standard way of accommodation is to choose a hotel in the city near the same forest area. For example, for a trip to Bola Forest, make a reservation Sari hotels is the best option; For Lajim forest, reserve Swadekoh hotels is more appropriate; for the forest of Elimistan, Amol hotels have priority; for the palmy forest, Nowshahr hotels are available; And for Jangal Abar, the best choice is Shahrood hotels. This approach makes the travel access shorter and more standard, as well as the possibility of implemeing additional urban, coastal and service programs in addition to the forest climbing program.
Importa tips for traveling to the Hyrcanian forests
Traveling to the sensitive ecosystem and globalized registration requires the manageme of tourism behavior. The priority in Hyrkani is always to preserve the environme and pristine nature. Therefore, the trip should be done responsibly, without destroying the cover, and based on safety and environmeal standards.
- Ery should be made only through authorized routes with safe access.
- Free camping is prohibited in some areas. Before traveling, check the regulations of the destination area.
- Garbage is returned, not released.
- For photography and bird watching, use a suitable camera without causing any disturbance.
- During the rainy season, all forest paths are slippery and require proper shoes.
Hyrcanian forests; Millions of years of heritage in northern Iran
Hyrcanian forests are one of the rarest living platforms of evolution on earth. Its vast exte, altitudinal diversity, genetic reserves and ancie vegetation make this forest a natural classroom on a global scale. In addition to the ecological value, Hyrkani is also a reliable destination for specialized, family-orieed and naturalistic tourism.
Simple access, diverse transportation routes, the existence of nearby cities for standard accommodation and the possibility of combining sea, mouain and forest recreation programs have made Hyrkani an all-season travel destination (priority spring to autumn).
Finally, the most importa principle of traveling to Hyrcania is a responsible and low-impact experience; A trip to Hyrcania is not just a walk in nature, it is an ieraction with a living heritage of the earth. The true quality of this experience can be achieved when the trip is accompanied by protection.
Frequely asked questions about Hyrcanian forests
Where are the Hyrcanian forests?
They are located in the three provinces of Gilan, Mazandaran and Golestan and they extend from east of Gilan to east of Golestan; A green arc between the Caspian Sea and the northern slopes of Alborz.
What are the most famous Hyrcanian forests?
Golestan, Elimistan, Abar, Bola, Vaz, Kajur, Lisar, Lajim, Chaharbagh and Khokhedaran national parks are among its most promine examples.
How old are Hyrcanian forests?
About 25 to 50 million years. A direct legacy of the Tertiary Geological Period and one of the oldest living forests in the world.
