Where are the Hyrcanian forests?

Contents

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 scientific, ecological and conservation value has been confirmed at the global level.

The important 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.

Hyrkani forests started from the east of Gilan and extended to the eastern areas of Golestan province. This green zone is a continuous moisture belt that starts from the shores of the Caspian Sea and continues to the northern slopes of the Alborz mountain 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 independent climatic zone, with a special and irreplaceable plant 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 plant species have been recorded in this collection, and a significant part of them are endemic. For this reason, Hyrcanian forests are scientifically 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 different quality and identity: 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-mountain 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 paleontological data and the analysis of plant 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 important part of the Hyrcanian value is its uninterrupted historical continuity until 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 point of view, Hyrkani is not only a natural ecosystem, but also a living document of evolution and survival; With an ancient plant and genetic structure that is still producing, reproducing and maintaining its ecological cycle. The global registration of these forests in UNESCO has been done precisely on the basis of this historical continuity, 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 months 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 amount of relative humidity and fog generation is higher, and as we move towards the east, the climate becomes slightly drier, although the dominant feature of the region remains humidity-oriented. 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 extent 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 Enter this geographical area from different cities.

For land travel, the main entrances 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 country 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 rented car, it is possible to enter forest areas and nature tourism areas. For air travel, the destinations of Gorgan, Sari, Rasht and Ramsar are among the most important cities.

Passengers from Tehran, Shiraz, Mashhad, Tabriz and Isfahan can use direct flights to these destinations and then enter 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.

Introducing 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 significant part of these forests is located in Mazandaran province, and in terms of vegetation diversity, climatic conditions, tourism use and nature tourism, significant differences can be seen between its different parts. Next, the most important index forests of this area have been introduced 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 important wildlife reserves in Iran. This park is considered an independent 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 contrast is the main reason for the difference and richness of its flora and fauna.

The entire 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 scientific value, Golestan National Park is one of the most important sightseeing places in Golestan for nature trips, bird watching, scientific 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 mountain forests is the middle part of Hyrkani in Mazandaran, and it is considered one of the important destinations for professional nature tourism in the north of the country 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 continuation 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 important destinations for light hiking and in terms of tourism, it is one of the most important 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 prominent 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 contrast 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 entering the Bastam and Abar area, it is possible to reach the starting range of hiking trails and high passes. A significant part of the trip in this area, due to the higher altitude compared to the western Hyrcanian forests, makes the combination of mountain and forest landscape visible to the tourist.

Bola Sari forest

Bola forest is one of the important and less crowded mountain 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 central 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 plants to colder altitude conditions.

The main access route to Bola is from the Sari axis of Semnan, and then it is possible to enter the forest area through the secondary route of the villages in the area. Passengers can by preparing Sari train ticket Enter this city from the main cities of the country and then reach Bola forest area by car. Bola forest is one of the most important Sightseeing places in Sari It is considered to be low-traffic trips for nature-viewing trips, research trips, light mountain climbing, and planning experience.

Forest and light

Vaz forest is one of the least developed and yet very valuable forests in the central part of Mazandaran, and from a scientific point 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 center, it can also be used for planning a one-day trip. After entering Noor, travelers can reach the forest area through rural roads.

One of the important 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 intense crowding of many forests in the west of Mazandaran and is more suitable for tourists who want a quieter, more scientific and less intrusive experience in the forest. The forest is one of the most important Sights of Noor And it is considered a favorable point for research-oriented 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 entering the rural area of the region, it is possible to enter the forest paths. A significant 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 important Sightseeing places in Nowshahr From the point of view of nature, observing the moisture-oriented layers of the forest and studying the Hyrcanian ecological structure is an intermediate 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 entering 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 significant 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 important middle areas of Hirkani forest zone in Mazandaran and it is located in Swadkoh city. Due to its mountainous location and proximity to the historical routes of the Northern Railway, this area has created dual natural and cultural importance for environmental 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 significant part of this route is standard and suitable for passenger car travel.

One of the important advantages of this area is the possibility of rail access to Swadekoh; Passengers with Swadekoh train Those who enter the area can then reach Lajim forest area by car. In terms of tourism, Lajim is one of the most important 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 important 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 central axis of the north. Chaharbagh can be accessed from the Chalus route, and after leaving the main axis, by entering 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 mountain 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 important Sights of Chalus It is considered and offers a quieter and quieter environment 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 centers for researchers in the field of bird watching.

The main access to the area is from the Tonkabon axis and then entering 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, entry to some parts is controlled and limited. This area is considered one of the most special Hyrcanian places in the west of Mazandaran for scientific trips, observation of important 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 interval. 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 intense, impressive and can be photographed professionally. Winter is not recommended for general trips, but for researchers and specialized naturalists, it has study value due to the study of plant 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 introduced in this article are spectacular and independent 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-untouched, and the best quality travel experience in them is achieved by maintaining responsible tourism standards.

Besides this, some parts near the main entrances 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 complementary travel plans.

Stay in Hyrkani forest

Staying in the Hyrcanian Forest depends on the city you choose for entry 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 implementing additional urban, coastal and service programs in addition to the forest climbing program.

Important tips for traveling to the Hyrcanian forests

Traveling to the sensitive ecosystem and globalized registration requires the management of tourism behavior. The priority in Hyrkani is always to preserve the environment and pristine nature. Therefore, the trip should be done responsibly, without destroying the cover, and based on safety and environmental standards.

Entry 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 extent, altitudinal diversity, genetic reserves and ancient 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-oriented and naturalistic tourism.

Simple access, diverse transportation routes, the existence of nearby cities for standard accommodation and the possibility of combining sea, mountain and forest recreation programs have made Hyrkani an all-season travel destination (priority spring to autumn).

Finally, the most important 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 interaction with a living heritage of the earth. The true quality of this experience can be achieved when the trip is accompanied by protection.

Frequently asked questions about Hyrcanian forests