Top 5 natural wonders in Iran

Diversity in the geography and climate has resulted in many natural wonders in Iran, including calm beaches in the south, lush forests, over 4000-meter-peaks of Alburz and Zagros moutain ranges, and picturesque deserts in the center and east of Iran. The climate in Iran is so diverse that in a single day during winter you can ski in Dizin Resort in the north and then enjoy surfing under the sunlight by taking a flight to Chabahar Port. Also in one day during summer the temperature in Khuzestan reaches over 50 degrees centigrade, while on the heights of Alburz Mountains the weather is foggy and rainy with a temperature around 20. Today, nature activities are getting popular among foreign travelers in Iran and many travelers are planning on a second trip to Iran to explore the top natural wonders in this country. Also, many cultural Iran tours are getting combined with some nature adventures, to offer the best experience to travelers. Choosing among the natural wonders in Iran is so difficult but we have tried to introduce the top ones:

1- Qeshm Island

Located in the heart of the Persian Gulf in southern Iran, Qeshm Island is the largest island in Iran and is 120 kilometers in length and 10-35 kilometers in width and more than 60 villages where southern and Bandari life still goes on. Since this island is home to mind-blowing natural phenomena it has always been among the top nature destinations in Iran, however, it has remained undiscovered by most of the foreign travelers who know a little of natural wonders in Iran. Besides the very calm and untouched beaches where you can get relaxed, one of the most important attractions of Qeshm is the Hara Mongroove Forest which covers 226000 hectares of Qeshm Island northern shore is a biosphere reserve with unique characteristics and is a major habitat for migratory birds, fish, reptiles and other species. But what makes this island to be a standout is the Qeshm Geopark with extraordinary geological canyons, caves, and rocks which have made this area surreally beautiful. Since Qeshm has hot and humid weather, the best time of year for traveling to this island is in autumn and winter.

2- Lut Desert

The wonderful Lut Desert is a vast desert in the southeast of Iran with a rich verity of geological phenomena. This eye-catching barren has been recorded as one of the hottest and “no life” spots on earth. For visiting the most amazing parts of the Lut Desert you need to travel to Shahdad city. This area is home to the most wonderful desert landforms including the Yardangs/ Kalouts, which are rock formations created by wind erosion, Nebkas (desert vases), which are dunes formed around Tamarisk bushes, and an amazing starry sky at night. The best time for traveling to Lut Desert is usually from February to early June and from October to November.

3- Badab Surt

With an astonishing beauty, Badab Surt is a natural wonder in the north of Iran in Mazandaran Province and includes 12 sedimentary sparkling water springs and each one contains water with different chemical properties. These travertine water springs which are filled with two distinct mineral springs are created in a stepped form, and in thousands of years, the water has combined with mineral substances and has caused the water springs to be in different colors like red, yellow, etc. which doubles the beauty of the landscape.

4- Damavand Mount

Located in the north of Iran, in Alburz Mountain Range, Damavand Mount is the highest peak in Iran and the Middle East and the highest volcanic peak in Asia. This 5670-meter-high peak is the symbol of strength and stability among Iranians and has been mentioned in Persian legends and poems. Apart from its cultural aspect, Damavand is also one of the most popular spots among mountain climbers and adventurers from all around the world, especially from July to August when the climate is perfect for ascending to the summit. There are four climbing routes including the northern flank, the northeastern flank, the western flank, and the southern flank which is the safest and most popular one.

5- Caspian Hyrcanian Forests

The Caspian Hyrcanian Mixed Forests is a vast area of lowland and mountainous forests that covers 55000 square kilometers on the northern face of Alburz Mountain Range and south of the Caspian Sea, which includes Northern Khurasam, Golestan, Mazandaran, Gilan, and Ardabil provinces. In lower lands, the climate is humid and subtropical while it gets humid continental in mountainous and higher lands. Some parts of this ancient forest have remained from 25-50 million years ago when broad-leaved forests covered most parts of the Northern Temperate region. Hyrcanian forests have rare ancient flora like chestnut-leaved Oak, Persian Silk Tree, date-plums, and numerous types of bushes and shrubs and a very rich fauna species like Persian leopard, bear, red deer, golden jackal, jungle cat, otter, etc. 180 species of birds, forest plants, and mammals have been recorded in the Hyrcanian Forests. During spring and summer, when the weather is mild and suitable for forest hiking travelers and nature lovers take hiking trips in the heart of Hyrcanian forests in areas like the Abr Forest and Golestan National Park in Golestan Province, Alimastan Forest, and Chahar Bagh region in Mazandaran Province, and Gasht-e Rudkhan and Lisar in Gilan Province.