An Adventure Through The Jangal-e Abr (Cloud Forest) in Northern Iran

Jangal-e Abr: Introduction

The Jangal-e Abr, Abr Forest (Cloud Forest) is one of the most amazing natural attractions in Iran, which attracts nature lovers and adventurers who look for scenic and untouched hiking routes and offers the dreamy experience of walking over an ocean of clouds. Known as a place where the sky meets the earth, this forest is a part of the UNESCO listed ancient Hyrcanian Forest, which is millions of years old, and is a border separating Semnan and Golestan provinces with two whole different climates. In fact, Jangal-e Abr is a narrow ecotone where two communities of Semnan Province (40 kilometres away from Shahrud city in Semnam Province) with semi-arid climate and the Golestan Province with dense foggy Hyrcanian Forests integrate. This difference in the altitude and air pressure of two lands and also the rich flora and fauna of the region cause the amazing phenomenon of the clouds ocean. Since the thickness of Alborz Mountain Range decreases in this region, the clouds stuck behind this wall find their way through the valleys and flow towards south from evening to midnight and creates a wonderful and amazing landscape and atmosphere.

Jangal-e Abr (Cloud Forest) - North of Iran

The Flora and Fauna of Jangal-e Abr

The southern parts of this region is a sparse forest with a low canopy cover of trees, and as you move towards the north into the heart of the forest, the vegetation gets rich and the forest gets dense with steep hills completely covered with high ancient trees. Juniper tree which is one of the species of cypress trees is one of the most significant plants in the forest, which has doubled the beauty of the forest. Other species of plants include oaks, maple, acer cappadocicum, alder, zelvoka, nettle trees etc and other plants like acanthophyllum, sainfoin, clover, alopecurus. Also being home to rare plants like elm, wild cherry, lindens, taxus baccata, a rich variety of medicinal plants and also diverse animal species like brown bear, wolves, leopards, wild boars, jackals, foxes, wild goat, quails, vultures has caused this forest to be an untouched natural museum of botany and wild life.

Jangal-e Abr (Cloud Forest) - North of Iran

Attractions of Jangal-e Abr

During your trek through the Jangal-e Abr (Abr Forest), you’ll see great waterfalls like the Shor-Shor and Aluchal waterfalls and many small waterfalls scattered in the heart of forest, and also more than thirty water springs that provide fresh water for hikers. In this forest you’ll walk along amazing pathways passing through tunnel of dense trees, where you’ll get amazed by colourful tiny flowers, butterflies, and the peaceful sound of birds. Apart from natural attractions and scenic views there are some small villages on the edge of the forest, where people are enjoying an amazing simple life, and you can stay for a night during your adventure.

Jangal-e Abr (Cloud Forest) - North of Iran

Visiting Jangal-e Abr

In Jangal-e Abr you are not going to experience the clouds ocean throughout the year and it only happens during spring summer and autumn. The best time of year for a trekking in Jangal-e Abr is from spring to early Autumn when the weather is mild and suitable for camping. Although during autumn this forest has an eye-catching beauty and its trees are covered in thousands of colors, the heavy rain and cold weather makes the trekking more adventurous and risky. However, it is highly suggested that you check the weather a few days before traveling to the forest.

For visiting the Jangal-e Abr especially for the first time, you definitely need to join an authorized trekking tour or at least take a local guide. This trekking usually takes 3 nights and 4 days; therefore, it needs a good physical condition for long walk, sleeping in tent and carrying heavy backpacks. Also stick to the group and avoid going for a walk alone, as there are a lot of wild animals in the region and also there is a risk of not finding the way back to the camping place. Also make sure to reach the specified camping spots before sunset, as it is not very safe to walk through the dense forest when it is dark.

Jangal-e Abr (Cloud Forest) - North of Iran