Iran is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with mountains and forests, deserts and plains, seas and oceans, rivers and lakes, and countless other natural attractions. This beautiful country is geographically and climatically diverse, and even on the hottest days of summer, some cities and provinces in Iran are cool, moderate, and very green. Similarly, in winter, when parts of our country are covered in white snow, other regions have a completely warm and spring-like climate. This diversity is highly appealing to foreign nature enthusiasts who travel to Iran. In the following, we will introduce the best natural attractions in Iran from the perspective of foreign tourists. Stay with Eligasht.
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Talesh Mountains: A reflection of Iran’s cultural and natural diversity
The Talesh Mountains represent the cultural and natural diversity of Iran. These chain-like mountains stretch from northwest Iran to the southeast of the Republic of Azerbaijan and are part of the Alborz mountain range. If you visit these mountains, you will see dense forests, lush plains, and finally, the sea. The village of Subatan with its picturesque landscapes is one of the most fascinating attractions in the Talesh Mountains. Nature enthusiasts visiting Iran usually hike from this village to Abbas Yurdi and the Baghro Mountains, enjoying the lush nature and the nomadic tents in this area.
Mount Sabalan Volcano in Ardabil
Mount Sabalan, also known as “Savalan” in Azerbaijani Turkish, is considered one of the best natural attractions in Iran. This mountain has a unique nature. With an elevation of 4,811 meters, Sabalan is the third-highest peak in Iran after Mount Damavand and Alam-Kuh. Numerous hot springs, glaciers, permanent snow, deep valleys, lush nature, and breathtaking views are the attractions of this region. Sar’eyn is one of the most famous cities near Sabalan, and every year many tourists visit this beautiful city. We recommend traveling to this area in July and August.
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Alam-Kuh: The highest peak in Takht-e Suleiman
The Takht-e Suleiman region has 160 high peaks. This region is located in Mazandaran province, in the northern part of the Alborz mountain range, and has a cold and wintry climate throughout the year. Alam-Kuh is the highest peak in Takht-e Suleiman, and many mountaineers come to this region to conquer its 4,850-meter summit. Major rivers such as Narian, Garmarud, Sardabrud, Azarud, Parachan, Dohezar, and Sehezar originate from Takht-e Suleiman. If you plan to visit this area, you can use four different routes. However, if you travel from the village of Rudbarak in Kelardasht towards the north, after reaching the Hesar Chal, you will see a valley filled with yellow flowers and snowy peaks. During your nature trip, you may also encounter a large number of mountain goats and sheep in this area.
Mount Damavand, one of the famous symbols of Iran
Mount Damavand, also known as the “Roof of Iran,” is one of the famous symbols of Iran. This peak is located in the Alborz mountain range and has an elevation of 5,671 meters. The prominent peak of Damavand is visible from Tehran, Varamin, and Qom on sunny and clear days. This mountain is filled with springs, waterfalls, lush valleys, diverse wildlife, and unique vegetation, making it one of the best natural attractions in Iran. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced nature enthusiast, you will undoubtedly enjoy exploring this region. To reach the summit of Damavand, you can take the Haraz road towards Lar Dam and continue to Dasht-e Bagh and the Simorgh Refuge trails. The best time to climb Damavand is during the summer season.
Bandar Turkmen on the borders of Iran and Turkmenistan
Bandar Turkmen, located on the borders of Iran and Turkmenistan, is full of picturesque green hills. This port is situated in the Golestan province, and its residents are ethnic Iranian Turkmen. Gonbad-e Qabus and the Turkmen Sahra are prominent attractions in Bandar Turkmen.
Masal Forests in Gilan
Masal forests in Gilan are an area that combines mountainous forests and vast green plains. These forests are among the best natural attractions in Iran and offer visitors incredibly scenic hiking trails. If you plan to visit the Masal forests, make sure to bring your personal belongings as there are limited hotels and shops in the area.
Parachan Talaghan Village in the Alborz mountain range
Parachan Talaghan Village in the Alborz mountain range is another one of the most attractive natural destinations in Iran. The Alborz mountain range stretches from northeastern to northwestern Iran and offers incredibly captivating hiking routes. To access Parachan Talaghan Village, you can use the Three Thousand Valley route. Although passing through this route requires renting a tractor, you will encounter beautiful villages and hot springs along the way. Summer to early autumn is the best time for hiking in this area.
Mountains in Kerman
Kerman province is bordered by the Lut Desert on one side and the mountains on the other, which results in diverse weather and nature in this province. Kerman has become one of the best natural tourism destinations in Iran. The mountains in this province include Mount Jebal Barez, Mount Shivashgan, Mount Jupar, Mount Shah, and Mount Lalezar. Mount Lalezar, with an elevation of 4,374 meters, is the third-highest peak in Kerman. This mountain is abundant in andesite and Azar-Avarian rocks from the Oligocene period. Additionally, many rivers such as Geli Hasan Keshi River, Eshqabad River, Chehren, and Esker originate from Mount Lalezar.
Kermanshah and Kurdistan Provinces in the Zagros mountain range
Kermanshah and Kurdistan provinces in the Zagros mountain range are among the most pristine and unique regions of Iran. The inhabitants of these regions, with their beautiful traditional attire and Kurdish culture, warmly welcome visitors. Mount Shahou and the Oraman Valley are among the well-known natural attractions in Kermanshah and Kurdistan provinces. If you travel to these areas during the spring season, you can enjoy the breathtaking spring landscapes along with exploring the mountainous villages. We recommend visiting Lake Zarivar during your trip to these regions.
Mountains of Sahand
The mountains of Sahand are another one of the best nature tourism destinations in Iran. These mountains are considered suitable for grazing animals due to their rich vegetation cover. In this area, there are two excellent peaks for climbing called Mount Jam and Mount Kamal, which are easily accessible via two routes without the need for special equipment. If you visit these peaks through Tabriz and Maragheh, you can also visit the nomadic tents along your journey. Additionally, if you’re interested, you can take the Sultan Dagi route and visit the rocky village of Kandovan with its cone-shaped houses. Finally, you can pass through the beautiful flower-filled valleys and make your way to the summit.
Zard-Kuh with its yellow color
Zard-Kuh with its yellow color is located in the Zagros Mountains of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province. The highest peak of this mountain reaches an elevation of 4,221 meters, and other peaks include Zardeh, Shah Shahidan, Dozardeh, Cheri, Kidu, and Haftanan. Zard-Kuh is considered one of the best nature tourism spots in Iran. If you’re interested in visiting this mountain, we recommend traveling to this area in the summer or spring. Start your journey from Shahr-e Kord, then head towards Farsan and Chelkerad, and finally reach Lake Kuhrang. Bakhtiari nomads are living around this lake.
Natural Attractions in Iran| Taftan Volcanic Peak in Sistan and Baluchestan
Another natural attraction for tourism in Iran is the Taftan Volcanic Peak in Sistan and Baluchestan. This semi-active peak with an elevation of 3,941 meters is located in Khash County. Taftan Peak is a popular destination for many Iranian mountaineers, which is why a well-equipped shelter has been built on the western flank of the peak. After reaching the shelter, climbers can easily make their way to the twin peaks of Taftan and explore their sulfur-filled craters. The panoramic view of the Bazman Peak from this area is also worth seeing.
Badab Soort, one of the most unique Natural Attractions in Iran
Badab Soort is one of the most unique nature tourism areas in Iran. In this region, the sediments left by the nearby hot springs have formed terraces with red, golden, and orange colors. Badab Soort is located 100 kilometers south of Sari city. If you travel to this area, you will witness strange rocks with various colors.
Natural Attractions in Iran| Central Mountains
The Central Mountains refer to the eastern part of the Zagros mountain range in Iran. These mountains are composed of Azarine and Azarawi rocks, and some of the well-known peaks include Mount Shah and Hezar in Kerman, Mount Marshenan in Isfahan, Jebal Barez and Mount Bazman in Sistan and Baluchestan province.
Shahdad Kaluts, mesmerizing sand formations
Shahdad Kaluts are mesmerizing sand formations located in Kerman province. This pristine area is one of the best nature tourism spots in Iran, attracting many domestic and international tourists, especially during the autumn season. Although Shahdad Kaluts are beautiful in daylight and darkness, their beauty multiplies during sunrise and sunset. During your visit to Shahdad Kaluts, you can stay at the campsite and enjoy the starry desert sky at night.
Nature Tourism in Mesr Desert, one of the most beautiful deserts in Iran
Mesr Desert is one of the most beautiful deserts in Iran. Walking on the sandy hills of this region is an exciting experience you won’t forget. The best time to visit Mesr Desert is in September and October. During this time, the weather is moderate, and the nights are not too cold. Activities in this pristine and beautiful desert include camel riding, off-roading, and walking on the sand dunes.
Lut Desert, the hottest point on Earth
In previous years, the Lut Desert held the record for being the hottest point on Earth. This pristine and remarkable desert covers an area of over 50,000 square kilometers and is one of the two large deserts in Iran. If you’re interested in visiting this desert, you need to travel to Kerman city and join Lut Desert tours. In this beautiful desert, you can witness the twinkling moon and stars in the night sky and explore the kaluts and sandy hills during sunrise.
Lake Namak, one of the most Natural Attractions in Iran
Lake Namak is one of the most attractive nature tourism destinations in Iran, located in the Central Plateau of the country. It is also the second-largest saltwater lake in Iran. The salt deposits in Lake Namak have formed over centuries due to the accumulation of floods and surface water. To visit this lake, you need to travel to the northeastern part of Aran and Bidgol County, approximately 35 kilometers away.
Maranjab Desert, a desert full of sandy hills
The Maranjab Desert is a desert full of sandy hills. Most of Iran’s deserts are rocky, salty, or in the form of marshes, but the Maranjab Desert presents the stereotypical image of deserts to visitors with its tall sand dunes. To see this desert, you need to go to the city of Aran and Bidgol. Additionally, during your trip to the Maranjab Desert, you can visit the Maranjab Caravanserai, which was built during the Safavid era.
Qeshm Island, Iran’s first UNESCO Geopark
Qeshm Island is Iran’s first UNESCO Geopark and the largest island in the Persian Gulf. This beautiful island can be considered one of the best nature tourism areas in Iran because its salt caves, mangrove forests, coral reefs, and beaches are highly scenic.
Final words
In this article, we introduced 20 of the best nature tourism destinations in Iran from the perspective of tourists. Although Iran’s nature is full of wonders, wherever you travel in this country, you will see unique natural attractions, only some of these attractions are known among foreign tourists. We hope that with the cooperation of officials and the people, we can better and more effectively introduce the attractions of our country to people around the world so that we can witness the prosperity of tourism in Iran in the future.
FAQ
1- What are some of the best nature tourism destinations in Iran?
Some of the best nature tourism destinations in Iran include the Maranjab Desert, Qeshm Island, the Central Mountains, and Lake Namak.
2- What makes the Maranjab Desert a great nature tourism destination?
The Maranjab Desert is known for its stunning sandy hills, the historic Maranjab Caravanserai, its pristine environment, and the excellent stargazing opportunities.
3- Why is Qeshm Island a popular choice for nature tourism in Iran?
Qeshm Island is popular due to being Iran’s first UNESCO Geopark, its salt caves, mangrove forests, coral reefs, and the overall biodiversity it offers.