Iran Nature Attractions

It was a 21-day tour. We visited the main touristic cities and their famous historical sites in the central parts.  Then, our tour continued in two southern islands in the Persian Gulf, Hengam and Hormoz. The weather was warm there, and we were in our summer outfit. But after a two-hour flight to a northwestern city, we had to put on a sweater because of its cool weather. Then we head to the northern region; now, we found ourselves in the middle of a lush and green region and a nice seashore. It was a complete contradiction to the desert sites and resorts we have seen in the central cities. I could not believe these natural attractions of Iran. Just a couple of hours flying and it seemed we have moved between many countries in different continents.

What is Nature Moment?

We are going to present to you the Iran nature moment. Here, we outline what it is and its related sites and activities. Via this moment, you can spend more time visiting Iran landscapes and natural wonders. Thanks to the climatic diversities, one can enjoy various sceneries of Iran during their trip. Some of these sites are available in the main route tour packages. Yet we can customize the arrangements based on your favorites.

Then, what is Iran travel moment?

We would like you to have a deep understanding of Iran in various aspects during your trip.  So, we specified six different moments on every Iran cultural tour package. Each site or activity in your itinerary is categorized in one of these moments. They are as follows: People and local life, Iranian hospitality, Iran religion, nature, art and architecture, Iran history and archeology. We decided to provide an opportunity. You can choose which moment you like the most. Then, inform us so that we can plan an exclusive designed Iran private tour package for your ease.

What is Amazing about Nature in Iran?

Why did you choose Iran? Was it for its historical sites? Or you wanted to have a different experience by visiting Iran natural attractions?

What can encourage you to travel to Iran? Is it for its historical sites? Or the different nature in Iran? Let’s see how it is different.

For many years there has been a simplified picture of Iran: a country with only vast hot deserts where its people are riding camels! Well, of course, we do have deserts and thus some people ranch camels there. And, yeah! Some visitors ride camel there for fun. But, there are many more natural wonders in Iran that can complete this incomplete picture. It’s obvious that these natural diversities affected the dwellers of each region; hence, they have created a variety of lifestyles in different geographical directions. If you want to know more, be with us in a review over Iran nature attractions.

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Diversity: a collection of natural wonders in Iran

You have seen the great Tehran; it’s modern, full of colors, lights, and sounds. You may now want to sooth your brain after all these with a one-day trip to nature. The good news is you have proper access to a full package of natural attractions. If climbing is your type, you can climb to the mount. Damavand in the east or Tochal in the north of Tehran. But how do you think of a more relaxed adventure?? Drive towards north via the famous Haraz road craved through the Alborz range. Then, pass through ancient, dense jungles. In about two hours, you reach the pacifying blue Caspian Sea. Or else, drive towards the south. After an hour, you find yourself in the Dashte Kavir desert with its salt lakes, dunes, and mystic silence.

Yeah! That’s what you’ll see again and again during your trip in different regions of Iran. From the Caspian Sea in the north to the Persian Gulf in the south, there are many climatic and natural surprises all the way! This list contains Jungles of 40 million years in the north and west, the hottest point of the world in the Lut Des-ert in the center, the tallest mountain peak in the Middle East, the millennial canyons and caves, lots of waterfalls, lakes, hot springs and so on. These various sceneries of Iran are habitats for different endemic species like Persian cheetah, bear, deer, gazelle, and so on.

The four-season country

It’s a cold snowy day in the northwest of Iran. The temperature is below zero. Everyone has sheltered in their warm homes. And, it’s the best time to plan for a trip to the southern parts of Iran. There people and travelers enjoy warm spring-like weather. That would seem weird to start your trip in warm clothes and after two hours it ends with short sleeves summer T-shirts in the middle of winter.

During the cold seasons, Many visitors choose the southern parts to enjoy the natural attractions of Iran. Just imagine swimming in the Persian Gulf along with the dolphins. Or think of wandering along the mysterious Kalouts in the heart of Lut Desert. They are among the most favorite Iran natural adventures.

On the other hand, the mountainous regions in the northwest are the best resorts for hot summer days. And, if you want to marvel at Iran landscapes, deserts and jungles are exciting destinations in fall.

But, the highlight of Iran’s natural adventures is traveling in spring. It is when everywhere is alive and coated with fresh green. You can enjoy mild weather in most of the various climatic regions. No difference, they are mountain or desert, sea or jungle.

Thus, regarding the weather in different regions, it’s always the right time for experiencing nature attractions in Iran. Every season, you can find out about the best of Iran’s natural beauties in each area. So, it’s up to you to choose where and when to visit the historical and natural wonders of Iran.

Read More: Best Thing To Do in Summer in Iran

The coexistence of people with Iran nature

A unique part of this is to see how native people of each region have dealt with these climatic and natural variations. It is reflected in different aspects of their life, such as building houses, food, and clothing. They knew how to use the best of facilities and opportunities that Iran nature has provided for them.

Let’s go to Yazd, a thousand-year city in the heart of the desert. Its dwellers have genuinely adapted themselves with this harsh situation. When there was no electric air conditioner, they built wind catchers above the house roofs. So, there was a cooling breeze through all their houses. Also, they invented Qanat, a unique, underground system. Thus, they have had freshwater flowing in their houses. Many visitors praised these inventions in their memories:

Or, in a desert city like Kashan, there are these brick and mud mansions and houses. They were people’s main shelter against the desert heat in summer and chilling days of winter. So, there are specially designed summer chambers and winter rooms. This way, the dwellers used natural forms of energy for moderating the temperature. Another example is the Bakhtiari nomads. They ranch goats and make traditional clothes out of the goat’s hair. It’s a good way of using at-hand facilities with no harm to nature.

In other words, this moment is an excellent opportunity to get familiar with the inner layers of Iranian history, architecture, and lifestyle altogether. Seeing the local ethnics in their very own context and their adaptability with the mother, nature is an advantage you may find in the nature-oriented itinerary.

Iran Nature Sites and Activities

Different natural wonders in Iran are available in mountains, seas, jungles, and deserts. Each of these natural beauties can provide visitors with memorable and unforgettable moments. The following is a list of Iran nature attractions on the classic main route of cultural Iran tour packages. You can choose from among these sites to increase your nature moments. But, there are more attractions that have not mentioned here.

Iran Mountains

Two main mountain ranges in Iran are Alborz and Zagros. There are about 150 peaks over 4000m in these mountains. It includes the highest peak of the Middle East, Damavand in Alborz range.

Alborz is on the south coast of the Caspian Sea. The area between these two natural sceneries is always green, rainy, and fertile. Thus, you can find a piece of paradise in this area.

The second range, Zagros, entails from northwest to the southern regions. There are vast jungle areas which are important due to the different species of wildlife in it.

• Damavand: The most famous hiking and climbing destinations in Iran, located in the north of Tehran.
• Tochal: The southern skirts of this peak, which is accessible from Tehran. It is like a fun package with various activities for a wide age range. Also, it’s the right place to prepare for bigger mountaineering trips.
• Alam-Kuh: The second tallest peak in the northern region. It is a perfect place for rock climbing with great walls and equipped camps.
• Sabalan: The third tallest peak in Iran and a beloved climbing destination. After a long climbing, you will be welcomed by a permanent lake in the summit with an untouched nature around. It’s a remote resort for relaxing. If climbing is not your type, you can enjoy the hot water springs or the ski slope on its outskirts.
• Sahand: Had you have traveled in winter, and then you’re lucky enough to use the skiing stadium. Otherwise enjoy the fresh landscape in a cool summer.
• Kūh-e Hazār: The highest peak in the southern parts of Iran with a variety of herbal plant species and the unique scenes of Rayen waterfall in Kerman.
• Shaho: Climb to the king of mountains, the highest peak of Kermanshah mountain in the Zagros range with a calm nature and serenity.
• Eynali: Another mountainous fun package in it with a recreational center. Sit by the artificial lake or ride a tele cabin and enjoy the eye-catching scene below.

Iran Jungles

Did you know that one of the ancient jungles of the world is in Iran? It dates back to the third geological period and has remained from the overall glaciations. Caspian Hyrcanian Mixed Forests ecoregion is a green area that extends from the west to the east of the Caspian Sea. This green line has been there for more than 40 million years. It’s been a shelter to many animal and plant species. Besides, in summer 2019, it was registered as UNESCO world heritage sites Iran.  There are some famous Hyrcanian forests in different provinces. Each has their unique tree and animal species:

• Masal forest in Gilan
• Arasbaran in East Azerbaijan
• Mesheh Sooyi in Ardabil
• Fandoghloo forest in Ardabil
• Asalem to Khalkhal forest road

Besides Hyrcanian forests in the north, there are two beautiful mangrove forests in the south right in the middle of the Persian Gulf.

• Mangrove forest in Qeshm: Take time during the high tide to boat ride among a forest with three to eight meters trees that are hidden under the water with just their heads popping up. The trees that are in saltwater but magically produce sweet fruits. It is an excellent opportunity for watching birds like eagles, flamingos, pelicans, and herons; the other species are fish, reptiles, turtles, snakes, etc.
• Mangrove forest in Hormoz: A smaller forest of its kind in Qeshm. Here you need not to necessarily take a boat, and depending on the tide, you can walk through the trees.

Iran Deserts

We can describe deserts as the prototype of Iran’s natural attractions. They are vast areas in the central parts of Iran. You can have easy access to its specific wonders: silence, oasis, and mystery. There are two main deserts in Iran: Dasht-e Kavir and Lut Desert. The following deserts are mostly located inside one of them:

• Kalut Shahdad in Kerman: A good place for reviewing the mythical fairy tales among the mysterious sculptures that have been created from squeezing moving sands over hundreds of years. The amazing part is when you drive towards Kalouts, you see almost different kinds of lands in less than 15 km. Flat hard sand, stony shape land, and eventually the Lut. It’s an awesome place for desert safari and stargazing.
• Maranjab near Kashan: Watch sunrise among a salt lake and the surrounding dunes. Spend a night camping on these dunes listening to nature and watching the stars.
• Varzaneh desert and salt lake in Isfahan: Desert, and salt lake together – in this location, besides the natural beauties of deserts and the salty body, you can see the lifestyle of villagers that have used their homeland nature in favor of themselves.
• Mesr in Isfahan: A remote area with dune hills and silence and just this. It’s one of the main destinations for desert lovers and astrologers.
• Bafgh in Yazd: If you have half a day to spare while in Yazd, it is worth going for the camel ride and viewing the sunset from the top of the dunes of Bafgh desert.
• Matin Abad in Isfahan: Fresh organic food, a convenient stay, and special tours in the surrounding desert are all unique opportunities that are available in this renovated camp.
• Baran Desert Camping in Yazd: Experience walking over the sands, safari, camel riding, a night stay by the fire, and local food in a facilitated camp.

Water-related sites in Iran

If you prefer to pass the time by a seashore or relax by flowing water,  consider the following list with a variety of options to go:

Seas and lakes

• Gisoom beach, Caspian Sea: Pass the road within the dense tunnel of trees in the forest, enjoy its beauty and listen to the soft voice of bird This road will lead you to a calm beach of Gisoom by the Caspian sea…
• Lake Urmia: The largest salt lake in Iran. You can experience nice swimming if the water amount is enough. The colors of the landscape during sunrise or sunset are excellent subjects for photography.
• Howz e Soltan salt Lake in Qom: It looks like a white hole in summer and a clear, blue lake in winter. It is like a big natural mirror due to the shallow water over salty ground. In either season, that would be interesting to walk over this ground and enjoy the sight of that clear water.
• Parishan Lake in Fars: The largest freshwater lake in a protected area in Iran with different species of birds and plants. It is surrounded by mountains; thus, it’s a good spot to have a night stay.
• Neor lake in Ardabil: How do you think about a fishing plan? It’s by an old lake with a beautiful green view among mountains. Besides, Neor lake is the starting point for pleasant hiking, cycling, and Safari routes. Thus, it’s the right destination for sports lovers and photographers.
• Maharloo lake in Shiraz: If you visit the Lake early in the morning or shortly before sunset, the pink color is more obvious. It is a unique scenery, the contrast of pink water in the middle of a salty silver shore. That’s a good place for picnicking.
• Anzali Lagoon in Bandar Anzali: Let’s go for boat riding among lotus flowers in a lagoon where the fishermen are fishing, and the singing seabirds are flying over your head. Then, land on a grassy area where you can see horses and buffalos.
• Choghakhor Lagoon in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari: Besides the extraordinary landscape, this area is proper for activities like climbing, birdwatching, fishing, boating, biking, and photography. The scenery ends with Zagros mountains and is close to nomads residences.

Iran Waterfalls

The relaxing high energy spots in different climatic areas. Either in a lush jungle in the northern green zone or even near a desert area like Kashan or Kerman. They are all proper spots to rest for a while and listen to the soothing sound of water. Some of the famous waterfalls in Iran are as follows:

• Rayen Waterfall in Kerman
• Niasar Waterfall in Kashan
• Margoon waterfall in Shiraz (2.5h)
• Latoon waterfall in Gilan
• Visadar waterfall in Gilan
• Corde Olia Waterfall in Isfahan
• King Lvlak Waterfall in Isfahan

Islands in the Persian Gulf

They say Qeshm Island is like a mother that has two children; Hormuz, the son, and Hengam, the daughter. All are beautiful and full of energy. The climatic changes there have created natural artworks of millions of years ago.

• Qeshm Island: This largest southern island is an excellent place to visit different natural attractions. Surf calm seashores, blue ocean, mangrove forests, Valley of Stars, Chahkuh Canyon, and so on. Once you are visiting these sites, especially the two latter, you forget that you’re on earth. They are analogous to Mars.
• Hengam Island: Located in the south of Qeshm Island. It is well-known for being like a natural aquarium, because of dolphins swimming around your boat on the way to the Island. That’s not all. clam beaches, golden sands, clear blue water, colored fishes, turtles, and gazelles are more sceneries you can enjoy. Don’t miss the silver shore and the rock beach spots.
• Hormuz Island: Take the wagon motorbikes to go round the island and visit the naturally-shaped rocks in Statue Valley, Silver Sands of Mofanegh shore, and the only tree in Tak Derakht shore. Set up a fire by the sea and listen to the sound popping woods by the waves.

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Other adventures of Iran

• Abyaneh: Also known as the Red Village because of its red soil and houses, is an ancient Iranian Village in the central region, south of Kashan. Located over thousands of meters heights, it benefits cool weather just in the adjacency of a hot desert. Try the trekking route to the ancient castles on the top where you have a beautiful view of the whole village.
• The Cypress of Abarkuh: The oldest tree in Iran and one of the oldest in the world, still live and green. According to the legends, Zoroaster, the Iranian prophet, planted it himself. It is located on the road between Isfahan and Yazd. But, it worth a stop to pay a visit and have coffee and cake in the local coffee shop.
• Meshginshahr suspension bridge: The highest suspension bridge in the Middle East, over a forest-like Park. It gives you some minutes of adventure and excitement, which can be doubled by experiencing the zip line. The best time for visiting is before sunset. In IranAmaze Iran travel agency we suggest you go on the opposite side of the bridge for horse riding, drinking tea in nomads tents, eating Ashe dough, etc.
• Tangeh Vashi: Just three hours from Tehran, there is this canyon. You can cross it only by walking through fast-flowing chilled water. At some places, it is more than knee-deep. It takes around 20-30 minutes to cross the passage, which then opens in an untouched valley. If you are lucky, you may see wild species like deers galloping in the higher ranges of mountains!