Golestan National Park

Golestan National Park, located in the north east of Iran, is one of the UNESCO biosphere reserves in Iran, with a rich flora and fauna. It is one of the few remaining habitats of the red deer in Iran.

 

Generally speaking, Golestan biosphere reserve includes two sections, Golestan National Park and the protected area of Qarkhod, one of whose most common entrances is by the west, through Tangrah village, which is located 145 km north east of Gorgan Province in Iran.

Golestan National Park, the largest natural park in Iran, is located in the provinces of Golestan, North Khorasan, and Semnan.

 

The protected area of Qarkhod, located in the north and north east of the Golestan biosphere, is also known as an area with a huge number of juniper trees.

Golestan biosphere reserve has moderate, semi-humid climate of the Caspian Sea in some parts, and cold, semi-arid climate in others. It has high peaks, steep foothills, Hyrcanian forests, rivers, waterfalls, and several springs.

 

Because of its special nature, Golestan is the habitat of about 130 species of birds, such as woodpeckers, and various amphibians, reptiles, fish, and mammals such as brown bears, boars, and Pallas’s cat, some of whom, such as Persian leopards, are endangered species. Iranian cheetahs also used to live there.

Another important species in Golestan is the red deer. Red deer is one of the deer species whose only remaining natural habitat in Iran are the forests of the North.

 

In addition to such a variety of animal species, Golestan National Park also has about 1,300 species of plants, such as junipers, tulips, orchids, wild pomegranates, raspberries, jungle tomatoes, etc. Many of these species have medicinal properties.

Aside from the natural attractions, such as the wildlife, beautiful waterfalls, butterflies in warm seasons, the rich vegetation of the reserve, Golestan National Park has historical attractions as well. The historical monuments remaining in this area include Takht-e Soleyman, the buried city of Sooler Aqa, ancient tombs, etc.

 

Golestan National Park is not only an area with many attractions for eco-tourists, but with its location on the busy road from Tehran to Mashhad, it is also visited by many typical tourists every year. Therefore, facilities such as small huts for spending the night, and campsites have been established in this area. It is also possible to be accommodated in the hotels in nearby cities, or local lodgings in villages.

Visiting the nearby villages, the visitors can also buy and use local products such as natural honey, and jams made with forest fruits, as well as the handicrafts of this area such as handmade textiles, and Turkmen ornaments.

 

9/1/2023 1:28:36 AM