Experiencing nature wonders in Iran really turns you on!

Photo. The Zagros Mountain range, one of many nature wonder in Iran.

The Zagros Mountain range almost took my breath in a double meaning. For the first I got little bit altitude sickness with small symptoms of headache. For the second the beautiful nature was really breathtaking in itself. It's easy to find great challenges here for they who like trekking and climbing.

And for the nomads I still wonder how they can survive here in such harsh surroundings. It's amazing! The Zagros Mountain range it both gives and takes. But by taking it precautions it could be most rewarding.    

Photo. Mountain peaks in the southern Zagros region in Iran.

As one of the oldest countries in the world, the nature of Iran has been shaped through thousands of years by the various climates in different seasons. Sometimes, you can even find the climatic variance of 60 degree centigrade in a distant of less than 400 kilometres.

You can imagine that it's a big challenge for the nomads wander thousand kilometres yearly. The largest tribal groups of nomads are the Kurds, who live in the province of Kurdistan in the northern Zagros region, the Lor (Luri) and the Bakhtiari, who live in the southern Zagros region.

Photo. The Lor (Luri) and the Bakhtiari live high up in the mountains in the Zagros region. They adapt so well to this astonishing nature.

Iran is about one-fifth the size of the USA and nearly as big as Queensland, Australia. The country is dominated by three mountain ranges: the fertile, volcanic Sabalan and Talesh ranges in the north-west; the very long, the Zagros range, down the western border; and the enormous Alborz range, home of Iran's highest mountain, the permanently snowcapped Damavand (5670m/18600ft), to the north of Tehran.

The two great Iranian deserts, the Dasht-é Kavir (more than 200000 sq km/78000 sq mi) and the Dasht-é Lut (more than 166000 sq km/64,740 sq mi), occupy most of the north-east and east of the central plain.

Because of its size, variety of topography and altitude, the climate in Iran is extreme. Sometimes it could be very cold, and sometimes it could be very hot. The winters (December to February) can be very cold in most parts of the country, while in summer (June to August) temperatures could rise as high as 40°C (104°F). Most of the regular rainfall happens in the far north and west, which also is the coldest parts of Iran.

The Islamic Republic of Iran is bordered to the north by the states of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan (all formerly of the USSR) and the Caspian Sea; to the east by Afghanistan and Pakistan; to the south by the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf; and to the west by Iraq and Turkey.

Adventures in protected areas

Iran has several national parks. There are six protected environment zones in Fars province the most important one of which is Bamu National Park; with its suitable plant covering located in the southeastern pan of the province and its major forms of wild life being ram, ewe, antelope, ibex, deer, leopard, partridge and yellow partridge.

Some of the most adventurous places for trekking and climbing tours are:

·        Alborz Mountain range

·        Zagros Mountain range

·        Dena Panorama

In Iran there are great opportunities for several kinds of trekking tours (Sports- and Eco-Tours) as:

·        Trekking Tours

·        Protected Area Tour

·        Desert Trekking Tour

·        Horseback Riding Tour

·        Skiing And Diving Tour

·        Mountaineering Tour

·        Cycling Tour

·        Cave Exploring Tour

Other nature wonders

Some other of the most beautiful and greatest nature wonders in Iran are:

Caspian Sea:
Covering an area of approximately 438,000 square kilometres located in the Gilan province, it's the world's largest land-locked body of water or lake. It spreads between Iran, Russia, and Turkey.

Damavand Mountain:
With a high point of 5610.27 meters, Damavand is the highest mountain peak in Iran located almost in the centre of Alborz mountain range in the Tehran province.

Gavkhoony Wetlands:
Located in Esfahan province, and is considered to be one of the reputed wet lands in the central plateau of Iran. This vicinity covers an area of 476 sq. km.

Khaark Island:

The Khark Island has a population of more than 10.000 and is located 57 km. north west of Bushehr and 38 km. from Genaveh in the Boushehr province.

Maharloo Lake:

This lake with an area of 600 sq.km. is located 27 km. southeast of Shiraz in the Fars province. The lake water is used for extraction of normal salt.

Sabalan Mountain:

One of the most interesting mountains of Iran, with an altitude of about 4,800 m., is Sabalan which is originally a volcanic mountain. The summit is located the

Ardebil province.

Ali Sadr Caves:

These caves were discovered 40 years ago by a local shepherd out looking for a lost goat. They rise to a maximum internal height of 40m (131ft) and have a deep river flowing through the middle.

Aghdas Cave:
This cave is located in the mountains to the north of the Aghdash Village, in the Nobaran district of Saaveh. In this cave, there are drawings showing human beings hunting animals.

Masuleh:

One of the greatest adventures is trekking to the village of Masuleh, which is located in a scenic valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains in the Caspian Province of Gilan in north-eastern Iran. In this unspoiled and beautiful nature it's also good opportunities for climbing.

The village of Masuleh is the site of the UNESCO and Iran Touring and Tourism Organisation project in Iran. Masuleh is 56km (35mi) from Rasht, which is six hours north-west by bus from Tehran. Over 1000 metres above the sea level, this unique village is well preserved with its characterised wood and terraced cream houses. It's so steep there that there isn't even a network of alleys.

Refresh your soul by experience the nature wonders of Iran. It gives inspiration for each step you take!

Stein Morten Lund, 1 October 2004

Additional information

Read more about the village of Masuleh: Unesco.org/culture

For general information about Iran: www.Lonelyplanet.com