If visiting ancient monuments and the beautiful historical mosques of Iran are not enough to satisfy you with Iran excursions, you should definitely visit Iran’s unique natural attractions which will leave you with a world of adventure and good memories, from high mountains to low deserts and from dense forests to exotic springs.

Damavand Mountain, Iran 

Best Iran’s Natural Attractions

Here are some of Iran’s natural wonders and landscape:

Damavand

About 65 kilometers north of Tehran’s metropolis, located in the middle of Alborz range, there is a high peak known as the highest mountain in the Middle East. Mount Damavand height is 5610 and climbers from all around the world travel to Iran every year to climb this summit. The summit is covered in snow all year long. If you are a bit lucky and in Tehran during non-polluted times of year (such as Nowruz holidays), you would be able to see the magnificent view of Damavand Peak from the city. Damavand Peak, in addition to its natural beauty, has a high place in Iranian culture, mythology and civilization, as many poets have named the mountain in their poems and many legends have been told about it.  Damavand Climbing Programs >>

To reach the summit of Damavand you must be a trained person in a good physical condition. A suitable three-day climbing program, with a good hiking team, a Damavand guide and complete equipment, are necessary for you to reach Damavand summit.

Lut Desert

Lut desert, one of the most beautiful natural areas of Iran, located in the south-east of the country, is a natural attraction of UNESCO World Heritage Site in Iran.
It is interesting to note that this area is one of the hottest spots on earth. Lut desert covers more than 40,000 square Km and is located in the provinces of Kerman, Sistan-Baluchistan and South Khorasan.

Kalout Desert, Iran 

Salt Lake, Dasht-e- Kavir

Another great desert of Iran, located in the center of the plateau and northwest of Isfahan and Yazd, is Dasht-e- Kavir, or salt desert. The harsh wild nature here will amaze you. The famous Salt Lake Desert, located about 100 Km from Qom, is the most popular attraction for tourists to visit. Rest assured that traveling to this area without a guide and proper equipment will be dangerous.

Salt Lake, Iran 

Badab-e-Surt springs

For those interested in the geology world, the amazing rock formations of Badab-e Surt would be a spectacular attraction. Badab Surt springs are located in Mazandaran province, about 100 km south of Sari. The stair-like formations made by the deposited sediments of the springs make different colors in different seasons; gold, yellow, orange and red. Two of these springs are said to be potable and have healing properties. This is one of the places where photographers would love. Unfortunately, Badab Sort, springs are being destroyed for a variety of reasons.

Badab Sort, Mazandaran, Iran 

Qeshm Island

The whole of Qeshm Island is a vast collection of natural landscapes and wonders. The island is located in the Persian Gulf, south of Bandar Abbas and is well known for its diversity of geology and natural formations. Qeshm is also known as the largest island in the Persian Gulf. As an example, the saltwater cave on this island is known as the world’s longest salt cave. Valley of Stars and Chahkouh Canyon are also some of the most beautiful natural attractions in Iran.

Chah-Kuh, Qeshm, Iran 

Laton Falls

Laton Waterfall is one of Iran’s most unique natural attractions. If you are in Gilan province, it’s worth to take a short trip to Astara city to enjoy watching the highest waterfall in Iran. At the heart of beautiful forest mountains of this area, there is a waterfall with a height of 105 meters. If you are looking for relaxation, camping in this quiet and peaceful nature is recommended. If you are also an adventurer, you can experience rappelling Iran’s tallest waterfall. Remember that spring is the best time to travel to this part of the country.

Laton Fall, Gilan, Iran 

Masal, Gilan

Masal village in Gilan province and its cloud ocean phenomenon is one of the most unique forest landscapes of the country. If you plan to travel to Masal, don’t forget warm clothing even in summer. Here you will find misty air and a combination of high mountains and dense forests. The best time to travel to Massal is from late spring to late summer. Oles Blangah is the most famous village in Masal region, but we also suggest a trip to the unknown village of Bilgadol.

Masal, Gilan, Iran 

Turkmen Sahra

The famous Turkmen Sahra plains are located near the borders of Iran and Turkmenistan in northwestern Iran, in the eastern side of the Caspian Sea. The highlight of this region is Khalid Nabi cemetery area and the green hills around it. We suggest you travel to Turkmen Sahra in May. In addition to being one of Iran’s natural attractions, Khalid Nabi is also a historic site of great antiquity. The cemetery is covered in headstones distinctly resembling male and female sex organs.
The cemetery is covered with tombstones that are distinctly similar to male and female genitals. Some are cylindrical and capped while others are paired and rounded. The cemetery has a total of 600 monuments to the sexual organs that sprawl across the vibrant landscape.

Khalid Nabi Tomb, Turkmen Sahra, Iran 

Uraman Village

Uraman (Hawraman) village in Kurdistan is among places in Iran that every tourist should list for their travel destinations. Uraman is the name of a mountainous area located on Iran-Iraq border. Beautiful valleys with lush rivers and exquisite landscapes along with interesting stair-stepped architecture of Uraman village are among the interesting attractions of this area. If you are traveling to Uraman, be sure to try the local breads of this area and don’t forget to visit Marivan and Lake Zarivar.

Subatan Village 

Subatan Villages is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Iranian nature that is less known to the public because of the difficult access routes, but it is well-known amongst adventure travelers. Subatan is at the height of Talesh. Visitors generally begin hike from the southwestern side of the mountain (from Lake Neur) to this unique village. The best time for a trip to Subatan is June when fresh blossoms and fragrant flowers appear everywhere.

Subatan, Gilan, Iran 

Khalkhal-Asalem Road

Is a winding road that connects the beautiful and green provinces of Ardabil and Gilan. From the beginning of this 70km road, you will find pristine nature, wild beauties, waterfalls, lakes, vast plains of flowers and rare plants. Half of this is the forest and the other half is the plains and mountains.

Near Khalkhal, there is a well-known hot water called “kiwi” that is not very well known and you can swim without worrying about car parks or the surrounding crowds!

Khalkhal- Asalem Road, Gilan, Iran 

Dom-e-Asb Gorge

Dom-e-Asb Gorge located in the “Kohmareh Sorkhi” region (50 km south of Shiraz) is one of the most beautiful and pristine areas whose rivers and attractive waterways have made it interesting to visit.  To reach the gorge, first you have to reach the “Koreh-Bas” village from Shiraz. It is necessary to know that the Dom-e-Asb spring, lands along the trail and the gorge itself are parts of some private lands belonging to people of Kozarg village.

The clearly navigated path has many ups and downs. In some places, one would need scrambling, crossing rifts and chimneys individually. Along the way, from top of the mountain, you see a deep valley in the heart of the roaring river of Dom-e- Asb which enters downstream villages after passing a narrow gorge. Further on, the landslide has created a 200-meter-long lake that can be crossed by swimming or boats. Continuing this path leads to the waterfall.

Dom-e- Asb gorge, Fars, Iran 

Mazichaal Village 

Near the town of Kelardasht, there is a village called Mazichal with an altitude of 2600m above the sea level. Spectacular Mazichal Heights and scenic landscapes with picturesque views increase the atmosphere of this integrated mountain village and passing through a forest of clouds make the roads more memorable.

Mazichaal village, Gilan, Iran 

Raghaz Canyon

According to Iranian canyoneering experts, Raghaz is considered the best choice to embrace the challenge and excitement. There are many canyons in Iran but they are not as easy as Raghaz to traverse. It is one of the best canyoneering adventure experiences that you can have in your life. Canyoneering challenges many skills such as keeping balance, physical and mental fitness, swimming, rock climbing and more.

Several years ago when I first set foot in Raghaz Canyon, and rappelled the cascade path with ropes and experienced beautiful jumps in the clear, sometimes fish-full basins, I never thought this place would be one day a top destination for Adventurers.

Located 30 kilometers northeast of Darab city, surrounded by high cliffs on both sides, the four kilometer long Raghaz canyon lies peacefully in the middle of mountains. The word Raghaz means slippery, and locals know this beautiful valley as “Rud Khiz” Canyon.
Raghaz is a pristine and spectacular place, but keep in mind that going deep into this canyon is not easy for beginners. Traversers need to have at least a basic familiarity with swimming, rock climbing, and canyoneering techniques; professional equipment is needed as well. Read More about canyons of Iran  >> 

Raghaz Canyon, Darab, Iran 

Cloud forest

One of Iran’s most spectacular landscapes is in the cloud forests of Caspian Hyrcanian eco-region. Because of their location in the mountains where the mountains let the clouds get through and come into the forest through them due to the air pressure difference. This phenomenon makes you able to walk on the clouds. Shahroud Cloud Forest is one of the most beautiful and spectacular areas of Iran, located 45 kilometers north of Shahroud in Semnan province.

Cloud forests, Shahroud, Iran 

Alisadr Cave 

As one of the biggest attractions of Hamadan province and the world’s largest water cave, Alisadr is ranked among the most popular sites of Iran with thousands of visitors year-round, especially in spring and summer.This cave is located in Kabood Ahang , a city 60 Km from Hamadan. The distance from Kabudarahang to Alisadr Village is 50 Km. This cave is located on the elevated lands of Sari Qieh, meaning the yellow rock.

Ali-sadr is one of the few water caves in the world. Its  Jurassic Period rocks from the second geological period, takes you back to 190 million years ago. As you walk through the entrance, you will be greeted by a cool atmosphere that will make you forget the heat outside. The lake here is clear, so that its floor can be seen. You have to wear the life jacket and get on the boat and go through the natural labyrinth of the cave. You have to get off the boat somewhere and continue your journey. Read More about Alisadr Cave >>

Alisadr Cave, Kabudar Ahang , Hamadan, Iran