Iran has several noteworthy national parks, and Golestan national Park is probably one of the largest, if not the largest and also the finest. Situated in the highlands of the Caspian region and the steppes of Khorasan province of Northern Iran, the Golestan offers a wide spectrum of flora and fauna.
It reaches fauna consist of 69 mammals, 150 birds, 2 amphibians and 24 Reptile.
The large animals are Persian Leopard, Brown bear, jackal, Persian ibex, wolves, wild cat, Caspian Red deer, wild boar, gazelle, mountain goat, fox and coyote. The flora comprises 1365 plants, species including several endemic one such as Alma saffron, Persian Ironwood.
Golestan National Park with 92,000 hectares area is a dry woodland ecosystem.
The beauty of the Golestan National Park is due to the variety of nature featured, a total of wildlife habitats, deserts, steppes, lush greenery, riverine, steep rocky cliffs, hills, undulating terrain and marsh habitats.
This beautiful area and its various sceneries is the oldest national park in the country which has been protected since 1956.
Activities and Attractions
The park has full four season attractions. During spring, summer and fall wildlife is best spotted in the early morning and evening.
In spring you can see lots of flowers, the biggest water fall with about 110m high. you may see more birds.
Summer is the best time for watching birds nesting, you may have a chance to see animals with their babies, and it’s the season for wild berries.
In fall you can see the Hyrcanian autumn leaves, also see red deer through mating season and following the varieties of mushrooms.
Come to Golestan National Park in winter and enjoy a truly spectacular landscape.
The contrast with the park in summer is astonishing while snow blankets the park. You can see the animals like wild boar, pheasant in background of snow. Also it is blooming season for some endemic trees and flowers.
Sightseeing
- Uocher seasonal water fall
- Bay Lee Mountain
- Solukli wetland
- Alma Valley
- Tange Gol
- Ghorghon Valley
- Soltan Hobbi (historical cemeteries)