Golestan Forest Northeast of Iran

Golestan National Park or Forest is a protected area in the west of North Khorasan Province. It is the oldest registered national park in Iran which is a unique wildlife sanctuary. It is home to 1350 plant species and 302 animal species which includes half of Iran’s mammal species. One of the communication axes Tehran-Mashhad passes through this forest.

Geography of Golestan National Park

Golestan is the largest natural park in Iran. Its area is more than 91,000 hectares in some sources and 87402 hectares in other sources. The perimeter of the park is about 198 km. This Park starts from Tangarah village in Golestan province and ends in Robat Qarehbil village in North Khorasan. Most of the park is in Golestan province, about 34% in North Khorasan and a small part in Semnan. The altitude difference in the park is about 2000 meters which case a variety of habitats. The average rainfall in the different areas of the forest varies from about 700 mm to 150 mm per year.

Wildlife of Golestan Forest

One-eighth of Iran plant species, one-third of bird species and more than 50% of mammal species live in this park. 69 species of mammals belonging to 6 orders, 21 families and 50 genera have been identified in it. Leopards and brown bears are large carnivores in the national park. Otter is a carnivore that probably lives only in Golestan National Park and has contributed to the genetic value of the park. Other important mammals inhabiting this forest are wild boar, forest cat, Persian deer, wild sheep, wolf, fox, Turkmenistan fox, and antelope. So far, 18 species of bats have been identified in this park.

This region is one of the best habitats for the Urial wild sheep. It is the oldest subspecies of wild sheep in Iran that has the purest populations of Urial rams and ewes. The population of this animal in Golestan Forest was about 150,000 in the 1350s, which is about three quarters of its total population in the world.

National Wild park Vegetation

The main plants of the park are diverse due to different climates. The most important plant species include oak, hornbeam, ebony, maple, linden, sage (from the ebony family), sparrow tongue, pellet, milkweed, quince, sagebrush, alder, rainbow, fig, berry, melch, walnut, hawthorn, blackberry, wild tomato, clay milk, raspberry, wild pomegranate, wild pear, barberry, hawthorn, turmeric, artichoke, juniper and etc.

Tourists experiencing Wild Life in Golestan

One of the unique features of this park for tourists is the presence of a large number of wild boars, without fear of people. In some countries it is quite natural that wild animals are not afraid of people, but in Iran this is a rare and strange phenomenon. Some park pigs are so familiar with people that they even eat from the hands of travelers. This situation exists only with the wild boars, the other animals in the park, are extremely afraid of people.

Another aspect that makes Golestan National Park very important is topography. This park is full of limestone cliffs and has many hills located between the sea and dry areas. The lowest height of the park is in the village.

If you have not traveled to the Golestan National Park yet, you should know that this trip will bring you new experiences. So, apply for Iran Tourist Visa, determine your route and book your favorable hotel. Travel to Iran by your own vehicle or use public transportation. Travel to Iran brings you unforgettable moments from natural attractions in addition to its historical and cultural sights. By and large, Iransense, is one of the best Iranian Tour Operators with its professional team offers you suitable Iran tours which you are interested in.