🌿 Hidden Forests of Northern Iran – 6 Days / 5 Nights

Here’s another Iran Jungle Tour, this time designed for travelers who want both forest exploration and cultural immersion in lesser-known parts of Mazandaran and Golestan. This itinerary is ideal for eco-tourists, photographers, and travelers looking for an authentic, quiet, and scenic experience far from crowded tourist routes.

Route: Tehran → Shirabad Waterfall → Khanbebin → Almeh → Jahan Nama → Gorgan → Tehran

Ideal travel time: April to October

🧭 Tour Description

This tour takes you deep into the eastern edge of the Hyrcanian forests, one of the world’s most ancient and biodiverse jungles. You’ll explore hidden waterfalls, rural mountain villages, and protected forest reserves where modern life hasn’t disturbed the rhythm of nature.
The route combines gentle forest hikes, natural hot springs, and visits with local families. It avoids tourist crowds and provides true contact with the landscape and lifestyle of forest Iran.

🌳 Why Choose This Tour?

• ✅ Off-the-beaten-path: Avoid the tourist-heavy cities and discover forest treasures known mainly to locals.

• ✅ Eco-friendly: Stay in small village ecolodges and support forest communities.

• ✅ Photogenic scenery: From waterfalls and misty trees to dramatic mountain forest cliffs.

• ✅ Perfect climate: Even in summer, the weather is cool, clean, and humid.

• ✅ Balanced pace: Great for those who want a mix of relaxation, nature, and gentle movement.

🗺 Itinerary

Day 1: Tehran → Shirabad Waterfall → Khanbebin

• Depart Tehran early and head to Shirabad Waterfall, a multi-tiered fall hidden deep within the jungle.

• Light trekking through forest trails, mossy rocks, and spring-fed streams.

• Continue to Khanbebin, a green foothill town surrounded by rice fields and forest.

• Overnight stay in a rural ecolodge.

Day 2: Khanbebin → Almeh Village → Forest Trails

• Drive up to Almeh, a remote mountain village embraced by dense forest.

• Spend the day walking forest paths, visiting local farms, and observing how villagers live off the land.

• Visit a family-run honey farm or herbal tea garden.

• Overnight in Almeh or nearby ecolodge.

Day 3: Almeh → Jahan Nama Protected Area

• Enter Jahan Nama, one of Iran’s most pristine forest reserves.

• Explore this UNESCO-listed Hyrcanian zone with a local guide.

• Highlights include:

  • Panoramic forest cliffs

  • Rare trees like ironwood and alder

  • Possible wildlife sightings (e.g., wild goat, fox, and many birds)

• Picnic lunch in nature. Overnight in eco-camp or village home on the edge of the forest.

Day 4: Jahan Nama → Gorgan

• Descend toward Gorgan, the regional capital of Golestan Province.

• Walk through Nahar Khoran Forest Park, enjoy Turkmen food, and explore local markets.

• Optional short hike in Alangdareh Forest Park, especially beautiful in spring and fall.

• Overnight in a boutique guesthouse in Gorgan.

Day 5: Gorgan → Ziarat Village & Hot Springs

• Half-day visit to Ziarat, a historic village with natural hot springs and a peaceful forest trail.

• Visit the village shrine, relax in forest cafés, and take in the view of the Alborz foothills.

• Return to Gorgan for the night.

Day 6: Gorgan → Tehran

• Return to Tehran by car or domestic flight.

• Optional stop at Shahrud or Damghan if returning by road.