Explore the mosaic of climate, history, and natural wonders in Shahrud
Abr Forest
safarzon.com
The climate diversity of Shahrud is striking, with the shortest distance from the desert to the forest in the area being about 45 kilometers. Within this short distance, one can reach the world-renowned Hyrcanian Forests to the north, boasting stunning landscapes, and to the south, the desert and the beauty of the Chah Jam region, ultimately leading to the date palm groves where the local people are engaged in camel husbandry.
This climate diversity, coupled with the variety of ethnic and linguistic groups, has made tourism development a key feature in the county. Shahrud is recognized as one of the ecotourism centers of Iran, situated on the Tehran-Mashhad route, and neighboring the central and northern provinces of the country. The city offers unique opportunities in various tourism sectors, including historical, mystical, and natural tourism.
The historical settlement in Shahrud dates back to 1,000 BCE, as evidenced by artifacts obtained from excavations of historical hills in the area. Historical documents suggest that caravanserais used to pass through Shahrud on the western to eastern highway (Silk Road). The presence of a chapar khaneh and caravanserai turned Shahrud into an important settlement in the region. Therefore, the oldest remaining monument in Shahrud is attributed to the Ilkhanid period.
Shahrud Museum
The building of the Shahrud Museum was constructed in 1928 and it has been registered on Iran’s National Heritage List. After undergoing restoration and revitalization in March 1989, the museum opened its doors for research and public visitation. The museum houses a collection of historical, cultural, archaeological, and anthropological objects. The building was constructed in the late Qajar and early Pahlavi architectural style. The archaeological section of the museum, located on the ground floor, includes four rooms and a corridor containing artifacts from pre-Christian, prehistoric, and Islamic periods.
The anthropology section of the museum showcases tools, production arts, animal husbandry, agriculture, clothing, bread-baking arts, jewelry, hand-woven textiles, documents, and personal belongings. It also displays tools and equipment used in traditional ceremonies, traditional medicine, and images depicting the daily activities and life of the local people, providing a comprehensive insight into rural life.
Bastam Historical Complex
Bastam Historical Complex comprises monuments dating back from the 3rd century AH (816-913 CE) onwards, including the tomb of Abu Yazid Tayfur ibn Isa ibn Surushan Bastami, a renowned Iranian mystic. The complex features 17 structures from various historical periods, including the Buyid, Seljuk, Ilkhanid, Timurid, Safavid, Qajar, and Pahlavi eras. The earliest structure, a small mosque under the second mosque of Abu Yazid, is linked to the time of Abu Yazid Bastami’s life and is located adjacent to the shrine of Imamzadeh Mohammad (PBUH). The complex includes the Khaneqah of Abu Yazid, Bastam Minaret, Jaame Mosque of Bastam, Shrine of Imamzadeh Mohammad, Kashaneh Tower, Ghazan Khan Dome, Shahrokhiyeh school, and more.
The Jaame Mosque is situated in the southern part of the complex, with its shabestans (prayer rooms) constructed on the western and northern sides. The Kashaneh Tower was built concurrently with the Jaame Mosque, on the southeast side of the complex. This historical complex has been officially registered on Iran’s National Heritage List.
Abr Forest
Cloud Forest, known as Abr Forest in Persian, is located 40 kilometers northeast of Shahrud. At higher altitudes, it mainly consists of grasslands or wooded pastures, while at lower elevations it transforms into a diverse forest with various species. Abr Forest is the second natural site in Iran listed on the World Heritage List, after the Lut Desert, and it is one of the most beautiful and pleasant climate forests in the world. It is situated near the tourist destination village of Abr. The forest is often covered in clouds, hence its name. To reach the forest, one must pass through the village of Abr.
Olang Forest
Olang Forest is located 85 kilometers north of Shahrud, on the northern slopes of the country. The most significant feature of the area is the presence of forests with a combination of different and diverse tree species, particularly enjoyable during the spring and summer seasons. The high-altitude forests and easy access to the environment, as well as the diversity of wildlife and tree species are important attractions for tourism in this region.
Qatri Forest
Qatri Forest is located between the Olang and Cloud forests. The best way to access it is from Abr village on the road linking to Imamzadeh Mohammad Saravin Ghatri. Due to its location in a mountainous region, the area has a cold and moderate mountainous climate.
Mojen and Tang-e Dastan waterfall
The city of Mojen is situated 35 kilometers northwest of Shahrud in a mountainous area. The famous Tang-e Dastan waterfall is located 10 kilometers from Mojen and 45 kilometers from Shahrud. Due to the area’s location in a mountainous region, at an elevation of about 2,000 meters above sea level, the climate in the spring, summer, and early autumn seasons is suitable for tourist activities.
Touran Biosphere Reserve
The Turan Biosphere Reserve consists of three parts: a national park (8%), a wildlife refuge (17%), and a protected area (75%). This area is located in the southern part of the Tehran-Mashhad highway, northeast of the Dasht-e Kavir (Kavir Desert), west of the Khar Turan region, and east of the Turud region.
After the Nayband Wildlife Refuge, this reserve is the second-largest protected area under the Environmental Protection Organization. Khar Turan is known as the Africa of Iran. This area is located 140 kilometers southeast of Shahrud, 28 kilometers southeast of Biarjomand, and in the central north of the Iranian desert.
Qaleh-ye Bala village
Qaleh-ye Bala village is a tourist destination located near the Turan Biosphere Reserve, 13 kilometers from the city of Biarjomand. The historical and architectural structure of the village, which is in a stepped form, has provided the groundwork for the presence of domestic and foreign tourists. The villages of Givers, Dezyan, and Qaleh Ahmad are located in the vicinity of Qaleh-ye Bala village, where some historical structures such as watermills, baths, and more can be visited.
Khoshyeylaq Wildlife Refuge
The Khoshyeylaq Wildlife Refuge is located in the northeastern part of Shahrud. This area is one of the first protected areas in Iran and has been designated as a wildlife refuge since 1985.
Farahzad Tash Area and Haft Rang Spring
The Farahzad Tash Area and Haft Rang (Seven-Color) Spring are located in Shahrud in the central part of the Alborz Mountains. Due to the abundant water and lush pastures, agriculture and animal husbandry are the main occupations of the people. Haft Rang Spring has been a focus of local attention due to its beauty and therapeutic properties. Farahzad is named for the lush fields and orchards of the area, and Haft Rang Spring is so named because of the springs that display different colors due to the passage of various minerals.
Torud area
The Torud desert area in Shahrud encompasses the largest date palm grove in the northeastern part of the country and, along with the beautiful desert sands, presents another glimpse of the power of God. This village is located 125 kilometers south of Shahrud in the central desert region of Iran. The presence of sand dunes in this area and its proximity to the Chah Jam and Salt Lake make it one of the natural tourist attractions of the country.