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Nahar Khoran Forest Park, a sanctuary of natural wonders
Located along the shores of the Caspian Sea from the Republic of Azerbaijan to Gorgan, the Nahar Khoran Forest Park is a lush expanse dominated by broad-leaved trees, part of the expansive Hyrcanian forests spanning two million hectares. With a diverse geological composition featuring multiple layers, the forest’s elevation ranges from 400 meters to 900 meters above sea level, transitioning from sloping terrain to flat plains. Encompassing a total area of three hundred hectares, the forest garden includes a central district covering one hundred and sixty-eight hectares.
Every corner of the Nahar Khoran Forest Park boasts a variety of terrains, including highlands, valleys, drainage basins, ridges, and springs. Among the notable natural features is the charming Sefid Cheshmeh spring, bubbling in the forest’s highlands. Additionally, Nahar Khoran is home to the Ziarat River, a forty-kilometer waterway fed by the Qarah Su drainage basin, providing essential irrigation for the region.
Within Nahar Khoran, a scenic jungle road leads to the expansive Baba Taher viewpoint, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and lush forest. Complementing Baba Taher, Nahar Khoran features various amenities and attractions, including restaurants, hostels, amusement parks, small markets, hotels, and villas clustered around Nahar Khoran square, Jangal-e Dast Kasht (Hand-planted forest), and paradise. Forest huts are also scattered throughout the area, providing cozy retreats amidst nature.
The diverse wildlife of Nahar Khoran includes inhabitants such as boars, jackals, bats, mice, weasels, squirrels, eagles, falcons, laughing doves, woodpeckers, wagtails, accentors, green forest lizards, starlings, crows, tits, and finches.
The vegetation in Nahar Khoran comprises a rich tapestry of plant species, including oaks, velvet maples, parrotias, European hornbeams, lindens, sweet cherries, date-plums, raspberry bushes, ruscus, common medlars, pines, common hawthorns, cypresses, magnolias, boxwoods, privets, weeping willows, common ivies, and leucanthemums.
Nahar Khoran is also known for its tranquil hiking trails that wind through the forest, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings. The forest is home to a wide variety of bird species, including nightingales, hoopoes, and owls, adding to the rich ecosystem of the area.
Visitors to Nahar Khoran can enjoy picnicking by the riverside, where the peaceful sounds of flowing water and bird songs create a serene atmosphere. The forest is also a popular spot for camping, allowing nature enthusiasts to spend the night under the starlit sky and experience the true essence of the wilderness.
Moreover, Nahar Khoran is known for its vibrant seasonal colors, with the cherry blossoms in spring and the golden hues of autumn leaves adding to the picturesque landscape. The changing flora throughout the year provides a delightful visual feast for those exploring the forest garden.
Overall, Nahar Khoran is not just a forest park but a sanctuary of natural wonders waiting to be discovered and appreciated by all who venture into its verdant embrace.