Escape urban life, embrace untamed beauty in Aghuzhal Highland
Mazandaran Province, the jewel of tourism in Iran, always captivates hearts with its abundant attractions, but its lush summer highlands offer an indescribable experience of delightful weather and pristine nature. Aghuzhal Highland is one of these heavenly destinations, where the cool breeze seems to promise deep tranquility.
If you are looking to escape the city’s hustle and find absolute silence, Aghuzhal Highland in western part of Mazandaran Province, with its dreamy coolness and dirt paths leading you to the heart of the mountains and the depths of the Dohezar forests, is an ideal place for you — a place where only the sound of nature accompanies your steps.
This heavenly region is perfect for lovers of long walks and mountaineering; from dense forests to mountain climbing trails, every step in Aghuzhal Highland offers a fresh experience of untouched natural beauty, IRNA wrote.
To reach this lost paradise, after passing through Tonekabon and the Dohezar forests, follow the Dehestan sign and entrust yourself to the mountain dirt road; in Aghuzhal, where cars have no place, the road turns into a walking trail leading you to the heart of its pristine nature.
If it is your first time going to Aghuzhal, we suggest planning your trip with experienced guides, as this area is a professional nature travel route in Iran.
What to bring with us?
To enjoy the trip to the summer highland area of Aghuzhal, like any other trip, there are some essentials that tourists must have with them. These include personal items, identification card, necessary medications, towel, spoon and fork, a mat for sitting and resting, suitable hiking shoes, backpack for carrying gear, trash bags for preserving environmental cleanliness, sleeping bag for night rest, flashlight for nighttime illumination, windbreaker for protection against wind and rain, warm clothes for cool nights, and a cup for drinking liquids. These items help ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable journey.
Flora and fauna
The forests in Aghuzhal are a treasure of towering, centuries-old trees. These forests are covered with beech, plane, Hyrcanian, and maple trees that together create a stunning and lush landscape. The unique humidity, appropriate elevation, and fertile soil provide ideal conditions for the growth and development of diverse, long-lived plants. Interestingly, the ferns in these forests date back to prehistoric times and are relics of ancient eras. The village houses here are mostly made of beech wood, reflecting the deep bond between the people and nature. The running rivers and streams among the villages add a special freshness and vitality to the area.
Unique biodiversity
Along the forest paths, the pleasant sounds of birds herald a rich and diverse ecosystem. Various animal species coexist in this region, from birds and reptiles to mammals, amphibians, and fish. The biodiversity of Aghuzhal makes it an environmentally valuable area.
Among the mammals in this region are deer, wild sheep, wolves, wildcats, foxes, and wild boars. The plains and meadows of Aghuzhal are also home to wild horses, whose beauty and grandeur add a special charm to the area. Besides mammals, Aghuzhal is a habitat for various bird species. These include pheasants, partridges, golden eagles, and white-headed ducks, each playing an important role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region.
Milash Waterfall
On your trip to Aghuzhal Highland, besides enjoying the beauty of the forests in this area, do not miss the opportunity to visit the quiet and lush tourist attractions of Mazandaran Province, especially Milash Waterfall. This waterfall, located in a village with the same name, is known as the tallest waterfall in northern Iran. With a height of 25 meters, it is situated deep in the Dohezar forest, about one kilometer west of the village. Milash Waterfall, with its breathtaking views and pristine surrounding nature, is an ideal place for rest and rejuvenation.
The pool at the base of Milash Waterfall is no deeper than 70 centimeters and is covered with small and large stones. These features make Milash Waterfall a safe and suitable spot for family recreation and swimming for tourists. The soothing sound of the waterfall and the cool water offer visitors a sense of calm and freshness.
To access Milash Waterfall, you must first drive to Milash village in your private vehicle. After arriving in the village, about 20 to 30 minutes of walking along suitable and green paths will take you to the waterfall. This walk through nature is an opportunity to enjoy the forest’s beauty and breathe fresh and clean air. Upon reaching the waterfall, you can rest beside it, enjoy the unique views, and create memorable moments with your friends and family.
Daryasar Plain
One of the attractions near this highland is Daryasar Plain, which is located not far away. In spring, Daryasar Plain turns into a colorful tableau; its vast lands are covered with white chamomile flowers, creating a delightful view. This plain is located in the Dohezar hills region, south of Tonekabon, and with its pleasant weather and stunning natural scenery, provides an excellent opportunity for walking and photography.
Nousha village
Another lesser-known but amazing attraction near Aghuzhal is Nousha village. This village, 50 kilometers from Tonekabon, has become a hidden paradise due to its special geographical location. Access to Nousha is possible only by horse or on foot, adding to the village’s charm and offering tourists a different travel experience. The best time to visit this village is from May to September when nature is at its peak beauty, allowing visitors to enjoy natural landscapes and rural life.
Traveling to Aghuzhal and visiting Nousha village is an opportunity to experience nature’s wonders and spend unforgettable moments in the heart of the mountains and green plains. These two places, with their unique beauty, can offer a different and peaceful experience to every traveler. Indeed, this trip is not only a chance to see natural landscapes but also an opportunity to connect with local culture and simple rural life.
Travel time
The best time to travel to Aghuzhal is summer. During this season, the weather is cool and pleasant, without humidity, providing travelers with a delightful experience of nature. Given the natural beauty and stunning views of the area, summer is suitable for hiking and exploring the plains and forests. Also, in this season, you can enjoy various activities such as camping and nature photography.
Although summer is the best time to visit Aghuzhal, you can also visit the area and its surroundings in early spring. At this time, nature gradually blooms, and flowers and plants begin to grow. However, before traveling to higher elevations, plains, and highlands, be sure to check the weather conditions. On rainy days, forest hiking may be very difficult and risky.
One important point to consider is that higher elevations usually have lower temperatures than the forests and lower paths. Therefore, without knowing the weather conditions, especially in spring, it is best to avoid going to the highlands. With proper planning and awareness of weather conditions, you can have a memorable and safe trip to Aghuzhal and enjoy its natural beauty.