Central Alborz Protected Area

Central Alborz Protected Area is one of the largest and most important protected areas in Iran. It covers about 398,826 hectares across three provinces, Mazandaran, Tehran and Alborz, with most of it lying in Mazandaran Province. The area is part of the vast Alborz mountain range, which stretches from north of Tehran to the southern shores of the Caspian Sea, and it takes in mountain landscapes, lush valleys, rivers, springs and striking cliffs.

Thanks to its unique climatic and topographic diversity, this protected area is home to many animal and plant species. More than 48 mammal species live here, including the brown bear, wild goat (ibex), wild sheep (mouflon), Persian leopard and wolf, and more than 156 bird species and 26 reptile species have also been recorded. This valuable biodiversity shows the great ecological importance of the area. Its natural scenery, numerous rivers, waterfalls, the forest cover on the northern slopes and the wide variety of plants are other outstanding features of the protected area.

To reach Central Alborz Protected Area, visitors usually use mountain roads and local access routes near the cities of Nowshahr, Chalus and Firuzkuh. Because the terrain is rugged and mountainous, walking is recommended, along with vehicles suited to dirt roads on some sections. The best time to visit is spring and summer, when the weather is milder, the vegetation is at its peak and the natural footpaths are open for exploring. During your visit, following the principles of responsible nature tourism, such as keeping quiet around wildlife habitats, not lighting fires and carrying out all your rubbish, plays an important part in protecting the area's fragile ecosystems.