Binalud Protected Area

Binalud Protected Area is one of Iran's most outstanding natural regions. Located in Razavi Khorasan Province, it covers parts of the Binalud mountain range. The area lies in the center of this range, close to the cities of Torqabeh-Shandiz, Neyshabur and Chenaran. In 1389 (2010) it was added to the list of protected areas, with a total area of more than 64,399 hectares, to safeguard its ecological value and the diversity of its plant and animal species. The Binalud range is itself one of the most distinctive natural landscapes in northeastern Iran, and its highest summit, Mount Binalud, at about 3,211 meters, is recognized as one of the region's natural landmarks.

This protected area has remarkable biodiversity, both plant and animal. Among its species are large mammals such as wild sheep (urial and mouflon), wild boar and gazelle, as well as birds of prey such as eagles and falcons. The high-altitude and rocky habitats of Binalud also support a variety of plant communities, including herbaceous plants, shrubs and some native species belonging to the Irano-Turanian phytogeographic region. Parts of this vegetation also include distinctive elements with regional distributions, which point to the complex evolutionary history of the range's ecosystems.

To reach Binalud Protected Area, you can set out from the cities of Mashhad or Neyshabur and drive along the mountain roads and through the villages on the edge of the Binalud range until you reach the area's natural entrances. Numerous footpaths and side roads provide access to different parts of the highlands. The best time to visit is spring and early autumn, when the weather is milder and nature is at its greenest and most spectacular. Visitors should follow the principles of responsible nature tourism: stay on the marked trails, pick up their litter, avoid making noise, and avoid getting too close to wildlife, so that the ecosystem is preserved and others can enjoy their visit too.