Kala Wetland

Kala Wetland is one of the most beautiful natural mountain wetlands in Mazandaran Province. It lies east of Kala village, in the lush Hezarjarib region. Situated at an altitude of about 1,600 meters above sea level between two high mountains, it offers a pristine, peaceful landscape and is one of the lesser-known nature tourism attractions of northern Iran. The wetland is about 220 meters long and nearly 130 meters wide, and its water comes from precipitation, snowmelt from the surrounding heights, and several permanent springs. This small lake, set among forested mountains, with its dark yet clear water, creates a stunning, dreamlike scene that is clearly visible even from the road leading to the village.

Kala Wetland lies in the heart of the Hezarjarib region, a mountainous area of nearly 49,000 hectares that is among the most valuable natural areas of Mazandaran and Golestan provinces. Dense forests of hornbeam, beech, oak, boxwood, ironwood (Persian ironwood), wild medlar, wild apple, mountain barberry and other forest species, together with valuable medicinal plants such as borage and thyme, create an exceptional natural setting around the wetland. In spring and early summer, the surrounding meadows take on a colorful look with poppies, violets and wild saffron. For most months of the year the climate in the area is cold, humid and misty, which makes the wetland a calm and pleasant place for nature lovers.

The best route to Kala Wetland is from the city of Neka. After passing through the villages of Zarandin, Kalarudbar, Lai, Zarum and Pain Zangat, you reach Kala village, and this is the most suitable route for a visit. There is another route from the city of Galugah, but the Neka route is usually the better choice. The last five kilometers of the route are a winding mountain pass called "Chamchami", which requires great caution on rainy days because it is slippery. The best time to visit the wetland is during the months of Tir and Mordad (late June to August), when the weather is milder and nature is at its most beautiful. Visitors are also encouraged to help protect this valuable mountain ecosystem by not leaving litter, not damaging the vegetation and keeping water sources clean.