Helali Protected Area

Helali Protected Area is one of the most beautiful and pristine natural habitats in Iran. It is located in Razavi Khorasan Province, within the counties of Gonabad and Bajestan. The area was first designated a no-hunting zone and was later upgraded to a protected area. This natural habitat covers more than 120,000 hectares, and its elevation ranges from 1,100 to 2,578 meters. Its unique climate and geography have made Helali a leading destination for nature tourism in Razavi Khorasan and for environmental research.

The vegetation of Helali Protected Area includes a variety of species such as saxaul (taghe), wild pistachio (baneh), zygophyllum (qeych), wormwood (artemisia), thyme, wild thyme (kakuti), black cumin and barberry, which play an important role in conserving soil and water resources. The area is also home to wildlife including gazelles, the Persian leopard, wild goats and ibex, wild sheep (urial) and mouflon, wild boar, hares, hyenas and a variety of birds of prey. This rich diversity has made Helali one of the most important natural habitats in eastern Iran, and it is fascinating and valuable both for environmental researchers and for nature lovers.

The best time to visit Helali Protected Area is spring, especially the month of Ordibehesht (late April to May), when the plains and mountains are covered with red and yellow tulips and poppies, giving the landscape a stunning beauty. The area can be reached via the Gonabad–Bajestan road, and secondary dirt tracks lead to its various entrances. When enjoying nature tourism in Razavi Khorasan and visiting Helali, it is very important to follow the principles of responsible travel in nature: avoid harming plants and animals, collect your trash, keep fires out in sensitive areas, and maintain quiet and calm so as not to disturb the wildlife.