Would you like to stand above the clouds or ride a bike in the heart of the forest and on the clouds? Maybe you want to spend the night in the heart of the lush forest with rich vegetation and starry sky? Abar Shahrood Cloud Forest in Iran, this attractive tourist attraction of Semnan, with an area of 35 thousand hectares, is a unique forest in Semnan province, the trip to which can become a very pleasant memory in your mind. So join us on the Hey Persia blog to visit this 40 million year old region and learn more about it.
Introducing the cloud forest
Have you ever seen the photos of Abar Shahrood cloud forest on the internet? Do you know what are the characteristics of the cloud forest? Abar Shahroud Forest is one of the most attractive scenic areas of Semnan, which will keep you entertained for hours in the heart of nature due to its abundant and diverse vegetation, fruit trees and springs. If one of your childhood dreams was to walk on the clouds, we promise you that in this area you can come close to fulfilling your dream!
What are the characteristics of Shahrood cloud forest?
In this part, while introducing the features of the region, we will also introduce you to the places of interest in the cloud forest in Shahroud:
The age of cloud forest
Cloud forest is an old forest that dates back to the Jurassic era, the third geological period. This forest is a part of the Hyrcanian forests, which has registered in the world heritage list.
Specific geographic location
Abar Shahrood forest has a special geographical location and it is the meeting place of 3 special climates of South and West Asia. In fact, it is the meeting place of 3 high pressure areas with cold and dry currents, hot and desert high pressure area and wet current.
Abar Shahrood forest
Shahroud cloud forest has an area of 35 thousand hectares and its height varies between 800-2900 meters and this has caused the diversity of flora and fauna in the region.
There are various waterfalls in the cloud forest In the cloud forest, there are 2 waterfalls named “Aluchal” and “Shershar”, and in this part we will examine the status of each of them:
Alochal waterfall
Alochal waterfall is created by connecting two smaller waterfalls. This 25-meter waterfall is also known as the bride of Shahroud Abar Forest waterfalls. To visit Alochal waterfall, you need to go to Shirin Abad village and continue on your way. Of course, you can also take the path of Alochal waterfall from inside the forest and the path of Pakub. It only takes an hour of walking to reach Alochal waterfall to reach this area.
Shersher waterfall
To see the Shershar waterfall, you must be a professional and expert climber and have the right equipment with you. The distance between Alochal waterfall and Shershar is about 64 km, which takes an hour.
Abar Shahroud forest spring and lake
Among the unique and special features of Abar Shahroud forest, there are about 30 springs in it. “Seasonal Lake Maryam” is one of the beautiful lakes of the region. Camping next to springs such as Chashma Taresh, Qatari and Shah Pasand can relieve the fatigue of the road and the path.
Abar Shahrood forest
In Dalan Behesht, you can see heaven in objective reality. As its name suggests, Dalan Behesht is a very beautiful and unique space on the way to Alochal waterfall. In this area, various tall trees are located next to each other. In such a way that their crowns are connected to each other and provide you with a unique view. It is recommended that you carry a camera with you to take beautiful pictures of this earthly paradise and record it as a memory.
Maran Castle
Another sight-seeing attraction of Abar Shahroud Cloud Forest is Maran Castle, which can be seen from a distance on top of the mountain. To visit Maran Castle, you need high physical fitness and a professional guide.
Existence of various villages and village tourism in Abar forest
So far, everything we have said about the features of the cloud forest refers to its natural attractions. This region also has a variety of scenic villages, among which Shirin Abad village can be mentioned on the way to Alochal waterfall. In addition to Shirin Abad village, there is also Abar village, whose houses can be used even for overnight stay.
Cycling in the Shahrood Cloud Forest in Iran
In this forest, it is possible to ride a bicycle on specific and standard routes. You may have seen videos of cycling through the cloud forest on the internet.
Rare plants
There are about 85 rare plants in this area. Some of the diverse plants and trees of this region are oak, maple, chobak, Mirhasan’s hat, etc.
Where is Abar Shahrood Cloud Forest in Iran
Every time we hear the name of green forest, we often expect this unique space in the north of Iran. But Jangal Abar is one of the must-see places in Semnan province, which is located 40 km from Shahroud, in Bastam section and Kharghan village. This forest is located in eastern Alborz and 12 kilometers from the village of the same name, Abar. In fact, the cloud forest is located on the border of Semnan and Golestan provinces.
What is the access route to the cloud forest?
If you are going to travel to Abar Forest from Tehran, you should go from Shahroud or Bastam to Azad Shahr, then continue your route after Azad Shahr to Kharghan No and finally to Abar Forest. It is necessary to point out an important point, if you want to go into the forest by car, you can only enter by car until the end of the pastures, and then it is not possible. Additionally, The distance between Tehran and Abar forest is 453 km, the distance between Abar forest and Semnan is about 138 meters, and the distance between Shahroud and the forest is about 45 km.
The best time to travel to Abar SShahrood Cloud Forest in Iran
The cloud forest has no clouds all year round. The best time to travel to this area and watch the ocean of clouds is spring and early May to the beginning of October. If you are a fan of autumn and fall leaves, visit this area in autumn. Abar Shahroud Cloud Forest has cool and pleasant weather in the summer despite the towering trees and the mountainous location of the area, and you can even camp in this area for overnight stays. Traveling to Abar Shahrood Cloud Forest in winter is dangerous and we never recommend it.
How are the amenities of Abar Shahroud Forest?
The only comfort this forest has is the existence of several toilets. There is no restaurant or hotel to stay in the cloud forest. It is better to prepare the food you need before traveling to this area and take it with you. In addition, there is no mobile phone antenna in this area.
What is the situation of staying in Abar Shahrood Cloud Forest in Iran
There are no facilities like hotels or ecotourism in this Hyrkanian forest. Only you can camp in this area, and we recommend that if you want to camp, be sure to go with a knowledgeable and professional nature traveler to give you the necessary guidance and at the same time take care of you. If you plan to stay in village houses, you can go to Abar village and rent houses from the villagers. Therefore, there are several ecotourism lodges near the forest that you can go to for accommodation. But if you want to spend the night in a hotel, you should go to Shahrood city and use the hotels in that area.
Shahrood Cloud Forest in Iran
Abar Shahrood Cloud Forest in Iran is one of the pristine and beautiful areas of Hyrkani forests located in Semnan province. Of course, this forest is not the only area of Iran where you can witness the ocean of clouds by traveling to it. This also happens in Olsbelangah village of Gilan and Filband village of Mazandaran. Abar forest is one of the tourist attractions of Semnan province, which different travel agencies organize various tours to travel to this area. Therefore, We do our best in Hey Persia to provide services suitable for the age and dignity of your loved ones and to be able to satisfy you. It is enough to join us once in Iran tours to become our constant companions.
