Iran national parks are guaranteed to surprise you with their diversity, scale, and untamed beauty ,no matter how rare or remote your dream destinations may be, . As a four-season country, Iran boasts simultaneous climate zones—snow-covered mountains, lush forests, arid deserts, and coastal plains—all within reach. Traveling from the Alborz Mountains in the north to the Persian Gulf in the south is like crossing multiple continents in one trip.
Whether you’re into hiking, camping, or wildlife photography, this guide to the top Iranian national parks will give you a memorable glimpse into the wild heart of the country—and maybe even inspire you to add one of them to your Iran tour itinerary.
1. Golestan National Park – Iran’s UNESCO Forest Reserve (Golestan Province)
Located in the eastern Alborz range, Golestan National Park is Iran’s oldest protected area and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, covering over 90,000 hectares. The park’s diverse terrain—ranging from lush forests to open grasslands—creates multiple microclimates. With an altitude variance of up to 2,000 meters, it’s home to half of Iran’s mammal species, including red deer, brown bears, urials, Persian leopards, and even Asiatic cheetahs.
Top Activities: Wildlife watching, jungle trekking, waterfall visits
Best Time to Visit: Spring and early autumn
2. Lar National Park – The Land of Thousand Springs (Mazandaran Province)
Nestled at the foot of Mount Damavand, Lar National Park spans 30,000 hectares of alpine meadows, wildflower plains, and snow-fed rivers. The landscape is truly cinematic: imagine clear lakes mirroring the snow-capped Damavand while herds of urial sheep and flocks of golden eagles roam free. Fishing is permitted during summer months, making it a paradise for anglers and photographers alike.
Top Activities: Fishing, eco camping, spring photography
Camping Info: Permitted June–September
3. Khojir National Park – Haven for Endangered Species (Tehran Province)
Just east of Tehran, Khojir National Park lies within the Jajrood Protected Area and covers 10,000 hectares. Despite being close to the capital, it remains a sanctuary for rare wildlife such as Persian leopards, striped hyenas, wild goats, and even gray wolves. With its cold-to-semi-humid climate and peaks reaching 2,100 meters, it’s ideal for mountain climbing and wildlife spotting.
Top Activities: Hiking, wildlife photography, spring visits
Must-See: Jajrood River and freshwater springs
4. Kavir National Park – Iran’s “Little Africa” (Semnan Province)
Covering a vast 420,000 hectares, Kavir National Park is one of Iran’s largest desert and saltland ecosystems, fed by the Qom River and seasonal springs. Its nickname, “Iran’s Little Africa,” comes from the surprising presence of Iranian zebras, cheetahs, and striped hyenas. Historical gems like Bahram’s Castle and a 30km cobbled caravan road from the Silk Road era add cultural charm.
Top Activities: Desert trekking, photography, historical exploration
Landmarks: Bahram’s Castle, salt lakes, colored cliffs
5. Sorkheh Hesar National Park – Nature + Adventure Combo (Tehran Province)
Only 20 minutes from downtown Tehran, Sorkheh Hesar spans 9,500 hectares and is ideal for those seeking a mix of nature and recreation. Alongside natural beauty and species like the Persian fallow deer, it hosts a variety of entertainment facilities—including paintball, archery, and game centers. Don’t miss Yaqoot Castle, a historic structure nearly 100 years old.
Top Activities: Birdwatching, picnics, family sports
Cultural Site: Yaqoot Castle
Book this city-adjacent park tour
6. Ghomishloo National Park – Iran’s Oldest National Park (Isfahan Province)
Often dubbed the “Grandmother of National Parks,” Ghomishloo near Isfahan spans 83,000 hectares. This cold-dry pastureland is famous for Iranian gazelles, urials, and the haunting beauty of the Qajar-era Ghamishloo Castle. Although water sources are scarce, this makes the ecosystem especially resilient and unique.
Top Activities: Hiking, heritage visits, fauna watching
Highlight Species: Iranian gazelles & urials
7. Khabr National Park – Home of the Fearless Honey Badger (Kerman Province)
With 120,000 hectares across three climate zones—cold, mild, and tropical—Khabr National Park is one of the most ecologically diverse places in Iran. It’s famously home to the Mellivora capensis (honey badger), known for its fearless behavior, even against lions! Add caves, waterfalls, and peaks like Shahzadeh Mountain (4,375m) and you’ve got the full wild adventure.
Top Activities: Cave exploration, hiking, biodiversity observation
Unique Species: Tool-using honey badger
Book this Kerman wilderness tour
8. Bamu National Park – Valleys of Graceful Gazelles (Fars Province)
Bamu National Park, covering 48,000 hectares, lies at the foot of Mount Bamu (2,700m) with three parallel mountain chains and deep valleys. Herds of elegant gazelles roam freely here. The climate and rainfall support a wide range of flora and fauna, and a new educational museum on site enriches your visit with insights into the park’s geology and biodiversity.
Top Activities: Wildlife spotting, educational tours, valley hikes
Key Species: Persian leopard, gazelles, wild goats
Why Iran’s National Parks Should Be On Your List
Whether you’re into wildlife watching, hiking through hidden trails, or camping under a starlit desert sky, the national parks of Iran offer unforgettable encounters with rare species and landscapes untouched by mass tourism. Some parks like Kavir and Khojir are among the best for spotting endangered species, while Golestan and Lar highlight Iran’s four-season beauty in one frame.
- Always check park entrance fees and seasonal access before visiting
- Many parks require permits or guided tours (especially for protected areas)
- Best times: Spring and Autumn for most parks
If you’re planning your next eco-tourism experience in Iran, make sure to include at least one national park. You’ll return home with unforgettable stories—and perhaps a few rare wildlife sightings to brag about.
Contact TAP Persia to plan your guided national park tour today.
