Visit the beautiful northern Iran, known for diverse fauna and tropical weather, with the beautiful Caspian sea.
Northern Iran is a world apart from the desert heartland of the country. Where the central plateau bakes under the sun, the north is a green sanctuary of misty forests, rolling rice paddies, high-altitude meadows, rushing rivers, and tea-scented coastal towns. Stretching along the southern shores of the Caspian Sea and flanked by the Alborz Mountains, this region includes the provinces of Gilan, Mazandaran, and Golestan, each offering its own distinct blend of culture, geography, and charm.
HiPersia’s Northern Iran tours are designed to immerse travelers in both the natural beauty and traditional life of this richly varied region. Whether you’re seeking alpine hikes, village stays, castle treks, or just time by the sea, northern Iran offers all of it often within a day’s drive of each other.
Most northern Iran adventures begin with a scenic drive from Tehran via the Haraz or Chalous roads, both winding through the Alborz mountain range. Along Haraz Road, travelers are treated to panoramic views, river valleys, cascading waterfalls, and hidden villages tucked into forested ridges.
One of the key stops here is Larijan, a small mountainous village renowned for its natural hot springs. The sulfur-rich thermal baths offer rejuvenating relief, especially after a hike or long drive. Nearby lies Mount Damavand, Iran’s highest peak at 5,609 meters. While summiting Damavand requires mountaineering experience, even hiking in its foothills rewards you with wildflower meadows, clean alpine air, and vistas that seem pulled from mythology. The mountain is deeply rooted in Persian folklore and literature, often seen as a symbol of resistance and majesty.
Continuing through this route, you’ll pass Amol, a historic town with old caravanserais and a thriving local market, leading you gradually into the dense forests of Mazandaran.
Mazandaran is one of the greenest regions of Iran. From the Caspian shoreline up to the forested slopes of the Alborz, this province offers diverse landscapes within a compact area. The climate is humid subtropical, with heavy rainfall supporting the vast Hyrcanian forests remnants of an ancient ecosystem dating back over 40 million years.
HiPersia’s northern tours often include Chalus and Nowshahr, two vibrant coastal towns ideal for a relaxed day by the sea. Their proximity to both mountain trails and sandy beaches makes them excellent base points. You can explore tea plantations, go hiking in forest parks like Namarestagh, or take a cable car ride from Namakabrud up into the mountains, offering stunning views of the sea and valleys below.
Heading inland from these towns, travelers find opportunities for eco-trekking through cedar and oak-covered hills, bird watching in protected wetlands, and encounters with local farmers who still live according to traditional agricultural cycles.
Savadkuh, home to pristine valleys and the historic Veresk Bridge, built by Austrians during World War II. The area is known for its mountain train route and old railway stations.
Moving west into Gilan Province, the landscape becomes even more lush and atmospheric. Known for its heavy rainfall, misty mornings, and dense jungle-like forests, Gilan is also culturally rich, with its own language (Gilaki), cuisine, and architecture.
One of the crown jewels of Gilan is Masuleh, a historical stepped village where houses are built into the mountainside in such a way that one home’s roof is another’s yard. Walking through its narrow, cobbled lanes, you encounter artisanal shops, old tea houses, and panoramic views over forested ridges. No cars are allowed inside the village, preserving its timeless charm.
Not far from Masuleh lies Rudkhan Castle, a 1,000-year-old fortress built during the Sassanid era. The hike to the top takes about 1.5 to 2 hours through thick Hyrcanian forest, with moss-covered steps and babbling brooks along the way. The reward at the summit is a sweeping view of the green canopy below and the majestic stone towers of the castle itself.
The provincial capital, Rasht, is known as the “City of Rain.” It's famous for its vibrant bazaar, where visitors can sample local delicacies such as Mirza Ghasemi (smoked eggplant and garlic), Baghali Ghatogh (fava bean stew), and pickled vegetables. Rasht is also the gateway to the Anzali Lagoon, a vast wetland important for migratory birds and boat tours.
Another highlight is the Talesh region, where the forested mountains descend straight into the sea. Here, HiPersia may arrange treks through alpine pastures, encounters with the Talysh people, and nights in traditional wooden cottages. The region is especially beautiful in late spring and early autumn, with fog rolling through the hills and wildflowers blooming in the high meadows.
At the eastern edge of northern Iran lies Golestan Province, often less visited but incredibly rewarding for those who venture further. The province combines mountainous terrain with the arid steppe of Turkmen Sahra and the lush forests of Golestan National Park, Iran’s oldest protected natural area.
Golestan National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of the most important wildlife habitats in the country. It’s home to Persian leopards, red deer, wild goats, and more than 150 bird species. HiPersia’s eco-tours here include guided safaris, nature walks, and photography-focused trips.
The cultural identity here is diverse. The eastern plains are home to the Turkmen ethnic group, known for their elaborate horse festivals, felt tents (yurts), and unique weaving traditions. A visit to Gonbad-e Kavus allows you to see the iconic Gonbad Qabus Tower, a soaring 11th-century monument built by the Ziyarid dynasty and recognized by UNESCO.
Further into the hills, Khalid Nabi Cemetery features mysterious stone tombs resembling human forms. Set on windswept grasslands near the border with Turkmenistan, it’s both a historical and scenic highlight.
HiPersia curates multi-day tours that combine cultural immersion, outdoor adventure, and comfortable travel logistics. A typical itinerary through northern Iran might begin in Tehran and weave through the Alborz highlands, into Mazandaran’s forests and seaside towns, up to the Gilan highlands with stops in Masuleh and Rudkhan, and then finally east to Golestan’s national parks and plains.
Transportation is arranged by air-conditioned vehicles with experienced drivers. Accommodations range from boutique hotels in Rasht to eco-lodges in mountain villages. Meals feature local specialties, and guides often double as cultural interpreters, offering insights into the traditions, dialects, and customs of each area.
Travelers interested in hiking, bird watching, photography, or ethnographic experiences will find many opportunities to engage deeply with their surroundings. Tours can be tailored to match fitness levels and specific interests, including short nature walks or challenging treks across mountainous terrain.
The best time to explore Northern Iran is from April to October. Spring offers green hills and blooming flowers, while summer is perfect for coastal relaxation. Autumn transforms the forests into a cascade of gold and red. Winters, while beautiful, can be rainy or snowy, especially in the highlands.
Pack layered clothing to accommodate sudden changes in temperature, especially when moving from coastal areas to mountain zones. Waterproof jackets, hiking shoes, insect repellent, and reusable water bottles are recommended. Binoculars and cameras are a must for nature lovers.
“Oh! Squander not this breath that Heaven hath lent thee, Nor make too sure another breath to borrow!’” Khayam