If you are a botanical buff, Abr Jungle (Clouds Forest) is the best choice. You will see a part of the oldest Caspian Hyrcanian mixed forests with rare animal and plant species.
Abr Jungle (Clouds Forest) is one one the marvelous parts of Caspian Hyrcanian mixed forest, which is the border between the Semnan province and Golestan province. It is placed in Kharqan rural district, Bastam district, Shahrud, eastern Alborz region, and northwest of Khar Turan National Park. Due to the gathering of heavy clouds over the sky of this jungle, is known as the Abr Jungle (Cloud Forest). It seems like the clouds are floating across the trees.
The height of this jungle above sea level, low temperature during the hot season, abundant springs, and various vegetation are the features of the Abr Jungle (Cloud Forest). In terms of the geologic period, the Abr Jungle (Cloud Forest) dates back to the Cenozoic. The jungle receives rainfall of 400-500 millimeters. The air temperature is between 6 to 20 degrees Celsius.
The rare plant species of the Abr Jungle (Cloud Forest) amazes a large number of botanical buffs. Also, you will see plenty of medicinal plants in this forest. The beginning part of the Abr jungle is used as the Yaylak (summer highland pasture) for shepherds, but in the depths of the forest, there is no human trace.
Juniper is the most famous tree in this forest, but there are 85 plant species in the Abr Jungle (Clouds Forest) as follows: beech, oak, Carpinus betulus, Acer cappadocicum, alder, Celtis australis, acantholimon, acanthophyllum, sainfoin, alopecurus, thymes, clover, elm, Sorbus torminalis, and English yew.
Brown bear, wolf, leopard, Wild boar, jackal, fox, Wild goat, Roe deer, snakes, partridge, Common wood pigeon, quail, Golden eagle, vulture, falcon, Common cuckoo, and Ring-necked Pheasant are the fauna of Abr Jungle.
Late April to late October is the best time to visit the Abr Jungle (Cloud Forest). Watching heavy clouds is possible during this period.
Abr Jungle (Clouds Forest) is situated in the northeast of Iran. To reach the jungle, go towards the Bastam district the four kilometers north of Shahrud, after reaching Shahrud. Then go 35 kilometers from the road of Shahrud-Azadshahr and reach the Abr village. It is about a two-hour walk from the Abr village to the Abr Jungle (Clouds Forest) and takes 3 hours and 22 minutes by car.
“Oh! Squander not this breath that Heaven hath lent thee, Nor make too sure another breath to borrow!’” Khayam