Abr forest

Abr forest of Shahroud, the natural heritage of Hyrcanian forests is part of the remnants of the third geological period, and it is interesting to know that due to its location which is on the border between two different climates of Semnan and Golestan, the ecotone of this area is important. The unique phenomenon in Abr forest is the ocean of clouds, made up of clouds from the Caspian Sea that didn’t rise, which occurs due to the location of two low and high regions next to each other. The forest is named after this phenomenon. Abr forest is located in Kharqan town, Bastam district, 40 km northeast of Shahroud city. It has an area of ​​35 thousand hectares in the foothills of Alborz mountain range and is a border between Golestan and Semnan provinces.

The beauty of the cloud forest is the result of being on the three different climates contrasting with each other: high-pressure Siberian (dry and cold), high-pressure subtropical (desert heat), and some traces of Atlantic and the Mediterranean climate (moderated and humid). It is a unique phenomenon in its own kind. The highest amount of rainfall is in winter in march, the average annual rainfall of Abr forests is between 400 to 600 mm, and the average temperature of the forest is 20°C. Abr forest is much more beautiful in autumn and winter, but not for travelers on their first experience. it may be better to postpone the pleasure of this trip from May to late October. The coldness of the night and early morning in the forest reminds you to always have your warm clothes and some heating equipment with you.

The confluence of three different climates has created a bank of medicinal plants in the Abr forest. Various woody plants, trees, and shrubs along with these medicinal plants, have doubled the beauty of the forest for biology lovers. Acacia, beech tree, oak, hornbeam, maples, Cappadocian maple, alder, nettle tree, prickly thrift species, acanthophyllum, sainfoin, foxtail grass, thyme, clover, and wild pear along with rare species such as Elm, Checker tree, and Taxus baccata are just a little share of this biodiversity. The most famous tree in the area is juniper, a tree with long roots that crawls on the ground.

Adjust your camera or mobile phone lens when you enter Abr forest, to record everything spectacular. It is a pleasant feeling to know that another creature is watching you from afar.
In the Abr forest, according to what locals of Abr village say, there have been seen animals like hogs, Jackals, Red deers, Hedgehogs, and many raptor birds. This area includes other animal species like brown bears, wolves, leopards, wild boars, jackals, foxes, rabbits, wild goats, roe deer, and snakes. And this is the best opportunity for bird watchers to come and see the birds such as Quebec, Wood pigeon, Quail, Golden eagle, Vulture, Falcon, Common cuckoo and Pheasant. 

Due to the favorable climate of this region, the amount of rain, and the majority of clouds, there are abundant water resources, and springs which provide unique amazement for visitors.

The most important springs of this region are Alu-Chal, Sher Sher, Torsh, Tatht-e-Shabdari, Shah Pasand, Maryam, and Qatari springs.

The most well-known waterfalls of the region are Sher Sher, Alu-Chal, Tighe-Rana, Abarsaj, and Mohammad Chaft. Also, many rivers, such as Zarrin Gol, Rudbar, Pooneh Aram, Nardban, Kordari, are flowing in this area.

To access Abr forest from Shahroud county, it is as follows: In Shahroud road to Azadshahr, after passing Bastam, which is located 6 km of Shahroud, the road continues and after 18 km it reaches Kharqan village and from Kharqan you need to take an unpaved road to Abr village. Anyway, wherever you are, for reaching to the Abr forest, you need to come to Shahroud and Bastam.

The four natural areas in Shahroud county, make it look like a small continent: green forests, sunflower plains, picturesque anemones in Kalpush district of Miami city (a city in Shahroud), Tash river, lush slopes of Shahvar, Mahoors hill, [A1] and beautiful desert sands of Mazinan in Reza Abad, the beautiful groves of Taroud, the protected area of ​​Khartouran, Known as the Africa of Iran, which is the habitat of cheetahs, Asiatic wild ass, Persian ground jay, etc; and eye-catching springs.But this fabulous nature is accompanied by the history of this city. Caravanserais and historical tombs, old bazaars, mosques, and tombs of the Imams, all are a sign of history in the city; Tomb of the famous mystic Bayazid Bastami, Miami Castle, and Bastam city, which it is a history book by itself. You’ll find hospitable people with traditional dishes like Tak Polo, Tahchin, cherry-apple stew with unique flavors that will stay with you. Locals speak Farsi in Shahroudi, local Turkish, and Mazandaran dialects. The souvenirs of this city, like its historical and natural attractions, are varied. several kinds of bread, sweet grapes, all kinds of sweets, and handicrafts which are summarized in carpet and kilim weaving.

To stay in Abr forest, you can use Eco-lodges or rent rooms in Abr and Shirin-Abad villages. If you intend to stay in the forest, it is better to camp at the beginning of the forest or in places where are known for camping which are more common next to the Torsh and the Qatar springs.

When you go to Abr forest, it is better to travel in a group with a guide who is familiar with the route, or you can use the help of local guides and people who are familiar with the area. GPS devices and compasses will be very useful for you.

Due to the importance of Abr forest and its valuable diversity of plants and trees, Abr forest is known as a bank of medicinal plants and also a natural museum. But since people are ignoring these values, they are destroying this fantastic jungle. The most important environmental damage is constructing roads through Abr forest, which has cut down thousands of trees. The other one is the lack of planning in nature tourism and unscientific advertisements for campaigns in this forest.