AttractionsIran TourismMazandaranNature

Lafoor Forest in Mazandaran: A Millennium of Iranian Nature!

A True Paradise for Nature Enthusiasts

Deep within the untouched forests of Mazandaran, there lies a breathtaking natural beauty that captivates every nature enthusiast for ages! Today, we will introduce you to a forest from Mazandaran located in the city of Savadkuh, which is 40 million years old. Exploring this forest will bring immense peace to your experience. Join us in this blog as we explore the Lafoor Forest in Mazandaran and its stunning beauty.

Where is Lafoor Forest in Mazandaran?

As mentioned, this forest is situated in the city of Savadkuh in Mazandaran province. Once you enter the city of Savadkuh, head towards the Lafoor rural district and encounter this pristine, vast eight-hectare forest. The forest encompasses several villages such as Darazkola, Seydkola, Amirkola, and Kalikola. The untouched nature of this region makes it one of the main destinations for travelers in Mazandaran.

Route to Lafoor Forest in Mazandaran

Route to Lafoor Forest in Mazandaran
Route to Lafoor Forest in Mazandaran

To reach Lafoor Forest in Mazandaran from Tehran, head towards Mazandaran province. Take the Firuzkuh road and pass through the cities of Pol-e Sefid, Firuzkuh, and Shirgah until you reach this ancient forest. The distance from Tehran to this forest is not vast and is a suitable option for weekend trips. The travel time by car from Tehran is three hours (234 kilometers). Use Google Maps to avoid getting lost on the 30-kilometer route from Shirgah to Lafoor Dam.

History of Lafoor Forest in Mazandaran

Lafoor Forest, Mazandaran, Iran
Lafoor Forest, Mazandaran, Iran

Lafoor, or Lapur in the local language, means the meeting place of two rivers. Due to the various large and small rivers in Lafoor Forest in Mazandaran and their confluence, it is named Lafoor Forest. This forest is recognized as a 40-year-old habitat because it houses rare species of plants and animals native to Iran that are not seen anywhere else in the world. In a sense, this forest counts among the national treasures.

The size of this beautiful forest in Mazandaran has decreased due to various disasters like fires or insects compared to the past. However, it still strives to maintain its appearance and greenery. There are many historical artifacts in this forest, such as food pots and stone molds that testify to the rich history of this forest.

Scenic Areas in Lafoor Forest in Mazandaran

In addition to the countless beauties of this Hyrcanian forest that you will never tire of seeing, there are specific scenic areas in this ancient forest that are very suitable for nature tours and photography by travelers.

Eskelym Waterfall

Eskelym Waterfall, Mazandaran, Iran
Eskelym Waterfall, Mazandaran, Iran

Eskelym Waterfall, from Lafoor Forest in Mazandaran

This waterfall, formed in a stair-like manner, is 32 meters high. The calcareous nature of this scenic waterfall means that swimming in it can provide many therapeutic benefits, rightfully earning Eskelym Waterfall the nickname “the bride of Lafoor Forest in Mazandaran.” The address of the waterfall is as follows: Babol, Galashkala road, and the end of a village with the same name. Reaching it requires several hours of hiking from Lafoor Forest.

Seven Waterfalls (Haft Abshar)

Haft Abshar in Mazandaran
Haft Abshar in Mazandaran

To see the Seven Waterfalls (Haft Abshar), head to the western part of the forest and the end of Darazkola village. The Seven Waterfalls have two large and small sections. You will reach the Seven Waterfalls after a two-hour walk in Lafoor Forest in Mazandaran. Swimming is also possible at this waterfall during the summer seasons.

Azarrud Forest Park

Azarrud Forest Park
Azarrud Forest Park

The nature and favorable climate that the unique Azarrud forest possesses make it the best area in Lafoor Forest in Mazandaran for picnicking and camping.

Senbol-rud Dam

Senbol-rud Dam, Mazandaran, Iran
Senbol-rud Dam, Mazandaran, Iran

Senbol-rud Dam invites you to view it in Shirgah village. This beautiful dam is an excellent area for fishing and boating. Be sure to try this experience.

Palang Darreh

Palang Darreh, Mazandaran
Palang Darreh, Mazandaran

Palang Darreh, from Lafoor Forest in Mazandaran

Palang Darreh is among the most scenic areas of Lafoor Forest in Mazandaran. The river in this valley is suitable for swimming and will keep you entertained for several hours. This valley is located in Shirgah village and the eastern part of the forest, and reaching it requires several hours of hiking.

In the blog below, you can read more about Palang Darreh:

Terez Waterfall

Terez Waterfall, Lafoor Forest
Terez Waterfall, Lafoor Forest

Walking through Lafoor Forest in Mazandaran, you’ll reach the village of Quran Talar, which has pristine nature and is accessible via a wooden bridge over its river, leading you to Terez Waterfall. This waterfall is about 18 meters high.

Best Time to Visit Lafoor Forest in Mazandaran

This forest is beautiful in all four seasons. However, if you want to record a trip with cool, pleasant weather and have the opportunity to swim in its flowing waters, the best time would be during the spring and summer seasons, especially in May.

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For regular travelers and those inexperienced in nature touring, traveling to Lafoor Forest in Mazandaran during the colder seasons like autumn and winter might be a bit challenging. However, the forest is worth visiting in winter and autumn as well.

Plant and Animal Life in Lafoor Forest in Mazandaran

Lafoor Forest of Mazandaran
Lafoor Forest of Mazandaran

This Hyrcanian forest has a diverse vegetation cover that makes it a unique forest. Broadleaf plants, medlar, beech trees, hornbeam, angelica, alder, and various fruit trees such as apple, wild pistachio, and pear are visible. Imagine walking for hours among all these flowers, plants, and beauty.

Lafoor Forest harbors various animal species, including brown bears, wild boars, foxes, and different birds such as ducks and eagles. If you encounter a wild animal in this area, there is no need to panic; do not make any unusual movements unless the animal approaches you. To protect the plants in this area, try not to light a fire, and if you do, remember to extinguish it before leaving.

Important Tips for Traveling to Lafoor Forest in Mazandaran

Traveling to Lafoor Forest in Mazandaran
Traveling to Lafoor Forest in Mazandaran

If you plan to stay overnight in this forest, be sure to bring all necessary camping equipment. This includes a tent, appropriate and extra clothing, a camera, sunscreen for the spring and summer seasons, a groundsheet, a hat, a blanket, suitable cookware for various cooking methods, appropriate hiking shoes, matches, a knife, a trash bag, etc.

If you are inexperienced in nature touring and forest trekking, join groups and travel tours to this forest to ensure your safety and avoid getting lost. Also, be sure to carry navigation tools like GPS and a map.

Amenities Near Lafoor Forest in Mazandaran

Amenities Near Lafoor Forest in Mazandaran
Amenities Near Lafoor Forest in Mazandaran (photo by Wikipedia)

In every village of this forest, there are various local restaurants and stores that will provide you with a delicious experience of local food and tasty local products in the heart of this unique forest.

Remember the Lafoor Fish Restaurant as one of the best restaurants and options for local food in this forest. Shah Kola Restaurant is also among the restaurants that will provide local dishes for you.

In addition to being able to camp in this forest with a local companion, consider renting tourist accommodations like war cabins and staying in them.

A Memorable Trip in the Heart of the Forest!

Plan appropriately for your trip and check the weather conditions before heading to the 40-million-year-old Lafoor Forest in Mazandaran. Also, do your utmost to keep this forest clean and avoid damaging its plant and animal species. This article has tried to explain all the necessary details about Lafoor Forest to ensure you have a great trip. When traveling to Mazandaran, you can book your hotel and accommodations at the best price from OrientTrips.

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SURFIRAN Editorial Team

SURFIRAN is an Iranian tour operator and travel agency offering tour packages to those interested in Iran. It provides the tourists with services needed to travel to Iran, offers tours across the country, and assists the tourists in obtaining Iranian visas.

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