TEHRAN— Reconnecting with nature has been shown to offer many mental and physical benefits, not to mention the pleasure of being surrounded by beautiful scenery. The majority of potential travelers to Iran usually think of big cities like Tehran, Isfahan, Yazd, and Shiraz, or ancient monuments like Persepolis or the Jameh Mosque of Isfahan.

To make the most of your time, do not limit yourself to such big and ancient cities or places of interest. There is certainly always much more to see and enjoy. Such destinations are perfect if you want to experience a holiday that offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature. Here is a short list of some spectacular valleys not to be missed in the ancient land.

Rainbow Valley

The whole island of Hormuz is made up of “rainbow” mountains, and you can roam most of the island freely. But this place is a good place to stop and watch all the colors. Near Silence Valley is a fascinating valley with over 70 shades of minerals, making the valley a perfect subject for geological studies.

Many believe that Rainbow Valley is a geologist's dream and a source of inspiration for artists and nature lovers. Imagine a narrow valley of multicolored dirt and sand and colorful mountains in shades of red, purple, yellow, ocher, and blue - the result of the uneven cooling of molten rock. Spots of color form geometric patterns on all sides. This incredibly photogenic natural landscape is at its best in the late afternoon.

Rageh Canyon

The Rageh Canyon, a natural attraction, a geopark in Kerman, was formed by the phenomenon of erosion in the Rafsanjan plain. The length of the valley is about 20 kilometers and the depth of the valley is 70 meters.

Entries to the valley vary from 180 meters to less than three meters. The contrast between the flat plain and the canyon is monopolized, the shapes and volumes created by the erosion of the valley. Eagle, partridge, and gazelle are some of the animals in the area, but Rage is close to the protected area of ​​Bidoye.

Taleghan Valley

There are many valleys to explore in Taleghan, which is made up of 76 smaller villages. The first valley appears at the top of the mountain pass to enter this province, and the calm, clear waters reflect the villas that dot the hill.

Other tree-lined villages can be found in the valleys, surrounded by walnut slopes fed by rivers roaring in between. Wild horses and the sounds of grazing sheep bells are a regular occurrence, creating the perfect escape from busy city life.

Filband

Situated in the northern province of Mazandaran, the village of Filband is known for its unspoiled nature and the feeling of being lost above the clouds.

Filled with hilly pastures dotted with grazing sheep and cottages peeking out from behind trees, a weekend in the quiet village promises to calm your mind and erase your troubles from big city life.

Stars Valley

Stars Valley or the Valley of Stars is situated on Qeshm Island. There have been many recommendations to put on your "must-see" list while visiting the vast Island. Formed by the erosion of earth and stone by wind and rain, the two-million-year-old Valley of Stars lies west of the village of Berkeh Khalaf, some five kilometers from the coast south of Qeshm Island.

Narratives say a star once fell on this area, creating rock shapes that make it look like it came from another planet. It is the result of years of erosion caused by heavy rains. The valley is made of marl and sandstone, and the rock formations vary from tall pillars forming canyon-like pathways to hollowed-out spaces and smooth, rounded stones.

Lake Mamraz

Situated some 12 kilometers away from Noshahr city in Mazandaran province, Lake Mamraz features breathtaking sceneries with thousands of dried trees inside, which may seem scary at first glance. It has 700 meters long and 300 meters wide and is listed as one of Iran’s National Heritage sites.

Also, it is known as “The Ghosts’ Lake” due to its horrific landscape and strange silence. Its water is very clear, and the reflection of the trees’ images on the lake makes it a pristine site that is less known to adventurers.

Lar Valley

Lar Valley is located at the foot of Mount Damavand. Given its diverse ecosystems, it is home to various birds, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians. Since it's only open a few months of the year, it's best to visit from May to June, when the landscape is covered in bright yellow wildflowers and wild red poppies, which contrast nicely with the azure waters of Lar Dam. It is a top destination for hiking, rock climbing, and cycling.

Kool Khersan

Kool Khersan (khersoon) valley or Dezful ghost valley is a natural tourist attraction in Khuzestan province. It is more than 200 meters deep and the walls are covered with herbs and Siavoshan waterfalls and beautifully watered canyons. The entrance to Kool Khersan is covered in trees (cedars) and palm trees, and the huge gravestones, vines, and wild figs made this place look like the weird valleys from the movies. A bizarre name? Well, Kool means a closed valley and Khersan is the plural form of Khers, meaning bear. People believed that bears once lived there.

Shirez Valley

The province of Lorestan is known for its natural beauty, and the Shirez Valley is one of the most amazing places to visit and explore. The gorge is of great importance for geo-tourism, so even though it is not on Iran's tourist route (consisting of the major cities), it attracts so many visitors every year. It is located at the intersection of three provinces: Lorestan, Kermanshah, and Ilam.

If you walk here, you will see oaks and plane trees over the valley. Mother Nature also has wild grapes, figs, and pears for you here. The best time to visit the Shirez Gorge is in spring and summer, as the mountains in this area have a temperate climate in spring and summer. But during the winter and autumn, it gets cold here.

Do-Hezar Valley

Located outside of Tonekabon, a city in Mazandaran province bounded by the Caspian Sea, the spectacular Do-Hezar Valley is still commonly referred to by its ancient name, Shahsavar.

Dense forests, open pastures, and flowing streams make up the heavenly atmosphere, and it's also a fabulous place to learn about the Mazandarani dialect and the culture of the local villagers.

Raqaz Canyon

Located in the southern province of Fars, Raqaz Canyon features countless waterfalls and natural pools. Visitors to the canyon can embark on a breathtaking 2.5 km journey that begins easily with short jumps into crystal clear pools.

However, the trek deeper into the gorge with its higher falls requires technical equipment and a bit of experience, especially the highest ones at 65 meters. But whether you descend or stay to dive several times in the easier parts, this canyon will not disappoint.

Alamut Valley

Nestled between the arid plains of Qazvin and the wooded hills of Mazandaran province, the Alamut Valley rewards those who take the time to traverse it. The region's presumptuous reputation as the center of power for one of history's most feared military forces is only reinforced by the unimaginable expanse of the valley and the formidable mountains that strike you like the massive bodies of hibernating giants.

If you are a fan of hiking, Alamut Valley is a top place for hiking and mountain climbing. You can visit Ovan Lake and capture picturesque photos, walk through the ancient and see the Castel of Hasan Sabbah, and stay at a local house in one of the beautiful villages of Alamut Valley.

AM