Sarigol National Park and Protected Area

🧭What kind of place is it?

Sarigol has two parts: a national park and the protected area around it. Part of the area became a national park in 2002. Its nearest section is about 8 km from Esfarayen, with elevations ranging from around 1,250 to 3,050 metres. This difference brings warmer and colder habitats together.

🏛️What was it built for?

The area is home to wild sheep and Persian leopards, and its vegetation helps sustain the region's natural diversity.

👀What you will see

• Junipers grow scattered or in denser stands on slopes from about 1,600 metres upwards.
• Valley bottoms have barberry, willow, fig and walnut trees, giving them a different appearance from the higher slopes.
• Low rolling hills form a large part of the rangeland; follow the waves of ridges across the scenery.
• Plain wormwood grows in the south and mountain wormwood higher up; changes in the shrubs are part of the contrasting landscapes.

💡Something interesting

The area first received protection under the name Shah Jahan and was renamed Sarigol after the revolution. In late 2002, its core zone was separated and raised to national park status. That is why you still hear Sarigol used for both the park and the larger area.

🎒Good to know before you go

• Arrange the route and any required permission before going, and stay on permitted routes.