The beech forest (Sangdeh Rash forest, Rush, جنگل راش مازندران) is located in Mazandaran Province, in the Dodangeh district of Sari city, near the village of Sangdeh, and is considered one of the pristine nature tourism attractions and scenic spots of Savadkouh. The time distance from Sangdeh to Tehran is about three and a half hours, and it is about 100 kilometers from Sari.

A forest is a collection of trees, shrubs, vegetation, animals, and microorganisms (fungi, bacteria, and viruses) that, together with abiotic natural factors such as soil, water, temperature, wind, and so on, have created a specific and well-defined environment, habitat, and habitat. In a natural forest, small and large, sturdy trees usually grow irregularly, and grasses are abundant. Forest vegetation, due to evaporation and transpiration in an environment, regulates the climate and produces rain. Forests produce approximately three percent of the world’s rain.

Hyrcanian Forest

The trees of the Mercian Forest, or Beech Forest, are part of the ancient Hyrcanian Forest, which dates back to the Jurassic period, up to 40 million years ago. The ancient name for this region was Hyrcania (meaning land of wolves), and hence these forests are called the Hyrcanian Forest.

Beech Tree

Beech wood, which is abundant in the forests of Iran, is used in various cases, including for building, rural houses, and making many other things. The beech tree is almost rare in the plains; but it is abundant in beech forests and in the highlands of the mountains. Its pure forests are found in Gilan and Mazandaran at an altitude of more than two thousand meters above sea level. Beech is a shade-loving tree and therefore has abundant foliage.

Its young seedlings are easily damaged by severe cold, and especially spring cold destroys its leaves. Excessive heat is also detrimental to it. This tree does not grow well in cold places; but it does somewhat better in warm places. The beech tree has superficial roots and is suitable for forests with thin and calcareous soils.

The beech tree bears fruit in dense forests from sixty to eighty years old, but in open spaces from 40 to 50 years old. In good soils it bears abundant fruit once every 5 or 6 years and in unfavorable climates once every 15 years. The fruit of this tree contains five to seven percent oil. The height of the beech tree trunk is very high, reaching 35 meters and a diameter of one and a half meters.

The life span of beech trees is 200 to 250 years. Its wood is used to make doors and windows, railway sleepers, tables, chairs, sofas, chests, etc. and its consumption is more than that of other woods. Fine and fine silk fabrics are made from its cellulose. Its charcoal and firewood are also of high quality.

Accommodation and food along the Sangdeh Beech Forest

There are no special facilities within the Sangdeh Beech Forest. Therefore, we recommend that you prepare your necessities before traveling or in Sangdeh village and make arrangements for your other needs (such as drinking water, toilets, etc.) in advance.

If you plan to stay overnight during your trip to Sangdeh Beech Forest, you have two options. The first option is camping, which is recommended only for experienced people. For this purpose, be sure to bring a tent, sleeping bag, dry food, first aid kit, and other necessary camping equipment. The second option is to stay in eco-lodges and rural houses. Damon Farm and Kamerban lodges are located in Sangdeh village.

Travel guide to Sangdeh Beech Forest

From Tehran, enter the Firuzkooh Road. After passing Firuzkooh, continue your route towards Varesk, Arfa Deh, and Shormast. After the Shormast Industrial Estate and before the gas station, there is an exit on your right that you should enter. Continue the route and after passing Lamarz, you will reach Florod. At the beginning of the Khanqah Pey or Khanava Road, you should turn left. Continue on the main route, after Ranjbar Coffee House, you will reach Vazmla and Sangdeh.

Wildlife in beech forest

Currently, the Hyrcanian forests are the habitat of 296 species of birds and 98 species of mammals. There are also 150 native tree and shrub plants found there. In addition to more than three thousand different plant species and hundreds of animals and creatures, the Hyrcanian forests are the main habitat of the Iranian cheetah, which is world famous.

The best time and season to travel to Sangdeh Beech Forest?

The best time to visit this forest is from late April to early December. The beech trees are in full fall color, making it especially beautiful. Access is a bit difficult in winter, and you will need equipment.

Necessary equipment for travel to Sangdeh Beech Forest?

There are no accommodation facilities in forest. For this reason, it is necessary to bring camping equipment, including a tent and sleeping bag. It is necessary to bring shoes and a backpack. You must bring food with you.

What is needed for visit Sangdeh Beech Forest in Iran?

First, you need to have enough knowledge to do.

Second, you will need camp equipment. Equipment without which it is not possible to stay in nature. 

Third, you need to select an experienced team to enter the nature with. Without an experienced team, entering the desert can be very dangerous.

Trekking tours in Sangdeh Beech Forest

It is possible to trekking in the beech forest, which of course requires professional teams.

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Contact me to introduce the best desert teams in Iran. Teams with whom you can visit each of Iran’s desert in complete safety. You will also not need to bring desert equipment.