Qarkhod Protected Area

Qarkhod Protected Area covers about 43,778 hectares in the northwest of North Khorasan Province, on the edge of the Takalan mountain range and adjacent to Golestan National Park. Thanks to its distinctive natural features, the area is home to rare wildlife species and diverse vegetation. The name "Qarkhod" means "frightening" in the local language, and was chosen because of the area's high, rocky heights and its rugged, difficult terrain. The highest point in the area is a peak with an elevation of 2,679 metres, and the lowest point is in the Mirza Baylu plain, at 1,250 metres above sea level.

The area is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Mammals include leopard, brown bear, Urial wild sheep (rams and ewes), wild goat and ibex, wolf, hyena, fox, jackal, porcupine, hare and various wild cats. Birds include chukar partridge, see-see partridge, black francolin, various pigeons and doves, and birds of prey. The area's vegetation includes juniper, maple, pear, walnut, ash, barberry, astragalus (gon), wormwood and soapwort.

To reach Qarkhod Protected Area, you can use the area's gravel roads and transit roads. The best time to visit is spring, when nature is at its peak bloom and the weather is mild and pleasant. When visiting, please follow the principles of responsible nature tourism, including not harming vegetation or wildlife, collecting your rubbish and keeping to designated trails.