Shafiabad Village

Shafiabad Village, with 302 households and a population of about 1,300, lies in South Fandaresk District of Ramian County, Golestan Province. The village is 15 km from Ramian and 5 km from Khan Bebin, beside the Gorgan–Gonbad road. Dense Hyrcanian forest cover, springs, and multi-tiered waterfalls (Otereh, Agherd-Gerd and Ashar-Shareh) are among the natural features of the area. Shafiabad is also known as the "Cradle of Strawberries in Iran," and a strawberry festival is held here every year in Ordibehesht.

The main attractions of the area include a beautiful forest reservoir pond (abbandan) set among tall trees, and the strawberry orchards. The surroundings of the pond are well suited to nature tourism, walking and fruit picking in spring and summer. Otereh Waterfall, with its seven tiers and little-known trail, is considered one of the most spectacular sights in Iran. Ashar-Shareh Waterfall, about 35 meters high, offers a fresh and unusual experience in the heart of the forest. Activities such as photography, camping in nature and taking part in the strawberry festival create memorable moments.

The best way to get there is by private car from Gorgan (70 km) or Ramian. The route runs from Gorgan toward Khan Bebin and then on to Shafiabad, and a short, scenic forest road takes you to the village. The best time to visit is Ordibehesht and Khordad, when the strawberry festival takes place, the evenings are cool and the forest is at its greenest. Please travel responsibly: take your rubbish with you, avoid lighting fires or picking plants, and take care on slippery forest trails.