Olang Forest

Olang Forest, regarded as one of the attractions of Golestan, lies 50 kilometres north of Shahroud, as a continuation of the Abr and Ghatri forests. To the north it is bordered by the forests of Golestan Province, and to the east, west and south by the highlands of the Shahroud catchment area. The land here lies at about 3,100 to 3,200 metres above sea level, on the ridges that separate the northern and southern drainage basins of the eastern Alborz range, in the Khalij area of Shahroud.

Because of the region's varied climate, its vegetation is divided into two parts: rangeland and forest. In the rangeland section, on the southern slopes of the Olang area, most species are perennial grasses such as Stipa, Festuca, Bromus and Agropyron, along with wormwood (Artemisia), soapwort (Acanthophyllum), Teucrium and sage (Salvia), among others. The northern part of Olang Forest, by contrast, consists of Caspian (Hyrcanian) forests. Wildlife in the area includes brown bear, wolf, leopard, wild boar, jackal, fox, hare, wild goat and ibex, and roe deer, while birds include chukar partridge, wood pigeon, quail, forest eagle, vulture, falcon, cuckoo and pheasant.

In spring, Olang Forest takes on new life and colour. With the spring rains, the land turns green and fresh, and wildflowers seem to dance. The mix of white, yellow and purple blooms gives the landscape a special vitality, and the birdsong among the trees makes the forest lively and pleasant. In this season, clear springs welling gently from the ground water the plants and fragrant pastures and increase the forest's biodiversity.

Summer in Olang Forest brings mild weather and increased wildlife activity. The trees create natural coolness, and their shade makes a good place to rest and escape the summer heat.