Arasi Sistan Protected Area

Arasi Sistan Protected Area, also known in local sources as Hezar Masjed, is one of the most valuable natural areas in Razavi Khorasan Province. It lies northwest of Kalat-e Naderi County and covers parts of the Hezar Masjed Mountains, a range that rises to about 3,100 metres and creates striking mountain scenery. Arasi Sistan was first designated a no-hunting area in 1376 (Solar Hijri), then officially upgraded to a protected area in 1378 to safeguard its dense forests and unique biodiversity.

The vegetation is one of the main reasons for the area's protection. Dense juniper forests are a defining feature of Arasi Sistan's landscape and are rare of their kind in the mountain ranges of northeastern Iran. Besides juniper, other native species such as barberry, wild fig, hawthorn, wild almond, tamarisk, wild pistachio, milkvetch (gavan), baridjeh (a native gum-resin plant), clover and wormwood grow in this ecosystem, forming an impressive variety of plant life. The area is also home to many animal species: leopard, wild goat and ibex, Urial sheep, wild boar and wolf, as well as many birds such as the chukar partridge, see-see partridge, francolin, goldfinch, lark, golden eagle and Eurasian sparrowhawk.

To reach Arasi Sistan Protected Area, set out from the town of Kalat-e Naderi and head towards the heights of the Hezar Masjed Mountains. Village roads and mountain footpaths lead you to the forests, springs and natural highlands. Spring and early autumn are the best times to visit, as the weather is milder and both the vegetation and the wildlife are at their most active. The summer heat and the severe cold of the high elevations in winter can make a visit challenging. When visiting this fragile ecosystem, it is important to follow responsible nature-tourism principles, such as not lighting fires, taking your rubbish with you and keeping a distance from wildlife, to protect both your experience and this valuable ecosystem.