Chalcheli No-Hunting Area

The Chalcheli No-Hunting Area is one of the valuable, protected natural habitats in the southeast of Gorgan County in Golestan Province, northern Iran. Named after Mount Chalcheli in the highlands southeast of Gorgan, the area covers more than 33,100 hectares and lies next to the Jahan Nama Protected Area. Chalcheli's unspoiled nature is set in the heart of the Hyrcanian forests, which are regarded as among the oldest and richest forest ecosystems in the world, and it is managed by environmental protection authorities to preserve biodiversity and endangered animal species.

The Chalcheli No-Hunting Area has very high ecological value thanks to its diverse flora and fauna. Dense forests of oak, hornbeam, alder and other woodland and rangeland plant species extend across the area and provide habitat for many animal species. In this habitat you can see large species such as the maral (red deer), roe deer, Persian leopard, brown bear, wild boar, chukar partridge, wild sheep (urial) and ewes, and wild goat and ibex; a variety of native and migratory birds also choose the area to live in or to stop over on migration. The Hyrcanian forests with their ancient trees, crystal-clear springs and flowing streams give the area a magical look. Rivers, springs and deep valleys throughout the area make access difficult, and this is what has kept its nature pristine and far from human development.

The route to the Chalcheli No-Hunting Area mainly begins southeast of Gorgan, and the roads there are still not fully developed. Visits are therefore usually made on tours with local guides or under the supervision of environmental protection experts, to ensure safety while also protecting the habitat's untouched state. The best time to visit Chalcheli is from spring to early autumn, when the weather is milder and it is easier to see wildlife and enjoy the scenery. Nature tourism here can include hiking, nature photography and environmental education, but visitors must practise responsible nature tourism and avoid damaging the vegetation or polluting the habitat.