Koohrang Fritillary Plain

The Koohrang Fritillary Plain (Dasht-e Laleh-ye Vazhgun) is the largest habitat of the fritillary (inverted tulip) in the world. Covering 3,600 hectares, the plain lies in Koohrang County in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province. Part of the plain is protected by Iran's Department of Environment as the Laleh Vazhgun National Natural Monument. The plain lies close to other tourist attractions such as the Koohrang Waterfall, Koohrang Spring, Chelgerd Ski Resort, Sheikh Ali Khan Waterfall, the terraced village of Sar Aqa Seyed, Dimeh Spring and the Chama Ice Cave.

In the local language, the fritillaries are called Gol-e Qalandari, Gol-e Begriyu (the weeping flower) and Ashk-e Maryam (Mary's tears). They begin to bloom in mid-Farvardin and keep their flowers until late Ordibehesht. During this period thousands of people visit the site every week. Because of the smuggling of the plant's bulbs and the risk of extinction, tourist visits are now subject to certain restrictions.

The Laleh Vazhgun National Natural Monument is one of Iran's 20 national natural monuments and is protected by the Department of Environment. It lies at an altitude of 2,500–2,800 metres on the slopes of Mount Mili, covers 379 hectares in Koohrang County, and has been under the management of the Department of Environment since 1375 (1996). The only access route is the road to the village of Benvasteki. The plant species of this plain include milkvetch (gavan), daphne, kuma, tulip and tangaz, while the animal species include chukar partridge, see-see partridge, wild goat and ibex, brown bear, and yellow-billed and red-billed choughs.

With the arrival of spring, thousands upon thousands of fritillaries grow on this plain. The Fritillary Festival of the Koohrang Plain begins around mid-Farvardin and continues until late Ordibehesht. As a result, this is the best time to visit the area.