Gaz Gisheh Protected Area

Gaz Gisheh is a village in Tulem District of Sowme'eh Sara County, Gilan Province, and is home to one of the region's most important protected areas. The Gaz Gisheh Protected Area covers 4,173 hectares, and visitors can enjoy dense forests, rushing rivers and beautiful scenery. Because it lies on the slopes of the Alborz mountains, the area has a mountain climate, and the weather is generally mild throughout the year. Gaz Gisheh was declared a protected area in 1354 (Solar Hijri calendar), and since then important measures have been taken to preserve its natural resources and biodiversity. These include forest restoration, providing water for wildlife, combating hunting and wildlife trafficking, building ranger posts, and educating local people.

Thanks to its varied climate and range of altitudes, the Gaz Gisheh Protected Area has diverse vegetation. The dominant forest trees are oak, beech, hornbeam, alder and maple, among others. Shrubs and bushes include blackberry, cornelian cherry, thyme and borage. The vegetation is threatened by illegal livestock grazing, tree felling, agricultural expansion and climate change. With its variety of habitats, the area is a safe refuge for many kinds of animals. Its mammals include leopard, cattle, brown bear, maral deer and fox, among others.

The best time to visit the Gaz Gisheh Protected Area depends on your taste and the purpose of your trip. If you are looking for cool weather and lush nature, spring or autumn is a good time to go. If you want water activities and summer recreation, summer is a good choice. If you are looking for solitude and peace, winter is a good time to visit. Because the area is hard to reach, mountainous, and served by an unpaved road, a trip to Gaz Gisheh may not suit everyone. In addition, there are no particular facilities such as restaurants, hotels or shops in the area.