Makidi Forest Valley and Park

The beautiful Arasbaran forests is one of the pristine and beautiful regions of northeastern Iran and a part of Arasbaran Biosphere Reserve, which is known as one of the 13 biosphere reserves located in Iran. The areas of different climatic conditions of this region are house to valuable flora and fauna. Among all the attractions in the region, Makidi Forst Valley and Park are considered one of the most attractive parts.

About Arasbaran

Arasbaran, which is also called “Qarahdagh’, is located in the north of East Azarbaijan province and includes parts of Ahar, Kalibar, Varzeqan, Khoda Afrin, Heris, and Jolfa counties. Aras River is the northern border of this region and is considered Iran’s border with Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Being located in between the Caucasus, the Mediterranean, and the Caspian areas, this region has a very suitable climate for the growth of different species of flora and fauna. The altitude of different parts of Arasbaran from the sea level differ from 220 meters to more than two thousand meters and this has contributed to the greater diversity of wildlife in the region. More than 220 species of birds, 38 species of reptiles, five species of amphibians, 48 species of mammals, and 22 species of fish have been identified in Arasbaran. Caucasian grouse is one of the native species of Arasbaran region.

Arasbaran region was inscribed as a biosphere reserve in 1976 AD.

Where Is Makidi Valley Located?

With is extraordinarily pleasing views, the lush Makidi Valley is located in the north of East Azarbaijan Province, in Kalibar Countty, which is one of the tourist attraction centers of the province. Kalibar has been mentioned as “Baz” or “Bazin” in old writings. The eye-soothing beauty of Kalibar has also attracted the attention of European tourists and has been mentioned in various travelogues. Kalibar is one of the main areas where Arasbaran nomads migrate to as their summer resort.

This valley houses the Makidi Forest Park. With many springs and a very pleasant climate, Makidi Valley welcomes many tourists and nature lovers in the hot seasons of the year.

Makidi Forest Park, the main gathering place of tourists in Makidi Valley, is located behind the mountains known as Javidan. This park is accessible by passing through the villages of Shoja’abad, Hejrandoost, Aghouyeh, and Aliabad.

Features of Makidi Valley

The density of trees decreases as one moves towards the east or south in the Makidi Valley, and more steppe areas become visible. There are all kinds of hazelnut, walnut, and raspberry trees in the northern and western parts of this area, and different songbirds can be heard on the branches of these trees. Plants such as thyme, thymus migricus, liquorice, and yarrow are also found in abundance in this area. Every year, many people come to this area to collect these medicinal plants, which are effective in treating various diseases, especially common cold.

In spite of being an extraordinarily beautiful and attractive region in terms of tourism, Makidi is less known, especially by foreign tourist and lovers of nature.

With is extraordinarily pleasing views, the lush Makidi Valley is located in the north of East Azarbaijan Province, in Kalibar Countty, which is one of the tourist attraction centers of the province.