Sahand Mountains

The historical attractions of East Azarbaijan province of Iran attract many tourists from different countries of the world every year. However, this province also has many natural attractions and can be considered one of the most attractive destinations for nature tourists. Among these natural attractions, the Sahand Mountains, which are the highest mountains in Azarbaijan, after the Sablan Mountains, are famous for their beautiful scenery and scenic resorts.

Features of Sahand Mountains

Sahand Mountains include 17 peaks above three thousand meters of which “Qouch Goeli” or "Kamal" is the highest with a height of 3707 meters. This beautiful mountain is located 50 km south of Tabriz, southeast of Ojan (Bostanabad), and north of Maragheh. Mount Sahand, which is the most outstanding peak of these mountains, is an inactive volcano. Tabriz and Maragheh plains are located in the north and south of the Sahand Mountains respectively. The peaks of the northern part are higher than the other peaks. There is no high peak in the middle part of the mountains, but three beautiful valleys in which rivers flow; adding to the beauty of this part. These three valleys are called “Shahiverdi”, “Bayandor Darrahsi” and “Turpaghli” by local people. The three rivers that flow in these valleys are “Qaranquchai”, “Mardovi Chai” and “Sofichai”, which, along with other rivers of this region, pour into Urmia Lake. A total of 19 permanent rivers and four seasonal rivers flow in the Sahand Mountains.

There are also several springs in the Sahand Mountains, the most famous of which are “Qerkh Bolaghi”, “Gomush Bolaghi”, “Pari”, and “Goran Bolaghi”. The water of these springs is drinkable and is used for irrigating agricultural fields.

Climate

The latitude, altitude, ups and downs of the area, and airflow in the form of winds have caused the climate of this region to be cold and semi-arid. The annual rainfall in the peaks and the surrounding areas stands at 600 to 700 mm and 300 to 500 mm respectively. The summers of this region are pleasant, but the winters are harsh and long.

Flora

Dense vegetation, endless meadows, flowers like fritillaria or checkered lily and poppy, and plants such as chamomile, have made Sahand’s landscape so pleasant that it has been nicknamed “the bride of Iran’s mountains”. There are 156 plant species in the Sahand Protected Area, 26 of which are exclusive to this area. The many flowers that grow in the area have made it possible to raise honey bees.

Even though severe cold and long-term frosts have made it impossible for trees to grow in some parts of the region, 130 hectares of summer fields around this area have created suitable pastures for livestock farmers and have boosted livestock farming in the region. Due to the existence of these pastures, many nomads choose these areas as summer camps.

Fauna

The fauna of this region includes mammals such as ram, Armenian sheep, caracal, brown bear, leopard, wild cat, weasel, wolf, fox, species of bats and rodents, and birds such as golden eagle, black kite, vulture, buzzard, kestrel, montagu’s harrier, hobby, falcon, partridge, quail, etc. Because of the presence of these species, 135,000 hectares of land around the Sahand Mountains were declared as “No Hunting Zone” in the year 2000.

Sahand Ski Resort

The distance between Sahand Ski Resort and Tabriz City is 39 km. This resort is known as one of Iran’s international ski resorts and the largest one in the northwest of the country. The length of the ski track at the Sahand ski resort is about 1200 meters. This ski resort provides different types of facilities to skiers in winter and hikers and mountaineers in summer.

The historical attractions of East Azarbaijan province of Iran attract many tourists from different countries of the world every year.