Northern Provinces

North of Iran (Shomal) is a favorite place of many Iranians.

The provinces of Mazandaran, Golestan and Gilan in the North have forests, mountains, and a coastal plain.

They are located between the Alborz Mountain and the southernmost shores of Caspian Sea.

The Caspian Sea is the biggest lake in the world and contains 44% of the entire world's lake water.

It is 170m (561 feet) deep, nearly twice as deep as the Persian Gulf.

Thanks to rain, main crops are rice, tea, and cotton.

Delicious juicy oranges and other citrus fruits are from Mazandaran.

Caviar, salmon, pike and perch are also found here.

Some of highlights in the north are Rasht, Anzali Lagoon, historical and traditional village of Masouleh, tea farms of Lahijan, and Ramsar

Anzali  Port and Anzali Lagoon

Anzali Port is the only main port in the southern Caspian coast which actively trade with Russians.

There is a caviar processing factory in Anzali plus old ruins from 19th century and Shanbeh Bazaar (Saturday Market).

Lahijan

Lahijan with plenty of old traditional Caspian houses and sloping roofs is located between Rasht and Ramsar.

Tea farms are the attractions of Lahijan. Also, there is the Mosque of the Four Guardians (Mosque of Chahar Oleya) dating back to 13th century with excellent wood carvings. One of the doors with wood carving is kept in the National Museum of Iran in Tehran.

A tree covered hill south east of Lahijan called Devil Mountain is nice to hike.

Masouleh

Masouleh is one of the most beautiful and traditional villages in Gilan Province.

The winters are cold but the summers are pleasant.

The village sits on irregular terraces, missing are the familiar alleys found in most Iranian towns.

Ramsar

Ramsar is one of the most attractive seaside resorts. In the wooded hills overlooking Ramsar, one of the best places on the Caspian coast, the last Shah built a palace.

Rasht

Rasht is located on the Sefid delta and is the capital of Gilan Province. Rasht is the largest city in Caspian provinces with population of about 390,000.

Rasht is wet and could be very humid in summer.

Traveling from Tehran to North of Iran crossing the Alborz Range by car can be an enjoyable and interesting trip from the geographical point of view.

The drive is filled with astonishing scenery and one can feel the sudden changes to an almost sub tropical climate.

Rasht has been occupied by Russian several times in its history. The last time Rasht was occupied was at the end of World War II.

Rasht is an important industrial center for the processing of agricultural products.

Rasht Museum which displays a collection of local archaeological findings, ceramics, pottery, and traditional clothes is worth visiting.

Rasht is known for its wood carvings.

Sisangan National Park

31 km (18.6 mi) east of Noshahr in Mazandaran Province is Sisangan National Park which is very beautiful with very precious and rare forest.