A Hyrcanian forest
Millions of years old.
Vaflilit — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Toni Wöhrl — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Tumanskaya Sabina — CC BY-SA 4.0 · By.faridd — CC0 · Toni Wöhrl — CC BY-SA 4.0
An ancient forest in the Talysh Mountains of southern Azerbaijan, a remnant of the Hyrcanian forests that covered the south Caspian for millions of years and survived the ice ages, listed by UNESCO among the Hyrcanian Forests World Heritage Site. It holds rare trees such as the Persian ironwood and box, and is home to the rare Persian leopard, bears and deer. Visitors walk trails through the dense green forest past streams and small waterfalls, visit the calm Khanbulan lake among forested hills near Lankaran, and see mountain villages where tea is grown. The climate is humid and mild, and the forest stays green most of the year. A small fee is charged on some trails, and it is best to go with a local guide, as some paths are unmarked. The park is near the Iranian border, so keep away from the border zone. Southern restaurants serve famous Talysh dishes such as lavangi, chicken stuffed with walnuts, all halal. Lankaran is about four hours by car or train south of Baku, so make it a two-night trip to enjoy the forest and Khanbulan lake.
Millions of years old.
Among green hills.
Halal Talysh dishes.
Talysh Mountains, Lankaran and Astara districts, southern Azerbaijan near the Iranian border
It is best: some trails are unmarked, and the park is near the Iranian border.