Winter in martial mountains and pink lake

Natural attractions of Sistan and Baluchestan

If you’d like to see the only oceanic port of Iran, you should head to the city of Chabahar in Sistan and Baluchestan province. The city lies on the banks of the Oman Sea and the Indian Ocean where the ocean-going ships can dock. It’s among the free trade zones in Iran. It’s considered the hottest point of the country in winter and the coolest southern port in summer. You will be amazed at the natural attractions it offers in the spring-like climate.

The most famous mud volcanoes in Iran

Mud volcanoes are among the most amazing geotourism phenomena which interest many geologists and nature lovers. If you’d like to see the most famous mud volcano throughout Iran, then you should head to Tang region in Sistan and Baluchestan province, 95 km west of the Kenarak port in the fields of Kahir. You will see the volcano before the village of Tang in a flat land which includes 3 small hills. Local people call them” the sea’s navel “or “Bolobolo”. Mud volcanoes in Chabahar have a tectonic origin and are cold i.e. they haven’t been formed as a result of volcanoes. Rapid sedimentation of mud and the flow of water inside it cause the gray mud erupt along with gas under pressure, creating a beautiful scene.

See the active volcanoes

On top of the hills there are mouths as wide as several centimeters. Gray mud comes out of the mouths of active volcanoes intermittently and flows down the slopes. It lasts for 10 to 15 minutes while the soil starts shaking. When eruption happens a gunshot sound is heard. The whole region is desert, void of any vegetation whatsoever.

Eat Bidam

Loz or Garoun Zangi trees are tropical trees with fruits called Bidam. They grow in the coast provinces in south of the country and have lovely blossoms. Their fruits are green when they are unripe but they grow brownish red. Once you’ve traveled to Chabahar, don’t miss trying the distinctive taste of Bidams. They resemble almonds when their skin is green; it gradually changes into peach colors.
They have kernels inside. But no need to break them to eat the core. You can eat them with their skin. They have a pleasant taste.

A pink lake is awaiting you

15 km from chabahar, on the Chabahar-Goiter road , there is a rock narrow pass overlooking a green and lush valley on top of which you can watch the village of Lipar surrounded by trees and bushes.
Water collected in the area between the two mountains has created a lake as long as 14 km. the tiny lake is pink due to its soil. It’s known as the pink lake of Lipar. Various bushes and shrubs around the lake have created a pristine ecosystem . There are plenty of fish which might even jump up to the boats. Be careful once you want to get close to water since the banks are marshy and you might submerge.

Martial mountains

About 40 to 50 km from Chabahar towards the port of Goiter , there are mountains on the left side of the road known as miniature mountains. They would remind you of the mountains in the moon. Since they are seen in weird shapes, locals call them martial mountains. The gray or white mountains are rough and limy. Although they are quite far from the sea , you can find lots of seashells there. The exceptional oyster fossils show that the region was under water thousands years ago.
The grooves and chiseled pieces in the mountains are spectacular . There is no vegetation in the area whatsoever. Make sure to go there early morning or late afternoon since there is no shade at all.