A scenic destination for eco-travelers in northern Iran, Badab-e Surt bargains its visitors with a striking panorama of rust-colored travertine terraces adjacent to the Alborz mountain range.

The trodden, limestone formations have been shaped over the span of thousands years by the flowing and cooling of water from hot mineral springs.

While travertine terraces are found in other places across the globe, for instance Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone and Pamukkale in Turkey, Badab-e Surt is associated with distinct coloring results. Some sources say this characteristic is due to high concentration of iron oxide sediments.

The site is situated 95 kilometers south of the city of Sari, and 7 kilometers west of Orost village in Mazandaran Province. It is possible to reach Badab-e Surt by conventional vehicles when dry but a 4WD is needed after rain.

AFM/MG