Main image

Siamaksabet CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Badab-e Surt

Area

On the Alborz foothills, Badab‑e Surt features stepped travertine terraces formed by mineral springs; visitors walk boardwalks, photograph orange‑ and rust‑colored pools and watch seasonal light on the formations.

Badab-e Surt RashtBandar-e AnzaliLahijanSariGorganGonbad-e KavusGonbad-e Qabus (tower)Badab-e SurtBadab-e Surt

Badab-e Surt essentials

Address: Badab-e Surt, Mazandaran Province, Iran
GoogleAppleOSM

About Badab-e Surt

Badab-e Surt is a natural site in northern Iran characterised by stepped travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich spring water. The pools and terraces display vivid colours ranging from ochre to deep orange due to iron and other mineral deposits.

The terraces have developed over thousands of years as mineral-laden waters precipitated travertine formations in successive basins, producing a tiered landscape of natural pools. The site is compact and visited for its unusual geology and distinctive colours.

Badab-e Surt lies in Mazandaran province on the northern slopes of the Alborz range, accessible by road from nearby towns in the region. The formation is a focal point for geotourism in northern Iran.

  • Formation: Two main mineral springs with different water chemistry feed the cascading travertine terraces, creating vivid orange and red hues from iron-rich deposits.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Badab-e Surt

Spring and autumn give the most pleasant visiting conditions; avoid the hottest mid-summer days.

Spring
April-June · 10-25°C (50-77°F)
Water levels are steady after spring melt and the terraces are surrounded by verdant hills.
Autumn
September-November · 12-22°C (54-72°F)
Crisp air and excellent lighting for photography; fewer visitors than summer.

Weather & Climate near Badab-e Surt

Climate

Badab-e Surt's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental (Dry Summer) - Warm-Summer Continental (Dry Summer) climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -6°C to 30°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.

Air Quality: AQI 65 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
AugustJulyJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
41°
Warmest Month
-15°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Acceptable -6° - 2° -5° 23 mm partly cloudy 67% 1.7 m/s 0.3 low 9.8h
February Acceptable -5° - 4° -3° 25 mm partly cloudy 65% 2.2 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.7h
March Good 0° - 10° 3° 38 mm partly cloudy 61% 2.7 m/s 0.9 moderate 11.8h
April Very Good 6° - 18° 12° 28 mm partly cloudy 59% 3.0 m/s 1.3 high 13.0h
May Very Good 11° - 22° 17° 27 mm partly cloudy 54% 2.7 m/s 1.8 very high 14.0h
June Excellent 15° - 28° 21° 9 mm partly cloudy 51% 2.4 m/s 2.2 extreme 14.5h
July Ideal 18° - 30° 24° 7 mm partly cloudy 51% 2.6 m/s 2.1 extreme 14.2h
August Ideal 17° - 30° 24° 5 mm some cloud 48% 2.5 m/s 1.9 very high 13.4h
September Excellent 13° - 26° 20° 5 mm partly cloudy 54% 2.3 m/s 1.4 high 12.3h
October Very Good 7° - 19° 13° 13 mm partly cloudy 59% 2.2 m/s 0.9 moderate 11.1h
November Good 1° - 12° 5° 17 mm partly cloudy 66% 1.9 m/s 0.5 low 10.1h
December Acceptable -4° - 5° -1° 23 mm partly cloudy 67% 1.6 m/s 0.3 low 9.6h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Badab-e Surt

Badab-e Surt is in Mazandaran province near the village of Orost. The nearest larger towns are Sari and Gābeh; travel typically involves a drive from Sari (approx. 2-3 hours) along local roads, then a short hike from the parking area to the terraces.

Tips for Visiting Badab-e Surt

  • Visit at sunrise for the pools lit like coin stacks - the colors are best in soft light.
  • Access requires a short walk from the parking area; the path can be wet and slippery, so note footwear and caution signs.
  • Avoid peak summer weekends; local tourism spikes in July-August and diminishes the pools' peacefulness.