Khar Turan National ParkKhar Turan National Park at a Glance
About Khar Turan National Park
Khar Turan National Park is a large protected area in Iran’s Semnan province, forming part of the broader Touran protected landscape. It conserves desert and semi-desert ecosystems and supports populations of several regionally important large mammals.
The park is notable for its populations of Asiatic cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus), Persian onager and various gazelles and wild sheep, and it is managed for conservation of these species and their habitats. The landscape includes arid plains, rocky outcrops and seasonal dry riverbeds.
The area was brought into formal protection to conserve biodiversity across a large arid zone and to provide contiguous habitat for wide-ranging species; it is managed under national conservation frameworks and international biosphere designations.
Khar Turan lies in eastern Semnan province, in central Iran, occupying a remote arid region characterized by sparse vegetation, rolling plains and isolated mountain ranges; nearest larger urban centres are many tens of kilometres away.
- Cheetah stronghold: Part of the larger Touran Biosphere Reserve complex and one of Iran’s largest protected areas, it is a key stronghold for the critically endangered Asiatic cheetah and other arid-zone mammals.
Best Time to Visit Khar Turan National Park
Spring and autumn are generally the most comfortable and productive for wildlife sightings.
Weather & Climate near Khar Turan National Park
Khar Turan National Park's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 37°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 1° - 10° | 5° | 32 mm | some cloud | 59% | 1.5 m/s | 0.4 low | 9.9h |
| February | Good | 2° - 14° | 7° | 34 mm | some cloud | 53% | 2.4 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.8h |
| March | Very Good | 7° - 19° | 13° | 40 mm | some cloud | 46% | 2.4 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.8h |
| April | Excellent | 12° - 26° | 19° | 27 mm | some cloud | 41% | 2.9 m/s | 1.6 very high | 13.0h |
| May | Ideal | 17° - 31° | 24° | 16 mm | mostly sunny | 31% | 2.8 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.9h |
| June | Ideal | 22° - 36° | 29° | 3 mm | clear | 21% | 3.1 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 14.4h |
| July | Ideal | 24° - 37° | 31° | 2 mm | clear | 19% | 3.2 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 14.1h |
| August | Ideal | 23° - 37° | 30° | 1 mm | clear | 19% | 2.9 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 13.3h |
| September | Ideal | 19° - 33° | 26° | 3 mm | clear | 23% | 2.3 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.3h |
| October | Ideal | 13° - 27° | 20° | 8 mm | mostly sunny | 34% | 2.0 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.2h |
| November | Excellent | 7° - 19° | 13° | 12 mm | mostly sunny | 48% | 1.7 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.2h |
| December | Good | 2° - 12° | 7° | 27 mm | some cloud | 58% | 1.4 m/s | 0.4 low | 9.7h |
How to Get to Khar Turan National Park
Khar Turan lies in Semnan Province. Access is by long desert roads from cities like Shahrud or Semnan; travel within the park requires a sturdy vehicle and coordination with park authorities for permits and guidance.
Tips for Visiting Khar Turan National Park
- Permits and guided visits are often required for Khar Turan due to its sensitivity and the presence of endangered fauna - contact Iran's Department of Environment.
- Plan long drives and arrange local support: distances between ranger stations, water points and accommodations are large.
- Bring a high-clearance vehicle and experienced local driver for unpaved tracks.