Trip Report Garmsar, Badab-e Surt and Semnan

From Garmsar we went on a daytrip to the stepped travertine terraces of Badab-e Surt. It's about 3 hours drive, quite scenic and as it was winter, with beautiful snowy landscapes. Once we reached Badab-e Surt, located so remotely, we had the whole sight for ourselves. It's a true natural wonder and only one of a few in it's kind, comparable with Pammukale in Turkey and the Mammoth springs in the USA. However this one is more scenic due to the oxide minerals, which brings yellow, orange and red colors to the terraces.
When you're a lover of nature, geological phenomenons or landscape photography, this place is a must-see.

Near Garmsar you will find the Garmsar saltmine. There's not a real entrance, it all looked quite rundown, but we were lucky enough to meet the manager and this friendly person was happy to show us around (and from now on we can organize tours to this mine for all our customers). We were amazed by the beauty of this mine. The most bizarre looking salt crystals every where, caves with stalachnites and stalactites, water that colors green and orange, bizarre rock formations, great mountain scenery and pink, orange, red and yellow colors everywhere surrounded us. You will not find this place in any guidebook, but what a hidden gem!!

From Garmsar we also made a trip into the Alborz mountains, following an old railway tract from centuries ago (but still operating). We found bizarre landscapes like rainbow mountains, grand canyon and remote rockformations, as well as endless pomegranate plantations. Again a wonderful trip, deep into the natural wonders of Iran and another sight you will not find in the guidebooks!