SAEDNEWS: High in Golestan’s mountains, Drazno Village floats above a sea of clouds, where wooden rooftops, green pastures, and misty forests create a scene you’ll never forget.
In this piece, we take a journey to Drazno village in Golestan, where forest, cloud, and mountain have joined forces to present one of Iran’s most singular landscapes. Alongside natural attractions, the destination reveals lesser-known wonders that belong on any list of Golestan’s sights.
If you are searching for a different, pristine, and striking place to escape everyday life, this village might be one of your unforgettable choices.
Drazno village is one of the highest villages in Golestan Province. The elevation of Drazno exceeds 2,600 metres above sea level. This mountain summer-pasture, with its broad outlook over the Gorgan Gulf, the Caspian Sea, and Iran’s northern forests, is among the region’s most popular tourist destinations.
The road to Drazno village in Golestan is a winding mountain route that presents travellers with breathtaking natural views. As you follow this road and arrive in the town, you encounter wooden and adobe houses with steep roofs, nestled in a pristine, verdant landscape.
Because of its high altitude, the village’s climate is cool for much of the year and is snow-covered in winter. Drazno is famed for its broad pastures and green plains, which in spring and summer become a paradise for nature lovers.
Drazno is one of the high summer pastures of Golestan Province, located in the southern highlands of Kordkuy County. The village sits approximately 34 kilometres south‑east of Kordkuy and, because of its distinctive geographic position, boasts outstanding views over dense forests and the Gorgan Gulf.
The Drazno summer pasture is bordered to the north by Kordkuy County, to the south by the Alborz heights, to the east by the Jahan‑nama forest, and to the west by the Malek‑Sorm‑Sara (upper road) area.
Address of Drazno village
Golestan Province, Kordkuy County, 34 kilometres south‑east of Kordkuy, Drazno village
Drazno village is near Kordkuy County and can be reached via several routes. If you are travelling from Tehran, two main routes are open to you. The first route passes through Varamin, Semnan, and Damghan and then follows less‑traveled roads to the destination.
The second route, which is more popular though slightly longer, follows the Firouzkuh road through Sari, Neka, Behshahr, and Kordkuy. This route is accompanied by beautiful forest and mountain scenery and provides a pleasurable road‑trip experience in northern Iran.
After reaching Kordkuy, a mountainous, winding road leads you to Drazno village. This section, which takes about an hour, passes through the Imam Reza Forest Park and then reaches a fork: the left road leads to Drazno village and the right road leads to the Jahan‑nama protected area.
The final stretch of the road to Drazno is unpaved, but it remains passable with a standard car. In autumn and winter, however, because of slippery conditions and the possibility of snowfall, travel with a vehicle fitted with snow chains and extra caution is recommended.
The distance from Tehran to Drazno village is about 425 kilometres and takes roughly 5 to 6 hours by private car.
The distance from Kordkuy to Drazno is 34 kilometres and takes about one hour by car.
The distance from Gorgan to Drazno village is 65 kilometres and, depending on road conditions, takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours.
The distance from Drazno to Jahan‑nama is 39 kilometres; because of the unpaved and mountainous route, it takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
The best time to visit Drazno village is from mid‑spring to late summer. During this period, the region’s nature is at its most beautiful: green plains, blossoming trees, and cool air create ideal conditions for visitors.
Summers in Drazno, unlike many other areas, are mild and pleasant — it becomes a refuge from the heat of the lowland cities. Even on the warmest summer days, the nights are cool, so carrying warm clothing is advised.
Autumn and winter reveal a completely different Drazno. As autumn begins, the weather cools rapidly, and from mid‑season, the roads to the village become slippery and snow‑bound. Winters in Drazno, owing to the high altitude, are cold and snowy, and travel at that time can be difficult.
Although watching the snow‑capped and misty views of the area has a special appeal, for a safe and comfortable trip, it is better to choose the warm months to visit the Drazno summer pasture.
Among Golestan Province’s pristine natural areas, the Jahan‑nama protected area shines like a jewel in the highlands. This region, known as the “roof of Golestan,” rises to more than 3,000 metres above sea level and offers unparalleled views of Kordkuy, Gorgan, and Bandar Torkaman.
The combination of dense forests, clear springs, and mountain scenery makes this area one of the most special nature‑tourism destinations. Jahan‑nama’s biodiversity also makes it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
Many plant and animal species inhabit the area, but trekking deep into it without a guide and proper equipment is not recommended. The access route to Jahan‑nama from Drazno is about 40 kilometres and, due to the mountain road, takes more than an hour to traverse.
Radkan Tower, a valuable legacy from the 5th century AH, lies 16 kilometres from Drazno village in Kordkuy. Built atop a stony, earthen hill, the tower’s fine brickwork and sturdy architecture resemble the Gonbad‑e Qabus tower.
On the tower’s southern side, the entrance bears remnants of Kufic inscriptions. The name of the architect, “Ahmad ibn Omar,” along with the patron and the date of construction, is inscribed on these stones.
This tower, registered on Iran’s national heritage list, displays the grandeur of past architecture, and from its top, one can see sweeping views of the surrounding green landscape.
On the way to the Drazno summer pasture, one attraction that catches every traveller’s eye is the Imam Reza Forest Park. Located in the Palang‑pa area with a river of the same name, the park presents a striking landscape. The green trees and varied plant cover create a soothing space that has its beauty in every season.
The park also offers suitable amenities: equipped accommodations, gazebos, restaurants, and parking provide a comfortable experience for visitors. Its proximity to Kordkuy and Drazno village makes it an ideal spot for relaxation and a pleasant day in nature.
Shadan Waterfall is one of Golestan Province’s natural wonders, located near Kordkuy and about 30 kilometres from Drazno village in Golestan. With a 40‑metre drop, the waterfall pours like a crystalline curtain through dense forest and creates an extraordinary scene. Its tiered structure has earned it the nickname “Seven‑tier Waterfall.”
The trail to Shadan Waterfall is not very easy, and reaching it requires roughly an hour of walking along mountain slopes. Although challenging, this route offers nature lovers and mountaineers an opportunity to enjoy an adventure amid untouched scenery.
Amid the dense forests and pleasantly elevated terrain of Drazno village, there stands a religious and historical site called Imamzadeh Hezar Manzel. This shrine, held in special regard by residents of the surrounding towns, takes its name from a nearby burial ground called “Hezar Manzel.”
This sacred tomb is the burial place of two siblings, Seyyed Razi and Seyyed Raziyeh, descendants of Imam Musa al‑Kadhim (peace be upon him), and are believed by people to hold a high spiritual status. Imamzadeh Hezar Manzel sits high in the Drazno highlands and one of the region’s loftiest mountainous spots. The approach used to be difficult, but today a gravel road has made access easier.
In the heart of the surrounding mountains are two remarkable caves that draw adventurers. Yakhchal Cave, on the route to Dekali Peak, retains accumulations of snow and ice at its entrance and therefore remains cool even in the warm months. Located beside a large rock, its opening is only just wide enough for a single person to pass. Climbers heading toward the summit often make a short stop here to enjoy the cave’s silence and cool air.
Ganjkhaneh Cave, however, hides a different world within the limestone of the mountain. Its inner walls are covered with rock formations shaped by thousands of years of erosion into unique natural patterns.
Legends of hidden treasures within the cave have rendered it mysterious and continually pique the curiosity of nature tourists and adventurers. The access route from the Drazno pasture passes bubbling springs and pristine scenery, making the journey itself a pleasurable experience for visitors.
Among the historical attractions near Drazno village, the Tamisha Wall is one of the region’s most important ancient remains, telling the turbulent history of the area. Located in Kordkuy County and roughly 34 kilometres from Drazno village, this wall dates back to the Sassanian period and played a significant role in defending the borders of Tabaristan.
The remains of this wall, which once extended to the Caspian Sea, are now visible amid green forests near the villages of Baghkenareh and Sarkalat. Registered on Iran’s national heritage list, the structure stretches roughly 12 kilometres and was constructed of brick, stone, and wood.
Imagining that this wall once served as a strong shield against invaders, with Sassanian soldiers keeping watch from its towers, adds to the site’s allure. Although the passage of time has destroyed large sections, the remnants still narrate a magnificent past that remains immortalized in the lush nature of northern Iran.
Drazno village, with its superb nature and towering altitude, is among the best destinations for adventure and nature activities. Mountaineering and forest trekking are among the most popular pursuits here, and the green, winding trails offer a distinct hiking experience in the heart of nature.
By climbing the surrounding heights, you are rewarded with expansive views of Golestan’s forests and the Caspian Sea, and if you are lucky, you may see the dreamlike ocean of clouds close at hand. In the warm seasons, the plains around the village are suitable for camping, picnicking, and stargazing under a night sky full of stars.
Another thrilling activity in the area is paragliding. The Drazno flying site, one of Iran’s highest flying sites, is located near Jahan‑nama and offers favourable conditions for flying above green forests and mountain villages.
In winter, heavy snowfall transforms Drazno village into an attractive destination for winter recreation.
Drazno village has limited amenities, but it largely meets visitors’ basic needs. There is a small supermarket in the heart of the town that supplies essentials such as foodstuffs, snacks, and even firewood for making fires.
The village is connected to water and electricity networks, but during busy days, there may be drops in pressure or temporary interruptions of water. There is no independent medical centre in the village and people must travel to nearby towns for medical care. Local houses are available for accommodation. Along the route of the city, you can also find local restaurants to eat at.
The Drazno area, with its varied plant cover, combines dense forest and green pastures. On the slopes around the village, medicinal and wild plants such as thyme, borage, chamomile, wild artichoke, and nettle grow — plants that, besides their natural beauty, have long been used in traditional medicine.
Alongside these plants, trees and shrubs like barberry, medlar, wild plum, wild apple, and wild pear can be seen, giving the region a colourful appearance across the seasons.
The wildlife of the Drazno pasture, owing to its special geographical position, includes multiple species. In the forests around the village, animals such as wild boar, jackal, fox, and rabbit live. At higher elevations, there are also signs of brown bear presence. Birds such as partridge and quail are also seen in the area.
In recent years, to preserve ecological balance, tree planting such as black pine, maple, oak, and walnut has been carried out to strengthen the forest cover. Nonetheless, protecting this valuable ecosystem requires proper management and preventing the destruction of natural resources.
In Drazno village, the culture of daily life still retains its traditional character. Residents are primarily engaged in livestock, agriculture, and producing local products, although livestock activities have waned in recent years due to environmental programmes.
Among Drazno’s souvenirs, the local sweet bread known as “Draznonan” holds extraordinary fame. In addition, traditional products such as wickerwork, felting, chador‑shab (traditional bedcovers), pottery, woollen socks, kilims, jajim textiles, local clothing, and embroidery are prized local souvenirs.
Drazno’s local cuisine offers a tangible expression of the village’s culture: dishes prepared from the simplest natural ingredients but with deep, memorable flavours.
The village’s local bread, known as “Draznonan,” holds a special place on local tables. A combination of flour, milk, sugar, and saffron, made with pure mountain spring water, gives this soft, sweet bread a pleasant aroma; it is both a daily staple and a favourite souvenir for travellers.
Other typical dishes in the area include chekdermeh, kadu polo (pumpkin rice), baghali siru, ash‑e torshi (sour soup), khamir ash, nettle ash, yogurt stew, maast‑e morganeh, and tart cherry rice. Each of these dishes is prepared with local ingredients and offers a unique and distinct flavour.
For accommodation in Drazno, several options exist depending on your travel style and budget. If you are a nature lover who prefers to spend the night under a starry sky, camping in the village meadows can be an excellent choice.
Another option is renting local houses in the village, which can provide suitable accommodations and some facilities.
There are no designated eco‑lodges in Drazno itself; the only available options are camping in nature or staying in rented local homes. If you prefer to spend the night in a place with more facilities, you can use accommodation centres in Gorgan, Kordkuy, or other towns and lodgings along the route to Drazno.
Before you set out, be sure to check the weather. On rainy days, the forest tracks become muddy and slippery, and mist can reduce visibility. If you travel by private car, make sure the brakes and the cooling system are in good condition, since steep roads can place heavy strain on a vehicle.
Don’t forget warm clothes and appropriate seasonal gear. Even in summer, the temperatures at Drazno’s elevations are lower than expected; especially if you plan to stay overnight or camp in nature, you will need, in addition to a tent, a suitable sleeping bag and extra clothing.
When exploring the forest or ascending to higher areas, travel in a group. Some routes lack clear signage, and mobile reception is weak in many spots. Carrying an offline map and a power bank is also helpful in such conditions.
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