Badab-e Surt, Iran

These beautiful travertine terraces in Northern Iran are an incredible natural phenomenon that developed over thousands of years. Travertine is a type of limestone formed from the calcium deposit in flowing water, and in this case it's two hot springs with different mineral properties. The unusual reddish colour of the terraces is down to the high content of iron oxide in one of the springs.

Badab is a Persian compound of Bād "gas" + āb "water", translating to "gassed water", referring to the springs' waters being carbonated mineral waters. Surt is an old name for the Orost village and a Persian word meaning intensity.

Badab Soort's springs are two distinct mineral springs with different natural characteristics, located at 1,840 metres (6,040 ft) above sea level. The first spring contains very salty water that gathers in a small natural pool, its water is considered to have medicinal properties, especially as a cure for rheumatism and some types of skin diseases and skin conditions. The second spring has a sour taste and is predominately orange mainly due to the large iron oxide sediments at its outlet.

When and how to get there???

You can choose your weather – winters are mild and rainy, while summers are hot and dry.

You can go there by plane, train or bus get to Sari from Tehran. Then catch a taxi to Badab-e Surt through Kiasar.

Hot mineral springs fill the pools with healthy, very salty water, which heals rheumatism and various skin conditions. Visitors can hike around, enjoy the views and wade these pools, but waterproof footwear is advised. Tourists also can set a camping site nearby and enjoy the tranquility of unspoiled nature – there are no wild dangerous animals around.