Home Destinations From the mountains of Zagros to the plains of Khuzestan

From the mountains of Zagros to the plains of Khuzestan

Travel to western Iran

by Parastoo Sahebi
16 minutes read
Travel to western Iran

The attractions of western Iran encompass a wide range of historical landmarks and natural wonders located across the cities and provinces of this region. Western Iran, due to its location in the foothills of the Zagros mountain range, boasts a rich and beautiful nature. Fertile soil and abundant water resources have given rise to various civilizations in this part of Iran since ancient times. That is why today we witness significant diversity in the coexistence of different ethnicities and cultures in the cities of western Iran and travel to western Iran is a must for Iran lovers!

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From thousands of years ago until today, this region has witnessed various events and transformations, and various historical artifacts from different periods remain in this area as a legacy. Gushing springs, flowing rivers, and roaring waterfalls alongside fertile and expansive plains enclosed by high mountains are the main features and landscapes of western Iranian lands. Every year, millions of tourists visit the western cities of Iran to not only see the natural and historical attractions of these regions but also to experience the history and way of life of Kurdish, Lur, Fars, and Turkic communities. In this article, join Eligasht magazine to become familiar with ten of the most notable attractions in western Iran during your Travel to western Iran and the provinces of Kurdistan, Kermanshah, Hamadan, Lorestan, and Ilam.

 

Kurdistan Province

One of the most notable regions in the country that encompasses a significant number of attractions in western Iran is Kurdistan Province. Kurdistan Province is one of the western states of Iran located in the foothills of the Middle Zagros Mountains. This province has an area of 29,137 square kilometers and a population of over one million and six hundred thousand. Due to its pristine and beautiful mountainous nature, this province is considered one of the best areas in Iran for nature lovers and natural attractions. Rivers, natural lakes, the country’s largest forest coverage after the northern provinces, stepped villages with unique architecture, and the joyful atmosphere and rich culture of the Kurdish people are among the key tourism characteristics of this province.

The tourism hub of Kurdistan Province is its capital city, Sanandaj, and the cities of Baneh, Marivan, and Saqqez are other centers of tourism in the province. With ten counties and more than twenty historical attractions and fifty natural tourist attractions, Kurdistan Province is one of the most important provinces with the highest number of tourists in the western cities of Iran. Some of the most beautiful tourist attractions in western Iran located in Kurdistan Province that you should visit in your travel to western Iran are as follows:

  • Abidar Park in Sanandaj
  • Kurdistan Anthropology Museum in Asef Vaziri Mansion
  • Zerivar Lake in Marivan
  • Traditional and border markets in Sanandaj, Baneh, and Marivan

 

Karaftu Cave

Karaftu Cave is one of the longest caves in Iran with a historical background dating back to prehistoric times. Located in the northwestern part of the city of Divandarreh, Karaftu Cave stretches over 750 meters. The cave has four levels and is one of the natural attractions of western Iran. Various paths branch off throughout the cave, created through excavation in the different levels of chambers and beautiful corridors. Karaftu Cave is one of the most beautiful caves in Iran, with human intervention playing a role in shaping its space, and it is considered the largest hand-dug cave in Iran.

caraftu cave

Stepped Villages

One of the most beautiful tourist attractions that you should visit in your travel to western Iran is the stepped villages in Kurdistan Province. The stepped architecture of these villages and the beautiful houses made of stone and wood, alongside the enchanting nature and pristine mountain weather, have turned the stepped villages of Kurdistan into a paradise for nature lovers. Palangan village in Kamyaran County, built on two opposite slopes with a flowing river in between, is one of the most beautiful stepped villages in Iran. Other famous stepped villages in Kurdistan include Oraman City (Oraman Takht), Sarhuyeh village, and Tangisar village in Sanandaj.

 

Kermanshah Province

Kermanshah Province is home to a large number of attractions in western Iran and is one of the oldest provinces in the country. This beautiful province, with a history dating back thousands of years, has always been an important region of ancient Iranian civilizations. Therefore, the historical remnants of various dynasties in this region have turned Kermanshah Province into one of the main destinations for tourism in Iran. Kermanshah Province covers an area of approximately 25,000 square kilometers and has a population of over two million people. The capital city, Kermanshah, is both the center of the province and a tourism hub.

Natural attractions, especially mountains, stunning caves, and lakes, alongside historical sites, are the main tourist attractions in this province. Kermanshah Province has fourteen counties, and the cities of Bisotun, Paveh, and Qasr-e Shirin are among its other tourist cities. With approximately fifty natural attractions and over thirty important historical sites, it is considered as one of the most significant destinations in Travel to Western Iran, attracting the highest number of tourists in the western cities of Iran. Some of the tourist attractions in western Iran in Kermanshah Province include:

  • Taq-e Bostan
  • Niloufar Lake
  • terraced Villages of Hajij, Paveh
  • Anahita Temple, Kangavar
  • Bisotun Historical Site

 

Bisotun historical site

One of the most important historical attractions in western Iran is the Bisotun Historical Site, located about thirty kilometers northeast of the city of Kermanshah. This site, situated at the foothills of the Bisotun Mountains, catches the attention of travelers passing through the Karbala Highway. The history of this site dates back to the Achaemenid era, with 28 registered national monuments and approximately 150 discovered historical artifacts. The most significant part of this site, the inscription and the relief of Darius, was registered in UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2006. Other attractions on this site include the Statue of Hercules, Caravanserai, and Bisotun Lake.

Travel to western Iran

 Quri Qaleh Cave, Ravansar

Quri Qaleh Cave, also known as Gouri Ghaleh or Gouri Ghela, is one of the seven national natural wonders of Iran and one of the natural marvels of the world. This vast and astonishing cave is located in Ravansar County, Kermanshah Province, in the Shahou Mountains. Quri Qaleh Cave has a history of approximately 65 million years and is the largest underwater cave in the Middle East. With a length of twelve kilometers and a depth of over three kilometers, this beautiful cave is considered one of the most unique natural attractions in western Iran with its mysterious environment.

 

Hamedan province

Hamedan Province is one of the most beautiful regions in the country, with some of the most important attractions in western Iran. This western province, located in the Zagros Mountains, is considered one of the oldest ancient capitals of Iran and the world. The diverse and fascinating ethnic composition of different peoples residing in Hamedan has created a unique cultural blend in this region. Hamedan Province has a population of over 1.8 million people and covers an area of 20,175 square kilometers. The majority of the population in this province consists of Turk, Fars, and Lur ethnic groups, with Jewish and Assyrian minorities also residing in the city of Hamedan.

Hamedan City, the capital of this province, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in travel to western Iran and is home to many historical and natural attractions. The cities of Malayer and Kabudrahang are also other tourist destinations in Hamedan Province. With over 120 historical attractions and more than 70 natural attractions, Hamedan Province has become one of the important tourist destinations in western Iran. Let’s become familiar with some of the tourist attractions in Hamedan Province in our Travel guide to western Iran:

  • Abbasabad Hill and Valley
  • Hamedan Traditional Bazaar
  • Avicenna’s Tomb
  • Natural History Museum
  • Ganjnameh Recreational Village

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Anahita Temple, Kermanshah Province
Travel to Kermanshah: Everything You Need to Know Before Your Trip!

Ganjnameh

Ganjnameh Recreational Village is located five kilometers west of Hamedan, at the foot of the Alvand Mountains. This large village is considered one of the most important places to see on travel to western Iran due to its pleasant climate and the breathtaking and eye-catching views it offers of the green landscapes of the region and the Mishan Plain. The Ganjnameh Inscription and Waterfall, alongside the beautiful suspended bridge, are among the other attractions of Ganjnameh. Various recreational facilities such as the Dark Valley Ski Resort, cable cars, and chairlifts are also available in this village.

Travel to western Iran

Ali Sadr Cave

Ali Sadr Cave is located in a village of the same name, which is part of Kabudrahang County. This cave, situated at an elevation of 2,100 meters above sea level, has the longest boat-traversable route among the world’s water caves, stretching three kilometers. The complex and mysterious tunnels and waterways create a unique and impactful environment in this cave. Ali Sadr Cave is over eleven kilometers long, but only three kilometers have been explored due to the challenging paths. This beautiful cave dates back to the Jurassic period, over 130 million years ago, and is one of the most stunning natural attractions in western Iran.

 

Lorestan Province

Among the remarkable areas and attractions in western Iran, Lorestan Province is one of the country’s most important regions. This green and beautiful province, located in the Zagros Mountains, is a land of enchanting waterfalls and abundant rivers. Its rich historical background and numerous historical sites have made Lorestan Province one of the best destinations in travel to western Iran. The province covers an area of 29,300 square kilometers and has a population of over 1.8 million people, with eleven counties. Untouched and lush nature, beautiful waterfalls, and roaring rivers, lakes, and caves, along with historical artifacts from different eras, are among the main tourist attractions of Lorestan Province.

Khorramabad, the capital city of this province, along with the cities of Borujerd and Doroud, are among the most important tourist centers in this beautiful province. Lorestan Province, due to its possession of the largest water resources in the country, has over 130 natural attractions in various locations. With over a hundred historical artifacts dating back thousands of years, Lorestan has been recognized as one of the most beautiful regions in the country with the highest number of tourist attractions in western Iran. Some of the major attractions of Lorestan Province include:

  • Falak-ol-Aflak Castle and Lake Kiv, Khorramabad
  • Fadak Park, Borujerd
  • Shirez Canyon, Kuhdasht
  • Makhmal-Kuh
  • Khazineh Valley

 

Lake Gahar

Lake Gahar, a beautiful lake, is located in the Zagros mountain range, about 30 kilometers southeast of Doroud County. This lake, which is believed to have formed due to an earthquake thousands of years ago, is one and a half kilometers long and is referred to as the “Gem of Oshtorankuh.” Lake Gahar is one of the most beautiful areas in Iran, and the best time to visit it is in early summer when the surrounding nature is breathtaking. Thousands of tourists and nature lovers visit this remarkable area each year. The pristine forests of Oshtorankuh have turned this region into one of the most popular natural attractions in western Iran, accessible through the Aligudarz route.

Travel to western Iran

Waterfalls of Lorestan Province

Lorestan Province is known as the land of waterfalls, and the reason for this is the beautiful and abundant waterfalls that catch the eye in every corner of this land. Due to its abundant water resources, this province has mesmerizing and captivating natural beauty, and its roaring waterfalls are one of its most important tourist attractions. Lorestan Province is home to magnificent waterfalls and gorges, including Bisheh Waterfall, Vark Waterfall, Afrineh Waterfall, Nojian Waterfall, and Nayangiz Waterfall.

 

Ilam Province

Ilam Province is home to some of the most unique attractions in western Iran and has great potential for attracting tourists to Iran’s border regions in a Travel to Western Iran. Ilam is a province with ancient history and pristine and unique nature. The northern regions of this province have a cold and mountainous Zagros climate, while the southern regions have a warm and dry climate. This diversity of climates is indicative of the fascinating climatic diversity of this province. Ilam Province covers an area of 20,164 square kilometers and has a population of over 580,000 people in ten counties. The province has vast oil and gas reserves, and its northern oak forests are globally renowned.

The center of this province is the city of Ilam, located alongside the historic city of Darrehshahr (the largest historic city in western Iran) and the city of Abdanan, which are the most important tourist and recreational centers in this province. With approximately thirty castles, other historical artifacts, and unique natural attractions, Ilam Province is one of the most special regions in the country and one of the most important tourist attractions in western Iran. Some of the notable attractions in Ilam Province include:Travel to western Iran

  • Sheshdar Forest Park
  • Ancient castles in Abdanan, such as Hezar Darb Castle and Posht Qal’eh Castle
  • The ancient city of Simreh (Madaktu) in Darrehshahr
  • Forest parks and protected areas in Ilam

The northern regions of Ilam Province, due to their location in the foothills of the Zagros Mountains, boast pristine and stunning nature. The vast forests in these areas, with their diverse flora and fauna, captivate every tourist and nature lover. These beautiful forested and natural areas are among the most important natural attractions in western Iran, and Ilam is referred to as the bride of Zagros due to the presence of such sights. The most important forest parks and protected areas in Ilam include Kabir Kouh, Choghasabz Forest Park, and Arghavan Canyon, which is a protected area spanning 170 hectares and named after the endangered Arghavan tree species found there.

 

Beautiful Gorges of Ilam

The unique geographical location of Ilam Province has resulted in the formation of fascinating landscapes and phenomena in this province. One of the most beautiful tourist attractions in western Iran that captivates nature enthusiasts is the Kafereen Gorge. This area has stunning and mesmerizing sights that leave any observer in awe of time and place. The oak forests of Ilam, Kafereen Waterfall, various caves like Shedad Cave, ponds, and waterways are among the wonders of this region. Another notable attraction in Ilam is the Arghavan Gorge, located 3 kilometers northeast of the city of Ilam. Raziyaneh Gorge, also known as Raziyaneh Strait, is another of Iran’s most beautiful geological phenomena located in this province. Raziyaneh Gorge is a long and deep valley in the lush and enchanting nature of Ilam, along with 75 hectares of surrounding forests, registered as one of the national natural heritage sites.

Travel to western Iran

Final words

The diversity and multitude of tourist attractions in western Iran attract many tourists to the cities and provinces of this region at any opportunity. Western Iran has diverse tourist attractions that appeal to a wide range of tourists in various fields. The ethnic and cultural diversity, historical significance, natural wonders, and border markets attract millions of tourists to Travel to western Iran annually.

Considering the mountainous and cold climate, the best time to Travel to western Iran is during spring and early autumn. It is important to note the preservation of this valuable treasure when traveling to the natural areas of western Iran.

 

FAQ

1- What are some of the popular tourist attractions in western Iran?

Western Iran boasts a variety of popular tourist attractions. Some notable ones include the Kafereen Gorge, Raziyaneh Gorge, the oak forests of Ilam, historical castles in Abdanan, and the ancient city of Simreh in Darrehshahr, Ganjnameh in Hamedan and….

2- What is the best time to visit the attractions of western Iran?

The recommended time to travel to western Iran is during spring and early autumn when the weather is pleasant. The mountainous and cold climate of this region makes these seasons ideal for exploring the natural beauty and historical sites.

3- What precautions should be taken in travel to western Iran?

In traveling to western Iran, it is crucial to respect and preserve the environment. Avoid littering and ensure that you do not light fires in the forests, as it poses a threat to the national treasures and natural resources of the country.

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