SAEDNEWS: A vertically oriented cave with multiple shafts, discovered in 2010, stands out for its striking features.
Although the discovery of this cave dates back to Mehr and Aban 1388 (September–November 2009), the news was kept secret to prevent cultural artifact thieves from targeting the findings. This 375-meter-long cave was discovered by mountaineering and caving groups from the cities of Gonbad-e Kavus and Gorgan.
The first deep vertical cave in Iran is the Parav Cave in Kermanshah, which exceeds 750 meters in depth and was explored by a British team.
This newly discovered cave has been named “Som.” It is said to be 375 meters deep. The discovery was made by Amin Shadvand and his friends in the eastern heights of Khwaja Qanbar Mountain, near the village of Dozin, Galikesh District, Golestan Province. The cave sits at an elevation of 1,700 meters, and the explorers did not initially realize they were uncovering Iran’s second-deepest cave. Locals were aware of the cave’s existence but had not dared to enter. Many rumors circulated about the cave, though none were particularly extraordinary.
Locals mentioned the presence of bats—referred to by them as “kafash”—inside the cave. These creatures are so large that they reportedly cannot leave the cave. The cave consists of both vertical and horizontal passages: horizontal paths are called corridors, and vertical paths are called shafts. The shafts in this cave are connected via corridors. The Gonbad-e Kavus Qabus Mountaineering Group has so far discovered 17 shafts, while the remaining four were discovered by other explorers.
Caving in Iran: The Best Time to Explore
The ideal months for exploring such caves are Shahrivar and Mehr (September–October), because at other times water accumulates inside, making it impossible to reach the cave’s end. Amin Shadvand and his friends discovered the cave in Aban 1388 (November 2009) but did not publicize it to continue their systematic exploration.
Additionally, the cave contained archaeological artifacts, raising concerns that publicizing the discovery might tempt thieves. Exploration outside these months is dangerous, as it requires proper equipment, a support team, knowledge of the cave map, and awareness of narrow passages. Without these precautions, accidents are highly likely, and rescue would be difficult.
After the Qabus group, another team named Afaq explored the cave without prior knowledge of earlier discoveries. A professional mountaineering and caving team from Golestan Province is expected to continue exploration, with Amin Shadvand and his friends joining to provide their prior experience.
The First Vertical Cave Explored by Iranians
Exploration of this vertical cave began in Tir 1388 (June–July 2009). The Qabus Mountaineering Group learned of the cave and prepared technical climbing equipment to explore its vertical shafts. From Tir 1388, they conducted four expeditions until autumn and winter rains and snow prevented further exploration.
They reached the 17th shaft, while another group continued to the 21st shaft. Shadvand, who participated in the exploration, said: “In Kermanshah, we have a 700-meter cave discovered by foreigners, and another long cave there was also discovered by foreigners. But this is the first major cave explored and mapped by Iranian teams.”
During their exploration, they discovered two human skeletons in the second shaft, along with numerous artifacts, possibly pre-Islamic pottery. In another shaft, they found skeletons of an unknown animal, tentatively identified as a large bat, though confirmation awaits zoologists.
Objects Discovered in the Cave
If the skeleton belongs to a bat, it would be 15 times larger than a typical bat, with a wingspan of 40–50 cm. Locals had also mentioned such creatures. The southern and surrounding areas of the cave are historically significant; locals believe this site was once Bahram Gur’s hunting ground.
Nearby plains contain man-made pits 50 meters deep. The surrounding ridges are believed to be remnants of a castle or ancient recreational site. There is also another cave called “Div Cave,” connected to the legendary tales of Rostam’s Seven Labors and his battle with demons.
Cave Entry Requirements
Entering this cave requires slim and agile individuals. With such narrow entrances, you can judge for yourself whether you are suited for this type of caving expedition.
