One of the most amazing natural phenomena in Iran are the Aladaghlar Hills or the Colorful Mountains, located on the route from Zanjan to Mahneshan in Zanjan Province.
According to the family magazine service of Saed News, you might have seen images of colorful mountains and soils showcased as attractions in other countries, but it's interesting to know that there is an extraordinary example of these landscapes in our own country. The Aladaghlar Hills, or the Colorful Mountains, are located on the route from Zanjan to Mahneshan in Zanjan Province. The scenery of these hills is so incredible that you might momentarily feel like you're walking on another planet. To learn more about this natural wonder, join us.
In Turkish, "Ala" means colorful, and "Dagh" means mountain. Travelers passing through this route during the day can enjoy the sight of mountains that appear hand-painted and capture this magnificent view with their cameras. However, those traveling on this highway at night miss out on these views. It's recommended not to just view them in passing but to dedicate a few hours to fully appreciate them.
These natural wonders are located 25 kilometers northeast of Tabriz and in the Mahneshan County. The highest point is Belqeis Mountain, standing 3,300 meters above sea level, with an area of approximately 70 square kilometers. Some historical accounts suggest that the name "Mahnashan" originated from the presence of the Mada tribe in the region. Over time, the name evolved into "Mahneshan."
The Mada tribe lived in the village of Madabad, 15 kilometers from present-day Mahneshan, for years. Artifacts such as the Beheshtan Fortress and Seti Fortress from the Sassanian era remain in the area, supporting this theory. Nature has painted the Aladaghlar Hills with colors like red, brown, green, orange, yellow, and white in such a way that it feels surreal to witness this view while awake.
These mountains, especially their copper and yellow hues, are perfect for nature photography under the right lighting and warm weather. There are only a few similar mountains globally, and they are likely to gain international recognition. Occasionally, streams flow between these mountains, reflecting their colors in the water under sunlight, creating the most stunning natural images.
The residents of the region have long admired the unique beauty of these mountains, influencing their traditions and culture. One tradition they used to perform every year during Nowruz (Persian New Year) and before spring was decorating their homes with colorful soils. This task was usually done by women, using red soil to symbolize Nowruz. They would mix the soil with water and apply a thin layer to the interior walls of their homes to welcome the new year. Today, traces of this tradition can still be found in some mud-brick houses in certain villages, beautifully decorated with this colorful soil.
Reason for Aladaghlar Hills' Colors
Mahneshan is rich in minerals, leading to the establishment of many mining factories in the area. According to geologists, this beautiful phenomenon dates back to 15 million years ago. During the formation of the mountains and continental basins, iron sediments were present. Changes in salts and their types fixed the colors of the sediments, forming the Aladaghlar Hills or the Colorful Mountains. Each color represents a specific mineral. For example, green indicates the presence of copper, visible due to carbonatation, and red indicates oxidizing conditions and abundant oxygen.
Location of the Colorful Hills
The Aladaghlar Hills are located 25 kilometers northeast of Tabriz, on the route to Khajeh County and the Miandoab-Zanjan Highway. These mountains are in Mahneshan County, a notable tourist attraction in Iran. Along the route to these colorful mountains are villages and areas familiar with and describing the hills in their local language.
Final Note
Unfortunately, the Aladaghlar Hills and other attractions in this region, despite their incredible appeal, remain unknown to most Iranians and foreign tourists. Few have had the chance to visit them. Another issue is the lack of adequate facilities for those wishing to stay in the area. Investing in tourism infrastructure can provide comfort for visitors and create a good income source for the locals. If you plan to visit Mahneshan, you can stay in accommodations and hotels in nearby cities. Just remember to preserve the nature and leave it intact for future generations.
Enjoy these images of storks in Aladaghlar, Zanjan.
