SAEDNEWS: Zarangosh Gorge is an untouched and little-known natural wonder in Ilam Province, where the crystal-clear river water, towering cliffs, and lush green vegetation along the gorge combine to create a dreamlike landscape.
Zarangosh Gorge in Darreh Shahr, in addition to its natural beauty, enjoys a cool climate during the warm seasons due to its location in a mountainous region—making it a popular summer travel destination.
Zarangosh Gorge is one of the attractions of Ilam Province, located to the west of a village with the same name. The gorge is approximately 25 kilometers from Badreh County and 40 kilometers from Darreh Shahr. It lies about 110 kilometers from Ilam and 180 kilometers from Khorramabad.
Zarangosh Gorge is considered one of the most beautiful and untouched tourist attractions of Badreh County in Ilam Province. Stretching about two kilometers in length with rock walls reaching up to 500 meters in height, the gorge presents a spectacular view of the mountainous landscapes of western Iran. A flowing river runs along the gorge, accompanied by natural waterfalls, tall trees, and rocky trails—making it a popular spot for nature walks, hiking, and photography.
Zarangosh Gorge in Darreh Shahr boasts rich biodiversity. Among its medicinal plants are mint and pennyroyal, whose fragrance can be felt along the entire route. The river and springs along the path host small fish that help keep the waters clean. One of the animals found in the gorge is the mongoose—a small carnivorous mammal that feeds on reptiles, fish, and amphibians. Numerous springs also flow directly from the heart of the surrounding mountains.
In addition to its natural beauty, Zarangosh Gorge is home to valuable historical sites. Two “twin caves” dating back to the pre-Islamic era lie within the gorge, once used as shelters. Observant visitors can spot fossils embedded in the rocks, evidence of the gorge’s ancient history. Remains of pottery from the Islamic era have also been discovered here. In the middle of the gorge lies a massive boulder known as “Bardbol”—a name derived from the words “bard” meaning stone, and “bol” meaning tall—considered the symbol of the gorge. Another historical section, “Bajgiran,” was once a toll collection point.
The ancient Zarangosh Gorge is accessible by road all the way to its end, so visitors do not need to hike extensively; however, the road becomes rough once the river begins. Zarangosh Gorge is an excellent family destination as cars can pass through the gorge itself; to reach the deeper parts and view the towering cliffs up close, off-road vehicles must drive through the river.
Due to its mountainous location, Zarangosh Gorge experiences cold and sometimes snowy weather in autumn and winter, which can make access difficult. In the warmer months—especially spring, summer, and early autumn—the area enjoys mild and pleasant weather, making it one of the best nature destinations in Ilam Province.
“Kaferin Gorge,” also known as “Kaferi Gorge” or “Shaddad Gorge,” lies deep within the rugged Zagros Mountains near the city of Badreh. With stunning views of the river and deep valleys, it sits just behind the Simareh Dam, and reaching it requires a boat ride. Each boat holds five passengers, and it takes about ten minutes on foot from the parking area to the boats. Passing through the stone walls and winding passages of the gorge, the crystal-clear water, oak trees, hidden caves, and unique wildlife such as the Persian squirrel are among its many wonders.
Archaeological excavations in Kaferin Gorge have uncovered gypsum architecture, terraces, arches, and column bases, all evidence of ancient life in this mountainous region. Remains of the old “Bare Hele” Dam can also be seen at the end of the gorge.
“Zeyd Gorge” is one of the most pristine natural attractions in Ilam Province. Behind the village of Zeyd lies a vast network of massive, winding valleys. Due to their great depth and dangerous cliffs, passing through them is only possible for mountaineers and nature enthusiasts. The constant flow of water, lush greenery along the path, and the songs of birds within this gorge create a dreamlike atmosphere, harboring a unique ecosystem of wild plants, oak and ash trees, and cool springs.
What distinguishes Zeyd Gorge from other natural areas in the province is the presence of a collection of historical stone storage rooms for wheat and salt carved into the cliffs. These storage facilities, skillfully constructed using clay, stone, and wood, were designed to keep wheat grains unspoiled for up to three years while also protecting them from bandit raids. Interestingly, among more than 30 existing storage rooms, only one was designated for storing salt. Two stone mills can also be seen in the middle of the valley.
“Simareh Dam” is the largest concrete dam in Ilam Province, built on the Simareh River — one of the longest and most water-abundant rivers in western Iran.
The dam and the Simareh River are not only important economically and for providing water and electricity to the region, but they are also recognized as a tourist destination. The reservoir behind the dam, with its beautiful and tranquil scenery, offers a delightful setting for activities such as boating, fishing, and photography. However, due to the depth of the water, swimming is not recommended. Recreational facilities around the dam are limited, so bringing full supplies such as water, food, proper footwear, extra clothing, and a first-aid kit is essential when visiting. The access road to the lake is asphalted and extends right to the water’s edge. At the end of the road, there is also a designated area for camping and overnight stays.
The historic “Gavmishan Bridge” is one of the attractions of Dareh Shahr, located on the border between Ilam and Lorestan provinces, spanning the Simareh River. This ancient bridge originally had five arches, of which only one remains intact today. The pointed arches, construction materials such as brick, stone, and mortar, and the architectural style of the vaults all indicate that this structure dates back to the Sassanid period. However, signs of restoration from the Safavid and Qajar eras are also visible. The presence of corridors and internal stairways within the central pier shows that caravans used the bridge not only for crossing but also for resting and spending the night.
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