Perched like a forgotten amphitheatre on the slopes of Mount Shaho, Palangan village is a picture-postcard of stepped stone houses, bubbling springs, and stories that make you want to pack a bag right now.
Palangan village is one of those travel destinations some of you may have heard about or seen in photos and videos online. Others of you may not be familiar at all and might ask, "Where is Palangan?" Palangan is a lesser-known village on the border of the beautiful Kurdistan and Kermanshah provinces, located in the Javroud rural district, part of the Central District of Kamyaran County.
Palangan is located in a mountainous area and at altitude; for this reason its climate is cold and dry. This village — one of the attractions in Kurdistan — sits at the entrance to the Oraman (Hawraman) region and on the border between Kermanshah and Kamyaran. To reach this village you must head toward the slopes of Mount Shaho. The mountains Kol and Sarlou surround it to the southwest and the Zaman Geryaveh pass lies to the southeast.
From Sanandaj to Kamyaran is 70 kilometres, and from Kamyaran to Palangan only 57 kilometres. If you are visiting Kurdistan we recommend you first see Sanandaj’s sights and then head to Kamyaran and Palangan.
Palangan village is in Kurdistan Province, Kamyaran County, at the entrance to the Uraman (Hawraman) region on the slopes of Mount Shaho.
Depending on where in Iran you start your trip to Kurdistan, there are several routes to Palangan. First you must get to Kurdistan. From there you can reach Palangan via Kamyaran, Paveh, Sarvabad or Sanandaj.
If your trip originates in central Iran or Tehran, it is best to take the route through Kermanshah. The road is generally good and free from traffic. From Kermanshah, drive toward Kamyaran and follow signs to Palangan. The route to this village passes many beautiful natural attractions that are worth stopping for.
When travelling in Iran, I think the best choices are either to drive yourself or to go on a tour. With a private car you control the schedule and can stop wherever you like; you can also stay longer if you fall in love with a place. The advantage of a tour is that an experienced guide accompanies you, routes are planned precisely, and you don’t have to worry about transport.
Other options to get to Palangan are to take a bus, train or plane to Sanandaj and then a bus to Kamyaran, from which minibuses run to Palangan.
For nature trips, a private vehicle is recommended because the distances are long and you will likely take essentials with you; carrying luggage on and off buses is difficult, and once at your destination you’ll want transport to reach nearby sights. If you don’t have a car, consider travelling with a tour: easier for transport, lodging and local guidance.
When is the best time to visit Palangan? Many travellers ask this. The best season for visiting Palangan in terms of weather and scenery is mid-spring. The village becomes strikingly green and beautiful in spring — words fail to capture its charm; you must see it yourself.
Note that during Nowruz (Iranian New Year) the area becomes crowded. If you want a quiet escape, avoid holiday periods. Also, accommodation is limited in the village, so if travelling during peak times book early.
The history of Palangan dates to before Islam: its houses have been destroyed and rebuilt several times in different eras. The village was the centre of the Ardalan dynasty for more than 400 years. The Ardalan principality, a Kurdish dynasty, ruled parts of north-west Iran for roughly 700 years — from the mid-7th (Islamic) century to the late 13th century AH (approximately 1169–1867 CE), that is, through much of the Qajar period.
The Ardalan dynasty claimed descent from Ardashir Babakan, founder of the Sasanian Empire.
Some archaeologists say Palangan may even date back to the Medes. Archaeological remains — a fortress, a fire temple and several bridges — support the village’s ancient occupation. There is an old cemetery with gravestones carved with Kufic script dated to the 7th century AH.
Palangan’s spring weather is mild and pleasant; summers are warm and sunny. The village sits in the Mount Shaho heights and therefore endures very cold winters; autumn is chilly and windy. While the road to Palangan is paved and generally passable, autumn and winter are not ideal for tourism because of heavy snowfall and low temperatures.
That said, the village wearing its winter coat of white snow is a sight to behold — but the cold restricts outdoor activity.
You might ask what “Palangan” means and why the village received this name. Some imagine the name evokes “pā- langān” (limping foot) or bring to mind leopards. The correct explanation is the second: Palangan derives from “palang” (leopard). Historically, leopards inhabited the area, and the village took its name to mean “place of leopards.”
Others say the name comes from Kurdish: “pal” means a support or a place leaning on another — the village’s houses are built leaning on one another, so the stepped architecture may have inspired the name.
The houses are dry-stone structures and showcase striking architecture. Besides its natural attractions, the village’s architectural style increases its appeal. Palangan’s stepped house design is sometimes compared to Masuleh: roofs of lower houses form courtyards for the houses above.
Some have nicknamed Palangan “the Masuleh of Kurdistan,” though stepped housing is not unique to Masuleh and appears in other mountain settlements. In stepped houses, each roof is the terrace or courtyard of the house above.
Stepped houses are not the only attractions. Palangan has many sights — natural and historical, plus tasty local food and lively bazaars. The people are very warm and hospitable, and spending time chatting with them is delightful. The village is flanked by valleys, and its mountain-slope location offers spectacular views.
Palangan is especially beautiful in mid-spring when everywhere is green, springs and rivers run full, and the weather is at its best. Below are some of the top sights you should not miss.
Bubbling, drinkable springs are a natural draw. Palangan has many springs: Khatoon Spring, Seyyed Aladdin Spring and Shiteh Spring are among the most important. Locals say there are over twenty springs, eight of them permanently flowing and the rest seasonal. Visitors sometimes bring containers to take spring water home.
Some springs contain sulfur or iron and are thought locally to relieve skin conditions; the water ultimately flows into the Sirvan and Tangivor rivers.
Among the rivers near Palangan are the Sirvan River and the Tangivor tributary. The Tangivor flows through the village. The Sirvan is a major Kurdish river, formed by the confluence of the Qeshlaq, Gardlan and Gavroud streams.
Fishing is a pleasant pastime here. Sitting beside the rushing river, eating a meal and enjoying the fresh air is restorative.
Spring water and melted snow create cascades and waterfalls in the village. Water streaming between rock faces and thick vegetation forms spectacular scenes and great photo opportunities. As you approach the sound of falling water, you will find either a river or a waterfall.
The village includes a famous garden called Sheikh Omar’s Garden, where you can camp; it contains some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area. Wear comfortable shoes — many waterfalls require forest hikes to reach them.
Because the village is historically significant, the Palangan fortress is a key historical sight. Archaeologists suggest the fortress was in use until the 10th century AH, though precise construction dates are uncertain.
Originally ruled by the Kelaher (Kaleh) kings, the fortress later came under the Ardalan rulers who governed for some 470 years. The fortress sits about 800 metres south-east of the village, near the springs and on higher ground. Though poorly preserved, it is worth visiting for anyone interested in history.
Palangan is a major tourist village, but Kurdistan’s attractions are many and varied. If you have time, plan to see nearby highlights on the way to or from Palangan.
One of Kurdistan’s best known sights is Lake Zeribar (Zeribar Lake), often called the turquoise jewel of Kurdistan. Late spring is an excellent time to visit. Activities include boating, paragliding and fishing. The lake’s fish are local and tasty.
Lake Zeribar is notable for floating reed islets formed by intertwined roots. Surrounding forests are rich in oak; almond, hawthorn and pear trees are also found. The area supports many medicinal plants. Facilities — cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops — are available, and local food like charcoal-grilled fish, corn and flatbread are popular. The lake features public parking and guesthouses nearby.
Palangan to Lake Zeribar: about 89.9 kilometres; roughly two hours by car. Winters are very cold and the lake can freeze. Best visiting windows are mid-spring and early autumn; always check weather forecasts.
Kamyaran (Kameyran) is itself a tourist destination. From Kamyaran to Palangan is about 48.7 kilometres and typically takes 50–60 minutes by car if you don’t stop. Because the road to Palangan passes Kamyaran, consider staying a night there to explore its sights before continuing to Palangan.
Kamyaran hosts around 130 historical structures and 74 registered national monuments. Palangan is the most beautiful village of Kamyaran and one of Kurdistan’s most visited sites. Kamyaran has 30 model tourism regions.
Marivan lies roughly 120 kilometres from Sanandaj and is near the Iraq border. Its long history and wealth of natural and historic sites make it a major destination. The climate and geography create distinct flora and fauna. Distance from Palangan to Marivan is about 85.5 kilometres — around two hours by car.
You can do a variety of activities in Palangan:
If you enjoy photography, you’ll find the village and routes full of stunning natural scenes and historic subjects. Keep batteries charged and memory free; you’ll want lots of shots.
Nature and Palangan are inseparable. The village sights sit deep in the countryside — springs, waterfalls and rivers. Being in the open air and enjoying the landscape is a key part of the experience. Horseback riding is also offered in the area.
Food tourism is on the rise. Tasting local Kurdish dishes is a good way to learn about local culture. Try the local restaurants and dishes shared with neighbouring Kermanshah cuisine — local eateries are the best place to discover authentic flavours.
As Palangan has developed as a tourist spot, basic facilities are available. The village has guesthouses for overnight stays, parking, restaurants and small shops. The Palangan Tourist Village attracts attention from visitors.
Another option is camping. There are designated camping areas with some sanitary facilities; but note that camping with minimal facilities is best suited to those accustomed to rustic conditions.
Handicrafts are the best keepsake from Palangan: buying them supports local livelihoods. Items include traditional clothing, hand-embroidered scarves, woven footwear (giveh), jajim and wave-weave textiles. Woven blankets (mowg-bafi) are local and commonly used in cold areas.
Local edible souvenirs include local kashk (fermented whey), rice-based cookies, village bread, natural honey, fresh fish and local oil.
We recommend travelling with a tour for convenience; tours are well planned and guided.
Travel in spring or summer for the best experience; many sights are nature-based and poor weather reduces accessibility.
Combine your Palangan trip with visits to Sanandaj and nearby towns.
If travelling in Nowruz (Iranian New Year), reserve accommodation in advance — the village is small and capacity limited.
Palangan’s Nowruz celebrations are a local highlight.
Always check reliable weather forecasts before you travel.
Bring warm clothing even in summer.
Try local foods at village restaurants.
Don’t forget a sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Wear comfortable, waterproof walking shoes suited to trekking.
Local handicrafts make the best souvenirs.
