Zaras, one of the most beautiful tourist villages in Iran’s Khuzestan Province, with pristine nature and numerous historical attractions, is an unparalleled destination for travelers.
Where is Zaras Village?
Zaras is one of the most beautiful tourist villages in Iran, often likened by many travelers to a treasure in the Zagros Mountains. In this area, everything from forests, lakes, and mountains to starry skies awaits to create a memorable journey for you.
Zaras village is located in the Zagros mountain range in the northern part of Khuzestan Province. This village is in Dezpart County, south of the Karun 3 dam, along the Karun River. If you travel about 70 kilometers southeast of Izeh County, you will reach Zaras village; however, it should be noted that Dehdaz city is the closest town to the Zaras tourist area. Zaras is also close to Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province. The region is home to many Bakhtiari tribes.
The Zaras tourist village is situated in a completely rural area at the foothills of the Zagros Mountains. After the village was established, most of the rural houses in Zaras were purchased and converted into accommodations. This tourist village is one of the most important tourism areas in Khuzestan Province, where locals strive to improve tourism facilities and services to develop Zaras’s economy. The development of tourism and recreational services here is ongoing, and every year new amenities are added to Zaras, Khuzestan.
After knowing where Zaras is, it’s time to introduce the history of the area. Zaras dates back to the ancient Elamite period. From the inscriptions found here, which belong to the pre-Achaemenid era, it can be concluded that Izeh, Dehdaz, and Zaras were very important during the Elamite era. The significance of this region in Iranian history is not limited to the Elamites. Izeh and Dehdaz contain many registered historical sites, some of the most important include:
Noorabad Palace: A Qajar-era stone building located in Noorabad village, Izeh County, currently under restoration.
Shahsavar Cemetery: A contemporary historic site featuring a shrine and various gravestones shaped like lions, carved by the Bakhtiari tribes in Izeh.
Bord Gapi Rock Tombs: Located in central Izeh, dating back to the Sassanid era.
Dehdaz Caravanserai: A famous historical site in Izeh dating to the Safavid era, known for its beautiful architecture and façade, still attracting tourists.
Why should we travel to Zaras?
Generally, the northern and northeastern cities of Khuzestan have been cradles of ancient civilizations. Therefore, various historical attractions surround Zaras. Visiting Khuzestan’s tourist sites in the peak summer heat may seem impractical, but Zaras has unique features that make it accessible even in summer. These characteristics set Zaras apart from other tourist areas. Below are some features of this beautiful village:
Pristine Nature:
If we describe Zaras’s nature in the shortest way possible, it would be “the Switzerland of Iran!” An unmatched combination of lakes, snowy peaks, and beautiful bridges attracts many enthusiasts. In short, Zaras is a paradise for nature lovers. Surrounding areas also have protected forests, springs, and waterfalls worth visiting on nature tours.
Peace and Escape from Noise:
Zaras village is completely away from noisy urban environments. There is no traffic or crowding here. If you want to take a mental break from work and city hustle, a trip to Zaras village is highly recommended. Instead of hearing honking cars and crowds, you will hear birds, waterfalls, and springs.
Historical and Cultural Attractions:
Staying with authentic nomadic Bakhtiari tribes is one of the best experiences in Zaras. Besides getting to know their nomadic lifestyle, you can visit many historical and ancient sites around Zaras connected to different historical periods. Because Zaras is quite far from large cities, it has preserved the rich Luri and southern culture authentically.
Places to Visit in Zaras
Zaras village is near the colorful and calm Zaras Lake. Each village in the Zaras area has its own unique beauty. Boating and fishing in Zaras Lake are popular tourist activities. Besides the lake, several other attractions enhance Zaras’s beauty:
Sheyvand Waterfall:
At over 90 meters tall, it is the highest waterfall in Khuzestan. On the way to the waterfall, you will see fruit trees. This path also has other waterfalls. The village and Sheyvand Waterfall are right opposite the Zaras tourist area.
Mangasht Mountain:
The Mangasht Protected Area, located in a pristine spot in the Zagros, is visually stunning with its vegetation, high snow-covered peaks, rivers, and natural attractions. It is one of the most beautiful sites near Zaras village. Its highest peak is called Gharun.
Karun 3 Dam Lake:
One of the main reasons Zaras is popular is this dam lake. It is one of the largest Karun dams, surrounded by many tourist sites. Watching the 200-meter-high dam structure is very pleasant. The Karun 3 dam also has a museum and exhibition for visitors.
Balootak Bridge:
This bridge in Izeh is over 420 meters long and 160 meters high, connecting Qarun to Dehdaz. Before its construction, locals used a ferry for 20 years. Tourists enjoy the scenic views of Zaras and Qarun from this bridge.
Baloot Boland Forest Park:
Another beautiful protected natural area near Zaras. If you have camping gear, visiting these oak forests in spring is ideal. After the Karun dam was filled, some paths submerged, making this park one of the most pristine and secluded natural spots.
Izeh City:
Known for its open-air rock relief museum, this lesser-known city is attractive for history lovers. It is a Bakhtiari-populated area with ancient inscriptions like Khong Azdar, Khong Yar Alivand, and Khong Kamalvand, dating back to pre-Achaemenid and later periods.
Anshan Tourist Village:
Located near Izeh and Zaras in the middle Zagros, Anshan has significant cultural and tourism value. You can picnic by the Karun dam lake or explore its almond and oak forests, as well as hike Mangasht Mountain.
Taq Tavileh:
Also called Atabaki Castle, it’s a historic caravanserai and castle from the Atabakan Lor period located in Mohammad Rasulullah street in Izeh. It was used during the era between the Mongols and Ilkhanids.
Ancient Monuments:
Other archaeological sites include the Kol Farah rock relief (several thousand years old) southwest of Izeh, and the Kazhdum Castle, a unique national monument. Many rock tombs in Zaras also have high historical value.
Zaras, Khuzestan Weather
Before traveling, knowing the weather is crucial. Zaras, located in southern Iran, combines forest, river, and mountains. Here is a seasonal overview:
Spring:
Best time to visit with moderate weather, ideal for picnics and nature walks. Zaras is uniquely beautiful in spring.
Summer:
Although southern Iran can be hot, Zaras’s mountainous location gives it a cool climate, making summer visits comfortable.
Autumn:
The diverse vegetation offers colorful scenery. The climate is humid with a high chance of fog.
Winter:
Although Khuzestan winters are mild, Zaras can be cold due to its altitude. Snowfall occurs here, rare in southern Iran. It’s recommended to bring warm clothing and heating gear.
Best Time to Visit Zaras
In winter, Zaras is covered in snow but has moderate cold. The combination of white snow, blue lake, and constant mist creates unforgettable views, especially special for Khuzestan locals, as snowfall is rare in southern Iran. The scenic route to Zaras is enchanting, particularly with mist, which is more common in winter.
