SAEDNEWS: Shahrekord’s whitewater rafting takes place on the Armand River and the Zayandeh‑Rud, drawing thrill‑seekers and nature lovers every spring and summer.
Shahrekord—the capital of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari—is crisscrossed by perennial rivers fed from Zagros peaks. The Armand River and Zayandeh‑Rud offer year‑round water flow, making them premier rafting destinations. Each season, hundreds of adventure‑seekers flock here to test the rapids on guided tours.
Shahrekord hosts three signature rafting courses: Armand, Zayandeh‑Rud, and Markadeh (a tributary route near the Zayandeh‑Rud bridges).
Rafting involves navigating a river’s whitewater in an inflatable raft, using paddles to steer. Born in the U.S. during the 1960s as an extreme sport, rafting gained Olympic recognition in 1972 and by the 1980s had spread to Iran’s rivers.
Participants wear life jackets and helmets in rafts seating 4–18 people. A guide steers from the back, while guests paddle in unison. Routes range from gentle family‑friendly stretches to adrenaline‑pumping Class V rapids suitable only for professionals.
In Iran, notable rafting rivers include the Haraz (Mazandaran), Sefid‑Rud (Gilan), Sirvan (Kurdistan), Sezar (Lorestan), Dez (Khuzestan), and of course, the Armand and Zayandeh‑Rud in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari.
Rafting difficulty is graded I–VI:
Class I: Gentle currents, safe for families and children.
Class II: Small waves, some maneuvering required.
Class III: Moderate rapids; suitable for paddlers with basic experience.
Class IV: Intense, powerful rapids requiring skilled maneuvering.
Class V: Extremely challenging, only for experts.
Class VI: Extremely dangerous—reserved for elite professionals; risk of serious injury or death.
Inflatable rafts are built to withstand rocks and automatically drain water. Sizes range from 4 m (5–6 people) to 5 m (7–8 people) in length. Specialized models exist for high‑adventure courses, calm rivers, narrow passages, and racing.
One of Iran’s first commercial rafting courses (since the early 2000s), Armand River rafting lies on the upper Karun tributary. It’s rated Class II–III—ideal for cooling off in summer, and occasionally Class IV in spring.
Start Point: Darreh Yas Village, Ardil County (near Shahrekord).
Access: From Isfahan → Mobarakeh → Borujen → Chaghakhor → Naghān → Darreh Yas.
Facilities: A 1,200 m² camp with separate 32‑bed dorms for men and women; riverside tent camping is also available.
Length & Duration: 20 km; approximately 5 hours of continuous paddling.
Highlights include oak forests, waterfalls, salt and sulfur springs, caves, and 3 m & 6 m dive platforms. The current gradually intensifies—starting leisurely before delivering thrilling rapids.
The first river in Iran officially approved for rafting, the Zayandeh‑Rud near Shahrekord features lush banks and consistent flow. Access via Saman (22 km from Shahrekord), where full‑service rafting operators provide tours and gear.
Difficulty: Class II–IV, with the stretch near Zaman Khan Bridge reaching Class IV—unsuitable for novices.
Routes:
Zaman Khan Bridge → Chelvan Bridge: ~3 km, 30 minutes (easy).
Imamzadeh Baba Pir Ahmad → Zaman Khan Bridge: ~8 km, 1.5–2 hours, featuring three rapids—one beside the shrine and two around the bridge (the under‑bridge rapid is most challenging).
Soudjan → Zaman Khan Bridge: ~17 km, 5 hours, with two rest stops (snacks and jump platforms) and the same three rapids.
Initial calm gives way to increasing turbulence; riders must duck under overhanging branches in narrow sections. Zayandeh‑Rud’s gentler thrills and lower cost attract families and beginners.
Markadeh, a village 50 km north of Shahrekord, lies on a high‑flow Zayandeh‑Rud tributary. Several historic bridges—Horeh, Il‑Beigi, Cham‑Nar, Cham‑Khorram, Kahkesh, Chelvan, and Khan—span these rapids.
Season: Spring and summer.
Route: 7 km from Markadeh to a local eco‑garden; ~30 minutes of paddling through scenic twists and turns.
Armand River: 1,100,000 Toman/person
Zayandeh‑Rud (Baba Pir Ahmad → Zaman Khan): 400,000 Toman/person
Zayandeh‑Rud (Soudjan → Zaman Khan): 600,000–700,000 Toman/person
One‑day tour from Tehran/Karaj (includes transport, breakfast, lunch, snacks): 2,100,000–2,600,000 Toman/person
Markadeh (One‑day from Isfahan) (includes transport, breakfast, guide, insurance): 500,000 Toman/person
Rafting runs year‑round, but spring brings higher flows and maximum thrills, while summer offers milder, refreshing rides.
Organizers supply rafts, paddles, life jackets, helmets, rescue ropes, radios, whistles, first‑aid kits, and repair tools. Guests should bring:
ID and insurance card
Quick‑dry, snug‑fitting long‑sleeve clothing; extra set and towel
Waterproof footwear or river shoes
Sun‑visor hat, UV sunglasses with strap
Gloves (if hands get cold)
Waterproof bag for valuables
Windbreaker (for cooler seasons)
Water bottle and light snacks (for 4–5 hour runs)
Sunscreen, insect repellent
Heed all guide instructions.
Stay seated and balanced; if the raft may capsize, move as one.
Paddle only on cue—often the current carries you.
Wear protective clothing to guard against scrapes.
Secure paddle grips—one hand on the shaft, one on the T‑handle.
Stay hydrated.
Leave phones ashore; operators usually film your run. If you must, keep it in a dry bag.
If you fall in, remain calm and look for the raft; the guide will use a throw rope.
Book with reputable operators—verify their experience and equipment beforehand.
