Showing posts with label Cave. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cave. Show all posts

13 January 2010

Cave-Shapour


Shapour Cave
Caves of Iran, Cvae Shapour and Statue of King Shapor I
The historical Shaopur Cave is named after the Great Shapor the King of Sassanid Dynasty. This cave it is famous for the unique 7 meters tall and 1800 years old grand statue of Shapor I at the entrance of the cave. The cave is located near Sasan or Kashkoli village in Tang e Chogan valley, Closed to Shapur river and 6 km far from the historaical Site of Bishapur, the Sassanid winter capital. The entrance of this cave is 30m and is one of the largest in Iran.
This interesting tourist zone is hot in summer and moderate to cold in winter, you need one hour of simple trekking to reach the cave, a good place for foreign tourists and mount climbers, after climbing Mt Damavand, and other outdoor activities in Shiraz province, it is recommended to go to the histotical site of Bishabour and visit this beatiful cave.


Cave Shapor
Shapour Cave Kazeroon Fars, Iran
Photo by A. Soltani

History
About 1400 years ago the Persian Sassanid Empire collapse, and it is belived that this grand statue was collapsed down by an earthquake and broke to some parts later, it was on the ground for less than 14 centuries , about 30 years ago a group historical monuments lovers raised it again on its feet and fixed it.
Unfortunately, a main road is constructed recently through this historical site and thousands of vehicles pass through the site every day. The historical site of Bishpur has been split into two separate parts by this road, on the north side of the road are Tang e Chowgân valley, mountain pass, Shapour Cave, and Dokhtar Castle and some historical mount carving and on the south are other architectural relics, historical City of Bishapur, Anahita Temple.

Cave Shapur
Shapour Cave Iran
Photo by Ardeshir Soltani

Geographic Location and Coordinate
Sasan ( Kashkoly) Village Bridge
Altitude 850 M
Latitude 29-47-37 N
Longitude 52-37-15 E

Starting Point Sasan ( Kashkoly) Village
Start your trekking here, it takes about one hour to reach ther cave, there is a good footpath with clear route signs.
Altitude 866 M
Latitude 29-47-57 N
Longitude 51-37-04

How to go there
Tehran> Shiraz> Kazeroon
Kazeroon Road to Chenar Shahijan> Bishapour Site Junction > Tang e Chovgan Valley > Bridge > Sasan ( Kashkoly) Village

Alternate Names and Spellings
Shabor, Shahbor Cave, Shapur, Shahpour,Shahpor Shapoor, Shapor, Shabour, Shabor Cave, Ghar e Shapor, Qar e Shapour
in Persian:غار شاهپور , غار شاپور

Cave Shapoor
Gar e Shapour Kazeroon
Photo by Soltani

Longest Caves in Iran
1- Ghori Ghaleh Cave 13 Km, watercave
2- Katale khor Cave 12.8 Km Natural
3- AliSadr Cave, 11.5 km, water cave
4- Karaftou Cave 750 m, Historical

Major Caves of Iran
AliSadr Cave Hamedan, Iran, water cave.
Karafto Cave, natural and historical.
KataleKhor Cave Zanjan,
Moon Cave, histrorical.
QoriQaleh Cave Kermanshah.
Shapor Cave Kazeroon, historical

Gar e Shapur
Shapour Cave Fars
Photo by Sherppa


Gar Shapor
Shapour Cave Iran
Photo by A.Soltani


Cave Shapoor
Shapour Cave Fars,Iran
Photo by Ardeshir Soltani


Cave Shapor
Shapour Cave Fars,Iran
Photo by Ardeshir

More in MDG
Anahita Temple, Dokhtar Castle, Tang e Chowgân, Bishapur, Bishabur, Sassanid Dynasty, Ardeshir I, Great Shapour I, Damavand, cave formation, natural and historical cave iran, cave tour, photo caves, gps iran caves, ancient caves iran, persia cave temples, iran cave tourism, cave info center, explor iran and visit the wonders hidden inside caves, iran ski, mt temp winter, winter expedition damavand, winter climbing advice, tour damavand, alborz and zagros caves, cave gps, visit historical and natural caves iran, iran tourist, visit asia longest caves.

Cave Shapour MDG13JAN10B
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Cave-Vara


Vara Cave
Caves of Iran, Cave Vara, Sun Temple
Vara Cave is located closed to Jahrom City near City of Shiraz in Fars Province, Iran. This historical cave has been one of the most significant temple in persia in Achaemenian and Sassanian dynasty. It has seven small pools and was used in religious ceremonies, to worship “Mehr” or “Mithra”, for morning pray and sacrifices. The word vara means stronghold or castle, it faced eastward and sun light passes through during sunrise so it is called the Sun Temple or Solar Temple too.


Cave wara Iran
Wara Cave, Ghar e Sang Eshkan Jahrom, Iran
Photo by Jafar Sepehri

It has been used for different purposes in different historical eras, in Sassanid periode, it was a holy religious place. In Islamic time, the statues of Mehr and Mithra were destroy, but people still prayed Mehr and Mithra as an angel. Later it was occupied by ordinerary people, hunter, homeless and they have done some majore damaged to the cave.

This tourist target is hot in summer and moderate cold in winter, an very interesting destination especially for foreign tourists and Mt Damavand climbers, to visit the histotical and natural sites besides their climbing and other outdoor activities in Iran.

Solar Temple Iran
Solar Temple, Ghar Sang Eshkan, Iran
Photo by Sepehri

Quick History
Besides the importannce this of this cave temple , there are some historical site in the area with evidences of old iranian eara. Jahrom or Gahrom is one of the oldest cities in Iran, "Gahrom" means Hot Lantad, the city was established by Ardeshir I, the fifth king of Achaemenian, it had a dry climate during the kingdom of Bahram Gur. Jahrom had a remarkable place in the Achaemenian and Sassanid.

There are numerous historical sites in the area:
- A Sasanid fire temple called Ghadamgah.
- Mausoleum of Barbod the great Iranian musician.
- One of the world's ancient man-made caves called Sang Eshkan.
- Natural cave Buniz.

Cave vara
Sun Temple Iran
Photo by Jafar Sepehri

Longest Caves in Iran
1- Quri Qaleh 13 Km, watercave
2- Kataleh khor 12.8 Km Natural
3- Ali Sadr , 11.5 km, water cave
4- Karaftoo 750 m, Historical

Geographic Location and Coordinate
GPS Landmark
Altitude:
Latitude:
Longitude:

How to go there
Tehran> Shiraz > Jahrom> Lar Road> Qar Vara
About one hour trekking from car park, turn right at the junction.
(The left road also goes to the Zendoon Vara, Haft Oudon, Khougonish, Ouqazi, Kharzahreh, Galoonar-Beshkar.)

Alternate Names and Spellings
Vara or Wara Cave, Gar Vara, Gar e Wara, Solar Temple, Sun Temple
In Persian: غار ورا ، غار وارا جهرم

Major Caves in Iran
Ali Sadr Hamedan, water cave.
Karaftou , natural and historical.
Katale Khor Zanjan,
Moon , histrorical.
Ghori Ghaleh Kermanshah.
Shapor Kazeroon, historical

Cave vara Iran
Vara Cave Jahrom, Iran
Photo by Jafar Sepehri

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Damavand, cave formation, natural and historical cave iran, cave tour, photo caves, gps iran caves, ancient caves iran, persia temples, iran cave tourism, info center, explor iran and visit the wonders hidden inside caves, iran ski, mount temp winter, tehran to damavand, winter climbing advice, expedition tour damavand, alborz and zagros cave gps, visit historical and natural caves iran, iran tourist, visit asia longest caves.

Cave Vara MDG13JAN10A
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11 January 2010

Cave-Sahoolan


Sahoolan Cave
Caves of Iran, Sahoolan Natural National Monument Aquatic
Sahoolan is located 43 km southeast of Mahabad in West Azarbaijan Province, Iran. This limestone water cave has two main sections, a waterway which vistors ride on a boat to discover the amazing attraction of it and a dry part which tourists walk up through the chambers and corridors to visit the hidden undergrounds of this beautiful natural cave.

The name is taken from the nearby Sahoolan Village, the word “Sahoolan” in Kurdish means ice and freezing, because the climate in the area is very cold in winter. This cave is also called the “pigeon or dove nest” cave because there are many pigeon liveing inside, they lay eggs even within reach of visitors so closed that visitors can touch them, doves and bats are the main residents of Saholan Cave.


Cave Sahoolan Iran
Sahoolan Cave Azarbaijan, Iran
Photo by A. Soltani

The cave has two entrances, the tour starts from the first entrance with a big jetty chamber, a 200m water trip by boat to the main chamber and it continues in a series of dry corridors and out through the second entrance, the second entrance shows a history of human habitation in the past, black soot smoke on the walls and ceiling shows evidence of long term use of campfires in old ages.

Besides the this natural wonder, there are some historical evidence of old ages too, some paintings on the walls of passages and corridors belonging to Parthian dynasty. This tourist destination is cool in summer and freezing in winter.

Ghar e Sahoolan Iran
Saholan Cave Iran
Photo by Ardeshir Soltani

Many sourses indicate that this is the second largest water cave in the country after Alisadr in Hamedan, but there is not any source of info to mention what is the length of this cave ?!
Sahoulan is a very interesting natural target especially for foreign tourists and Mt Damavand climbers, a recommended destination to visit the beauties of Iran nature besides their climbing and other outdoor activities.

Cave Sahoolan Iran
Sahoulan Cave Azarbaijan
Photo by Soltani

Quick Facts
Geology Struture: Aquatic- Argillous
Alive creatures: vespertilionidae, dove
Natural characteristics: calcareous candels in diierent shapes

The first lake is about 200 square m,
The big lake is approx 500 square m
The lake chamber, 12 to 15m wide and 5m high.
The water is generaly clear limpid with typical blue color.

The avarage water depth is about 20m deep,
The max water depth is 52m.
The main chamber is about 35m in diameter and approx 12 to 15m high.
It contains a big lake anout 500m² .

Water Temp: 7 to 10 deg C
Air Presure: 892 mh
Humidity: 70% to 80%
Air Temp: 13 deg C

Light: electricity
The mobile network is available in the area
Protected by: Consult of Environment of Iran.
Date of protection: 31 May 2000

Sahoolan Iran
Sahoolan Cave or Pigeon Nest, Dove Nest, Kooneh Kovtar
Photo by A. Soltani

Longest Caves in Iran
1- QuriQaleh 13 Km, watercave
2- Katalehkhor 12.8 Km
3- Alisadr , 11.5 km, water cave
4- Karafto 750 m,

Geographic Location and Coordinate
GPS Landmark for Cave Sahoolan
Altitude: 1760 M
Latitude: 36-39-19 N
Longitude: 45-57-11 E

How to go there
Sahoolan cave is situated 43 kms to the southeast of Mahabad, halfway between Bookan City and Mahabad City near the village of Issakand West Azarbaijan province.

Alternate Names and Spellings
Cave Sahoolan, Saholan, Sahulan, Sahoulan, Pigeon Nest, Dove Nest, Water Cave
In Kurdish: Kooneh Kovtar, کونه کوتر
In Persian: سَهولان، سهولان, غار ساهولان

Major Caves in Iran
Alisadr, Hamedan Iran, water cave.
Karafto, natural and historical cave.
Katalekhor Zanjan,
Moon , Cave civilization.
Quri Qaleh, Kermanshah.
Shapour Kazeroon, statue king shapour the great.
Vara Jahrom , Temple.


Cave Sahoolan Iran
Sahoolan Azarbaijan, Iran
Photo by Ardeshir Sherppa


Cave Sahoolan Iran
Sahoolan Cave Azarbaijan, Iran
Photo by Ardeshir

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Mt damavand, geology and formation, multi level caves iran, natural cave, historical caves kordestan iran, photo iran, gps zagros mountain, , visit ancient caves in iran,location persia caves, iran tourist destination and target, iran mount info center, discover asia longest caves, explor iran nature, discover the wonders hidden inside iran, iran ski season, iran mount temperatur winter, expedition damavand iran, solo winter climbing advice, october, november, december, january, february, march, climbing damavand april, may, june, july, august, september, october.

Cave Sahoolan MDG11JAN10A
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09 January 2010

Cave-QuriQaleh


Quri Qaleh Cave
Caves of Iran, QuriQaleh
The majestic QuriQaleh Cave is 13 kilometers long and the longest water cave of Iran and the Middle East, it is a two level cave with huge calcite, stalactites, stalagmites and long corridors and passageway. Visitors are amazed by numerous rock formations and extraordinary stalactites, which can resemble any object, such as snakes, elephants, ships, bride, and Mary mother of Jesus.


Cave Quri Qaleh
QuriQaleh Cave, Kermanshah Iran
Photo by Abdolah Moradi

The visiting pathway includes two levels of the cave, the 550m long upper route with two chambers and some interesting parts such as a main hall, Wedding Hall or Bride Hall, in persian Talare Aroos, which is the most impressive part of, the Crystal Hall or Talare Bolour with cave lakes and bright, shining crystals and 4 stone waterfalls shapes each up to 10 to 12m high and stalagmites in the chamber up to 8m high and also, The Mary Hall and the Prayer Hall or Talare Namaz.

Ghar e Ghoori Ghaleh
Ghoory Ghaleh, Kermanshah Iran
Photo by Abdolah Moradi

The origin of the name is not quite clear, some say the original name was Goori Gabr, which means the 'grave of the non Muslims', and the other say it is a Turkish name meaning 'dry castle', but there is a nearby village with the same name called QuriQaleh, a colony of rare mouse ear bats are living inside.

A very cool tourist destination for foreign climbers who intend to climb Mt Damavand, besides climbing Damavnd the highest peak of the Middle East, it is a recommended target to visit the longest water cave of Middle East too.

Although no majore archaeological research have been made, but numerous historical objects have been found near the entrance of mostly by accident. The main objects found in the cave are:
- One human skull 800 years ago.
- Two vases filled with gold coins.
- One vase, a tablet from the Sassanid era (205-651 AD).
- 15 coins, from Yazd Gerd III, the last Sassanid kingdom.
- Remains from the Sassanid Period.
- Various clayworks from Prehistoric times.

Ghar e Quri Qaleh
Quri Qaleh, Kermanshah Iran
Photo by Abdolah Moradi

Quick Facts
13 kilometers long, water cave, Asia's longest cave
Ghoori Ghaleh, millions of years old, but undiscovered until recent decades.
Temp: 7 t0 11 deg C

Longest Caves in Iran
1- QuriQaleh 13 Km, watercave
2- Katalehkhor 12.8 Km
3- Alisadr, 11.5 km, water cave
4- Karafto 750 m,

History
The entrance was known to locals for ages, but they believed it was only a small cave and just a few meters deep, in 1950 a team of investigators explored the cave and discovered the magnificence of Ghoori Ghaleh, first 550m leading to a 55m deep shaft discovered, no other major discovery took place in the cave until 1989 which the main parts of the cave was excavated by an Iranian adventurer youg team,, they opened a path 3,140 m long into the heart of the cave.

- 1957 to 1984 American, British, and French speleologists explore 550m of cave.
- 1989 young Iranian adventurers excavate and explore further 1,340m.

Alternate names and spellings
QuriQaleh, Quri Qaleh, Ghar e Quri Qaleh, ,Ghar e Ghoori Ghaleh
Ghoory Ghaleh,
In Persian: غار قوری قلعه, غار قوریقلعه, غار آبي قوري قلعه

Major Caves in Iran
Alisadr Hamedan Iran, water cave.
Karafto , natural and historical cave.
Moon , Cave civilization.
Quri Qaleh Kermanshah.
Sahoolan Mahabad, pigeon cave, water cave
Shapour Kazeroon, statue king shapour the great.
Vara Jahrom , Temple.

Geographic Location and Coordinate
GPS Landmark for
Altitude:
Latitude:
Longitude:

How to go there
86 km on Kermanshah to Paveh road, Kermanshah Province, western Iran
25 Km to Ravansar City.

Cave of Ghoory Ghaleh
QuriQaleh , Kermanshah Iran
Photo by Abdolah Moradi

More in MDG
Mt Damavand, geology and formation, multi level caves iran, historical kordestan iran, tour iran, tour damavand 2010, caves tour iran, photo iran caves, alborz caves gps, visit ancient caves in iran, persia caves, tour 2010 mt. damavand, iran tourist destination and targe, iran mountain info center, discover asia longest caves, explor nature, discover the wonders hidden inside iran,

Cave QuriQaleh MDG9JAN10A
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06 January 2010

Cave-Katalehkhor


Katalehkhor
Caves of Iran
The magnificent Katalehkhor Cave is a huge multi level cave with cross-connection, parallel passages and gigantic calcite, it includes a 100m long main hall called Wedding Hall which is completely covered by calcite crystals.

It is made of limestone with several giant stalactites and stalagmites and some long corridors, it is consist of three mainly dry floor and there is a possibilty of a forth floor under the water, so far the dry part is explored.

There are cresset in interesting shapes such as sleeping lion, lion paw, elephant foot, stone waterfall, candle, deer-dog, adust palm tree, the virgin mary, married couple, bride dress in marriage ceremony table.


ghar Katalehkhor
Ghar Katalehkhor, Zanjan Iran, Photo by A.Soltani

At the moment there are two different route for visitors, the first one is 1,250m long straight path for ordinerary people, which at the end this path visitors return back the same way, so the total length is 2.5 km, the second route is a 4 km long route for more experts.

The archeologists say it has been a residential place in the past and there are many bones and fossils of the anciant years. Ghar Katalehkhor is developed in Oligocene/Miocene limestone age.
If you have planed to visit Iran outdoor recreation and Mt Damavand, do not miss this beautiful cave.

Cave Katalehkhor
Katalekhor Cave, Zanjan Iran, Photo by Ardeshir Soltani

Quick Facts
- Light: electric.
- Length: 12,860m
- Guided tours: L=2,500m.
- It is the longest cave of the Iran.
- is formed in Jurassic period (about 120 million years ago).

Geographic Location and Coordinate for Katale Khor Cave
400 km west of capital Tehran, in Zanjan Province, Iran.
165 kilometer South West of Zanjan City
7 km from Garmab City.

ghar Katalehkhor
Katale khor, Zanjan Iran, Photo by A.Soltani

GPS Landmark for Katalehkhoor Cave
Altitude: 1715m
Latitude: 35-50-12 N
Longitude: 48-09-43E

How to go there
There are different ways to reach the area:
Thehran> Karaj> Qazvin> Zanjan Road> before Zanjan City> Soltanieh> Khoda Bandeh> Garmab> Katalehkhor

Or Zanjan City> Bijar> > Garmab> Katalehkhor
Or Hamadon City> Kabod Ahang > Kataleh khor

Alternate names and spellings
Katale khor , Katalekhor, Katalekhoor, Katale khour, Catalekhor, Catale Khor , ghar e Katalekhor, ghar Katalehkhor
In Persian: غار کتله خور

Katalehkhor ghar
Katalekhor Cave, Zanjan Iran, Photo by A.Soltani

Quick History
- 1965 it was discovered by mountaineers from Hamadan.
- 1984 The cave was first studied by geologistis.
- 2003 a speleological team explored and surveyed the Cave, the surveying team consisted of four participants:
Mr. H. Akbarzadeh, Geological Survey of Iran.
Mr. Javad Ashjari, Geological Department of Shiraz University.
Mr. Michael Laumanns, from Germany
Mr. Reinhold Scherrer, from Switzerland.

Other Major Caves in Iran
Alisadr Hamedan Iran, water.
Karafto , natural and historical .
Moon , Cave civilization.
Quri Qaleh Kermanshah.
Sahoolan Mahabad, pigeon , water
Shapour Kazeroon, statue king shapour the great.
Vara Jahrom , Temple.

Cave Katale khour
Katale khor, Zanjan Iran, Photo by A.Soltani


Cave Katalehkhor
Katalehkhor, Zanjan Iran, Photo by A.Soltani


Cave Katale khor
Katalehkhor, Zanjan Iran, Photo by A.Soltani


Cave Katalehkhor
Katalehkhor , Zanjan Iran, Photo by A.Soltani


Cave Katale khor
Katalehkhor, Zanjan Iran, Photo by A.Soltani


Cave Katalehkhor
Katalehkhor, Zanjan Iran, Photo by A.Soltani


Cave Katalehkhor
Ghar Katalehkhor, Zanjan Iran, Photo by A.Soltani


Cave Katale khour
Katalehkhor , Zanjan Iran, Photo by A.Soltani

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Mt Damavand info center, formation and geology, multi level caves in iran, historical caves carving, natural, historical caves tour iran, damavand tour, 2010 iran tour, photo and picture iran caves, alborz mount caves, damavand, gps landmark iran, caves carving persia, tour 2010 damavand.

Katalehkhor MDG6JAN10A
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05 January 2010

Cave-Karafto


Karafto Cave
Caves of Iran
Karafto Cave, Persian Fire Temple,Temple of Heracles
Iran has many beautiful caves for sightseeing, with several visitors each year, Karafto is one of the most visited popular natural attraction in the country. It contains a series of natural and man made caves connected together via various tunnels and corridors through the rocks, difficult narrow rotes for some strategical reasons. It is a unique natural and pre-historical archeological site.


Cave Karafto
Karafto Kurdestan Iran, Photo by A. Soltani

At the front side there are some man made rooms with windows toward the vally to see the beautiful sceneries and in the complicated network of passages and corridors, there are some natural water wells and spring for drinking water. The cave entrance is situated at 25 m high of a steep mountain making entry very difficult, probably its been been used as stronghold against enemy, nowadays entering the cave is made easy by stairs.

Cave Karafto
Karaftou, Kurdestan Iran, Photo by Aredeshir Soltani

After architectural investigations and researches, the archeologists named it as a pre-historical cave and indicate that this site and the natural part of the caves has been a residential area for the last 10,000 years ago and there are evidence back to 7000 years old.
There are retrace of old Persian empire dynasty, Sassanid, Ilkhanid Mongol, Seleucids a dynasty of Macedonian kings, important temples, persian fire temple and a Greek goddess Heracles "Hercules" temple and some relics date back to 300 BC. Later this pre historic cave modified by man for other usage.

Cave Karafto
Caraftoo Cave Kurdestan Iran, Photo by Sherppa

We have no idea of its old ancient names, but its new name is taken from the neighbouring village of Karafto 12 km away. It is located at 72 km east Seqiz City in Kordestan Province Iran.
The main parts of it is natural including a 600 meters long corridor with 1 to 10 m height, and secondary corridor connecting all passages, rooms and halls together.
If you have a plane for visiting Iran natural attraction and Mount Damavand, do not miss this marvelous site.

Cave Karafto
Karaftu Cave Kurdestan Iran, Photo by Ardeshir Soltani

Quick History
There are some illustrations and carvings on the walls of the rooms date back to the ancient historical era, a horse rider hunting a deer which is believed to illustrate king Goudarz from Persian Ashkanid dynasty, the name of a Greek god Heracles " or Herakles" is carved on one of the walls of the third floor room, the Greek inscription reads, “Here is Helcules’ home, everybody who enters (this place) will be safeguarded.”

Also other illustrations showing various war triumph of Goudarz and Mehrdad the Ashkanid kings in persian empire. The area has been an important part of persian Silk Road, which many caravans have passed through this road, indicating the importance of this region.

Karafto
Karafto Kurdestan Iran, Photo by A. Soltani

Quick Facts
- Itslength is about 750 m, the longest corridor is 600 m with a various height from 1 to 10 m .
- It has 4 Floors with some balconies .
- It has two different sections, natural and human-made.
- It is a mixture of rock architecture, history, and nature.
- Artificial man made rooms have windows to use daylight.
- There are some inscription, epigraphs dated back to 2000 years ago.
- One tablets written in Greek on the 3rd floor.
- Many pigeon are living there.

Cave Karafto
Kereftu Kurdestan, Photo by A. Soltani

Location and Coordinate
located 72 km east of Seqiz City, Kordestan, Iran.

GPS Landmark for Karafto Cave
Altitude: 2030 M
Latitude: 35-19-57 N
Longitude:46-52-39 E

How to go there by Road
There are 3 different ways, the main access is from Tehran, highway from Tehran to Zanjan and ordinary roads for the rest.

Thehran> Karaj> Qazvin> Zanjan> Bijar> Divanddareh> Takab junction> Goor Baba Ali> Youzbash Kandy Village> Karafto .

Also you may reach the area through
Saqez City> Saheb Village to Mirsaeid Village road> Karafto.
Or Takab City> Aliabad Village> Karafto.

Cave Karafto
Eşkewti Kereftû Kurdestan Iran, Photo by Soltani

What a Shame!
Although it is registered on the National Cultural Heritage List, but some of the illustrations of animal and floral drawn in ancient times on the walls and some cave carvings have been destroyed by graffiti and thoughtless individuals Iranian visitors!

Alternate names and spellings
Karaftuo, Karaftou, Caraftoo, Karaftu, Kereftu, Carafti
In Kourdish: Eşkewti Kereftû کَرَفتو : ئه‌شکه‌وتی که‌ره‌فتوو
In Persian: غار کرفتو

Cave Karafto
Karafto Cave Kurdestan Iran, Photo by Aredeshir Soltani

Other Major Caves in Iran
Alisadr Hamedan Iran, water cave
Katalekhor Zanjan,
Moon, civilization
Quri Qaleh Kermanshah
Sahoolan Mahabad, pigeon , water
Shapour Kazeroon, statue of king shapour the great
Vara Jahrom , temple

Cave Karafto
Karaftou Kurdestan Iran, Photo by A. Soltani

Natural Attraction of Kurdestan Iran
Kurdistan province is covered a collection of lake, mountains, forests, hills, rivers, lakes and natural caves and attract many tourists for ski, mountaineering sport, and water sports each year.
Kurdistan has vast forests and refuges for wild life, animals like leopard, wild goat, hyena, jackal, wolf, fox, sable, and birds like partridge, wild duck, stork, parrot and eagle.

Some Attractions in the Area
Cave Shoovi, 267 m long, near the city of Baneh.
Mt. Charkhaln 3,330 m
Mt. Chehelcheshmeh 3,173 m
Mt. Hossein Bak 3,091 m
Mt. Masjede Mirza 3,059 m

Cave Karafto
Caraftoo Kurdestan Iran, Photo by Sherpa

Quick Geography Kurdestan Iran
Kurdistan is mainly a mountainous region with mild spring and summers, an ideal area for outdoor recreation. The capital of Kordestan province is Sanandaj, Major Kordestan cities: Baneh, Bijar, Divandarreh, Ghorveh, Kamyaran, Marivan, Saqqez.
Major activities: rearing livestock mainly sheep and goats, agriculture, modern livestock farming. Wheat, barley, grains and fruits are the major agricultural products. The chemical, metal, textile, leather and food industries are the main industrial activities in this province.
Population: approx 5 to 7 million with some nomed tribes.
Local language: Kurdish dialect.

Cave Karafto
Karaftu Kurdestan Iran, Photo by Soltani


Cave Karafto
Kereftu Kurdestan Iran, Photo by A.Soltani

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Cave Karafto MDG5JAN10A
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