Aghamir Cave

Aghamir Cave, also known locally as "Kena Agha", lies in Malekshahi County, Ilam Province, on the slopes of Kabirkuh (Kan-e Seyfi Peak). The cave is located at an altitude of between 2,360 and 2,500 metres above sea level and is known as the highest cave in Ilam Province. Because of the naturally formed patterns and limestone columns on its walls, this beautiful natural site has been registered on the national heritage list as a "natural museum".

Aghamir Cave has a small, hidden entrance which, after a slope of about 20 metres, leads into a vast chamber with a ceiling roughly 40 metres high. The cave is about 230 to 250 metres long and is full of icicle-like stalactites and limestone columns, some where stalactites and stalagmites have joined together, creating a visual treasure. Many bats can be seen on the cave ceiling, and a cold spring flows downstream. This natural site is registered as number 238 on the country's National Natural Heritage list and is of great scientific, environmental and tourism importance.

To reach it, you need to travel about 53 kilometres along the Ilam–Abdanan road; after the village of Cheshmeh Pahn, a dirt track continues to the cave entrance. The path is sandy and gravelly, and the cave floor is slippery. The best time to visit is spring and summer, when the weather is mild and travel is safer. When visiting this cave, it is recommended to follow the principles of responsible nature tourism, such as respecting the stalactites, not touching or breaking the rocks, collecting your rubbish, and avoiding bringing in any plants or inedible materials.