Qasemlu Valley

Qasemlu Valley, also known as the "Martyrs' Valley" (Darreh-ye Shohada) or "Khan Darasi", is one of the most beautiful natural spots in West Azerbaijan Province. It lies near the city of Urmia, along the Urmia–Oshnavieh road. About 35 kilometres from the city centre, the valley offers unspoiled scenery of cliffs, rolling hills, springs and flowing rivers, and there is no entrance fee to visit.

The valley has a full-flowing river called Barandouz and a roaring waterfall about 15 metres high. The path through the valley is dotted with springs and has areas that make good spots for camping and picnicking by the water. Orchards, especially apple orchards, along with a variety of medicinal plants, grow along the route. The area is also a no-hunting zone and is home to rare species such as the Armenian mouflon.

To reach the valley, take the Urmia–Oshnavieh road from Urmia and drive for about 40 minutes until you reach the entrance car park; from there, a short walk takes you into the valley. The best time to visit is spring and summer, when the waterfall is full and the weather is mild. For responsible nature tourism, please take your rubbish with you, respect wildlife habitats and avoid damaging the vegetation.