Qalaqiran Mountain

Qalaqiran Mountain is one of the sights of Ilam. It lies 5 kilometres west of the city, in Chavar County, close to the Shashdar recreation area. The distance from Qiran Castle to the Shashdar garrison is only 700 metres. The peak has an exceptional location and a very rich history, and it has become one of the most important symbols of the city of Ilam. According to the available evidence, Qiran Castle was built in the Parthian era and is considered one of the oldest structures in Iran.

Qalaqiran Mountain and the plains and forests around it lie on the slopes of the Zagros and have a cool, mountain climate. Winters in Qalaqiran are cold and long, while spring and summer are cool and pleasant. On the coldest days of the year, temperatures in this area drop to between -15 and -20 degrees, and annual rainfall exceeds 600 millimetres. The best time to visit Qalaqiran is spring or summer. In these seasons the weather is very pleasant and the surrounding views are spectacular. The wide plains of the area are filled with wildflowers in spring and summer, and the unspoiled natural scenery is of unrivalled beauty. Besides enjoying the wonders of nature, swimming in the Sartaf Waterfall and hiking in the surrounding heights are among the best activities you can enjoy on a trip to Qiran Castle.

The most notable plant species on Qalaqiran Mountain include oak, mountain almond, hawthorn, arjan, wild redbud, daghdan and a number of medicinal plants. This unique mountain and water ecosystem is home to countless mammals and birds. In the mountainous areas of Ilam Province, 32 species of mammals and 183 species of birds have been identified so far. Most of them live in the protected no-hunting areas of the region or migrate to them seasonally.