Chehel Cheshmeh Mountain

Chehel Cheshmeh Mountain (in Kurdish: Chelchemeh) is one of the most important and highest mountain massifs in Kurdistan Province. It lies west of Divandarreh County, in the area between the cities of Saqqez, Divandarreh and Marivan. At an elevation of about 3,140 to 3,270 metres above sea level, it is considered one of the most prominent heights of the Zagros Range and is known as one of the coldest and snowiest regions in western Iran. Chehel Cheshmeh is not just a single peak, but a range made up of more than twenty major peaks that together form a vast, continuous and thoroughly alpine landscape.

With hundreds of permanent and seasonal springs, numerous rivers and highly diverse vegetation, the area is regarded as one of the richest mountain ecosystems in Iran. Important rivers such as the Qezel Ozan, the Zarrineh Rud and the Sirvan rise on the slopes of this mountain, which makes its natural and environmental importance even greater. The region's vegetation includes medicinal and wild species such as rhubarb, violets, primroses, kashmeh and a variety of pasture plants, which turn the mountain slopes into a colourful, living carpet in spring. This natural diversity, together with the presence of varied wildlife, has made Chehel Cheshmeh one of the most important mountain habitats of the Zagros.

Access to Chehel Cheshmeh Mountain is usually from the surrounding villages such as Eshaqabad, Bost and Darehvan, in the Divandarreh and Saqqez area, and the route from Bost village is one of the best-known climbing routes to the Shahneshin peak. The region is cold and snowy for most months of the year, and the best time to visit and climb is late spring to early summer, especially the month of Khordad, when nature is at its greenest and the springs are at their fullest. Practising responsible nature tourism is very important and essential for preserving this natural heritage, including keeping the environment clean, not over-harvesting medicinal plants and avoiding damage to the region's fragile ecosystem.