Darehtafi Village

Darehtafi Village belongs to the Central District of Marivan County in Kurdistan Province. It lies about 13 kilometres from Marivan and 122 kilometres from Sanandaj, and thanks to its rare coexistence of people and nature it is regarded as one of the best-known tourist villages in western Iran. The village sits on the edge of the valuable Zarivar ecosystem and, because of the large numbers of migratory storks that visit it, has become famous as the "Village of Storks". Its particular geographic position, its mountainous setting and its proximity to the waters of Zarivar give Darehtafi varied natural landscapes and living conditions well suited to many species of birds. The traditional life of the people is based on farming and animal husbandry, and the village's culture has kept its indigenous authenticity.

Above all, Darehtafi is known for hosting thousands of migratory storks every year. In spring, on their migration route, these birds stop in the village and build nests on electricity poles, in trees and even on structures built by the villagers. This rare coexistence has made Darehtafi one of the most important places in Iran where storks live alongside people, and it creates a unique picture of interaction between humans and wildlife. Alongside this distinctive feature, the village's closeness to Lake Zarivar, about 16 kilometres away, is one of the region's main tourism assets. It is a freshwater lake with turquoise scenery, set among mountain heights, offering an ideal setting for boating, nature photography and birdwatching. Nearby attractions such as Imam Castle, Garan Bridge and Zarivar Lakeside Park further increase the region's appeal for visitors.

Darehtafi Village is easily reached by the road from Marivan to the village, which passes through mountain scenery and the region's orchards. The best time to visit is spring and early summer, when the migratory storks are at their peak and the landscape is at its greenest. Autumn, with its warm natural colours, shows the village in a different light. When visiting the area, responsible nature tourism is especially important: keep the storks' habitat peaceful, do not get too close to the nests, avoid polluting the environment and respect the daily life of the local people. Because of the deep bond between local culture and wildlife, the village is a outstanding example of sustainable tourism in Kurdistan.