Tang-e Katuyeh Village

Tang-e Katuyeh Village is part of the Central District of Darab County in Fars Province. With a population of more than 4,000, it is one of the largest and most populous villages in the county. The village lies east of Darab, among the southern heights of the Zagros Mountains. Thanks to its beautiful gorge, perennial springs, lush orchards and mountain scenery, it is a popular nature-tourism destination in eastern Fars. Its setting among the mountains and its valuable water resources mean that Tang-e Katuyeh is important not only for tourism but also for agriculture and the livelihoods of local people.

The village's most important natural attraction is the Katu Spring, which lies in the upper reaches and is surrounded by fig, mulberry, pomegranate, willow, wild pistachio (baneh), plane, almond, walnut and grape trees, as well as damask rose bushes. Besides supplying drinking water and irrigating farmland, the spring is one of the favourite recreation spots for locals and tourists. The route to the spring passes through a gorge whose rock walls, in varying shades of grey and brown, create a striking view. In the past, about 15 water mills operated along this route. The remains of some of them, including the Goli-Tangi Mill, the Sang-Shekan (Stone-Crusher) Mill, the Bagh-i Mill, the Jafar Abuli Mill, the Haj Bagheri Mill and the Kapri Mill, still stand as reminders of the area's agricultural history and traditional use of water. Tang-e Katuyeh also has 33 natural rock-climbing routes, making it one of the most important training areas for climbers in Darab County.

To reach Tang-e Katuyeh Village, first travel to Darab County in Fars Province, then take the rural road east of the county until you reach the village. From the village centre to the Katu Spring, allow about 30 minutes on foot along the bed of a seasonal river. The best times to visit Tang-e Katuyeh are spring and early autumn, when the springs flow well and the area's vegetation is at its most beautiful. While exploring, avoid damaging the springs, destroying the remains of the historic mills, leaving litter, lighting fires near vegetation, or disturbing the habitat of the area's birds, so that this natural and cultural heritage is preserved for future generations.