Qalajeh Protected Area

Qalajeh Protected Area lies on the border of Kermanshah and Ilam provinces, within the counties of Islamabad-e Gharb, Gilan-e Gharb and Eyvan. Covering roughly 33,000 hectares, it was designated a protected area by the Department of Environment in 1388 (2009–2010). Its mountain scenery, lush valleys and natural recreation spots are among the area's distinctive features and have made it one of the unspoiled natural attractions of western Iran.

Thanks to its range of elevations and distinctive climate, Qalajeh has rich and varied vegetation. Persian oak, milkvetch (gavan), hawthorn, terebinth (baneh) and Montpellier maple (kikam) make up much of the region's plant cover. This plant diversity provides a suitable habitat for many animal species, including wild goat and ibex, brown bear, wolf, fox, jackal and wild boar. Birds of prey such as the black kite, saker falcon and golden eagle are also seen here, a sign of the area's ecological vitality.

Qalajeh is reached via the road from Islamabad-e Gharb to Ilam, and parts of it are easily accessible by ordinary vehicles. The best time to visit is spring and early autumn, when nature is at its most beautiful and the weather is mild and pleasant. Because Qalajeh is a protected environmental area, responsible nature tourism is essential to preserving the stability of its ecosystem. This means avoiding fires in unauthorized places, collecting your rubbish and staying out of sensitive wildlife habitats.