Darian Dam

Darian Dam is one of the natural and engineered attractions of Kermanshah Province, located next to the terraced village of Hajij on the Sirvan River. This clay-core earthfill dam stands 25 kilometers northwest of the city of Paveh and reaches a height of 155 meters. Interestingly, the crest of the dam lies within Kermanshah Province, while its reservoir is in Kurdistan Province. The dam was built between 2009 and 2015 (1388 to 1394 in the Solar Hijri calendar) to generate hydroelectric power, control floods and supply irrigation water to the downstream plains. Construction submerged part of the region's natural heritage, including the Bel Spring, several old villages and sections of the area's forests. However, a special tunnel was built to channel the water of the Bel Spring into the dam lake so that this valuable source would be preserved.

The vegetation around Darian Dam is diverse and consists mostly of forest species adapted to mountain conditions. Trees and plants found in the area include Persian oak, wild almond, wild pistachio, wild fig and hawthorn. The region is also home to rare and valuable animal species such as the Persian leopard, brown bear, wild goat, fox, hare and jackal, as well as birds of prey such as the golden eagle, falcon and kestrel. This biodiversity greatly increases the area's value for ecotourism and makes it an appealing destination for nature lovers and wildlife researchers.

To reach Darian Dam, drive from the city of Paveh toward the Nowdesheh road, then take the road to the village of Hajij to join the route leading to the dam. The winding mountain road offers visitors breathtaking views of the Zagros landscape. The best time to visit is spring and early summer, when the area is lush and green, the weather is mild and the seasonal waterfalls are at their most beautiful. Visitors should follow the principles of responsible nature travel: do not leave litter, avoid unnecessary fires and stay out of sensitive habitats, so that the environment of this valuable region is preserved for future generations.