Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari

Zagros highlands · Southwestern Iran

Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari

Springs and wetlands of the Bakhtiari highlands

Image source · Wikimedia CommonsAlireza Javaheri · CC BY 3.0

Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari occupies the Zagros highlands, where Zard Kuh and Kouhrang’s springs help shape the headwaters of the Karun and Zayandeh Rud. Choghakhor, a Ramsar-listed wetland, adds bird habitat to this mountain landscape.

Shahrekord provides a base for exploring the province’s towns and Bakhtiari culture. Local textiles, traditional clothing and Saman’s walnut and almond orchards broaden the journey. Spring and summer suit outdoor exploration in this cold region.

Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari at a Glance

Capital
Shahrekord
Region
Zagros highlands · Southwestern Iran
Best season
Spring & summer
Suggested stay
2–3 days for Shahrekord and surroundings; 4–5 for the province
Best for
Nature · Mountains · Culture · Crafts · Food
Main access
Airport · Road

05

5 essential places

Image source · Wikimedia CommonsAlireza Javaheri · CC BY 3.0

Choghakhor Lagoon

Choghakhor Lagoon is a seasonal highland wetland framed by the snow-bearing Zagros Mountains. Aquatic plants, open pasture and migratory birds make it one of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari’s most important natural habitats.

Image source · Wikimedia CommonsBazofti · CC BY-SA 4.0

Zard Kuh

Zard Kuh is one of the highest massifs of the Zagros and an important source area for the Karun and Zayandeh Rud river systems. Snowfields, sharp ridges and Bakhtiari summer pastures define its highland scenery.

Kouhrang Springs

Kuhrang is a mountainous land of heavy snow, springs and major headwaters that feed the Karun and Zayandeh Rud rivers. Dimeh Spring, close to the plain of inverted tulips, is one of the sources of the Zayandeh Rud. The region’s landscape remains deeply connected with Bakhtiari life and seasonal migration.

Dezpart

Dezpart in southwestern Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari combines deep valleys, oak woodland and waterways of the Karun basin. Remote villages and mountain routes preserve a close relationship between local life and the Zagros landscape.

Image source · Wikimedia CommonsMajidsadeqzadeh · CC BY-SA 3.0

Siasard

Siasard is a spring-fed recreation area near Borujen, known for cool running water, mature trees and the mountain air of the Zagros. It is a popular local summer retreat in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari.

More about Chaharmahal & Bakhtiari

Important Cities
  • Shahrekord — provincial capital
  • Borujen — access to Siasard and wetlands
  • Saman — orchards and Zaman Khan Bridge
  • Lordegan — springs and oak forests
Food & Souvenirs

Local food

  • Bakhtiari kebab
  • Kakuli bread
  • Boldaji gaz sweets

Souvenirs & crafts

  • Bakhtiari carpets
  • Felt making
  • Chogha cloak weaving
Culture & Arts

Bakhtiari women weave the striped chogha cloaks worn by men. At celebrations, sorna and dohol music accompanies group dances, connecting traditional dress and performance with the community’s social life.

UNESCO & Heritage

Other historic places

Chaleshtar and Dezak castles and Zaman Khan Bridge offer historic stops. Choghakhor’s Ramsar designation is distinct from UNESCO World Heritage inscription.

Selected Universities
  • Shahrekord University

Explore by interest

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Official & Further Resources