Rough nature in the middle of the beauty

The Zard Kooh Mount is a symbol of beauty and variety of colors. It is also, one of the oldest and most crowded countrysides in the Bakhtiar Range, which spends spring and summer there.

Zard Kooh Mount is situated in the southwest of Iran and extends from the westernmost end of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province to the east and northeast of Khuzestan (central Zagros range). This mount is the highest peak of Zagros mountain range, after Dena peak (4409 m) and Oshtoran-Kooh peak (4250 m). Zagros Mountain Range has one of the richest natural water reserves in Iran too. it's interesting to know that, Zard Kooh is the persian equivalent of Yellow Mount in English. Karun and Zayanderud, two famous rivers of Iran are steam from Zard Kooh Mount. This mount lies between two rivers of Karoon and Bazorf as well.

Zard Kooh Mount has some beautiful and famous peaks, inclouding: Shah-SHahidan, Zarde, Do-Zarde, Haft-Tanan,Cloncheen, and Kino. This mount has a number of high peaks with more than 4000 meters height. The most famous of them are listed as follows:

Heavy snowfall and the sudden changes in temperature, made Zard Kooh Mount one of the most challenging paths for climbers in winter. The glaciers and ridge of Zard Kooh Mount are very thrilling and risky. One of the spectacular natures of this area is Gahar lake, which situated within the Zagros Mountain Range. This area is one of the novel areas for planting medicinal plants in the world. Fritillaries, which are one of the natural phenomena of this area, grow in late March in Koohrang region.

• What is the best time to go:

The winter climb to the peaks of the Zard Kooh Mount area is one of the most difficult and long climbs. Although the route of this region is not technical, due to the high snow volume in the Chelgard and Koohrang area and the avalanche risk in this region, winter climbing requires training and planning. The best season to climb is summer.

• Getting there:

Cloncheen (4221 m) is the highest peak of Zard Kooh Mount that there are 3 routes to get there:

1. The northern edge, the first dam of Koohrang Tunnel and the Chal Mishan shelter, This route covered with many rocks and steep slope, you will reach the peak with a long distance.
2. The eastern valley, the second dam of Koohrang tunnel, the Kul-Khadang valley that often covered with snow, is the fastest route to reach the summit in the hot season; but due to the danger of the avalanche, it is not possible to climb in the winter.
3. The eastern edge, the Khersan shelter, is the perfect route for winter climbing.

Pay attention that this area has no sign for climbing, so it is better to get help from a local leader.