All You Need to Know about Zard Kuh Mountains

Before deciding which mountain to summit in Iran, read this blog on one of its best mountaineering destinations: Zard Kuh (also spelled Zardkooh, Zard-Kuh, Zard Kouh and Zardkuh-e Bakhtiari). As a part of central Zagros Mountains, Zard Kuh is a mountain range in Southwest Iran. These mountains feature an abundance of water and a special nature with a variety of plants, like medicinal herbs, mountain celery and wild mushrooms. Zard Kuh Mountains are also popular for being the summer home of Bakhtiari nomads.

Zard Kuh’s highest peak, Kolonchin (4200 m), is Zagros’s second highest peak after Dena. This mountain range has significant peaks like Haft Tanan, Shah-e Shahidan, Sardan, Zardeh, and Cheri. In the western part of Zardkooh, you can find deep valleys and challenging walls that make winter ascents more difficult for mountaineers. Kuhrang Lake, Nazi Lake, Iluk Glacier, Poursonan Glacier and Khorasan Glacier are of the attractions that make this mountain range popular among mountaineers.

Geographical Location of Zard Kuh

Zard Kuh extends from northwest to southeast. It is in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, near Kuhrang; and is located between two rivers: Kuhrang and Bazoft. Lovely cities like Chelgerd and Ardal are in the eastern foot of Zardkooh. And Bazoft Jungle and Sheikh Ali Valley give beauty to its western foot. Zard Kuh’s highest peak, Kolonchin, is connected to Shah-e Shahidan, Dozardeh and Haft Tanan peaks from northeast and to Cheri peak and Kuh-e Mili from southwest. Kolonchin is accessible through a beaten route in the south face.

Zard Kuh’s Highest and Most Significant Peaks

Kolonchin: 4221m, Chegaleh: 4136m, Haft Tanan: 4180, Darvish Kzli 4078m, Shah-e Shahidan: 4076m, Nazi: 4075m, Chaltaw 4075m, Teea 4053m, Sharang 4011m, Dorang 4009m, Dozardeh 4000m, Sirdan 3988m, Ghanbarkosh: 3970m, Yaleh Boland 3947m, Chal Mishan 3897m, Iluk 3837m, and Ab Sefid 3759m.

The Camps On Zard Kuh

Mountaineers who go to Kuhrang for ascending Zard Kuh will definitely need a place to rest and regain their energy on their way . Chal Mishan and Khorasan shelters are on the eastern foot of Kolonchin peak for this purpose.

Chal Mishan Shelter

This shelter is made of metal and you can find potable water in it.

Khorasan Shelter

It is a stone shelter with a metal roof.

Zard Kuh Summit Routes

Most often, when someone chooses to summit Zard Kuh, they pick its highest peak, Kolonchin. There are 3 routes for summitting Kolonchin, all of which start from Chelgerd City in Chahar Mahal and Bakhtiari Province.

1. The first route passes the northern ridge, the first dam of Kuhrang Channel, and Chal Mishan Shelter. This route is rather long, sloping and difficult, and it requires scrambling.
2. The second route passes the eastern valley, the second dam of Kuhrang Channel, and Kul Khadang Valley. This valley is usually covered with snow. In summer, it is the fastest and easiest way to reach Kolonchin, because you only need scrambling in the beginning parts of the valley. But in winter, avalanche is a serous risk on this path and it’s not recommended at all.
3. The third route passes the eastern ridge and Khorasan Shelter. This is the recommended path for winter ascents.

Attractions Near Zard Kuh

Zard Kuh’s Green Foot

The most accessible attraction of Zard Kouh is the beauty of its green foot. It is a lovely place for both tourists and mountaineers.

Qaleh-Ye Tabarak Village

As a part of Koohrang, Qaleh-ye Tabarak is a gorgeous village with green sceneries, flowing rivers, full springs, pleasant weather and warm people.

Sar Agha Seyyed Village

The next highlight near Zard Kuh is Kuhang’s Sar Agha Seyyed Village. It is one of Iran’s most intact villages. Its lovely architecture and its eye-catching landscapes make it a nice tourist attraction.

Sheikh Ali Khan Waterfall

Near Kuhrang, you can find another village known as Sheikh Ali Khan. In the village, Sheikh Ali Khan waterfall falls from a high cliff and gives beauty and life to its surrounding.

Other Attractions

The 2900-meter Kuhrang Water Channel, Dimeh Mineral Spring (10km to Chelgerd), Fritillary (a kind of lily flower) plains around Chelgerd and Bazoft region are of the other charming magnets near Zardkooh.

Where to Stay Near Zard Kuh

You can stay in Kuhrang Hotel (91km to Shahr-e Kord). It is a 30-bedroom hotel in the heart of nature and in front of Kuhrang waterfall.

Like to go on a Trekking Adventure on Zard Kuh?

Then book a place on our 3-day Zard Kuh Mountains tour or our 12-day Zard Kuh and Damavand tour.