Dena National Park Dena National Park, with an approximate area of 250,000 hectares, is located in the middle of the Zagros mountain range covering the whole Dena mountain chain as explained in another article. Dena National Park is located in Dena Protected Area that is conserved by the Iranian Department of the Environment. The central part of Dena National Park was registered in 2010 on the UNESCO list as a Biosphere Reserve site. A biosphere reserve is an ecosystem with unusual plants and animals with scientific and natural interests. It is a label given by UNESCO to help preserve this remarkable region. The core area of the park is around 35,000 hectares, a large expanse indeed. The Dena region possesses an extensive number of plants, various native mammals seriously at risk of extinction, and different types of natural resources. Almond and pistachio trees can be seen mostly in the low-lying areas, whereas oak trees stand on elevated regions. Walnut, hackberry, and pear trees are also spread all over this spectacular area. This district has long been a protected habitat for many animals such as brown bears, wild goats, eagles, wolves, various wild cats including Caracas, lynxes, and leopards. In addition, many vast rivers namely the Dez, Karun, and Karkheh originate from this region where they flow into the Persian Gulf and the Oman Sea. Picturesque falls, lakes, and pools make this mountainous area even more remarkably striking. In this geographical area, a significant number of individuals live a nomadic lifestyle. Smaller groups still maintain their medieval lifestyle. The multiculturalism of local residents, like nomadic communities, is totally evidenced by their languages, local cuisine, dress code, dance folklore, various festivals, herding, weaving, and other traditional production and crafts. Moreover, their understanding and way of living with regard to seasonal
Dena National Park Dena National Park, with an approximate area of 250,000 hectares, is located in the middle of the Zagros mountain range covering the whole Dena mountain chain as explained in another article. Dena National Park is located in Dena Protected Area that is conserved by the Iranian Department of the Environment. The
Dena Mountain Chain Dena mountain chain is the name of sub-range mountains located in the middle of the Zagros mountain range of Iran. It is around 90 km long with an average 15 km width. Most parts of this chain reach nearly 3,000 meters in height with a spectacular view of the whole region. They are home to some of the highest mountains in the entire Zagros range with more than 40 peaks rising to an elevation of 4,000 meters or more above sea level. One of these, the stunning Ghash Mastaan (Bijan 3), is the highest peak of all, with an elevation of 4,450 meters. There are two starting points to ascend the main peaks: The first one is the easiest and the most popular. It starts from Sisakht, the town on the southern west side of Dena. There is a delightful trail that leads you to the shelter and the main peaks above 4000m. The second accessible way to the peaks is called the Northern route. It starts from Khafr village in the lowlands of Dena. If your goal is to just climb the highest peak, (Ghash Mastan), this is the shortest way to do it. Also, on both sides of the mountain there is a shelter above 3000 m which is convenient to stop for refreshments before ascending the peak. Dena National Park and Dena mountain chain, which includes the whole foothill area around the chain, is protected by the Department of the Environment of Iran. For more information, please check Dena Protected Area. With the exception of the mountain range, so amazing for expert hikers, there are plenty of villages in Dena Park, nestled in the mountains with breath taking scenery, wonderful for long distance hiking. In this area, there is a vast
Dena Mountain Chain Dena mountain chain is the name of sub-range mountains located in the middle of the Zagros mountain range of Iran. It is around 90 km long with an average 15 km width. Most parts of this chain reach nearly 3,000 meters in height with a spectacular view of the whole region. They
