The Prehistoric Sites of the Khorramabad Valley
Iran’s Newest UNESCO World Heritage Site
Introduction
In July 2025, the Prehistoric Sites of the Khorramabad Valley were inscribed in UNESCO as the 29th UNESCO World Heritage Site in Iran, marking another major achievement in recognizing the country’s rich and ancient heritage. Situated in Lorestan province, in western Iran, this valley is a treasure trove of archaeological significance, representing over 60,000 years of human history.
Where is Khorramabad Valley?
The Khorramabad Valley lies in the Zagros Mountains of Lorestan province, a region known for its lush landscapes, caves, and early human settlements. The valley includes sites that span from the Lower Paleolithic to the Iron Age, making it one of the most continuous records of prehistoric life in the Middle East.
What Makes the Site So Important?
The valley contains 12 archaeological sites, including major cave shelters such as Kaldar Cave, Yafteh Cave, and Ghamari Cave, where evidence of human occupation from over 40,000 years ago has been uncovered. These sites have yielded tools, ornaments, bones, and evidence of some of the earliest known Neanderthal and early modern human activity in the Iranian plateau.
UNESCO describes the site as having “exceptional evidence of the development of human culture, spirituality, and technology during prehistory.” It provides a unique window into the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to early agricultural life.
Why Visit the Khorramabad Valley?
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Cultural Depth: Explore ancient caves that once sheltered prehistoric humans.
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Natural Beauty: The valley is surrounded by forests, mountains, and rivers—perfect for adventure and nature lovers.
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Off-the-Beaten-Path: Unlike Iran’s more touristic destinations, this site offers a quiet and immersive experience into both nature and ancient history.
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Access to Lorestan Culture: The area is also home to Lur tribes, known for their distinctive culture, music, and hospitality.
Plan Your Trip
Adventure Iran specializes in off-the-beaten-track journeys, with Lorestan being one of our favorite hidden gems. If you’re interested in prehistoric archaeology, tribal culture, and unspoiled mountain scenery, we can help you organize a custom or group tour to this fascinating region. Another important highlight of Lorestan (Luristan) is the history of the Khorramabad Valley regarding the people and tribes living in that region. There are three provinces in the territories occupied by the Lurs, namely: Lorestan (the land of Lors), Bakhtiari and Kuh-Gilu-Boir Ahmed. The Bakhtiaris are the last nomadic tribe who follow their annual tradition of migrating seasonally on foot. For those of you interested in exploring further the people and tribes, Bakhtiari Nomadic Migration Trek or Bakhtiari Photography Tour are the two of our most authentic tours in that region.
Iran in the Top 10 for UNESCO World Heritage
With this new addition, Iran ranks among the top 10 countries in the world for the number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, joining the ranks of Italy, China, Germany, and India. This achievement highlights Iran’s outstanding cultural and historical significance on the global stage.
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