Mount Dena a natural geological museum
Mount Dena, well known as the “Roof of Zagros”. It is located on eastern part of Iran. Dena has biosphere reserves above 3000m.
Not only the natural beauties but also other cultural potentials of tourism in neighboring cities like Isfahan, Shiraz, Yasuj and also the popular nomadic migration route has made this region an interesting destination for tourists. Vegetation diversity in Dena is considered as an appealing item as well.
Variety of oak species at 2500m, vivid grassy and herbaceous plants which grow at 3500m results in lichens and rocky soil plants that cover the entire area above 4000m.
However, we could also add glaciers, springs, waterfalls, freshwater rivers, that all make a perfect view of nature.
Dena Mountains as a water reserve, have frequent numbers of springs in the valleys and mountain slopes. Beside the beautiful sceneries and vegetation, there is potentials to observe wild animals like goats, bears and Bezoar ibex with unaided eyes. Nature view of Dena which is merged with nomadic life and herbal and animal species and cultural view will stun tourists by its magnificent nature and cultural richness.
In addition, the good news for the bird enthusiasts is that they will have this chance to observe “Homa”- (the Persian legendary bird) flying around in the region. A truly good catch for photographers.
Dena
Peaks
Mount Dena a natural geological museum
Mount Dena, well known as the “Roof of Zagros”. It is located on eastern part of Iran. Dena has biosphere reserves above 3000m.
Not only the natural beauties but also other cultural potentials of tourism in neighboring cities like Isfahan, Shiraz, Yasuj and also the popular nomadic migration route has made this region an interesting destination for tourists. Vegetation diversity in Dena is considered as an appealing item as well.
Variety of oak species at 2500m, vivid grassy and herbaceous plants which grow at 3500m results in lichens and rocky soil plants that cover the entire area above 4000m.
However, we could also add glaciers, springs, waterfalls, freshwater rivers, that all make a perfect view of nature.
Dena Mountains as a water reserve, have frequent numbers of springs in the valleys and mountain slopes. Beside the beautiful sceneries and vegetation, there is potentials to observe wild animals like goats, bears and Bezoar ibex with unaided eyes. Nature view of Dena which is merged with nomadic life and herbal and animal species and cultural view will stun tourists by its magnificent nature and cultural richness.
In addition, the good news for the bird enthusiasts is that they will have this chance to observe “Homa”- (the Persian legendary bird) flying around in the region. A truly good catch for photographers.
Mount Dena has expanded through Isfahan’s engraves the mysteries of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province and melodies of Fars province.
Dena Mountain is the heights summit in the region. It is located at the altitude of 4435m above sea level in Zagros mountain range.
To know more about Dena it must be said that, Dena is not particularly part of Zagros mountain ranges. In fact, Dena is considered more like an absolute mountain without any root to Zagros mountain ranges.
Dena contains 49 peaks height more than 4409m. All these features have made Dena as an exclusive mountain.
Another interesting thing about Dena is its name. The name of this mountain is taken from the ancient city of Dehnar (Deh Anar) which is located in the southern slopes of Dena. First, it was called Dehnar then changed to Dinar and then to Dena respectively. The roof of Zagros with lush fields, beautiful springs, full of water rivers, various wildlife, unique vegetation, endless caves, people who live simple life, variety of handicrafts made Dena as an amazing destination in spring and summer for all the nature lovers and adventurers. Dena is a great choice for professional mountaineers in autumn and winter as well.
Sisakht, the center of Dena town is the nearest residential area to mount Dena. Sisakht is also well known as the mythical city of Shahnameh. Tourists and mountaineers have easy access to the handicrafts and souvenirs of the Lor tribe; It provides up close interaction with beauty and simplicity of the local people’s life.
Dena mountains are located in a humid cold and sub humid cold climate zone. The minimum and maximum temperatures reported between 18-39 degrees centigrade on Yasuj and Pataveh weather stations. The regional average rainfall announced 694mm, though the average rainfall of the Dena peak is estimated between 800-1600mm annually.
Dena mountains are the sources of many rivers and as a water reserve potential, it plays an important role in south of Iran. Some of numerous rivers originated from Dena including, Rigan, Mirian, Marbar, Tizab and Khersan, Kooh gol, Sariz, Beshar, Dezh Kord. There is a picturesque scenery at the connection point of Khersan and Beshar Rivers at altitude of 1300m which is the lowest level of the protected area of Dena. There are many beautiful springs like, Espeed, Mishi and Shernik which created a scenic beauty. Toof spring flows along the ascent route to Dena peak, Pouneh, Sichani and Tagi springs with cool and refreshing water move alongside the tourist’s routes.
You can easily imagine the roaring waterfalls of this region plus the other beauties of this region. One of the most popular and interesting places to visit while you are in the region is Khafr waterfall with 30m height. It is located in Khafr village. This village is situated in the highest slopes of the Dena peak; it is one of the best climbing routes to reach the Peak of Dena Mountain. Nari-Silari and Tong-e Namak waterfalls are other important waterfalls of Dena region.
Dena mountain covers the lands from northwest to southeast between Isfahan and Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad provinces at an altitude of 4000m. There are small glaciers and cirque glaciers; one of the most scenic and largest glaciers is Zendan in Tal Mashki, because of its situation among three peaks: Ghezel peak, Heram and Borj-e Asmani, glaciers absorb the least heat from sun rays.
Dena region due to its ornamental, medicinal and forest plants known as a great plant genetic resource. At least 200 Plant species have identified in Dena which 50 endemic species allocated to this region. Vegetation species in high peaks including Pistacia terebinthus, oak and Pistacia atlantica in high mountains, arable, local tulips and rangeland are expanded over riversides. There are 60% of all identified vegetation groups of Iran, 35% of all Persian plant types and 16% of Persian plant species, 17% of the whole endemic species, 20% of trees and shrubs of Iran are growing in Dena region which certify the herbal richness of the area; Moreover there are 128 medical plant species, 110 wild edible plants. 84 plant types for dyeing are showing the medical, nutritive and rangeland value of plants in Dena region.
The main Zagros wildlife area situated in Dena refers to 169 identified animal species. Brown bears, wildcat, antelope, goat, Homa (local bird), golden eagle, Persian leopard, wolf, bezoar ibex are the main animal species of this area. You can watch some of these animals with unaided eyes. There are also 39 amphibian species like tortoise, frog, 84 species of birds, the Pheasant family, owl, many types of eagles, hoopoe, woodpecker, etc. are living in the protected area. There are also 20 aquatic species and many kinds of freshwater fishes, such as Salmon, Crab, Spirlin, Dogfish, etc., different types of reptiles, like Snake, viper and lizards acknowledge the richness of Dena animal species. Animals like Marten, weasel, Persian squirrel which live in Dena play an effective ecological role in Oak forests revival.
Western range of Dena, the distance between Kal Ghodvis is one of the ascent routes which is expanded from western side of Dena peak to Lokoreh. This beautiful remote area has made the winter ascent much harder. East and west of Khersan, Qalat Bezi and Chal vahli are well known peaks of this mount.
Central range is expanded from Lokoreh peak to the strait of Bijan that contains the highest point of Dena and Zagros. Some other highest peaks of the central range are Ghash Mastan, Bijan3, HozDal, Moorgol, Kase Khafr, which is known as the most difficult route to summit and most likely Dena has not ascended from this trail in winter.
The eastern range is another ascent route, crosses from Dena ridge- strait of Bijan and Barf Kermo peak- to Pazan Pir. Well known peaks of this region including Kal kharman, the northern Nol, Ghash Sorkh and Pazan Pir.
There are some impassable paths of southern range; however, it is possible to ascend the peak from central fronts of Hoz Dal and Ghash Mastan.
Dena mountain ranges are located in Sisakht city, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad province. It is the rendezvous of many mountaineers who are going to climb Dena ranges. Some of important residential districts around Dena protected area includes Sisakht and Pataveh cities, all of kareh villages, Sivar, Meymand and the entire Padena villages. Sisakht city is located in a lush green mountain slope, surrounded by streams, springs, and is a pre-Islamic city full of mythical stories, which is the main cultural view of this region.
Dena mountain ranges are located in Sisakht city, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad province. It is the rendezvous of many mountaineers who are going to climb Dena ranges. Some of important residential districts around Dena protected area includes Sisakht and Pataveh cities, all of kareh villages, Sivar, Meymand and the entire Padena villages. Sisakht city is located in a lush green mountain slope, surrounded by streams, springs, and is a pre-Islamic city full of mythical stories, which is the main cultural view of this region.
There are two mountain lodges when climbing Ghash Mastan and Hozdal peaks. One is metal and the other one is made of concrete located at 3850m above the sea level. It takes about one hour to reach the peaks from the lodges.
In the age of creative tourism, nomads are considered as an incredible and dreamlike attraction. Part of Qashqai nomadic tribe, which includes more than 200 households, settled down and summered in the slopes of mount Dena. It is worth visiting nomadic life when men and women work together. Although easy access to technology, they still make dairy products in traditional ways. Nomad people hold family celebrations and holidays at the heart of nature. They spend their free time making handicrafts like carpet, Gabbeh, Chafteh, Javal.
If you have made your decision to ascend any of Dena mountain peaks or ranges and want to be relaxed and enjoy your journey; we offer you to travel with the professional guides of Discover Persia Land group (DPL). Our professional guides are the most experienced and trained mountaineers, which utilize the local guides perfectly while training them the international standards of the local guides. DPL assured safety and security of the companion travelers. Our group always has tended to take part in economic growth of local communities. Click here to get acquainting with our local guides.
Overgrazing and overexploitation of rangelands.
Landscapes instability and rangelands degradation and deforestation.
Environmental pollution caused by tourism.
Animal smuggling.
Unprincipled construction for tourism development.
Improper hunting and destructive fishing, unsustainable operation of water resources, macro development plans regardless of environmental considerations.