Khorramabad Valley: 63,000 years of continuous human history in Iran

LORESTAN, Iran (MNTV) — In the heart of western Iran’s Zagros Mountains, Khorramabad Valley preserves one of the world’s longest records of uninterrupted human presence, stretching from the Paleolithic era to the dawn of the Iron Age.

The valley’s prehistoric caves—including Kaldar, Yafteh, Kunji, Gilvaran, Qamari, and the Ger Arjeneh rock shelter—reveal archaeological evidence of Neanderthals and early modern humans living side by side for more than 63,000 years. 

Stone tools, artifacts, and ancient hearths provide rare insight into the evolution of human culture in the region.

Covering a core area of 414 hectares and surrounded by a vast natural buffer zone, the valley offers visitors a journey into deep prehistory. 

Rugged cliffs, fertile plains, and winding rivers frame the ancient dwellings, where excavation sites uncover layers of human activity spanning tens of millennia.

Beyond its archaeological wealth, Khorramabad Valley serves as a cultural and ecological hub. Surrounding villages keep traditional crafts alive, while local guides share stories rooted in the land’s layered past. 

Seasonal changes transform the landscape, from snow-dusted mountains in winter to lush greenery in spring, adding to its appeal for cultural travelers and nature enthusiasts alike.

For those seeking to witness the origins of human settlement in the Zagros, Khorramabad offers an unparalleled link to humanity’s earliest chapters—a place where history is not just studied but still embedded in the stones, caves, and living traditions of the land.