Paraw Cave in Kermanshah: Iran’s Deepest Cave Descent
Explore Paraw Cave: The Most Dangerous Cave in Iran
Forget every cave you’ve heard of in Iran. Paraw Cave, located in Kermanshah, is in a class of its own—vertical, cold, and filled with deadly hazards. With narrow passages, freezing water, sharp walls, and deadly pits, this is not your average adventure. In fact, it’s one of the most terrifying caves in the world.
Join us as we explore Paraw Cave in Kermanshah, this natural abyss, but we strongly advise against visiting. Instead, consider safer attractions nearby.
Contents
What is Paraw Cave?
Paraw Cave sits at an altitude of 3,050 meters on Mount Paraw. It plunges to a depth of 752 meters with a total passage length of 1,450 meters. Inside, you’ll find 26 vertical shafts and countless pits and narrow wells. The deepest, Shaft 16, drops 42 meters. Some shafts have metal plaques marking their depth.
The cave walls of Paraw Cave in Kermanshah are razor-sharp, often shredding protective clothing and injuring cavers. Many parts of the cave are muddy, wet, and extremely tight, forcing explorers to crawl or crab-walk. Melting underground glaciers fuel an icy flow, with water temperatures as low as 0°C. With no sunlight penetration, ambient air temperatures range between 1°C to 3°C.
This cave has claimed multiple lives, and some bodies have never been recovered. Paraw Cave is officially listed as a national natural heritage site in Iran.
Where is Paraw Cave?
Paraw Cave lies 12 km northeast of Kermanshah, near Chalabeh Village in the Bisotun Protected Area. It’s been dubbed one of the most difficult caves in the world, having claimed at least five lives so far.
Location
How to Reach Paraw Cave
To reach the cave:
- Start from central Kermanshah
- Follow Beheshti Street to Keshvari Boulevard
- Exit right to Namaz Boulevard and continue northeast to Mount Paraw
The cave is high in the mountains. You must hike through Tang-e Genasht toward Deh Manghelat. Note: Do not enter unless you’re a fully-equipped, expert-level caver with an experienced team. Even professionals hesitate to enter Paraw Cave in Kermanshah.
From Tehran, drive about 501 km via the Saveh Highway to Kermanshah. The cave is around 20 km from the international airport and 16 km from the train station.
History of Exploration
British geologists first discovered the cave entrance while exploring the Zagros Mountains. Suspecting a vast underground system, they documented their findings of Paraw Cave in Kermanshah.
The first recorded descent was by 11 British cavers led by John Milton, who reached the 26th shaft and a 50-meter muddy chamber.
In 1972, a second British team led by David Johnson attempted to go deeper but couldn’t surpass Milton’s team.
Polish explorers managed to go one meter deeper. Russian teams have also explored Paraw Cave in Kermanshah. Iranian cavers reached the muddy pool in 1991 and later uncovered new shafts.
Paraw once held the title of the “Everest of Caves” but now ranks 221st by depth. Still, it’s among the most challenging vertical caves on Earth.
Etymology of Paraw
Also known as Paraia or Paro, the name comes from the Kurdish words “Par” (plenty) and “Aw” (water), referencing the cave’s abundant water sources from melting underground glaciers in Paraw Cave in Kermanshah.
Hazards and Difficulty
Rated D5, the highest difficulty level in caving, Paraw is dangerous from the first step:
- Freezing temperatures
- Razor-sharp limestone
- Extremely tight spaces
- Water as cold as 0°C
- Loose rocks, sudden drops, and minimal light
- Risk of flash floods, toxic gases, disorientation, and natural hazards
Even elite cavers face serious risks.
Fatal Incidents in Paraw
At least five professional Iranian cavers have died inside. Some bodies remain unrecovered.
- Saeed Amini, a filmmaker, died descending the third shaft.
- Victoria Kiani Rad fell in Shaft 18; Amir Ahmadi died nearby.
- Their bodies lie in Shaft 18.
- Khalil Abdanekouei, photographer, died in Shaft 11.
- Pedram Bouchani fell to his death after a rope failure.
Best Time to Visit (But Don’t!)
While we strongly discourage visiting Paraw Cave in Kermanshah, the least hazardous months are spring and summer, when precipitation is lower and weather is milder.
Nearby Attractions (Safer Alternatives)
Skip the cave. Explore these historic sites instead:
Shirin Khofteh
A natural rock formation resembling a sleeping woman. Best viewed from 10 km away. 56 km from Paraw Cave.
Farhad Tarash
Part of the Bisotun Complex, it’s Iran’s largest carved rock panel. Believed to be a royal inscription or stone workshop. 39 km away.
Darius’s Tomb (Davoud Rock Tomb)
A rock-cut tomb possibly dating back to the Achaemenid or Median periods. 179 km from the cave.
Khosrow’s Palace
Ruins of a luxurious palace built by Khosrow Parviz for his Armenian lover, Shirin. Only fragments remain. 212 km away.
Hercules Statue
A UNESCO-listed rock carving of the Greek hero reclining with a goblet. 42 km from the cave.
Where to Stay in Kermanshah
Accommodation near the cave is in Kermanshah city:
- Parsian Hotel (5-star) – 25 km
- Jamshid Hotel (4-star) – 25 km
- Azadegan Hotel (4-star) – 16 km
- Kourosh Hotel Apartment (3-star) – 21 km
- Ario Boutique Hotel – 31 km
- Kermanshah Traditional Hotel – 31 km
- Salamat Eco Lodge (2-star) – 18 km
Book your stay at OrientTrips Kermanshah Hotels.
Final Advice
You don’t need tickets to visit Paraw Cave in Kermanshah, but that doesn’t mean you should go. Only highly-trained, well-equipped teams should attempt entry.
Even for them, the risks are high. The cave requires extreme physical and mental endurance, mastery of caving and climbing, and respect for its dangers.
