Parau Cave: An Adventurer’s Underground Challenge

Parau Cave, in the beautiful Zagros Mountains of Iran, is an excellent place for experienced adventurers. It offers an unforgettable journey through the rugged landscape. At 3,050 meters, Parau Cave is unique because it is the highest cave in Iran.

On February 10, 2010, the Cultural Heritage Organization added Parau Cave to Iran’s natural heritage list, receiving designation number 98. In this article, we dive into Mount Parau in the Zagros Mountains to explore the cave known as Killer.

Why “Parau”?

Parau or Paro Cave means “full of water” in the local language, aptly describing its abundant water supply from melting underground glaciers along the exploration route. The cave’s name likely reflects the water’s presence, especially the three-meter-deep pool at its end.

Parau Cave, the Deepest Cave in Iran

Located 12 kilometers northeast of Kermann, Parau Mount rises to 3,050 meters above sea level and is recognized as one of the highest places in the province. Its beauty is so striking that it captivates the eyes. While it may be hard to envision such a mysterious site, its allure is undeniable.

Parau Cave is 1,454 meters long and 752 meters deep. It is between the Taq-e-Bostan and Bisotun mountains, only 300 meters from Sheikh Ali Khan Peak or Parav Peak. The cave has 26 wells, the deepest of which is well 16, 42 meters deep.

Parau, the World’s Everest Cave

In 1971, this unique cave was known as the largest vertical cave in the world, earning it the title Everest of the world’s caves. However, as more discoveries were made, Parav Cave’s ranking dropped to 221. Still, this mysterious cave in our country holds a prominent position globally due to its opening at three thousand meters above sea level.

Adventurer’s Underground Challenge

Cavers encounter their most challenging exploration in Parau Cave, which has a difficulty level of “5D.” Accessing the entrance requires crawling. The cold air, combined with the natural glaciers and the cave’s high altitude, can be uncomfortable for cavers. Temperatures recorded inside the cave do not exceed 1-3 degrees Celsius.

The cave’s rough, porous walls reflect nature’s fury. This can cause cavers’ clothing to be torn during exploration, and cold water seeps through, adding to the challenges. Navigating the narrow passages, where icy water flows nearby, heightens the difficulty. The narrow passages and crab paths, the sheer drop in some parts of the cave, dangerous traverses, and deep wells have made Parau famous worldwide as a challenge for adventurers.

Location

Caving Parau

Over 40 years ago, British engineers and geologists identified a cave opening in the Zagros Mountains, leading to the exploration of Parau Cave. In September 1971, a British team, led by John Middleton, explored the cave, reaching Well 26 at 751 meters deep but only reached a 50-meter mud pond. 

A second British team returned in August 1972, confirming previous findings. The cave gained notoriety, leading to a Polish exploration in 1354, which reached slightly deeper but focused on propaganda. In 1985, Russian explorer Yuri Evdokimov led a team that went 400 meters but faced further delays the following year. Iranians Enter Parav Cave.

Furthermore, local cavers’ initial attempts in 1989 were challenged by flooding. In 1991, Heshmat Heydarian and others became the first Iranian cavers to explore the cave successfully. Subsequent explorations continued, with teams discovering new routes and entrances.

Key achievements included Mohammad Nouri and Ghadir Yazdani’s significant 1993 exploration and a four-man group’s 1994 expedition to the cave’s pond. In 1995, another Iranian team set a record for the shortest exploration time while recording video footage. 

By 2004, the cave’s pool was measured at three meters deep. Many cavers, including Yousef Sorennia, have made multiple trips into the cave during ongoing explorations.

Parau Cave’s Nearby Attractions

The harmony of towering mountains, deep valleys, and flowing rivers alongside lush plains offers stunning views of the stone and water land, especially in spring. Kermanshah province’s four seasons showcase springs, unique mirages, dense forests, fertile palm groves, and rolling hills, creating vibrant landscapes that captivate visitors. Known as the center of mirages in Iran, 

Kermanshah boasts beautiful mirages and wetlands among its national natural monuments. The province’s diverse natural attractions draw tourists and ecotourists alike. Beyond natural beauty, visitors can enjoy culturally significant attractions in the Kermanshah region, making it an ideal tourist destination as follows:

1. Taq-e Bostan

Taq-e Bostan in Kermanshah features significant Sassanid petroglyphs and inscriptions from the 3rd century AD. These depict scenes such as Khosrow Parviz’s coronation, Ardashir II, Shahpur II, and III, alongside Pahlavi inscriptions and hunting ceremonies. The scenic mountain, spring, and lake have attracted visitors since ancient times, making Taq-e Bostan one of Iran’s oldest and most beautiful sites.

2. Bisotun

The Bisotun complex in Kermanshah features numerous historical monuments like the statue of Hercules, Bisotun Bridge, and reliefs of Mehrdad II and Farhad Tarash. It’s a key archaeological site in Iran, highlighted by the petroglyph of Darius, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Additionally, caves in Bisotun Mountain showcase human presence during the Paleolithic period.

3. Hawraman Valley

In 2021, the Horaman Cultural Landscape (Oramanet) was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Situated in the Zagros Mountains of western Iran, it spans parts of Kurdistan and Kermanshah provinces, comprising the central valley (Javorud and Takht) and the valley of the west (Lahun). There are twelve villages in total. Archaeological findings indicate its UNESCO status is due to continuous habitation for over 40,000 years.

Conclusion

Parau Cave in Iran’s Zagros Mountains is the world’s highest cave at 3,050 meters, known as the Killer Cave. With a depth of 1,454 meters and a three-meter glacier water pool, it became part of Iran’s natural heritage in 2010 and was recognized as the largest vertical cave in 1971. Cold temperatures and rugged terrain necessitate professional tours for safety.

The Kermanshah province offers attractions like Taq-e Bostan and Bisotun, with the best visits in spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). Summer is hot, and winter can be cold and snowy, impacting access. Seek professional tours for safety and expertise information. 

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