Embark on a magical journey into depths of the Earth at Kataleh Khor Cave
The caves are one of the few natural wonders that simulate the experience of traveling inside the earth for us and are therefore very magical and fascinating. Kataleh Khor Cave is located in Zanjan Province, 80 kilometers south of Khodabandeh and five kilometers from Garmab.
This cave was discovered before 1921 CE. In the spring of 1952, a group of Iran’s most famous mountaineers set out to discover and visit the cave, and one of the Zanjani members of the group named Seyyed Assadollah Jamali officially registered the cave. Since then, Kataleh Khor Cave has been of great interest to cave enthusiasts as a magnificent natural phenomenon.
Kataleh Khor Cave is known as one of the world’s top limestone caves in terms of the quality of crystals and stalactites, beauty, and number of floors.
This amazing cave is the second largest in the world, after Son Doong Cave in Vietnam, in terms of size. According to experts, it is unique in terms of beauty and is known as one of the most beautiful caves in the world.
The cave is not only important in terms of tourism but also in the field of geology and paleontology. It was formed during the third geological period, and according to findings, its age dates back to 27 million to 30 million years ago. In recent exploration operations, the skeleton of a dog-like animal was discovered in the second and third levels of the cave, which does not resemble any existing animal.
Until now, only three levels of this cave, which is located at an elevation of 1,700 meters above sea level, have been discovered, and four other levels remain unknown.
The ceiling of this cave is full of hanging stalactites, and there are many conical sediments on its surface. The connection of these two beautiful phenomena has formed numerous columns in the main path of caving, which increases the beauty of the path.
Kataleh Khor Cave’s stalactites are unparalleled in terms of beauty and diversity in the world. Due to their high limestone purity, many consider Kataleh Khor to be the most beautiful limestone cave in the world. Stalactites and stalagmites have formed columns that carry the weight of the cave and support the ceiling.
Kataleh Khor Cave has many sub-tunnels, each of which has been named based on the similarity and image it brings to our minds. This cave is divided into three cultural, recreational, and sports sections. The sports section is four kilometers long, but only cavers and rock climbers can go to this section. The recreational section is a two-kilometer straight path that all tourists can see. The cultural section is located in the southern part of the cave, and in the main part of it, there is a natural valley, the exit route of which has been artificially cut, and various ceremonies are held there.
Kataleh Khor Cave’s recreational complex has single and double suites with facilities such as a bathroom, toilet, suitable parking, restaurant, coffee shop, gazebo, gas station, and CNG station along the way, providing a suitable environment for overnight stays for tourists.