Sahneh’s hidden valley shining in autumn
Nestled among the winding valleys of Sahneh, in Kermanshah Province, near the scenic Bid Sorkh Pass, lies a pristine natural attraction that has remained largely unseen by tourists.
Saeed Boroshan, head of the Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Department of Sahneh, told ISNA that a beautiful natural site near Bid Sorkh village has long gone unnoticed due to its dirt access road.
“This site is located at the end of a valley, and locals call it Aliabad-e Dartang,” Boroshan said. “The area features dense orchards and a stunning multi-tiered waterfall that together create a captivating natural scene.”
He added that the waterfall lies amid thick vegetation, offering a picturesque view, and that an ancient archaeological site is also located nearby.
The official attributed the hidden nature of this attraction to the difficulty of reaching it. “This tourist spot is adjacent to a village that has been abandoned over the years and is now uninhabited,” he explained.
He described the region as “a hidden treasure” that has remained untouched for years. “Most tourists are unaware of its existence, and only local residents visit it,” he said.
Boroshan noted that the area becomes especially beautiful in autumn, when the waterfall and surrounding orchards display vibrant colors. He added that, beyond this site, Sahneh is well known across the province for its abundant springs and gardens, which take on extraordinary hues during the fall season.
He also highlighted the Darband of Sahneh as another major attraction in the area during this time. “Darband, with its natural spring and a river flowing through centuries-old trees, is well known among visitors and remains one of the most popular autumn destinations in Sahneh,” he said.
Sahneh is located in the eastern part of Kermanshah Province, along the main route connecting Kermanshah to Kangavar. To the north lies Sonqor, while Harsin borders it to the south.
The city of Sahneh, along with its surrounding areas, rank among the most abundant regions in Kermanshah Province in terms of tourism potential. Sahneh is situated approximately 55 kilometers from Kermanshah, on the primary road to Hamedan.
The historical structures, buildings, and ancient monuments of Sahneh date back to very distant historical periods. Among these archaeological and prehistoric sites are the rock-cut tombs of Sahneh, carved into the surrounding mountains. These sites have long attracted researchers and archaeologists from across the globe.
The presence of historical treasures such as the Sahneh rock-cut tombs and other ancient monuments demonstrates that urban settlement and civilization in this region extend back to the Achaemenid, Parthian, and Sassanian periods.
In more recent history, the renowned travelogue of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar describes Sahneh as a large village with a thriving population. He praised the fertility of the fields, the abundance of orchards, and the region’s pleasant climate. Naser al-Din Shah also highlighted the prosperity of Sahneh’s caravanserais and expressed his admiration for the beauty and richness of the area.