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Sisakht becomes growing ecotourism destination
This is a place on Earth where snow, sunlight, and rock embrace each other to create a symphony of life. Sisakht, known as the “Land of Snow and Water,” with its extraordinary wealth of thousands of plant species and roaring springs, is not only a tourist destination but a living miracle of nature that captivates every visitor with its grandeur.
What distinguishes this region from other parts of Iran is its exceptional vegetation cover, with more than a thousand plant and medicinal species. This remarkable biodiversity has the slopes of Mount Dena and the surrounding areas of Sisakht into a natural pharmacy and a collection of some of the world’s rarest plants, whose fragrant aroma fills the hiking trails.
Lake Kuhgol, with an area of about half a hectare and a depth of 15 meters, is considered the poetic highlight of this natural landscape. This clear mountain lake, located at high elevations in the Zagros range, shines like a turquoise gem and reflects the sky in its waters.
Located in the heart of the Dena Protected Area, Kuhgol serves as a rich habitat for wildlife including ducks, mallards, cranes, storks, and many other native bird species. The sight of these birds flying over the lake and through wild vegetation creates remarkable scenes for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
After a 30-minute hike through wildflowers and the scent of thousands of medicinal plants, visitors reach one of the most breathtaking natural attractions in the Zagros Mountains. This hiking route itself is considered a recreational and ecotourism attraction.
Mishi Spring, complementing the beauty of Kuhgol, presents another scene of wonder in the “Land of Snow and Water.” Flowing along a long, relatively steep valley, it creates a striking landscape among the rocky terrain.
A stream of clear water, resembling strands of pearls, runs through the valley and carries life-giving water downstream. The sound of flowing water forms the natural music of this landscape.
Beyond supplying drinking water to Sisakht, the spring serves as a vital source for irrigating extensive orchards of apples, grapes, and walnuts in the region, producing high-quality agricultural products that are known both nationally and internationally.
The Director General of the province’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization described Kuhgol and Mishi Spring as among the most popular and strategic attractions of the province during spring and summer.
He added that the region’s diverse natural beauty, including towering mountains, dense forests, flowing springs, and rich plant diversity, has turned it into one of the key tourism destinations in the country.
He noted that pleasant, clean air and easy access due to proximity to the tourist city of Sisakht have significantly increased the appeal of the area for both domestic and international visitors.
He also highlighted the availability of standard seating areas, sanitary facilities, food shops, cafés, and restaurants in the recreational zones to ensure visitor comfort.
Tourists, he said, can also stay in eco-lodges and licensed guesthouses in Sisakht and surrounding areas for a safe and comfortable experience.
In addition, a vibrant handicraft and local souvenir market operates in the Mishi Spring recreational area, where visitors can purchase rare medicinal plants and organic local products.
To reach this natural paradise, travelers first arrive in Yasuj, the capital of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, and then travel approximately 35 kilometers northwest to reach Sisakht. From there, a further five-kilometer journey leads to the magical Kuhgol region.
With additional attractions such as the mysterious Deh Sheikh Cave, the ancient stepped village of Kareyak, and the scenic city of Sisakht, the city welcomes more than 40,000 domestic and international tourists annually. This strong tourism flow highlights its potential to become an international tourism hub.
Given the growing interest from global travelers, this hidden paradise is open to nature lovers worldwide. Visitors are invited to travel to Sisakht and experience firsthand the splendor of its thousand plant species and the flowing waters of Dena, creating lasting memories in their travel journals.