There are many pleasant roads in Iran. One of the most spectacular is the road that runs from Shahrekord, the capital of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, to Izeh, in Khuzestan province. We will walk this road and start our tour on the roads of Iran from here!
Whatever can be seen on the road that lead Shahrekord to Izeh is beautiful and spectacular. The high mountains, the flowing rivers, the large fields, and the orchards that can be seen here and there all have a splendor and charm that cannot go unseen. Dams built along the way are other attractions of this route; the road is full of winding roads, and this is one of its other beauties.
It is worthwhile mentioning the unique benefits of this road. Shahrekord-Izeh road is the shortest route to deliver goods from the country’s southern ports to central and western Iran, and it is of such economic and transport importance that it is called “the main artery of goods transport”. But what we are more interested here is the popularity of this road in spring time. At this time of the year the road between Shahrekord and Izeh is a commotion of green. But in winter there is another beauty to the scenery with the snow-capped peaks.
The road from Shahrekord to Izeh connects the two provinces of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, and Khuzestan. After going through the passes of Zagros mountains, especially the Zardkuh heights, this road continues winding its way through other provinces and cities of the country. The cities of Kiar, Ardal, and Nagan are all on this road, and each of them has its tourist attractions.
Apart from those cities, there are other beautiful landscapes along this road, like: “On time spring water”. This natural and tourist attraction is unique; because it dries for two to three hours a day, but again starts getting wet and water starts boiling from the ground! No one has yet figured out the secret of this drought and resurgence? Underground aquifers may be the cause of this clockwork behavior. The above mentioned spring has been nationally registered in the list of natural heritage and passers by can see it on the Shahrekord-Izeh road.
Another spring on this road is the “Gandian Kharaji” spring of Kiar district, which is also pleasant and eye catching. Shalamzar lake is another sightseeing spot on this road, and then comes Solgan Wetland. This wetland can be seen near Gandaman city, after covering 70 km of the Shahrekord-Izeh road and it is in two parts. Colorful herbs surround it, and also nomadic tribes can be seen passing by. The depth of Solgan lagoon is not so much, and its birds are abundant. Choghakhor Wetland is on the same road and lies at the foot of Mount Kalar. Mount Kalar, with a height of 3629 m, is located in Borujen district, near Nagan city of Nagan. The wetlands we mentioned all originate from this mountain and its beautiful valley.
Helen plain is also located on the Shahrekord-Izeh road. Those who take this road will see this beautiful plain. It is a protected area full of valleys, mountains, and rivers. In spring there is also a place for the tribes to stop and stay. Every year, in spring, many tourists go to see Helen plain. The reason for naming the plain “helen” is that there was a nurse by the name of Helen who traveled to Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari and was fascinated by the pleasant nature of this part of our country. She married a Bakhtiari doctor and became a friend of the tribal people and at the same time an accompanying nurse/doctor. In gratitude for the services of this lady this area was registered as Helen plain. Travelers on the Shahrekord-Izeh road will see the Dehdez protected area. This area is in Izeh district.
Shahrekord-Izeh road users will also see the Dehdez protected area. This area is in Izeh city. In addition, Karun Dam is another view of the road. We mentioned the two wetlands on this road earlier. Let’s also add “Miyangaran” wetlands and the seasonal “Bandoon” wetland, which are still spectacular despite its irrational use and fear of its destruction. Passengers and passers-by on the Shahrekord-Izeh road will see oak forests. The pleasant weather, vast expanses, and lush greenery of the road are also a world of sights. The road is 288 km long and takes about four hours by car. * By taking advantage of the “Dana Information Network” websites; “View of Iran” and “Kojaro.”
