Zagros Mountains

The Zagros Mountains are the major mountain system of Western Iran. They consist of high parallel ranges with sheer rugged peaks, separated by steep canyons and gorges. Several summits rise to over 14,000 feet, the highest being Zardeh Kuh (14,920 ft./ 4548m). Heavy snow falls in Winter and remains on the higher summits for much of the year. One of the most spectacular areas of the Zagros is the area surrounding the headstreams of the Karun River and its tributaries. Here, the rivers tumble through rocky gorges, sheer mountain walls towering above them. Also of interest, in the center of the range, are the numerous salt domes, some rising up to 5,000 feet.