Dena
Dena is a mountain chain within Zagros mountain range with 80 km length and 15 km average width and has more than 40 peaks higher than 4000 m. It is situated in two provinces of Isfahan and Kohgiluye Boyerahmad. It is a mountainous area with steep slopes, cliffs, deep canyons, narrow valleys and difficult passes which make it ideal for adventure in Iran. In 1990 it was recognized as protected area and in 2012 it was registered as biosphere reserve with the consent of Supreme Council of UNESCO. It is also known as Dena National park. It is one of the wilderness and untouched Iran national parks. Qash Mastan 4418 m also known as Bijan 3 is the highest peak
in Dena and Zagros mountain range.
If you are planning to travel to Iran and if you are seeking an adventure tour in Iran or wish trekking tour in Iran, Dena national park is our first suggestion to you. There is long trekking in Dena which is crossing different villages and different parts of Dena mountains. every day you will experience a new nature and landscapes, staying in village houses with locals, tasting their traditional meals and also ascending some of peaks over 4300 m height.
History
Sisakht is one of the most beautiful towns and strategic places in the region of Dena. According to a legend in Shahname of Ferdowsi, the great Iranian poet, Keikhosro the legendry King of Iran ceded the throne to Lohrasb and had farewell with his people, and left the capital accompanying with couple of his heroes. They reached to a village and a mountain pass in Dena. The mountain pass was impassable, so Keikhosro orders to his heroes to return and stop accompanying him. He went and disappeared in the snow but one of his commander who was called Bijan with other heroes refuse to return and they continue to follow after the King. They couldn’t pass and were frozen to death. So they called the village “Sisakht” for the hardworking of those heroes. They called the mountain “Bijan” after the hero. Also, they called one of the cave “Keikhosro” after the King.
Activities
Trekking, Mountaineering, mountain biking, ski touring,
Best season
For trekking, mountaineering and mountain biking the best season begins from early of April to middle of June.
The best season for ski touring is from early of January till middle of April.
Biodiversity
Dena national park is rich and invaluable in variety of flora and fauna spices; there are 1200 plant spices which 50 spices are endemic and 169 faunas which the most popular are brown bear, wild boar, leopard, wolf, ibex, hyena, wild cat, caracal, golden eagle, Eurasian eagle-owl, Tawny owl.