Katale Khor Cave

Katale Khor is a dry limestone cave in the hills of southern Zanjan province, developed over several levels connected by passages and stairs, with chambers holding white and cream calcite formations, columns, curtains and flowstone, some of them large. Surveys have traced passages over many kilometres and there is thought to be a connection to the Ali Sadr system to the south, though it has not been established. Part of the cave is lit and equipped with walkways for visitors and the rest is closed. It is dry rather than flooded, which distinguishes it from Ali Sadr, and it is quieter and less commercialised, with far fewer visitors and a walk rather than a boat ride through the formations.

What you actually see

• Multi-level passages - chambers connected on several floors.
• White calcite formations - columns, curtains and flowstone in cream and white.
• A dry cave route - walked rather than boated, unlike Ali Sadr.
• Large chambers - open halls on the lit visitor route.

When to go

April to October for the drive; the cave temperature is constant year round. Half a day including travel. Weekdays are quiet. Iranian holidays bring queues, though far shorter than at Ali Sadr.

Honest expectations

Only part of the cave is open and the lit route is fairly short. Coloured lighting is gaudy. Stairs are steep and slippery. Facilities at the entrance are basic and it is a long drive from Zanjan.

Nearby

Soltaniyeh is north; Ali Sadr cave lies south in Hamadan province.