Nickname: Gateway to the Zagros
Capital
Ilam
Population
~580,000
Ilam is one of Iran's least-visited provinces, a stretch of forested Zagros ridges and Lorish and Kurdish villages along the Iraqi border. Oak woodlands, seasonal waterfalls, and ancient mounds give it a quieter, more rural character than its neighbouring provinces.
Culture & people
A Kurdish- and Lak-speaking province along the Iraqi border, one of the least-visited but most dramatically mountainous corners of the country.
Notable cities
Ilam
The provincial capital, a small city known for its lush surrounding hills, waterfalls and Kurdish Laki culture. It sees far fewer foreign visitors than most provincial capitals, keeping a distinctly local feel.
Dehloran
A hot, low-lying town near the Iraqi border with some of Iran's oldest known Neolithic settlement sites nearby. It marks the transition from the Zagros highlands down to the Khuzestan plain.
Mehran
A border town that becomes a major crossing point during the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage to Iraq. Outside pilgrimage season it is a quiet outpost on the province's southern edge.
Highlights
- Malik Shahi caves and forest trails
- Tape Patagh archaeological mound
- Manesht and Qelarang protected oak forests
- Seymareh landslide, one of the world's largest
- Ilam's Friday market and local weaving
Best time to visit
Spring, roughly March to May, brings wildflowers and cool air before the province's hot, dry summer arrives.
Getting there
Ilam Airport has limited flights from Tehran; most travellers arrive by road from Kermanshah, about three hours.
The province's location, highlighted on the map of Iran.
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