غار دربند سنگسر

Sangsar Darband Cave - Darband Shahmirzad Cave

Useful Information

Location:	18 km north of the city of Semnan, Semnan Province. From Teheran east on 44 to Semnan, turn left to Mahdishahr, after the village turn left at the Faculty of Psychology. At the end of the road at the سنگسر موزه سنگ و فسیل (Stone and Fossil Museum of Sangsar) is the trailhead to the cave. (35.748731, 53.352808)
Open:	All year daily 8:30-18:30. [2026]
Fee:	yes. [2026]
Classification:	Karst Cave
Light:	Electric Light Coloured Light
Dimension:	A=2750 m asl.
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
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History

Description

photography — The Tallest Stalagmite, AI generated. Public Domain.

غار دربند سنگسر (Sangsar Darband Cave) is one of those caves having the tallest stalagmite. It is advertised being "the largest cave in the country containing the tallest stalagmite columns". However, they do not give the length nor the heigh of the columns. They not even specify, if they are the tallest of the country or of the world.

Nevertheless, this is an interesting cave with archaeological remains and beautiful speleothems. The cave was inhabited by man during prehistoric and historic times. Ancient coins and pottery shards have been found in the cave.

Sangsar Darband Cave is located in the Alborz mountains, running along the north of Semnan. The mountains here have an average altitude of 3,200 m asl, and separate Semnan from Mazandaran Province. This area with its karst and springs plays a great role in the water supply and climate of the region.

The site is well developed with some limitations. We were not able to find out if and when there are cave tours, as far as we understand there is a cave warden at the entrance who simply opens the door and allows people in. As the cave is gated its essential to visit while the warden is on duty. The cave has electric light, but it is very basic and a good headlamp is very much recommended. The ascent to the cave is only 500 m long, but quite steep, we guess it’s an elevation gain of about 300 m and the path is well-paved with cobblestones and stone steps. So wear sun protection, good walking shoes, and bring some water.

At the end of the road is a large parking lot, and the سنگسر موزه سنگ و فسیل (Stone and Fossil Museum of Sangsar), which is a small geological museum. It is not related to the cave and has its own open hours and entrance fee. As many rocks are from the area it is a good introduction into the local geology.