Join the Qaleh Kurd Cave excavation, Mordad 1406 (July/August 2027)
A day beside the excavation team, in a cave whose layers reach back about 450,000 years.
دکتر میلاد هاشمی
Paleolithic archaeologist
I search for the traces of the earliest humans, where a few pieces of stone tools reveal signs of the technology, thinking and life story of humans tens and hundreds of thousands of years ago! Come with me on a journey into the Paleolithic world!
About this experience
Qaleh Kurd Cave, near Avaj in Qazvin, is the only site in Iran so far to be securely dated to this time span, several hundred thousand years ago. It has been excavated since 1397 (2018/19) under the direction of Dr. Hamed Vahdati Nasab and Dr. Milad Hashemi, and each year work in the cave runs for about a month, usually in Mordad (July to August). In a conversation with Atlaseha, Dr. Hashemi said the most exciting program he could offer is exactly this: being at the dig while the ancient layers are exposed and tools have only just come out of the ground. This experience was built for that. The day begins with the climb up the steps of the cave path. In the cave, you watch the work up close: removing layers, sieving the soil, and recording every find with coordinates and photos. Dr. Hashemi explains how the team arrived at the figure of 450,000 years using the tooth enamel of extinct horses and the ESR method, and why carbon-14 didn't work here. After lunch, we visit the Kharraqan towers, next to which the excavation team has its base; it's where each day's finds are washed, recorded and studied. The excavation isn't “open” to visitors, meaning you won't dig yourself. The excavators are students who have trained for years. But there are few places where you can see so closely how a layer several hundred thousand years old is read. All visits are arranged with the excavation team and in line with the season's permits, and each group has at most 15 people. The meeting point is Tehran for the option with transport, and Avaj for the other option. Exact dates will be posted right here once the timing of the 1406 (2027) excavation season is announced.
This page has been translated. The languages your host speaks are listed under Details.
Booking options
2 options; the price changes with your choicePick one of the options below. That price is what your booking will use.
What's included
Accompanied by Dr. Milad Hashemi and a member of the excavation team Visit arranged with the excavation team Simple lunch, water and snacks Transport from Tehran, only with the “With transport from Tehran” option Experience certificate
What to bring
Light hiking shoes or sneakers with a firm sole; the cave path has steps and slopes Hat, sunscreen and water A warm layer for inside the cave ID card
Frequently asked questions
Do we get to dig ourselves?
No. The excavation isn't open to visitors, and the excavators are trained students. You watch the work up close and talk with the team.
Can we touch the stone tools?
Yes, the ones that have been washed and recorded. According to Dr. Hashemi, about 99 percent of stone tools can be touched. Only samples set aside for organic residue or DNA testing stay untouched.
Why Mordad?
The excavation season is usually in Mordad (July to August): the weather in the area is better for work, and more people can take time off work. Dr. Hashemi himself says one reason is escaping the Tehran heat.
Is the path to the cave difficult?
The path has steps and slopes. It's no problem for anyone who can handle a light mountain walk. If you have limited mobility, message the host before booking.
Why are groups so small?
So the excavation team's work isn't disrupted. Dr. Hashemi has said 10 to 15 people each time, and the fewer the better.
When will the dates be announced?
The timing of the excavation season is announced each year. The visit dates for Mordad 1406 (July/August 2027) will be posted right here once announced.
Details
- Age group
- Teens and adults
- Host language
- Persian
- Location
- Avaj (exact address after booking)
Where we'll meet
Avaj; the exact spot is shown after you book