Ali Sadr Cave, Hamadan: Address, Ali Sadr Cave Reviews: 4.5/5
Ali Sadr Cave
Ali Sadr Cave
4.5
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Quinten W
Amsterdam, The Netherlands6 contributions
Friends
Before I went to visit the cave, I had no idea that it was one of the largest water systems in the world!
I really enjoyed the experience and had a great time boating in the cave. It is not hard but there is a bit of walk and steps in the cave. Inside the cave is mesmerizing with all formations and nicely done lighting but in case you're claustrophobic avoid going inside. There is also guide in English.
I really enjoyed the experience and had a great time boating in the cave. It is not hard but there is a bit of walk and steps in the cave. Inside the cave is mesmerizing with all formations and nicely done lighting but in case you're claustrophobic avoid going inside. There is also guide in English.
Written August 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alireza123
Tehran, Iran750 contributions
Couples
In my opinion first attraction of Hamedan.
It is about one hour from Hamedan the road is safe and beautiful.around the cave there are lots small souvenir shops , snacks and drinks and a-few restaurants.
There is a huge parking . The parking fee is separate from cave entrance.
Entrance fee for cave is 100 thousand tooman ( three and half $) . For foreigner it is more expensive but generally speaking it us very cheap.
It takes about two hours to visit everything.
Beautiful and unique experience.
There is no vital creature there . Very clean.
Perfect lighting.you see something that never have seen before.
There is just one direction and everybody should follow same route. Half with boat and half by walk.
Lots of free guides available to answer the questions.
I love it and highly recommend it.
It is about one hour from Hamedan the road is safe and beautiful.around the cave there are lots small souvenir shops , snacks and drinks and a-few restaurants.
There is a huge parking . The parking fee is separate from cave entrance.
Entrance fee for cave is 100 thousand tooman ( three and half $) . For foreigner it is more expensive but generally speaking it us very cheap.
It takes about two hours to visit everything.
Beautiful and unique experience.
There is no vital creature there . Very clean.
Perfect lighting.you see something that never have seen before.
There is just one direction and everybody should follow same route. Half with boat and half by walk.
Lots of free guides available to answer the questions.
I love it and highly recommend it.
Written June 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Amene Nazarkhani
Sari, Iran60 contributions
Friends
When I was living in Hamedan , I took my friends to here at first , its the best touristic spot of city . Out of city ,reachable by private taxi . For foriegn tourists its better to go there on work days. Take a jacket with yourself, its usually colder than outside .
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
souzan
Iran2 contributions
Friends
it was really beautiful place if you come to hamedan certainly should sea here. it is near to hamedan and distance is about 70 km an you get there one hour. you should go there until 11 am because after that time you should spend more time . in there there is hotel and restourant but they are not good it is better bring sth to eat
Written April 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
majid a
Tabriz96 contributions
Ali Sadr Cave is a water cave in Hamadan Province in the West of Iran. It's a great tourist attraction for people interested in the wonders of nature. It's believed that this cave is 130 millions years old. You have to take boat rides inside tha cave to see beautiful stalatites and stalagmites. You'll be surprised by the beauty of the cave because you'll see breathtaking sceneries! This boat ride takes about two hours! Inside the cave there is a coffee shop, where you can drink tea or coffee.
I'm not sure but I've heard there is only one cave in the world comparable to this cave and that cave is located in France but France may be expensive for tourists! Iran is a cheap country for tourists and it has hospitable people. You can give it a try!
To visit this cave you have to take a trip to Hamadan in the West of the country and take bus rides to Ali Sadr village. There are motels next to the cave, where you can stay. The prices are very cheap and you'll always remember this wonderful cave!
I'm an Iranian and visited this cave this cave 10 months ago. I've taken photos inside the cave and I'll share them with you.
I'm not sure but I've heard there is only one cave in the world comparable to this cave and that cave is located in France but France may be expensive for tourists! Iran is a cheap country for tourists and it has hospitable people. You can give it a try!
To visit this cave you have to take a trip to Hamadan in the West of the country and take bus rides to Ali Sadr village. There are motels next to the cave, where you can stay. The prices are very cheap and you'll always remember this wonderful cave!
I'm an Iranian and visited this cave this cave 10 months ago. I've taken photos inside the cave and I'll share them with you.
Written January 30, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Travel A
California61 contributions
Friends
The cave trip is awesome and takes a couple hours which includes both a guided boat portion and a walking portion. During the walking portion, we were lucky enough to talk with one of the guides, mr. Rahim zarrei. He was super friendly, knowledgeable, and showed us a number of interesting parts of the cave that reflected various shapes of animals and places.
The cost for Iranians is 35,000 Toman for the longer tour. Unfortunately, they charge $25USD or 70,000 Toman for foreigners. I don't understand this practice at all.
My other qualm was the facilities. I went to use the restrooms and there was only one western toilet and it was absolutely disgusting and unusable. I went to the head office and spoke to them in search of a proper toilet. They were friendly and helpful and said they will note the complaint to improve the facilities. They even cleaned the bathrooms right away after that but toilet paper, soap, and paper towels are still missing. Hopefully this will improve over time.
The cost for Iranians is 35,000 Toman for the longer tour. Unfortunately, they charge $25USD or 70,000 Toman for foreigners. I don't understand this practice at all.
My other qualm was the facilities. I went to use the restrooms and there was only one western toilet and it was absolutely disgusting and unusable. I went to the head office and spoke to them in search of a proper toilet. They were friendly and helpful and said they will note the complaint to improve the facilities. They even cleaned the bathrooms right away after that but toilet paper, soap, and paper towels are still missing. Hopefully this will improve over time.
Written October 28, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Farah H
549 contributions
Family
This is the most amazing and wonderful water cave in the world that you must see it the wonderful stelagmit and stlagtits which are million years old and you feel kind of mystry and magic because some of these natural features are exactly like sculptures such as human body and wondering shapes which are made by nature! You travel by boat across the cave and feel the water and see the amazing natural features. This is a marvellous experience and i really recomend to see it.
Written May 21, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Majid O
Isfahan, Iran42 contributions
Friends
this is the longest stream cave in Iran.
The natural entrance to Alisadr cave (sinkhole) has been made accessible by stairs. It is gated and roofed. The stairs lead down to a concrete walkway in a dry gallery of approximately 3-4 m of height and 6-8 m width. The surface water enters the sinkhole during the wet months of the year, follows the walkway and disappears to the left where the first lake can be found. The dry entrance section of the cave connects through joint-controlled maze of smaller passages to the artificial (main) entrance to Alisadr cave.
These passages are water-filled in their southern extensions. The artificial (Main) entrance begins as a 20 m long tunnel that slopes gently downhill to a wide gallery of 15 by 6 m formed under phreatic conditions. A calcite/aragonite ledge at the left wall marks a former water level and has some fine stalactites and crystals. To the right of the artificial entrance there is a Tearoom/Cafe for visitors which is operational in the summer.
The walkways coming from both entrances join at the beginning of the water-filled passages of Alisadr cave where the main jetty from which the boats that take tourist through the cave are boarded. Tourists are guided into plastic boats at this point and these are pulled through the cave by paddling boats (Pedlo's) paddled and steered by the guides. The underground boat trip follows the main gallery to the SW that is up to 25 m wide and 4 m high (above water level), passing some maintenance facilities (cabins, boat depots, water-level indicator etc.).
After nearly 200 m the gallery turns to the left (SE) and diminishes temporarily in size. The dip of the layers can be clearly observed in this part of the cave. Some small water-filled galleries branches off to the left to meet the ""six-entrances room"" which is part of the return journey of the tourist trip.
After approximately 100 m the main route opens up into a wide lake passage once again. This runs straight in a SE direction for the next 300 m. There are four large passages leading to the NE towards the central north-south-axis of the cave (see below) some of which are galleries up to 40 m wide and 30 m high.
In the middle of the 300 m long section leading to the SE, where the passage reduces in size for some metres and the depth of the water decreases to less than 1 m, a sizeable dinosaur sculpture has been installed for the enjoyment of amusement of children.
Having reached the end of this section the gallery turns to the NE and one reaches a pontoon where the tourists leave the boats to climb into the largest chamber of Alisadr cave, called ""Freedom Hall"". From the place where the tourists initially boards the boats to this pontoon the entire roof of the cave is covered by calcitic/aragonitic ledges that are full of crystals and small stalactites, marking former water levels.
This unique 600 m long structure is one of the most remarkable features of Alisadr cave and together with the dark green of the lakes, that in places are up to 15 m deep and the white/yellow crystals give the dark rock inside the cave a superb appearance. Just before the point where tourist trail climbs from the pontoon into the ""Freedom Hall"" the ceiling is covered with a fantastic display of up to 9 ledges one upon the other. The mineralization is predominantly aragonitic which indicates a relatively warm environment for the deposition of the crystals.
Freedom Hall was created by breakdown along tectonic fault zones and the visitor has to ascend about 30m up a boulder pile via a succession of fine marble stairs. At the highest point of the boulder pile the climb ends in a circular marble platform overlooking an impressive chamber that at its longest axis is 100m wide.
From the platform to the roof of the chamber is a height of 14 m. A massive 8m high stalagmite is located close to this platform. The northern part of the large chamber, which is not accessible for tourists, connects via several parallel and partly water-filled passages with the ""wedding room"" (also called ""1.000 stalactites room"")
Freedom Hall is exited via another succession of fine marble stairs that leave the centre of the chamber in SE direction. Before the walkway reaches another pontoon to cross a 40m long lake extremely fine calcite wall coverings can be found. At this point a series of wet galleries lead to the E where they end in breakdown.
Back in the main passage, at the end of the pontoons a dry walkable gallery of more than 100m in length leads to the SE. This passage has a very nice phreatic cross-section.
At the end of this gallery the tourist trail turns to the right where the permanently water-filled passages of Alisadr cave are reached once again. Here the roof of the passage is covered with helictites. To the left (SE) the new sections of the cave, which are not open to tourists, branch off.
The tourists board the boats again to start the journey back through the cave passing the aforementioned pontoon where they alighted from the boats earlier in the trip and from there back towards the cave's entrances.
To the W extensive laby-rinthine water-filled passages of smaller dimensions can be found. However, before the dinosaur is reached again, the guided tour leaves the known gallery to enter a very large passage that makes up the main north-south-axis in the central section of Alisadr cave.
This joint controlled axis is partly enlarged to a succession of impressive chambers. After about 100 m a gate closes a water-filled branch to the right (East). The gated passage gives access to a network of waterways leading to the ""wedding room"" (also called ""1.000 stalactites room""). This room is paved with marble slabs. The Wedding Room as it is known has been used for special events in the past and is still today accessible for tourists that are willing to pay an extra fee.
The ""wedding room"" is actually not a wide chamber but a passage that forms a loop decorated with many wonderful small white stalactites, draperies and helictites. The southern part of the ""wedding room"" has connection to the aforementioned (""Freedom Hall"") main chamber of Ghar Ali. Having reached the end of the spacious central north-south-passage after 220 m the tourist boat tour turns to the left (West) towards the ""six-entrances room"". This room is a crossing of several passages in a small maze of rifts. 150 m later the underground boat trip reaches the starting jetty again where the tourists leave the boats to exit the cave.
The usual tourist visit uses the artificial tunnel entrances to the cave exclusively. Visitors undertaking the 'regular' tour are guided a distance of about 2.100 m through the cave, 1.470 m of which is by boat. The 'extended' tour (""wedding room"") involves an underground boat course of 2.010 m: the longest underground boat trip world-wide.
The new parts in the south of Alisadr cave are not accessible for tourists. These passages were surveyed by the 2000/2001 project and only minor open leads were left. The predominantly dry galleries are much smaller than the ones in the tourist section. A narrow and difficult to find passage contains remarkably fine dripstones and helictites. In other places large aragonite crystals are abundant. The southern dry section of Alisadr cave is extensive and very labyrinthine as small passages follow wide galleries.
The natural entrance to Alisadr cave (sinkhole) has been made accessible by stairs. It is gated and roofed. The stairs lead down to a concrete walkway in a dry gallery of approximately 3-4 m of height and 6-8 m width. The surface water enters the sinkhole during the wet months of the year, follows the walkway and disappears to the left where the first lake can be found. The dry entrance section of the cave connects through joint-controlled maze of smaller passages to the artificial (main) entrance to Alisadr cave.
These passages are water-filled in their southern extensions. The artificial (Main) entrance begins as a 20 m long tunnel that slopes gently downhill to a wide gallery of 15 by 6 m formed under phreatic conditions. A calcite/aragonite ledge at the left wall marks a former water level and has some fine stalactites and crystals. To the right of the artificial entrance there is a Tearoom/Cafe for visitors which is operational in the summer.
The walkways coming from both entrances join at the beginning of the water-filled passages of Alisadr cave where the main jetty from which the boats that take tourist through the cave are boarded. Tourists are guided into plastic boats at this point and these are pulled through the cave by paddling boats (Pedlo's) paddled and steered by the guides. The underground boat trip follows the main gallery to the SW that is up to 25 m wide and 4 m high (above water level), passing some maintenance facilities (cabins, boat depots, water-level indicator etc.).
After nearly 200 m the gallery turns to the left (SE) and diminishes temporarily in size. The dip of the layers can be clearly observed in this part of the cave. Some small water-filled galleries branches off to the left to meet the ""six-entrances room"" which is part of the return journey of the tourist trip.
After approximately 100 m the main route opens up into a wide lake passage once again. This runs straight in a SE direction for the next 300 m. There are four large passages leading to the NE towards the central north-south-axis of the cave (see below) some of which are galleries up to 40 m wide and 30 m high.
In the middle of the 300 m long section leading to the SE, where the passage reduces in size for some metres and the depth of the water decreases to less than 1 m, a sizeable dinosaur sculpture has been installed for the enjoyment of amusement of children.
Having reached the end of this section the gallery turns to the NE and one reaches a pontoon where the tourists leave the boats to climb into the largest chamber of Alisadr cave, called ""Freedom Hall"". From the place where the tourists initially boards the boats to this pontoon the entire roof of the cave is covered by calcitic/aragonitic ledges that are full of crystals and small stalactites, marking former water levels.
This unique 600 m long structure is one of the most remarkable features of Alisadr cave and together with the dark green of the lakes, that in places are up to 15 m deep and the white/yellow crystals give the dark rock inside the cave a superb appearance. Just before the point where tourist trail climbs from the pontoon into the ""Freedom Hall"" the ceiling is covered with a fantastic display of up to 9 ledges one upon the other. The mineralization is predominantly aragonitic which indicates a relatively warm environment for the deposition of the crystals.
Freedom Hall was created by breakdown along tectonic fault zones and the visitor has to ascend about 30m up a boulder pile via a succession of fine marble stairs. At the highest point of the boulder pile the climb ends in a circular marble platform overlooking an impressive chamber that at its longest axis is 100m wide.
From the platform to the roof of the chamber is a height of 14 m. A massive 8m high stalagmite is located close to this platform. The northern part of the large chamber, which is not accessible for tourists, connects via several parallel and partly water-filled passages with the ""wedding room"" (also called ""1.000 stalactites room"")
Freedom Hall is exited via another succession of fine marble stairs that leave the centre of the chamber in SE direction. Before the walkway reaches another pontoon to cross a 40m long lake extremely fine calcite wall coverings can be found. At this point a series of wet galleries lead to the E where they end in breakdown.
Back in the main passage, at the end of the pontoons a dry walkable gallery of more than 100m in length leads to the SE. This passage has a very nice phreatic cross-section.
At the end of this gallery the tourist trail turns to the right where the permanently water-filled passages of Alisadr cave are reached once again. Here the roof of the passage is covered with helictites. To the left (SE) the new sections of the cave, which are not open to tourists, branch off.
The tourists board the boats again to start the journey back through the cave passing the aforementioned pontoon where they alighted from the boats earlier in the trip and from there back towards the cave's entrances.
To the W extensive laby-rinthine water-filled passages of smaller dimensions can be found. However, before the dinosaur is reached again, the guided tour leaves the known gallery to enter a very large passage that makes up the main north-south-axis in the central section of Alisadr cave.
This joint controlled axis is partly enlarged to a succession of impressive chambers. After about 100 m a gate closes a water-filled branch to the right (East). The gated passage gives access to a network of waterways leading to the ""wedding room"" (also called ""1.000 stalactites room""). This room is paved with marble slabs. The Wedding Room as it is known has been used for special events in the past and is still today accessible for tourists that are willing to pay an extra fee.
The ""wedding room"" is actually not a wide chamber but a passage that forms a loop decorated with many wonderful small white stalactites, draperies and helictites. The southern part of the ""wedding room"" has connection to the aforementioned (""Freedom Hall"") main chamber of Ghar Ali. Having reached the end of the spacious central north-south-passage after 220 m the tourist boat tour turns to the left (West) towards the ""six-entrances room"". This room is a crossing of several passages in a small maze of rifts. 150 m later the underground boat trip reaches the starting jetty again where the tourists leave the boats to exit the cave.
The usual tourist visit uses the artificial tunnel entrances to the cave exclusively. Visitors undertaking the 'regular' tour are guided a distance of about 2.100 m through the cave, 1.470 m of which is by boat. The 'extended' tour (""wedding room"") involves an underground boat course of 2.010 m: the longest underground boat trip world-wide.
The new parts in the south of Alisadr cave are not accessible for tourists. These passages were surveyed by the 2000/2001 project and only minor open leads were left. The predominantly dry galleries are much smaller than the ones in the tourist section. A narrow and difficult to find passage contains remarkably fine dripstones and helictites. In other places large aragonite crystals are abundant. The southern dry section of Alisadr cave is extensive and very labyrinthine as small passages follow wide galleries.
Written January 8, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Atefehdanesh
Tehran, Iran366 contributions
Alisadr is the biggest water cave in the world and it is unique. We went to the cave on a boat and the guide explained about the cave, its history and some of the important structures. It is fantastic and a must-see.
Written March 2, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MohsenSamian
Tehran, Tehran, Iran61 contributions
Family
You can see anything which is not possible to be created out of the a water cave. Very long queue is waiting for you, but it worths ! It need complete one day trip, and a long walking under the earth ! It is an extraordinary experience in the world !
Written February 16, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jill-explore
Stavanger, Norway280 contributions
is there a bus from Ashura Square hamedan to Ali Sadr Cave?
hossein m
14 contributions
No there is no public transportation to alisadr cave from ashura square , you should take a taxi or a van in hamedan , but if you want to go by bus ( mini buses ) you should go to the domestic terminal in Badi-o-zaman boulevard and go to Goltappeh then change bus and go to alisadr village by domestic cars .
But the best way to go there is take a tour from Alisadr travel agency in Hamedan at Khajeh Rashid-al-din boulevard.
I will be at your service any time and i'm ready to be your host in Hamedan for free.
jill-explore
Stavanger, Norway280 contributions
what is the nearest hotel/guest house in Ali Sadr Cave?
Alireza_Samimi
Tehran, Iran131 contributions
Alisadr Tourism Hotel is the nearest one which is located just few minutes from the cave entrance. You can google it to find some photos and descriptions of it.
It is a two star hotel but better to be called a guesthouse.
NottinghamDaisy
Nottingham29 contributions
Do you know opening times of the caves please
Arash Z
Tehran, Iran11 contributions
I guess it was 9 -3 PM. Because the tours takes more than an hour
NottinghamDaisy
Nottingham29 contributions
You say you booked for 11pm? So are the caves open in the evenings? Only I won't be able to get there until late in the day and this would be perfect... Thanks
basu2015
Kolkata (Calcutta), India10 contributions
Hi,
Any one to Help.
Studying the reviews of Ali Sadr Cave I have decided to visit the cave.
But I am facing one Problem. From Hamadan I want to go to Andimeshk. But I am getting no connection for Bus.
Can any one inform me is there any Day time Bus From Hamadan to Andimeshk ? If Any, the Departure time & time for the journey.
Thanks in advance.
basu2015
Amin Heidarpour
Tehran, Iran237 contributions
Dear Kolkata
Andimeshk is so far of Hamedan. If you want use of bus to Hamedan you should go to Ahwaz from Andimeshk (1 or 2 hours) , then you go to Tehran by bus (14 Hours). In Tehran you have a internal trip from south terminal to west terminal (1 hours). In west terminal you can go to Hamedan by bus (4 Hours). In Hamedan you will have 1 hour direction to Alisadr cave.
Unfortunately none of mentioned Routes haven't internet reservation.
Finally, my Recommendation is that you use of airplane from Ahwaz to Tehran.
Sincerely
Amin
Paul W
County Sligo, Ireland59 contributions
Hi, and thank you in advance. Can I get a train from Tehran to Hamadan and back in the same day, is it bus only ?or are there organised day trips from Tehran.
trips080
omaha52 contributions
hi, there is no train to Hamedan (is under construction). There are excellent VIP buses that you can get on them from 4 different bus terminals in Tehran. Drive time is about 4-5 hours. So you can leave very early in tehran (and sleep in comfortable sits). In Hamedan terminal you can hire a taxi that takes u directly to Cave (around $25-30 and 45 minute drive) and waits for to take you back to terminal for an evening bus back to Tehran.
However, if you do not speak Farsi it is preferred to pay a little bit more extra and go with a tour.
During high season - March 15-30 waiting time for individual to go to the cave may be more than 4-5 hours and you may not be able to take late bus back. tours go In with very little waiting.