Do-Ashkaft Cave

Do-Ashkaft is a limestone cave in Kermanshah Province that extends roughly 23 meters deep into the mountainside. The entrance faces south and sits at about 1,600 meters elevation, overlooking the surrounding ridges and valleys.

Researchers discovered this cave in 1996 and found evidence of human habitation from the Middle Paleolithic period. The site shows that people lived here roughly 50,000 years ago or earlier.

The name comes from the local language and refers to the mountain setting where the cave sits. Visitors can observe how the natural rock formation would have drawn people to settle in this location.

Access involves mountainous terrain that requires sturdy shoes and some comfort with uneven ground. Visitors should bring plenty of water and a flashlight, since the route is challenging and the cave interior is dark.

Archaeologists found animal bones with cut marks showing that people processed hunted prey here. These markings count among the oldest direct evidence of hunting techniques in this region.

Location: Kermanshah County

GPS coordinates: 34.40095,47.13081

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:43