Dorud

Dorud is a city in eastern Lorestān Province, at the foot of the Oshtorankuh mountain range. Known primarily as a railway junction, it serves as the gateway to Gahar Lake, one of Iran's most beautiful alpine lakes. The city has a cool mountain climate, with heavy snowfall in winter and mild summers.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Khorramabad Airport (KHD), about 65 km west.

By Train

Dorud is a stop on the main Tehran–Ahvaz railway line, with regular trains from Tehran (about 6 hr), Isfahan, and Ahvaz. The station is in the town centre.

By Car / Road

Dorud lies on Highway 56 connecting Khorramabad and Isfahan. Buses run from Khorramabad (1 hr) and other Lorestān cities.

Dorud is small and walkable. Shared taxis and minibuses connect the town centre with the station and outlying villages.

• Gahar Lake — A stunning alpine lake at 2,350 m in the Oshtorankuh range, about 30 km southeast. Turquoise waters ringed by snow-capped peaks.
• Oshtorankuh Protected Area — A mountain wilderness popular with trekkers and climbers.

Trek to Gahar Lake (a full-day hike from Dorud or a 4WD drop-off). Mountain climbing in Oshtorankuh. Birdwatching in the surrounding wetlands.

Local restaurants serve Lorestāni kebabs and āsh. Try kashk-e bademjan (eggplant with whey) in local eateries.

Tea houses near the railway station. Doogh and soft drinks are widely available.

• Budget: Basic guesthouses near the railway station.
• Mid-range: A couple of small hotels cater to trekkers heading to Gahar Lake.

A small local market sells mountain herbs, honey, and handicrafts from surrounding villages.

• Khorramabad (65 km west) — Capital of Lorestān with the Falak-ol-Aflak Castle.
• Borujerd (45 km northwest) — Historic mosques and Qajar architecture.
• Aligudarz (70 km east) — Mountain scenery on the road to Isfahan.
• Gahar Lake (30 km southeast) — One of Iran's most scenic alpine lakes.