SAEDNEWS: You won’t believe how a single gorge northwest of Shiraz hides waterfalls, cool rivers and forests that feel worlds away from the city.
The Lost Paradise of Shiraz (Beheshte Gomshodeh / Tang-e Bostanak, Marvdasht, Fars Province, Iran) is one of Fars Province’s most beautiful sights, located near Marvdasht. This scenic area — with numerous springs, rushing streams and attractive waterfalls — has captivated nature lovers. Its pristine, untouched environment, rare in the region, has drawn visitors to the Lost Paradise of Shiraz.
The Lost Paradise of Shiraz is also known as Tang-e Bostanak and Tang-e Bostanak Marvdasht, and in recent years it has attracted more attention and topped lists of Marvdasht’s sights. Tang-e Bostanak is one of the best places to escape city crowds, spend a few days away from urban stress and surrender yourself to nature.
The Lost Paradise of Shiraz hides in the cool, green mountains northwest of Shiraz and is far from the city’s bustle. The freshness and beauty of the area give it a paradisiacal quality: the sound of birds, lush scenery, flowing rivers and small and large waterfalls captivate visitors.
Tang-e Bostanak is essentially a wide valley with extensive vegetation set in the heights of Fars Province. What makes this area famous? First and foremost, the tiered waterfalls that descend from hard rock faces and the soothing sound of falling water.
The cool, clear rivers of Tang-e Bostanak in Marvdasht — ideal for picnics — are another reason for the site’s popularity. Diverse plant life and fruit trees give Tang-e Bostanak a paradisiacal appearance, and their shade provides shelter for visitors.
On top of all this, the region’s clean, pleasant air, especially in spring and autumn, enhances every aspect of the Lost Paradise of Shiraz. If you plan a trip to this legendary area, join Ali Baba travel magazine for a full tour of the Lost Paradise of Shiraz.
The Lost Paradise of Shiraz is in Fars Province and sits about 120 kilometres northwest of Shiraz. The attraction lies roughly 100 kilometres from the city of Marvdasht in the Kamfiruz district.
Nearby Tang-e Bostanak are the villages of Mahanjan, Jeydarzar, the town of Kamfiruz and the village of Dozd Kardak.
If you want to travel from Shiraz to Tang-e Bostanak (Marvdasht), head north and use Dr. Hesabi Highway to reach the Ardakan–Shiraz highway. Then take the Beyza road and continue along Isfahan–Shiraz freeway to the Marvdasht exit. From that exit follow the road to Kamfiruz village and then to the Lost Paradise of Shiraz. This route takes about two hours.
Another route from Shiraz to Tang-e Bostanak follows the Marvdasht–Shiraz freeway. Before arriving at Marvdasht, turn toward the Marvdasht–Kamfiruz road; prior to reaching Khānimān village you will see a sign for Tang-e Bostanak.
If your origin is Tehran, prepare for a long journey: passing Qom, Kashan, Isfahan and Shahreza to Kamfiruz village and finally Tang-e Bostanak (Marvdasht).
The best vehicle for visiting the Lost Paradise of Shiraz is a private car. If you do not have one, hire an intercity or private taxi.
Distance Tehran → Lost Paradise of Shiraz: about 737 km (approx. 8 h 20 min).
Distance Shiraz → Lost Paradise of Shiraz: about 120 km (approx. 2 h).
Distance Marvdasht → Lost Paradise of Shiraz: about 102 km (approx. 2 h).
To understand the name “Lost Paradise,” consider each word separately. First, “paradise.” As mentioned, although Tang-e Bostanak sits in a generally warm region, it is full of flowing rivers, plentiful springs and striking green nature. The presence of such unusual natural attractions in this climate led locals to call it a paradise.
So why “lost”? Until roughly 40 years ago Tang-e Bostanak was not widely known and few tourists visited. After people discovered it, they attached the epithet “hidden” or “lost.” Thus Tang-e Bostanak (Marvdasht) became known as the Lost Paradise of Shiraz.
Spring — especially late April to mid-May — is the prime season to visit the Lost Paradise of Shiraz. At this time rivers are fullest, gardens bloom and the landscape is lush and vibrant; the mild pleasant weather makes it perfect for exploring the famed nature of Tang-e Bostanak.
Note that spring draws many visitors, so you may find larger crowds. To enjoy more tranquillity, aim for a weekday visit.
After spring, autumn is also a suitable season for Tang-e Bostanak. Autumnal atmosphere and light rain, with temperatures that haven’t yet dropped drastically, make fall a comfortable time to travel. Autumn is typically quieter than spring.
In spring the rivers are full, the weather is mild and pleasant, and nature is in full leaf — all of which make spring and early summer the best time to visit the Lost Paradise of Shiraz. Clear skies and gentle sunshine create ideal conditions for picnicking and making memories with friends and family.
Activities in spring and summer include walking in nature, playing in the rivers and springs and photographing green scenes among the trees. Spring weather is milder; summer becomes warmer and sunnier.
Autumn colours change the Lost Paradise of Shiraz into a palette of yellow, orange and red, forming breathtaking scenes that are hard to leave. The weather gets cooler but does not prevent nature tourism or picnicking.
Winter in the Lost Paradise is cold and not ideal for outdoor activities unless you are a fan of the cold and bring suitable clothing and footwear. River and spring water can become very cold and sometimes freeze; therefore winter is generally not the season for water activities.
The Lost Paradise of Shiraz is not only a paradise for people but also a habitat for many animals thanks to favorable climate, pristine nature and plentiful water. Animals such as red deer (maral), martens, squirrels, wild sheep (moufflon), wild goats, rabbits, brown bears and various birds inhabit Tang-e Bostanak (Marvdasht).
The area is mainly mountainous with forest cover typical of the Irano-Turanian zone. Cypress and walnut trees are among the main plant species. Suitable climate and adequate water support agriculture and orchard cultivation.
Accordingly, you will encounter fruit trees including almond and pistachio, as well as barberry and oak. Along the way you pass villages with streets that feel paradisal and depict a traditional human life set within nature.
If you enjoy herbal teas and medicinal plants, Tang-e Bostanak can be a true heaven: medicinal herbs such as alhagi (khārshatar), dermaneh, licorice (shirin-bīyān) and gah (gon) grow in the area.
The most popular pastime in the Lost Paradise of Shiraz is nature tourism and enjoying the untouched environment. For local people, who seldom see such green spaces, immersion in nature is the main reason to travel to Tang-e Bostanak.
Imagine escaping smoke and noise and being somewhere far from daily stress: bird song blends with flowing water, weak sunlight warms you, and a gentle breeze soothes the soul. Even imagining such moments is pleasant.
If you are a serious nature lover, camping and overnight stays are recommended. Spend the night wrapped in Fars’s nature and wake to the sky overhead. Photographers will find countless unique frames of forest, rivers, waterfalls and sparkling springs.
Regarding facilities, Tang-e Bostanak offers toilets, gazebos, a small supermarket, cafés, restaurants and eco-lodges. A short drive brings you to banking services, a gas station, shops, a clinic and a pharmacy in Kamfiruz village.
One advantage of visiting the Lost Paradise of Shiraz is the number of nearby sights you can include with smart planning. Below are some notable nearby attractions.
The first nearby attraction is the Korr River — the largest river in Fars Province and a major source of irrigation and drinking water for Shiraz and Marvdasht. The Korr originates in the Zagros ranges and several local mountains and springs.
The river passes the green plains of Kamfiruz and empties into Doroodzan Dam. The river’s route through villages and valleys creates spectacular views worth seeing.
Distance: Lost Paradise of Shiraz → Korr River ≈ 32 km (about 1 hour). Note the river spans many areas and can be reached at shorter distances depending on the spot.
Doroodzan Dam is a reservoir built on the Korr River and serves as an important water source for drinking and agriculture in Fars. The Korr flows into Doroodzan Dam and then toward Lake Bakhtegan.
Activities near the dam include relaxing by the lakeshore and fishing. Limited amenities such as toilets and concrete picnic platforms exist around the dam.
Distance: Lost Paradise of Shiraz → Doroodzan Dam ≈ 30 km (≈ 46 min).
One of the most beautiful nearby sights is Margoon Waterfall — around 70 metres high — located in Sepidan. Unique to Margoon is that it is spring-fed rather than supplied by a single river; many springs feed it, making it a “spring waterfall.”
This waterfall swells in spring, attracting many visitors who come to picnic and bathe. Unlike some surrounding areas, Margoon enjoys cool, pleasant summer weather and often serves as a local escape from city heat.
Facilities near Margoon include toilets, a small shop and parking; reaching the waterfall requires about a 20-minute walk from the car park over a paved path.
Distance: Lost Paradise of Shiraz → Margoon Waterfall ≈ 60 km (≈ 1 h 22 min).
Natural wonders around Tang-e Bostanak continue beyond one gorge. Tang-e Baragh is another striking gorge with high cliffs and a river running through it, and it is more impressive in spring with greater water flow.
At the valley floor a turquoise pool often forms that is suitable for swimming; the gorge contains a cave, a waterfall and a historic inscription from the Sasanian era in Pahlavi script — one of the five important inscriptions of Shapur I.
Distance: Lost Paradise of Shiraz → Tang-e Baragh ≈ 44 km (≈ 52 min).
Dashtak Village — sometimes called the Masouleh of Fars — is famous for its stepped architecture, where the roof of the lower house serves as the courtyard or path for the upper house. In addition to stepped architecture, Dashtak offers abundant waterfalls and unspoiled nature. An ancient plane tree in Dashtak (estimated age 4,000 years) is renowned, and visitors can use nearby mineral springs like Khonar, Nahrom, Marshadi, Ab-Garm and Dehgāh for their therapeutic properties.
Distance: Lost Paradise of Shiraz → Dashtak Village ≈ 53 km (≈ 1 h 10 min).
Kamfiruz is a beautiful region close to Shiraz and Marvdasht where oak-covered Zagros slopes produce unique scenery. Kamfiruz divides into northern and southern parts and contains many small villages, each with intact natural charm. Residents mostly practice agriculture and orchard farming.
Distance: Lost Paradise of Shiraz → Kamfiruz ≈ 7 km (≈ 24 min).
Another nearby natural attraction is Tang-e Gambil in Sepidan. Its easy access and distinctive terrain draw many travelers. Adventure seekers find each section of Gambil reveals new wonders — for instance, one part is so deep and dark that little sunlight reaches it, making it the gorge’s coldest spot. From the nearest parking point expect about a 15-minute walk; bring proper clothing and footwear.
Distance: Lost Paradise of Shiraz → Tang-e Gambil ≈ 24 km (≈ 1 h 6 min).
Ramjerd Plain in Marvdasht is known for its broad, uninterrupted green fields. The blending of sky and endless plains creates a scene many visitors find unforgettable.
Distance: Lost Paradise of Shiraz → Ramjerd Plain ≈ 65 km (≈ 1 h 11 min).
Lake Bakhtegan offers one of Fars Province’s most striking landscapes and, after Urmia Lake, is Iran’s second-largest lake. Bakhtegan is a winter refuge for migratory birds arriving from Russia and Siberian steppes. The lake contains many small islands and is ecologically valuable, although drought and illegal wells have severely reduced its water level in recent years.
Distance: Lost Paradise of Shiraz → Lake Bakhtegan ≈ 180 km (≈ 3 h).
You have several options for staying near the Lost Paradise of Shiraz. If you prioritise security, cleanliness and comfort, choose a hotel — though there are no hotels inside Tang-e Bostanak itself; book hotels in Shiraz.
For those who enjoy socialising and experiencing traditional rural life, eco-lodges near Kamfiruz and Tang-e Bostanak are recommended. Unlike hotels, multiple eco-stays operate around the Lost Paradise.
Finally, for dedicated nature lovers who prefer to sleep under the sky, camping is a great option. For camping you must be well equipped: tent, groundsheet, sleeping bag, blanket, toiletries, drinking water, nutritious food and extra clothing.
Eco-stays suit travelers who want an authentic rural experience and to spend a night or two in village ambience. Several eco-lodges around Tang-e Bostanak and nearby villages offer reasonable rates and basic services.
Suggested local eco-lodges and guesthouses:
Tolou-e Behesht Eco-lodge
Tolou-e Behesht Rezai Traditional Stay
Baba Bozorg Tourist House
Naghshe-Rostam Eco-stay — Marvdasht
Pack essential hiking shoes and seasonal clothing first.
Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and snacks.
Preserve Tang-e Bostanak’s natural environment — leave no trace.
Rural roads may be winding and poorly lit at night — drive carefully.