SAEDNEWS: Shirez Gorge in Luristan is a breathtaking natural canyon known for its dramatic rock formations, serene landscapes, and opportunities for hiking and exploration. This hidden gem offers visitors a unique glimpse into the region’s pristine beauty and geological wonders.
When you enter Luristan Province, you are on the route connecting three provinces: Ilam, Kermanshah, and Luristan. Traveling from Kuhdasht County, Zardalan District, and the Oladqobad area toward the heart of the Zagros Mountains, you can see Shirez Gorge in Luristan. No one has passed by the wonders of this gorge without noticing them, to the extent that it was registered as a national heritage site due to its extraordinary nature. Interestingly, UNESCO has also not overlooked this gorge, bringing its name to prominence worldwide.
When visiting Shirez Gorge in Luristan, besides its pristine nature, the long history of the canyon will also amaze you. It is a region marked by the traces of humans from thousands of years ago, who left their works across the width of the gorge. The distance of this gorge from the north-central part of Kuhdasht County reaches 50 kilometers. Many speculations about the name of this gorge have been heard, which I do not want to mention, because there is no evidence to prove them; from the birth of lions in the gorge to other matters.
One of the unique attractions and beauties of Shirez Gorge is its sedimentary walls, which, after years of exposure to rain, wind, and snow, have eroded and formed layered sedimentary patterns. The beauty of Shirez Canyon is so striking that I wish I could turn its soil into kohl for my eyes.
From the high sedimentary cliffs, reaching 150 to 200 meters, to its waterfall and river, where you can even see trout. Imagine the moment you arrive at this gorge. Now you can spend hours sitting in different parts of Shirez Gorge in Luristan, or parachute from the top of the canyon and enjoy the sound of the lively river.
The waters of Shirez Gorge in Luristan also flow from the Zagros heights into the Seymareh River, eventually reaching one of the main and important branches of western Iran, the Karkheh River. Although there is no vast vegetation in the gorge, due to Luristan’s excellent climate, even the modest greenery and few trees give this canyon an enchanting beauty; from grasses, waterfalls, wild fig, grape, and pear trees to plane and oak trees.
At the end of the Shirz Valley in Lorestan, there is a cave that locals call God’s Bridge of Shirz. If you want to fully enjoy your trip to Shirz Valley in Lorestan and feel the cold of its water in the heart of summer, follow the gorge all the way to reach the pistachio kernel of Shirz Valley.
The length of God’s Bridge Cave in Shirz reaches 150 meters. The deep water of the river inside the cave is as cold as ice due to the absence of sunlight. If you want to enter the cave, be careful not to go on foot, as the sharp stones on the cave floor can injure your feet. I won’t even mention the weak and intermittent mobile signal, which you already know better than I do.
Not just one, but several waterfalls exist in Shirz Valley, but only one is known as the Bird Waterfall. During your trip to Shirz Valley, you won’t see any living animals, but if you look at the cavities in the gorge walls, you will notice birds that have nested and live there.
Coincidentally, a waterfall is located next to these cavities, famous as the Bird Waterfall. Shirz Waterfall is another waterfall in the area. Overall, small and large waterfalls are scattered in every corner of the gorge.
A rock with a single minaret stands in Shirz Valley. The first thing that caught my eye in photos of this valley was the stone minaret, 80 meters high and 10 meters in diameter, formed as water, wind, and numerous earthquakes over millions of years eroded part of the rock into a vertical column resembling a minaret.
Since the climate in Lorestan is cold and mountainous, gradually becoming moderate in the first half of the year, the best seasons to travel and explore the province—especially to see the attractions of Shirz Valley—are spring and summer. Of course, you can also visit in the second half of the year, during autumn and winter, but you must endure the cold.
You can only enjoy the nature of Shirz Valley if you drive toward the entrance of the gorge. Don’t worry, a spacious parking area has been allocated at the beginning of the gorge, so you can easily find a spot for your car. To reach Shirz Valley, take a 141-kilometer route from Khorramabad, then drive 50 to 55 kilometers to Kuhdasht County to reach the valley. Another route starts from Kermanshah and ends at Jiran Balagh and Holshi.
Address of Shirz Gorge, Lorestan: Iran, Lorestan Province, 50 to 55 kilometers from Kuhdasht County, Zardalan District, Oladqobad Area, Oladqobad Road, 2 kilometers on a dirt road.
Distance of Shirz Valley from Khorramabad
Shirz Gorge in Lorestan is only 141 kilometers from Khorramabad and 50 to 55 kilometers from the center of Kuhdasht County.
Walking in this complete and stunning valley also comes with its own dangers. Below, I have listed some points to keep in mind before or during your trip:
Bring all the necessary caving and wilderness equipment with you, including a trekking pole, flashlight, extra clothing, hat, etc.
When crossing the river in the gorge, your clothes may get wet, so bring an extra set of clothes.
Because sunlight does not reach inside God’s Bridge Cave in Shirz, be sure to bring a flashlight or headlamp.
Due to the sharp and jagged stone floor in God’s Bridge Cave, do not enter the cave on foot without proper shoes.
If you plan to stay in the gorge, do not forget a tent and other essential camping gear for staying in nature.
Mobile signal in Shirz Valley, Lorestan, is constantly weak and frequently cuts in and out.
It is better to be prepared and physically fit for traveling to this gorge.
Do not forget to bring food and snacks.
Finally, avoid littering.
