Where a Star Fell: Million-Year-Old Star Valley in Southern Iran

In the heart of Qeshm Island, where winds whisper through sculpted canyons and moonlight brushes ancient stone, lies one of Iran’s most mystical landscapes — the Valley of the Stars. Known locally as Estareh Kafta (The Fallen Star), this surreal geological marvel is shaped not only by millions of years of natural erosion but also by legend, mystery, and the imagination of generations.

Situated near Berkeh Khalaf village in northern Qeshm, the Valley of the Stars dates back over two million years to the Cenozoic era. Time, rainstorms, wind, and seasonal flash floods have sculpted the terrain into sharp spires, narrow gorges, soaring arches, and delicate columns that resemble ancient cathedrals.

From above, the valley resembles an alien landscape — a maze of stone giants and winding paths. It’s no wonder locals believe a star once fell here, striking the earth and giving shape to these otherworldly formations.

In reality, the valley has been carved by the forces of nature: surface water, seasonal downpours, and powerful winds. The original plateau, still largely intact in the northern section, rises 7 to 10 meters above the valley floor. Composed of sandstone bound with loose calcareous cement and filled with fossilized shells, the area features pointed cones, erosional columns, pinnacles, arches, ridges, and banded walls. The delicate layers mean the valley’s shape subtly shifts after rare heavy rains, making its formations constantly evolving works of art.

As dusk falls, the valley transforms. The wind whistles through narrow corridors, creating haunting sounds that have inspired tales of spirits and supernatural beings. Many locals believe the area becomes a realm of mystical creatures at night and avoid it after dark. Moonlit nights enhance the valley’s magic: the silence deepens, and stars appear to descend closer to the earth.

The Valley of the Stars is more than a local treasure — it is an international gem. It is a highlight of the Qeshm Island Geopark in Hormozgan Province, Iran, the first UNESCO Global Geopark in the Middle East.

Best Time to Visit

The valley is most enchanting during sunrise and moonlit nights, when shadows dance and the landscape seems alive. The cooler months, from October to April, offer the most comfortable conditions for exploring.

How to Get There

Located in southeastern Qeshm Island, the valley is a short drive from Berkeh Khalaf village. About 5 kilometers from the main town of Qeshm, a dirt road leads directly into the heart of this natural wonder.

The Valley of the Stars isn’t just a destination — it’s a journey into the soul of the Earth and the legends that surround it. For travelers seeking more than just landscapes, it is a place where stories are written in stone and whispered through the wind.