Saed News: One of the most attractive and pleasant weather provinces in Iran is Lorestan. This region, in addition to having kind and warm-hearted people, also boasts a very unique and special nature. If we wanted to talk about all the beauties of this area, we wouldn't be able to explain it in this short time.
Saed News Report: When you see the Shirez Valley in Lorestan, why tire yourself out with the attractions of European or American countries? Is the nature of the Western countries more colorful than Iran's nature? A prime example is the Shirez Gorge, with its astonishing beauty, charming nature, waterfalls, springs, and layered cliffs that captivate all who see it. Before reading this article or thinking about your travel destination, just take a look at the pictures of Shirez Valley in Lorestan. Only then will the Shirez Gorge draw you in.
The Layered Wonders of Shirez Valley, Lorestan
When you enter Lorestan province, traveling along the connecting path between the three provinces of Ilam, Kermanshah, and Lorestan, you will head from the Kuhdasht city, Zardalan district, and the Oladqabad region toward the heart of the Zagros mountains. There, you will see the Shirez Valley of Lorestan. No one passes by the wonders of this valley without being amazed, to the point that its extraordinary nature has made it a national heritage site. Interestingly, UNESCO has also recognized this valley and brought its name to shine around the world.
When visiting Shirez Valley in Lorestan, besides its pristine nature, the ancient history of the gorge will also amaze you. This is an area with traces of humans dating back thousands of years, whose remnants are scattered across the gorge. The distance of this valley from the northern center of Kuhdasht city is around 50 kilometers. There are many speculations about the valley's name, but I won't refer to them as there is no proof to confirm any, ranging from the breeding of lions in the valley to other theories.
Magnetic Charm of Shirez Valley, Lorestan
One of the unique and attractive features of Shirez Gorge is its sedimentary walls, which, after years of exposure to rain, wind, and snow, have eroded and formed into layer-upon-layer sedimentary cliffs. The beauty of Shirez Gorge is so mesmerizing that I feel like turning its earth into the kohl for my eyes. From towering sedimentary rocks that are 150 to 200 meters high, to its waterfalls and rivers where you can spot trout, imagine reaching this valley. You could spend hours sitting in different parts of Shirez Valley or even paragliding from the top, enjoying the sounds of the living river below.
The water of Shirez Valley comes from the Zagros heights, flows into the Simareh River, and eventually reaches one of the main and important branches of western Iran, the Karkheh River. Though there is not a huge plant coverage, the excellent climate of Lorestan gives this gorge an attractive lushness, from grasslands and waterfalls to wild fig, grape, pear trees, and even plane and oak trees.
God’s Bridge in Shirez Gorge: The Pistachio Core
At the end of Shirez Valley, there is a cave that locals refer to as "God's Bridge." If you want to fully enjoy your trip to Shirez Valley and feel the coldness of its water in the middle of summer, travel to the end of the gorge to reach the pistachio core of Shirez Valley. The cave is about 150 meters long, and the deep water inside the cave is as cold as ice, due to the lack of sunlight. Be cautious if you want to enter the cave, as the sharp rocks at the cave's floor might hurt your feet. Also, be aware that mobile reception is weak and intermittently cuts off.
A Waterfall for Birds
Shirez Valley doesn’t only have one waterfall but several. However, only one of these waterfalls is known as the "Bird Waterfall." During your trip to Shirez Valley, you may not see live animals, but if you look at the hollows in the cliffs of the gorge, you'll find birds nesting and living there. Incidentally, there is a waterfall beside these hollows, which is known as the Bird Waterfall. Shirez Waterfall is another waterfall in the area. Overall, various small and large waterfalls are spread throughout this gorge.
Stone Minaret: A Singular Nature Wonder
A rock with a minaret, that’s what I’m referring to in Shirez Valley. The first thing that caught my eye in photos of this valley was the stone minaret, 80 meters tall and 10 meters wide, created by the erosion of water, wind, and numerous earthquakes over millions of years.
Best Time to Visit Shirez Valley
Since Lorestan’s climate is cold and mountainous, and in the first half of the year it tends to become milder, the best time to visit the province and especially to enjoy the attractions of Shirez Valley is during spring and summer. Of course, you can visit during the second half of the year—autumn and winter—but you'll need to tolerate the cold.
How to Reach the End of Shirez Valley
To enjoy the nature of Shirez Valley, you need to drive to the beginning of the gorge. Don’t worry, there is a large area at the entrance for parking your car. To reach Shirez Valley, drive 141 kilometers from Khorramabad, followed by a 50-55 kilometer route to Kuhdasht, and you'll reach the valley. Another route goes from Kermanshah to Jiran Balagh and Helshi.
Address of Shirez Gorge, Lorestan:
Iran, Lorestan Province, 50-55 kilometers from Kuhdasht, Zardalan District, Oladqabad Region, Oladqabad Road, 2 kilometers driving on dirt roads.
Distance from Shirez Valley to Khorramabad:
Shirez Gorge is just 141 kilometers from Khorramabad and 50-55 kilometers from the center of Kuhdasht city.
Important Tips Before Traveling to Shirez Valley:
Walking through this spectacular gorge does have its risks. Here are some tips to keep in mind before or during your trip:
Bring necessary caving and trekking equipment such as hiking poles, flashlights, extra clothing, hats, etc.
Your clothes may get wet while crossing the river, so bring a spare set.
Due to the lack of sunlight in God's Bridge Cave, make sure to bring a flashlight or headlamp.
Avoid walking barefoot inside God's Bridge Cave due to the sharp, jagged rocks, and wear suitable shoes.
If you plan to stay in the gorge, don’t forget camping gear.
Mobile reception is often weak and intermittent in Shirez Valley.
Make sure you're physically prepared for this adventure.
Don’t forget to bring food and snacks.
Lastly, avoid littering.
Well, I’ve shared everything I wanted about Shirez Valley. Honestly, what more could you ask from a 5-kilometer-long gorge? In this article, whether you believe it or not, I’ve gathered all the natural wonders of the valley—from sedimentary rocks and layers to its plant coverage and springs. If you want to visit a unique nature with unseen tourist attractions at a low cost, there’s no place better than Lorestan and Shirez Gorge.
