Gorz-e Rostam Cave

Gorz-e Rostam Cave (also known as Tana) is one of the most spectacular and astonishing caves in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, located near the village of Sartashniz. With 6 pits, it is known as the deepest cave in the province. Its most notable features include stalactite and stalagmite columns, popcorn-like formations, and species such as bats, butterflies and insects. The cave was discovered by a shepherd in the Zangian mountains, and since then it has been known as one of the natural attractions of Hafshejan County.

The small mouth of the cave is about 7 meters deep, and because of its rocky structure and the darkness, the entrance looks somewhat frightening. The total depth of the cave is about 250 meters, and its pits are 8, 20, 10, 80, 20 and 40 meters deep, in that order. At a depth of about 160 meters, a stream of water flows gently from east to west. The fifth pit, at 70 meters, is the deepest pit in the cave; it consists of two sections and has five safety rope pitches (rigging points) installed in it. The structure of the pits and passages has made the cave one of the most challenging caves in the region for caving. The cave formed in an area of conglomerate rock and is essentially a set of fissures in weathered rock, created by water seeping and flowing through it over millions of years. For this reason, rockfall is clearly visible in parts of the cave, especially in the second pit, and poses hazards to cavers.

Entry into the cave begins with a 35-meter free-hanging descent, and along the way there are two very narrow crawlways, one of which is located right above the 70-meter pit, increasing the risk of falling. Interestingly, in the middle of this pit the rock type changes to limestone, giving the space an appearance similar to the limestone caves of western Iran, such as Parau Cave. Traversing the entire cave takes 3 to 4 hours; the best time to visit is from spring to early autumn. It is recommended to go with full technical equipment, such as SRT rope gear and a helmet, and with an experienced guide, and to watch out for falling rocks and follow safety rules.