Kay Khosrow Cave

Kay Khosrow Cave, also known as Shah Zendeh Cave or Shah Kay Khosrow Mountain, is located in Markazi Province, Shazand County, 35 kilometers southwest of Arak, on the summit of Shah Zendeh Mountain in the Rasvand mountain range. The cave is regarded as one of the sacred sites of the Zoroastrians. According to Iranian mythology, Kay Khosrow, the Kayanid king, took refuge in this cave after 60 years of rule, in order to worship and attain spiritual perfection. The Shahnameh of Ferdowsi tells that his companions, having ignored Kay Khosrow's warning, perished in a red snow on the way.

The entrance of the cave opens to the west and is small and narrow, about 1.9 meters wide and 1.3 meters high. Inside the cave, a narrow corridor 18 meters long, with an average width of 6 meters and a height of about 3 meters, forms the interior space. This narrow corridor reflects the cave's distinctive character, and moving through it requires care and physical fitness. Near the cave there is a spring called Balagh Hak, known as the Kay Khosrow Spring, from which pilgrims drink for blessing. On the walls of the cave, the names of heroes such as Siavash Shahriyar, Pulad the Archer and Azadmehr are carved.

The cave can be reached via the villages of Gurehzar, Alarj and Badamak. The route up to the summit is about 7 kilometers long, and the climb takes roughly 3 to 4 hours. The best time to visit the cave is spring and early autumn. Because of the mountainous location and weather conditions, it is recommended to bring suitable equipment and a local guide.