Zahhak Cave

Zahhak Cave is in Fars Province, on the edge of Valiabad village, about 20 kilometres east of Arsanjan, and is regarded as one of the region's most mysterious natural attractions. This limestone cave takes its name from the legend of Zahhak in the Shahnameh. It has formed in the heart of a rocky cliff and has a fairly large entrance that draws nature tourists and cavers. Wild pigeons nest inside the cave, and its silence gives visitors a feeling of excitement and calm at the same time.

The cave is about 60 metres long, and its interior passage has side branches and hollows that require adequate lighting and caving equipment for a full exploration. Thanks to its limestone rock and small stalactites, the interior has a special charm, and entering this dark, rocky passage makes for a short but memorable adventure. According to local belief, Zahhak hid in this cave for a while, and these local stories add to the appeal of the place for visitors interested in history and nature.

To visit Zahhak Cave, head from Arsanjan towards Valiabad village. After about 4 kilometres, walk the 3.5-kilometre dirt track to the vicinity of the cave. The best time to visit is spring and early summer, when the weather is mild and the surrounding countryside is green and beautiful. While visiting, it is very important to follow the principles of responsible nature tourism, such as not littering and not damaging the stalactites or the area's wildlife, so that the beauty of this cave is preserved for future generations.