Shirz Gorge

Shirz Gorge (or Shirz Valley) is one of the most remarkable sights in western Iran. It lies on the border between Ilam and Lorestan provinces, 50 kilometres from the town of Kuhdasht, and has a unique and beautiful landscape. The best access route to this spectacular gorge is from Kuhdasht in Lorestan, which is why Shirz Gorge is regarded as one of the most beautiful attractions in Lorestan.

This area, in the heart of the Zagros Mountains, is several million years old, and natural formations similar to this gorge are found in only a few places in the world. Natural erosion over millions of years has shaped these rocks into their present form, and for this reason Shirz Gorge and similar areas around the world are described as the oldest natural museums on Earth. Australia's "Valley of the Kings" and America's "Grand Canyon" are other examples of this kind of natural gorge. There are several other small waterfalls along the gorge. The large Shirz waterfall is also known as the "Bird Waterfall" (Abshar-e Parandegan). The name comes from the small birds that nest in the holes and crevices in the cliff walls around the waterfall.

Over many years, erosion of the gorge's rocks by rain and wind has formed a rock pillar in the middle of the gorge. This pillar is known as the "Shirz Minaret". It is about 80 metres tall and about 10 metres in diameter. At the end of the Shirz valley route there is a natural cave that locals call "Pol-e Khoda" (God's Bridge). The cave is about 150 metres deep and sunlight does not reach it. Because of this lack of sunlight, the temperature of the water inside is very low.

There is no dense vegetation along the Shirz Gorge route. However, the pleasant climate and the permanent flow of the river through the gorge allow oak, plum, grape and fig trees to grow among the rocks. Shirz Gorge appears on the list of Iran's national natural monuments and is registered as a "National Geosite" in Iran's natural heritage list.