Jashak Salt Dome

The Jashak Salt Dome is the broad, high northern area of Jashak Mountain, at the southern tip of the Zagros range, between Dashti and Dayyer counties in Bushehr Province. It is one of the largest, most active and most beautiful salt domes in Iran and the Middle East, and one of the natural attractions of Bushehr Province. In Bahman 1386 (early 2008) it was registered as a National Natural Fossil Monument, one of the four categories of areas managed by the Department of Environment. As noted, the Jashak Salt Dome lies between Dashti and Dayyer counties, in the Kaki and Bardekhun districts. It is located east of Gonakhak village in Dashti County and north of Jashak village in Dayyer County. The salt dome sits in the heart of Jashak Mountain, near its northern end, and forms the highest part of the mountain. Gonakhak village lies to its west, Kordalan village to its east, Darvishi village (Dashti County) to its northeast, and Jashak village to its south.

One of the most astonishing natural phenomena in Bushehr Province, the Jashak Salt Dome includes salt caves, salt waterfalls, salt springs, "genie chimneys" and other natural formations, each with its own appeal. It is regarded as the largest and most beautiful salt dome in Iran and is well known across the Middle East. The Jashak Salt Dome is also known as Jashak Salt Mountain and the Dashti Salt Dome.

The Jashak Salt Dome is 12 kilometres long and 4.5 kilometres wide. The dome covers about 3,666 hectares, and its summit is 1,350 metres above sea level. The dome's particular position, which makes the water of the Mand River salty, is perhaps the only harmful factor for the region. Before the village of Baghan, the river is fresh and suitable for drinking and farming; but after it passes the dome and curves around it, the river water becomes highly saline. In the rainy season, the river floods the Chaghapur and Dashti plains, and because of heavy evaporation, salt remains on the surface of the soil and makes the land in the area saline.

Travelling to the southern parts of the country in the hot months of the year is not recommended because of the humidity and high temperatures. The best time to visit the Jashak Salt Dome is from the second half of autumn until late winter.