Dashtak Village

Dashtak Village is part of Dorudzan District in Marvdasht County, Fars Province. It lies in the gorge of Mount Dashtak, north of the Dorudzan plain. The village sits at an elevation of about 2,040 metres above sea level, and because of its mountain setting it has a mild climate in spring and summer and a cold one in autumn and winter. Dashtak is regarded as one of the ancient villages of Fars Province, and the remains found there point to the region's considerable history: traces from the Achaemenid period have been found within the village area, and the inscribed gravestones of Dashtak's old cemetery trace the village's origins back to the 7th century AH (Hijri lunar). The village is said to have been named Dashtak because it lies in a small plain (dasht).

Dashtak's most notable feature is the way its terraced layout blends with the mountain landscape and lush orchards. Houses are built in tiers on the mountainside, and in some places the roof of one house becomes the courtyard of another. The village's ancient plane tree, said to be about 4,000 years old, is one of Dashtak's best-known natural landmarks. Other sights in the area include old watermills, the Imamzadeh Fakhreddin shrine, the stone Katal staircase with about 1,200 steps, numerous springs and waterfalls. Walnut, almond, grape and pomegranate orchards, tree cover and mountain views complete the village's natural scenery. Besides gardening, livestock farming and beekeeping, the people of Dashtak have also worked in crafts such as giveh (traditional shoe) making, kilim weaving, carpet weaving and felt making, and the Dashtaki dialect is spoken among the villagers.

Dashtak can be reached via Marvdasht and Kamfiruz, and the road to the village passes along a scenic mountain road. Given the cold weather in late autumn and winter, spring, summer and early autumn are good times to visit the village, its orchards, springs, waterfalls and terraced layout. That said, in autumn the changing colours of Dashtak's nature give the area a special charm. Visitors can enjoy a different kind of experience by walking through the stepped alleys and natural trails, admiring the orchards and springs, photographing the village's architecture and scenery, and learning about local handicrafts and products. When visiting, please respect the privacy of village homes, tombs and cultural sites, avoid damaging trees and historic remains, and do not leave rubbish in nature. Buying local products and handicrafts from residents also helps sustain the village's economy and culture.