Kul-e Khersan Valley

A mysterious passage in the heart of the mountains

Valley
Khuzestan, Dezful
Altitude 360 m

Ability level Advanced

Ability level: Advanced

Kul-e Khersan is an astonishing valley 25 kilometres from the city of Dezful, also known as the Valley of Ghosts. It is part of the Zagros mountain range and has created a distinctly different climate within a hot region. Reaching the valley requires a 20 to 25 kilometre hike and a good deal of hardship, but as soon as you see the entrance, filled with maidenhair fern (Siyavashan), you forget all your fatigue. The valley floor is covered with gravel, sand and sandstone, and the further you go, the higher the walls become and the narrower the gap between them, until you can no longer see the sky. The valley is full of thin streams of water trickling down its walls, and in years with rainfall these streams turn into waterfalls.

Choose the time of your trip to Kul-e Khersan with great care. Always check the weather forecast before you go and make sure no rain is expected in the coming days. Keep in mind that the temperature inside Kul-e Khersan is much lower than in the surrounding area. In summer it can drop below 20 degrees Celsius, and a difference of up to 30 degrees compared with the city of Dezful has been reported. In general, mid-Khordad (early June) is considered the best time to complete the whole route through Kul-e Khersan, because the spring rains have ended and the weather has warmed up, so the risks you face are lower.

With its varied tourist attractions, such as Shovi Waterfall, Pamenar Village and the historic Shadab Castle, Dezful is an appealing destination for travellers. Shovi Waterfall, 80 metres high and surrounded by distinctive vegetation, Pamenar Village with its beautiful view of the Dez Dam, and Shadab Castle with its ancient remains are among the most important sights of the region.

Visiting Kul-e Khersan, or the Valley of Ghosts, is recommended only for experienced nature lovers. If you enter this valley without experience or proper preparation, something terrible may happen and you could lose your life along the way. So if you do not have sufficient skills and physical fitness, it is better not to go to Kul-e Khersan at all. For your own safety, be sure to carry the necessary equipment. Put on your helmet before entering the valley, since stones and pieces of trees may fall on your head along the way. Once inside the Valley of Ghosts, you will notice that its walls are more than 200 metres high and that you are enclosed on both sides. As you advance, the path becomes narrower, until only one person can pass at a time. In most parts of the valley you can see the walls on both sides without turning your head. So if you are afraid of enclosed spaces, it is better not to travel to this valley. Do not forget that if you do not plan to camp or stay overnight in the area, you should leave before dark.

Written by زهرا لنگری Last updated 14 Apr 2025

Activities

What you can do here, and what it takes

Walking

حداقل ۴ کیلومتر تا ابتدای دره پیاده‌روی در پیش دارید.
Canyoning

می‌توانید با به‌همراه‌داشتن تجهیزات لازم از دره‌نوردی در این منطقه زیبا لذت ببرید.
Swimming

حوضچه انتهایی دره (حوضچه گهر) مکان مناسبی برای شنا‌ البته فقط برای شناگران حرفه‌ای است.
Rafting

تجهیزات کافی را به‌همراه بیاورید و در تنداب‌ها و گرداب‌های خروشان رود دز، رفتینگ را به شکلی متفاوت تجربه کنید.