Deep, beautiful, mysterious, and tempting! That’s what valleys are to us! With its amazing biodiversity, Iran is hiding so many of these valleys, each with its own unique nature. In one, you’ll find yourself overlooking splendid rocks and awe-inspiring rocky miracles. And in another, you’ll be walking across breathtaking and untouched greenery. Whether you are planning for a leisurely walk or a light hiking adventure, you shouldn’t miss the valleys I’ve listed for you. Here are the Top 10 Iran Valleys:
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Valley of Stars- Qeshm Island
A world of wonders expects you in Qeshm Island, the only UNESCO-recognized Geopark in the Middle East, and Valley of Stars is the apple of its eye. This geological masterpiece is a legacy of centuries of wind and rain erosion. Don’t miss the magical experience of walking around the incredible shapes of the rocky formations. The formations sound so otherworldly that they have sparked the folk belief that a meteor once fell there and created the valley. No local ever goes there after dark! Because they believe it is haunted by jinn! The spooky sound of the wind when it blows through the unusual formations could be the source of the jinni story.
Rainbow Valley- Hormuz Island
Hormuz Island, another geological marvel in the Persian Gulf, hides a colorful canvas: the Rainbow Valley! It is the full range of colors carpeting the valley that has won it its fame. Just like a fantasy, this famous valley features over 70 shades of red, orange, purple, and blue. Thanks to the volcanic minerals that created them over centuries, the hills are now a nature-lover’s heaven and an inspiration to artists. Visit this photogenic top Iran valley late in the afternoon when it is at its best.
Alamut Valley- Qazvin
The legendary Valley of Assassins, Alamut Valley, is without doubt one of the most epic hiking destinations in Iran. Incredible mountainous landscapes, delightful green valleys, scenic farms, lovely orchards, majestic cliffs and mysterious history make Alamut a definite must-see. Knowing that this valley was once dominated by one of the world’s most mysterious and terrifying Medieval cults makes it even cooler! This tempting valley and the historical remains of the Castles of the Assassins are well worth at least a day of your time. Don’t miss a visit to the amazing Andej Valley in the eastern Alamut.
Chahkuh Canyon- Qeshm Island
Wear your hiking shoes for another geological charmer of Qeshm Island (a UNESCO Global Geopark): Chahkooh Canyon. The porous walls of the canyon are what give it its outstanding look. Walking through the strange shapes of Chahkuh and climbing up the cave halls, it will be hard to put your camera down. The name Chahkooh (meaning mountain well) also has an interesting story. Years ago, since it used to rain scarcely but heavily in this region, locals had dug wells at the bottom of this strait to preserve the rainwater for months.
Dohezar Valley-Tonekabon
In the lush northern area of Iran, outside the city of Tonekabon, you’ll find an emerald jewel: Dohezar Valley. Like all other pieces neighboring the Caspian Sea, this valley enjoys a breathtaking nature and a refreshing weather. Local lifestyle, dense forests, breathtaking fields, and glittering streams make up the heavenly atmosphere of this piece of natural beauty.
Valley of Statues- Hormuz Island
In the beautiful Hormuz Island, let the awe-inspiring Valley of Statues impress you with its mysterious rock structures. The magical look of the human-like and animal-like figures will not miss to stir your imagination. Formed by wind and water erosion, these masterpieces of nature offer a unique landscape that you should not miss. This top Iran valley also blesses you with a pleasant view of the coastline.
Keshit Valley- Kerman
Kerman is a land of deserts and desert civilizations. But it is also a land of surprises! Right in the middle of Lut desert, Kerman is hiding a green valley and a charming waterfall: Keshit Valley! The marvelous waterfall creates a splendid pond with clear water at its base, turning this body of water to a magnificent swimming pool in the summertime. In addition, Keshit Village, featuring a wonderful green area with a charming palm garden and a water-filled river, creates a phenomenal landscape.
Valley of Silence- Hormuz Island
Dazzling beauty and peaceful silence are the generous gifts of Hormoz’s Valley of Silence. Everywhere around the valley, salty formations will catch your eyes. Plus, the cleansing powers of salt and its absorption of sound pollution have blessed it with a serene peace. That’s why for centuries, the private valley has been a meditation retreat.
Kool Khersoon Valley- Dezful
Dezful’s amazing Kool Khersoon (Khersan) Valley is an attractive hiking destination. Rocky walls that almost meet each other on the top, amazing watered canyons, and the beautiful trees at the entrance make up Kool Khersan’s fabulous atmosphere. In some parts, you’ll find herbal plants beautifully cover the walls and in others, waterfalls cascade down. The locals used to believe bears live in this over 200-meter deep valley. That’s why they named this top Iran valley Kool Khersan (meaning the Bears’ Valley).
Lar Valley- Tehran
Lar Valley is a hiker’s paradise that is hidden on the foothills of Iran’s mythological Mount Damavand, not far from Tehran. The valley blesses you with an indescribable view of the snow-capped Damavand, a stunning field of seasonal flowers, and the glittering waters of Lar River and Lar dam. With a diverse ecosystem that has made it a National Park, Lar Valley is home to a wide range of birds, reptiles, mammals, and plants. Visit in May and June when the valley is covered with fiery poppy flowers.
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