Lorestan Travel Guide: Top Sights & Tips + Photos
Unveil Lorestan's Wonders: Nature's Beauty and Cultural Treasures Await
Discover the heart of Iran’s untouched natural beauty with our comprehensive Lorestan Travel Guide. Perfect for adventurers and culture enthusiasts alike, this guide is your key to exploring Lorestan’s breathtaking landscapes, ancient history, and unique cultural heritage. Whether you’re planning to navigate the rugged terrains of the Zagros Mountains or immerse yourself in the rich history of its people, our Lorestan Travel insights ensure an unforgettable journey. Start your exploration of Lorestan with us and experience the wonders of one of Iran’s most captivating regions.
Contents
Key Facts About Lorestan
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Western Iran, bordering the Zagros Mountains |
| Language | Predominantly Persian (Farsi) |
| Climate | Varied climate with cold winters in the mountains and milder weather in the valleys |
| Best Time to Visit | Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to November) for pleasant weather |
| Major Attractions | Bisheh Waterfall, Falak-ol-Aflak Castle, Shirez Canyon, Lorestan Museum |
| Transportation | Khorramabad Airport serves the region with domestic flights. Road networks connect Lorestan to other Iranian cities. |
| Cuisine | Rich in traditional Persian cuisine with dishes like Ghormeh Sabzi and Gheimeh stew. Local cuisine includes Khoresh-e Mast and Ash-e-Doogh. |
| Accommodation Options | Zagros Hotel 2. Saam Traditional Hotel 3. Sirvan Hotel 4. Azadi hotel |
Best Time to Visit Lorestan
Lorestan ranks as the third most water-rich province in Iran, featuring a mountainous region. With its Mediterranean climate, Lorestan promises an enjoyable journey throughout all seasons.
Traveling across this province and its diverse cities, you’ll experience varying climates: from the cold, mountainous weather in Aligudarz to the warm southern climate in Pol-e Dokhtar.
The prime time for visiting Lorestan, like most temperate regions, is spring, particularly in May. However, comfortable and enjoyable travel is possible in other seasons too, by adapting your clothing to the seasonal weather.
If you plan on hiking in Lorestan and exploring its highlands, remember to carry warm clothing all year round, even in summer.
Getting to Lorestan
Lorestan, situated in the heart of Iran, is accessible through various modes of transportation, offering visitors the opportunity to explore its breathtaking scenery and ancient sites.
Whether you’re coming from within Iran or traveling internationally, Lorestan is well-connected by air, road, and rail, making it a convenient destination for travelers.
Air Travel Options
The main gateway to Lorestan by air is through the Khorramabad Airport (KHD), located near the provincial capital, Khorramabad.
This airport serves as a crucial link for tourists and locals alike, offering flights to and from major cities in Iran, such as Tehran, the country’s capital. For international travelers, connecting flights from Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA) or Mehrabad Airport (THR) are the most convenient options to reach Lorestan. These airports host a variety of airlines, providing regular services that facilitate easy access to this historic region.
Road and Rail Connectivity
Lorestan boasts an extensive network of roads and highways, making road trips a popular choice for getting there.
The province is connected to major cities across Iran via well-maintained roads, including the Tehran-Khuzestan Highway, which passes through Lorestan, offering a scenic route for those driving from Tehran or other parts of the country.
For those preferring rail travel, the Iranian railway network offers services that connect Lorestan to the rest of Iran.
Regular train services run from Tehran and other major cities to the Lorestan region, providing a comfortable and scenic journey through the Iranian countryside. The trains are equipped with various classes of service, catering to different budgets and preferences.
Local Transportation Tips
Once in Lorestan, local transportation options include buses, taxis, and rental cars, allowing visitors to explore the province’s natural and historical attractions at their own pace.
Buses provide an economical way to travel between cities and towns within Lorestan, while taxis offer more flexibility for short distances or specific routes not covered by buses.
Popular Attractions in Lorestan
Lorestan, one of Iran’s beautiful and scenic provinces, hosts a plethora of stunning tourist attractions. Known for its pristine and mountainous nature, Lorestan is an attractive destination for both domestic and international tourists.
From lush forests and picturesque villages to ancient sites and beautiful waterfalls, Lorestan boasts a unique diversity that has made it extremely popular among travelers.
Falak-ol-Aflak or Shapur Khast Castle
Falak-ol-Aflak or Shapur Khast Castle, known by various names such as Felak al-Aflak Castle, Twelve Towers Castle, and Atabakan Palace, stands as a historical fortress in Khorramabad, Lorestan. This mesmerizing landmark gained the name Felak al-Aflak during the Qajar era.
Positioned on a hill close to the Golestan Spring and River, the fortress is surrounded by several other historical sites, including prehistoric caves, a brick minaret, the Gavri Watermill, Shapouri Bridge (also known as Broken Bridge), and Sangi Gerdab (Stone Whirlpool). Felak al-Aflak Castle is recognized as a national heritage site in Iran.
Dating back to the Sassanid era, the city of Shapur Khast was originally built near Khorramabad. Following its decline, Khorramabad emerged adjacent to the city’s remains. Over time, Felak al-Aflak Castle became the seat of power for various ruling dynasties and was later repurposed as a military base and prison.
The castle towers 40 meters high and spans an area of 25,300 square meters. It features a northern gate that is 3 meters high and over 10 meters wide. Constructed from earth, red bricks, stone, and mortar, the castle was fortified about a century ago with a defensive wall that includes twelve towers, primarily on the northwest side of the main structure.
Bisheh Waterfall
Introducing tourist attractions in our travel guide to Lorestan, we start with Bisheh Waterfall. Located near a village, 65 kilometers from Khorramabad and 30 kilometers from Dorud, Bisheh Waterfall is situated in the west of Kalah Kuh hills and the village of Cheshmeh Paryan, south of Azgan Mountain near the Dorud railway station, which runs from Tehran to Ahvaz. This railway station is one of the most beautiful in the country. Bisheh Waterfall, one of the country’s most beautiful waterfalls, is registered as a natural heritage site in Iran. Lorestan has over 50 waterfalls.
Bisheh Waterfall has a height of 58 meters and a width of 20 meters. After falling, the water reaches the Sezar River, which eventually flows into the Dez River. Several springs above the waterfall feed it. Bisheh Waterfall, a calcareous formation, dates back to the Neolithic era, approximately 65 million years ago.
Bisheh village, also known as Bisheh Station village, is located 8 kilometers from the mountain. This village, situated northwest of the railway, experiences cold winters. The Zagros Mountains surround the village, and the surrounding areas are covered with oak forests.
The access route to Bisheh Waterfall is 30 kilometers southeast of Dorud, accessible by car and paved roads through Khorramabad and through the Zagros Mountains.
Ab Sefid Waterfall
Ab Sefid, another destination in our Lorestan travel guide, is one of Lorestan’s waterfalls, located 90 kilometers past Aligudarz. This waterfall is near the villages of Kaklstan and Qoliyan and Khan Abad dam, alongside the Zagros mountain range, on two mountains called Ghalikuh and Eshterankuh.
Ab Sefid originates from the mountains of Kazinestan and Hera and flows through a narrow stony path before plummeting down a 70-meter cliff. After crossing a river for 17 kilometers, it eventually joins the Rudbar River and enters the Dez River.
Among the wildlife in the area around Ab Sefid Waterfall, important species such as leopards, bears, wolves, hawks, pigeons, and pheasants can be found. The main plants of this area include walnut, oak, wild cherry, fig, rose, raspberry, and hyacinth.
For tourists, various facilities have been provided, including a 1-hectare artificial lake, fishing spots, a health center, cable car, ski station, lodging, conference hall, equestrian field, bicycle track, shooting range, zoo, children’s play area, and restaurant.
Gahar Lake
When it comes to exploring the natural wonders of Iran, Gahar Lake stands out as one of the most stunning mountain lakes in the country. Nestled within the protected area of Shatranj-e Olya, Gahar Lake is perched at an impressive altitude of 2,400 meters above sea level.
Gahar Lake offers a wide range of activities for nature enthusiasts and adventurers. From mountain hiking and fishing to swimming and boating, there’s something for everyone. You can even try your hand at water skiing on this picturesque lake. Don’t miss the opportunity to observe the local wildlife and explore the lush landscapes around the nearby rivers.
Keeyow Lake
Our journey through Lorestan continues with a visit to Keeyow Lake, known locally as “Sar-av.” In the Luri dialect, “Sar-av” translates to “a spring-like place,” while “Keeyow” means “water.”
Lake Keeyow covers an area of approximately seven hectares and reaches depths ranging from three to seven meters. Its water sources include the springs of Mahmal Kooh, Golestan Spring, and the springs of Sarab. In the past, Keeyow was a seasonal lake, but with the addition of water from the Golestan Spring, which flows from inside the Fakhr al-Din al-Fakhr Castle, Keeyow has transformed into a permanent body of water.
Adjacent to the lake, you’ll find Keeyow Park, a botanical garden established for the preservation of Zagros forest genetics and plant research. The Zagros Botanical Garden, spanning approximately twelve hectares on the western shore of Keeyow Lake, was inaugurated in 2016. It’s divided into several sections, including medicinal plants, wild and indigenous fruits, a systematic garden, greenhouse, and nursery.
Wildlife and Birdwatching
The area around Keeyow Lake is a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. You can spot various bird species, including ducks, black and white herons, pelicans, and eagles, among others. The serene surroundings of the lake make it an ideal spot for observing these fascinating creatures.
Both Gahar Lake and Keeyow Lake offer unique experiences for travelers seeking the natural beauty and biodiversity that Iran has to offer. Plan your visit to these hidden gems and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Lorestan.
What to Eat in Lorestan
Forget not the kebab when you visit Lorestan! Make sure you don’t return home without enjoying at least two or three servings of kebab. Given that Lorestan is a leading livestock farming hub in the country, the quality of meat used by restaurants in Lorestan is exceptional, and they often use fresh ingredients, making their kebabs taste distinct from any you’ve tried before.
Borujerd takes pride in offering the most famous kebab, followed by noteworthy mentions of Khorramabad and Dorud. Kojaro suggests trying Rezaei Kebab and Fathers’ Restaurant in Borujerd for kebab and traditional grilled chicken by Haj Shafi.
In Khorramabad, do not miss visiting the oldest restaurant, Shamshad Sample, with half a century of history, and try their chelo mahicheh with local rice. Other recommendations include Zafaran Talai Restaurant (especially for its lamb shank) and Rangin Kaman Rotating Restaurant.
Besides the delightful dishes, Borujerd’s traditional ice cream is something you must not miss. For a taste of this ice cream, visit Khajeste Ice Cream Shop (Shohada Street), Shamshad Ice Cream (Hafez Intersection), or Behrooz Special Traditional Ice Cream (Bahar Street).
Lorestan Souvenirs
Discover the enchanting world of Lorestan Souvenirs, where each item tells a story of heritage, craftsmanship, and natural beauty. From the renowned Khorramabad honey to exquisite handmade carpets, kilims, and traditional giveh shoes, Souvenirs of Lorestan offer a unique glimpse into the cultural richness of this historic Iranian province.
Khorramabad Honey
One of the must-buy souvenirs from Lorestan is Khorramabad honey. Known for its purity and exceptional quality, this honey is a testament to the province’s rich floral biodiversity. The traditional methods of beekeeping in the region contribute to the honey’s distinctive flavor, making it a perfect gift for sweet lovers or a healthy addition to your pantry.
Handicrafts
Lorestan’s handicrafts are a mirror to its cultural and historical richness. The province excels in producing:
Carpets and Kilims
With intricate designs and vibrant colors, these handmade wonders reflect the artistic prowess of the local weavers.
Jajim and Giveh
Jajim weaving and giveh crafting showcase Lorestan’s textile variety. Giveh, a traditional shoe, is not only a piece of art but also offers comfort and durability.
Warshosazi (Nickel Silver Crafts)
The art of making beautiful crafts using nickel silver is among the oldest traditions in Lorestan province in western Iran. The artists of Borujerd create beautiful pieces of art by hammering and bending the nickel silver sheets. They use simple devices beside their own physical power to make utensils like dining dishes, samovar, sugar dish, caddy, and rosewater sprinkler. Nickel silver craft was registered as an intangible cultural heritage earlier this month.
Local Delicacies
Aside from handicrafts, Lorestan prides itself on its culinary offerings:
Saji Bread and Halva Ardeh
Traditional bread and sesame paste from Khorramabad and Borujerd are not just food items but a taste of Lorestan’s culinary heritage.
Shirmal Bread
This sweet, saffron-infused bread is another delicacy that visitors must try and take home.
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Final Thoughts
Lorestan is a historical and captivating city in Iran, offering a plethora of attractions for travelers. With its ancient ruins, historical sites, and diverse natural wonders, this province is a perfect destination for those interested in Iran’s history and culture. We hope you make the most of this travel guide from SURFIRAN tourism magazine when exploring Lorestan.
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