Falak-ol-Aflak
Round brick towers lift Falak-ol-Aflak above central Khorramabad. Inside the former fortress, archaeology and anthropology museums shift the focus from its commanding position to the people and past of Lorestan.
Western Iran · Central Zagros
Lorestan
Waterfalls and mountain lakes of the Zagros
Khorramabad gives Lorestan a compact starting point: Falak-ol-Aflak rises above the city, while the valley’s five prehistoric caves and one rock shelter form a UNESCO World Heritage property. The province’s human story reaches far beyond the castle’s later walls.
From there, the Zagros changes the rhythm. Bisheh brings falling water and woodland; Gahar requires a longer walk into the Oshtorankuh mountains. Borujerd’s nickel-silver work and carpets, alongside Luri music, textiles and food, bring craft and daily life back into a journey shaped by terrain.
Province highlights
Lorestan at a Glance
- Capital
- Khorramabad
- Region
- Western Iran · Central Zagros
- Best season
- Spring
- Suggested stay
- 2 days for Khorramabad; 4–6 days to explore the province
- Best for
- Nature · History · Music · Crafts · Food
- Main access
- Airport · Rail via Dorud · Road
05
5 essential places
Bisheh Waterfall
The sound of falling water joins oak woodland and Zagros railway scenery at Bisheh. High cliffs carry the cascade towards the Sezar River, beside a mountain village where the approach belongs to the visit.
Gahar Lake
Gahar waits beyond a fairly long walk in the protected Oshtorankuh mountains. Snowmelt and springs feed its clear water at roughly 2,400 metres, between rocky shores, sandy stretches and the surrounding peaks.
Khorramabad Bridges
Massive piers remain across the Kashkan river valley, tracing a historic route through Lorestan. Tall arches and a Kufic inscription turn this partly ruined bridge into evidence of the work needed to connect Zagros settlements.
Lili Strait
Smooth rock walls narrow around flowing mountain water at Lili near Dorud. Erosion has shaped the gorge and its natural pools, giving this small valley a close, enclosed atmosphere rather than a distant mountain panorama.
More about Lorestan
Important Cities
- Khorramabad — Falak-ol-Aflak
- Borujerd — metalwork and historic mosques
- Dorud
- Aligudarz
- Kuhdasht
Food & Souvenirs
Local food
- Borujerd kebab
- Tarkhineh ash
- Chezenak Regho — local bread
Souvenirs & crafts
- Borujerd nickel-silver metalwork
- Jajim textiles
- Feltwork
- Carpets and kilims
Culture & Arts
Luri music and dance, alongside local dress, remain part of Lorestan’s everyday culture. Rural textiles and urban metalwork reflect different skills and ways of life across the province.
UNESCO & Heritage
Selected UNESCO World Heritage properties
- Prehistoric Sites of the Khorramabad Valley — 2025
Other historic places
Falak-ol-Aflak, Khorramabad’s historic bridges and Borujerd’s Jame and Soltani mosques are other heritage sights. The castle is not part of the inscribed prehistoric property.
Selected Universities
- Lorestan University
