Nature Tourism Attractions of Sepidan Country

Sepidan County is located in the north of Fars Province and with its pristine and beautiful nature, it hosts many nature lovers every year. The population of Sepidan is about 60 thousand people. The presence of green and rich pastures draws nomads to this region every year to provide food for their livestock. Walnuts, peaches, apples, and cherries are the most important trees that can be seen in the orchards of the city. The center of this county is the city of Ardakan, which is located 70 kilometers north of Shiraz.

Natural and Geological Features of Sepidan

Geo-rock phenomena in Sepidan County are the effects of regional geological evolution. Zagros orogenic belt is a part of the Himalaya-Alps orogen system, which is formed along the collision zone of the Arabian-Eurasian plate.

According to some experts, the Zagros basin is one of the largest and most important oil-rich basins in the world. Gorpi formation is one of the lithostratigraphic units of the basin related to the Cretaceous period. The cross-section of this formation includes 320 meters of argillaceous limestone and gray shale in the Strait of Pabedeh, north of the Lali oil field, located in the northeast of Masjed Suleyman. The thickness and age of this formation are different in different parts of Zagros, such that the age of the base from Fars to Khuzestan and Lorestan belongs to Santonian to Campanian and its top belongs to Maastrichtian to Paleocene.

Gorpi formation in the Sepidan cross section is composed of 360 meters long calcareous shales, argillaceous limestones, and shales that are placed on top of the Ilam formation and under the Pabedeh formation with co-slope discontinuity. The research results show that there are 9 genera and 27 species of plankton foraminifera and 9 biozones in the Sepidan section.

The biozones of the studied section are comparable with the Upper Cretaceous biozones presented in the world standard scale. Comparing the biozones of the Sepidan section with some other sections of the Zagros basin shows that the speed of the beginning of sedimentation in the Gorpi formation was higher than that of the Sepidan and Kazerun sections, and later the sedimentation ended in the Sepidan type section. These features have caused a lot of natural and geographical diversity in Sepidan and have made many natural attractions accessible to tourists.

The Ghureh Dan Valley

There are some green and spectacular recreation resorts in the southeast of Sepidan County, one of which is Ghureh Dan Valley, which is located near the Isfahan-Shiraz freeway and the villages of Sibuiyeh, Ayas Jan, Jafarabad, and Haftkhan. There is a seasonal river in Ghureh Dan Valley, which is very full of water from early spring to early summer. There are many waterfalls, natural caves, and springs in this valley. Since Ghureh Dan Valley has long and winding rocks, rock climbers visit the area throughout the year to entertain themselves. Almond, wild almond, and mountain pistachio trees as well as animals such as wolves, boars, and bears are among the species that can be seen in this area.

Harijan Waterfall

This waterfall is also known as “Tang-e Abuli”. The height of the waterfall reaches 30 meters in the rainy season and its water flows down from two parts of a vertical wall.

A village named Haraijan is located three kilometers southeast of this waterfall and is one of the greenest villages in Sepidan. The oak forests around this village, at an altitude of nearly 1700 meters above sea level, have made this village a favorite destination for nature lovers.

Barm Firuz Lake

Getting to Barm Firuz Lake requires crossing winding and steep slopes that are impossible to cross in winter without proper equipment. This lake is located at the foot of Mount Barm Firuz, the second-highest mountain in Fars Province. It is 3600 meters above sea level and is covered with snow and ice on most days of the year.

Barm Firuz Lake freezes in winter, but at the beginning of spring, its water level rises as the snow melts. Different plant species such as pennyroyal, prangos, and Allium jesdianum, as well as animal species such as wolves, hyenas, foxes, jackals, bears, and some small rodents, live around this lake.

Chelleh Gah

Chelegah is one of the recreation resorts near the city of Ardakan, whose pleasant weather in summer attracts local people to spend their free time there. Access to this area is possible through the old Yasuj to Sepidan road.

Rudshir Valley

If you are interested in discovering pristine areas and new experiences, Rudshir Valley, which is located in the southern areas of Sepidan County, is a very special offer. Rudshir Valley is about one kilometer long and is located at an altitude of two thousand meters above sea level. If you plan to visit this area, make sure you have the right equipment with you.

Sheshpir Spring

This spring originates from the heights of Zagros and after passing through the slopes, it creates a small and spectacular lake called Sheshpir. The clear water of this spring is the source of water supply for the northern regions of Fars Province. To go to Sheshpir Spring one has to travel 12 km southeast of Ardakan City, enter the side road of Moqta’neh Village, and go forward for 10 km.

Margoon Waterfall

Visiting the Margoon Waterfall is a special suggestion to all those who intend to travel to Sepidan. This waterfall, which is located 50 kilometers northwest of Ardakan City, is accessible from the village of “Komehr”. Margoon Waterfall is 100 meters wide and releases water from a height of 70 meters. Each part of this waterfall is fed by the water of a particular spring. Margoon Waterfall is located in a protected area with the same name, where animals such as brown bears, porcupines, hyenas, jackals, and foxes live.

Pooladkaf Ski Resort, which hosts athletes for snow skiing in the winter and grass skiing in the summer is located near the Margoon Waterfall.

Another beautiful area near Margoon Waterfall is Morzian Waterfall. Morzian freezes completely in winter and creates a unique sight. There is another waterfall called Chikan in a village of the same name in the “Komehr” region, which is one of the nature tourism attractions of Sepidan.

Gambil Valley

The constant conflict between rock and water has created a gorge near Beshmkan Village of Sepidan, which is one of the popular natural attractions of this county. Tang-e Gambil is one of the climbing routes to Ranj Peak of Sepidan, and many birds have built their nests there because of its pristine atmosphere. If you want to see these natural tourist attractions of Sepidan, you should go about 40 kilometers northeast of Ardakan City.

Tizab Valley

One of the most famous nature tourism attractions of Sepidan is Tizab Valley, where the Beshar River flows. The existence of oak, almond, willow, and pistacia atlantica trees has made the nature of this area very attractive. Due to the favorable atmosphere of this river for boating, many athletes visit it regularly. Tang-e Tizab is located five kilometers northwest of Ardakan City and near a village called “Deh Kohneh”.

Pooladkaf Ski Resort

This sports complex is the second largest ski resort in Iran, which is 15 km away from Ardakan City, the center of Sepidan County. The height of this resort is 2850 meters above sea level, and a set of cable cars and ski lifts makes it possible to reach the top at a height of 3400 meters. There is another ski resort 9 kilometers from Pooladkaf and five kilometers from Ardakan City, which stands at an altitude of 2655 meters and is known as Tarbiat Badani or “Sepidan” Ski Resort.

Sepidan County, which is located in the north of Fars Province has a pristine and beautiful nature and hosts many nature lovers every year.