Kafar Ghaleh Cave

Kafar Ghaleh Cave is located in North Khorasan Province, 5 kilometres southwest of the village of Golian in Shirvan County. The cave sits about 50 metres above the valley floor and was used in the past as a shelter and dwelling. Around the cave there are stone alignments, stone walls and a small cemetery, which show that people once lived here.

Inside the cave, a room of roughly 3×3 metres has been carved out of the rock. The cave also contains a water reservoir, which was built to store water in the past. Excavations in the cave have uncovered antiques and manuscripts, whose age has not yet been determined. The vegetation around the cave includes wild almond shrubs, hawthorn, astragalus (gavan) and other plants adapted to the mountain climate. In the surrounding area you can also see various bird species, foxes and other animals native to the region.

To reach the cave, head southwest from the village of Golian and follow a mountain route to the cave entrance. This route requires suitable equipment and a good level of physical fitness. The best time to visit Kafar Ghaleh Cave is spring and early autumn, when the weather is more pleasant and the nature around the cave is at its most beautiful. For a safe visit, a guide and basic equipment are recommended, especially if you plan to enter the deeper parts of the cave.