Hergalan Waterfall

Hergalan Waterfall, also known as Shar-Shar Waterfall, is located in East Azerbaijan Province, in Ajab Shir County. It lies in Qaleh Chay District, near Hergalan Village (Bahardasht), on the southern slopes of the Sahand Mountains. This tall rock-face waterfall, about 50 metres high, pours down from the Sahand Mountains and creates a spectacular scene amid the cliffs and the village orchards.

The vegetation around the waterfall includes hardy mountain species such as wild pistachio (baneh), wild almond and milk-vetch (gavan), and downstream there are local orchards and trees such as walnut. In spring, wildflowers along the trail, such as anemones and mountain tulips, make the surroundings colourful and delightful. The songs of mountain birds and the powerful flow of the water create an atmosphere full of freshness and life for nature lovers.

The route from the town of Ajab Shir to Hergalan Village is about 45 to 60 kilometres, and reaching the waterfall requires about 2 to 2.5 hours of easy walking; the trails can also be covered by tractor or motorcycle up to near the waterfall. The best time to visit Hergalan Waterfall is from spring until Khordad (late May to June). During this period the water volume is at its peak, and the surrounding scenery, with its lush trees and spring flowers, is at its most beautiful. You can also visit in summer, but the waterfall becomes noticeably drier; from Tir (late June) onwards the water flow decreases and the walk becomes harder. Also, since the waterfall lies in a protected area, we recommend practising responsible nature tourism and avoiding any harm to the environment.