Kuh-e Khajeh

Kuh-e Khajeh in Zabol is a rocky jewel set in the middle of the vast Sistan plain, standing firm in the flat landscape like a sentinel. The mountain lies about thirty kilometres from the city of Zabol, and its striking contrast with its surroundings makes it very eye-catching. Kuh-e Khajeh is made of basalt rock and has a trapezoidal shape, rising out of the ground. When the Hamun is full of water, the mountain looks like a silent island in the middle of a sea; when the lake is dry, the surrounding ground is covered in cracks in the dry earth, where the wind howls.

Kuh-e Khajeh holds within it a complex of historical monuments and ancient architecture. These include fire temples, mudbrick castles, ancient roads, defensive walls and stone tombs. This complex was a centre of religious and cultural activity, especially in the Sasanian and Parthian periods. The site is also especially sacred to followers of three major religions, Zoroastrianism, Christianity and Islam, and is regarded as a holy place.

To reach Kuh-e Khajeh, travel southwest from the city of Zabol until you reach Lake Hamun. From there, there are marked routes to the summit, which may vary depending on the weather and the season. The best time to visit the area is spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and suitable for sightseeing. When visiting, it is essential to follow the principles of responsible tourism, such as not damaging the historical remains and keeping the environment clean.