Chamshak Caravanserai

Chamshak Caravanserai is one of the valuable historical monuments of Poldokhtar County in southern Lorestan Province. It stands in the Chamshak area, in Mamulan District, on the ancient route linking Lorestan and Khuzestan. The caravanserai is a relic of the Safavid era and the reign of Shah Abbas I, a period when the construction and expansion of caravanserais along Iran's trade and travel routes flourished. Its location on one of the region's historic roads gave it an important role in the movement of travellers and caravans, and it is recorded as the second stage on the route from Khorramabad to Khuzestan. The building lies beside the Chamshak River, close to the Khorramabad–Khorramzal Freeway route, about 45 km from Khorramabad and about 90 km from Poldokhtar. In 2023 (1402 in the Solar Hijri calendar), Chamshak Caravanserai was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List together with 53 other historic Iranian caravanserais under the "Iranian Caravanserais" nomination, and it became one of the most prominent historical attractions of the Poldokhtar area.

Chamshak Caravanserai covers about 4,000 square metres, and its main building, roughly five metres high, is rectangular. The caravanserai's outer wall measures about 48 by 44 metres, and its crescent-shaped entrance is on the southern side. It is a central-courtyard caravanserai, with three courtyards and 12 rooms; some parts were used to lodge travellers and others to keep livestock. Beyond the entrance is a corridor, with small courtyards and a guard room around it, leading to the caravanserai's main courtyard. Its architectural features include the use of stone, plaster and mortar, and a perimeter wall decorated with semicircular crenellations. Its position on the ancient Shapurkhast road to Khuzestan, and its link to a series of historic caravanserais along the route, make it all the more important for understanding the region's network of historic roads. The Kugan rock-cut cave is also about 6 km from the monument, so you can visit two historical sites in a single trip.

Chamshak Caravanserai is in the Chamshak area beside the Chamshak River, and it can be reached by the roads leading to this area and to the Khorramzal Freeway zone. Given its distance from the surrounding towns, travelling by private car is the better option. Admission is free, and besides seeing the historic building, you can spend some time strolling and relaxing in the natural surroundings by the river. Considering Lorestan's climate and the site's mountainous setting, spring and autumn are usually the best seasons for a visit and for nature tourism. While at the caravanserai and in the surrounding countryside, avoid damaging the walls and historical remains, moving stones, lighting fires in unsuitable places and leaving rubbish behind. For walking in the area, bring suitable footwear and equipment appropriate to the conditions of the route.