Black water
The place name "Ghara Soo" originates from Turkish languages and means "black water". It comes from the almost black rock and deep, dark valley.
Waterfalls are located in very unusual place. Here the forces of nature have deformed the layers of sediments: these layers are not horizontal (as is usual elsewhere) but nearly vertical. Some layers have been less resistant to weathering and as a result something like a giant comb or very pronounced washboard has formed.
Walk through the waterfall
The small Ghara Soo river is traversing this amazing "washboard" with 8 tall cascades and countless smaller steps.
The narrow valley is made accessible to visitors – waterfalls can be ascended with steel ladders. When the water is higher, stream falls right over the ladders.
In several places the visitors are located in a narrow chasm between two smooth, giant walls and a strip of sky is seen high above.
References
- Ali Majdfar, Ghara Soo waterfalls, image gallery, visited in the 23rd April 2011.
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| Coordinates: | 36.9682 N 59.6777 E |
| Categories: | Waterfalls |
| Values: | Geology, Visual |
| Rank: | 7 |
| Address: | Asia, Iran, Razavi Khorasan province, some 100 km north from Mashhad |
| Name in Persian: | آبشارهاي قره سو |
| Alternate names: | Soo Falls, Gharesoo Falls, Gharehsoo Waterfall, Quara Su Falls, Qara Su Falls, Ghara Soo Falls |
| Height: | ? |
Wonders of Iran
Iran is one of the most exciting countries of the world regarding the man-made heritage. Here developed some of the most ancient civilizations of the world, ancient people living in Iran developed writing and different technologies. Urban infrastructure of many ancient desert cities in Iran in some aspects is unsurpassed even by the modern standards. There have developed distinct, local architectural styles with exquisite, special techniques of ornamentation.
Waterfalls and rapids
Some of the most fascinating and awe inspiring natural monuments are waterfalls, or locations where a river abruptly changes its elevation.
Recommended books
Cultural and Natural Heritage of Iran Under the Islamic Republic
Lonely Planet Iran
Lonely Planet Iran is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Hike among the Castles of the Assassins in Alamut Valley, Lose yourself in Esfahan’s historic bazaar, or ski in the Alborz Mountains; all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Iran and begin your journey now!
