Some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the vicinities of Mashhad are Ghara Soo Falls located to the west from Kalat town.

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 a 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, the 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

1. Ali Majdfar, Ghara Soo waterfalls, image gallery, visited in the 23rd April 2011.

Ghara Soo Falls on the map

Location, GPS coordinates:	36.9682 N 59.6777 E
Categories:	Waterfalls
Values:	Geology, Visual
Rating:
Where is located?	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:	?

Landmarks 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

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