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
- Ali Majdfar, Ghara Soo waterfalls, image gallery, visited in the 23rd April 2011.
Ghara Soo Falls on the map
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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

Waterfalls and rapids

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!