Bisheh Waterfall

Bisheh is a waterfall of about ten metres dropping over a mossy rock face in a narrow oak-wooded gorge in Lorestan, and what makes it distinctive is the approach: the Trans-Iranian railway, itself a World Heritage Site, runs through this valley on one of its most spectacular sections, and Bisheh has a station a short walk from the falls, so the classic way to arrive is by train through tunnels and over bridges rather than by road. The water is strongest with spring snowmelt from the Zagros above and reduces considerably by late summer. The gorge is green and shaded, which is unusual for Iran, and the walk from the station passes through village orchards.

What you actually see

• The mossy rock face - a ten-metre fall in a shaded gorge.
• Arrival by train - the Trans-Iranian line with a station at the falls.
• Oak-wooded gorge - green shaded valley unusual in Iran.
• Spring snowmelt flow - the water at its strongest in April and May.

When to go

April to June for the strongest flow and the greenest gorge. Half a day. Train times are limited and need checking well ahead; the road approach is winding. Iranian holidays crowd the site.

Honest expectations

The fall is modest in size and photographs make it look larger. Train services are infrequent and timetables change. Weekends bring crowds, stalls and litter. Flow drops sharply after early summer.

Nearby

The Trans-Iranian railway runs through the valley; Dorud is south.