Chiluchor Chashma

Chiluchor Chashma means forty-four springs, and at this site in the dry southwest that many streams rise from one spot and run together into a channel lined with plane trees, in a landscape that is otherwise semi-desert. It is a shrine associated with Ali, and pilgrims come to drink from particular springs, each held to treat a different complaint. Fish in the channel are considered sacred and are not taken.

What you actually see

• The forty-four springs - streams rising from a single point in dry country.
• The channel - the water running away under plane trees.
• The sacred fish - the fish in the channel, protected by custom.
• The shrine - the pilgrimage site built around the springs.

When to go

March to May and September to November are the most comfortable; the southwest is extremely hot in summer. Fridays and holy days bring the most pilgrims. Mornings are quietest.

Honest expectations

It is an active shrine and dress and behaviour rules apply; shoes come off in places. The healing attributions are traditional belief. The surrounding area is bleak semi-desert.

Nearby

Shahritus is nearby, and Takht-i Sangin is south.