Iran · Sardasht County
Shalmash Falls
Shalmash Falls is a cluster of three waterfalls situated on the outskirts of the City of Sardasht in the West Azerbaijan province of Iran. Near the border with Iraq, they can be easily viewed from stairs built for visitors to these waterfalls.
Facts from Wikidata and Wikipedia, compiled September 2026; season and access are our estimate, not a visit report. How we build these pages.
Shalmash Falls drops over a series of steps on the Little Zab River. It is a cascade-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is دهستان باسک کولسه, Iran. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate.
Summary adapted from the Wikipedia article (CC BY-SA 4.0).
As a cascade waterfall, water tumbles down a series of rock steps rather than falling free.
What you can do here
Also good forHikingPhotography
When to go
Spring snowmelt and winter rain make March to May the season; by late summer flow is often low.
Getting there
- Base town دهستان باسک کولسه, Iran
- Country Iran
- Region Sardasht County, Western Asia & Caucasus, Asia
- Access Moderate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail
How it compares
This waterfall
Shalmash Falls
Iran
Height—Width—
Most similar
Nafakhum Waterfall
Bangladesh
Height9 mWidth—
Also a cascade waterfall, with swimming and in Bangladesh
Largest curtain
Victoria Falls
Zimbabwe · Zambia
Height108 mWidth1,708 m
Largest single sheet of falling water
Tallest on earth
Angel Falls
Venezuela
Height979 mWidth—
Widest on earth
Khone Phapheng Falls
Laos
Height21 mWidth10,783 m
Measured across the whole multi-channel system
We don't have a reliable crest width for Shalmash Falls yet, so it is left off the width chart. Tallest · widest lists.
On the map
36.0978, 45.494
Quick answers
Where is Shalmash Falls?
Shalmash Falls is in Iran (Sardasht County). The nearest base is دهستان باسک کولسه, Iran. Its coordinates are 36.0978, 45.4940.
When is the best time to visit Shalmash Falls?
Peak flow is March to May. Spring snowmelt and winter rain make March to May the season; by late summer flow is often low.
What can you do at Shalmash Falls?
Beyond the viewpoints: swimming, hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail.
Can you swim at Shalmash Falls?
Yes — swimming is a normal part of a visit to Shalmash Falls, in the pools away from the falling water. Only swim where it is permitted on the day, stay clear of the base of the falls where currents recirculate, and skip it after heavy rain.
How do you get to Shalmash Falls?
The usual base is دهستان باسک کولسه, Iran. A real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail from there.
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