National Getaways for the Weary Trauma Surgeon; Part 6: Chal Nakhjir, a Living 7-Million-Year-Old Cave!

Chal Nakhjir (Nakhcheer) is a rare geological phenomenon located on the side of the road connecting Delijan to Naragh in Markazi Province, Iran. This amazing cave was discovered in 1989, and it was registered as a national monument in 2001. The cave was opened to the public in March 2010 (1). It is a limestone cave that is approximately 7 million years old. Parts of the cave, including its internal lake, have been prepared for easy tourist access. Its interior is made of crystals, dolomite sediments, stalactites, and stalagmites (2). Chal Nakhjir is known for its exceptional white dolomite sediments that look like white popcorn covering the floor of the major corridors of the cave. Even regular stalactites and stalagmites have this pure white cover of calcite and aragonite crystals. A cave lake is located 140 meters inside the cave and 70 meters below the entrance. The passages reach heights of greater than 20 meters (3). Decorative stones of various shapes, such as eagles, turtles, deer, humans, and pigeons, and giant crystal sculptures, mostly of lime, have been created. The beautiful cave deposits, such as a large tree, have also been noted. Another feature of this cave is its natural ventilation in the summer and winter. The air inside the cave is cool in summer and warm in winter, and there is no shortage of oxygen for visitors. An important feature of the cave is that it is alive. For example, if part of it is damaged or cracked, it will be restored over the years. Due to the cave’s location in the mountain range, it is easy to access, and visitors are able to visit this place. After visiting Kashan (the ancient beautiful city in central Iran) and staying in a 5-star hotel, such as the Ameri historical house, you can reach the cave by traveling approximately 70 kilometers to the west. In Naragh, you can rest near Gisoo waterfall, and then, after a few minutes, arrive at the Chal-Nachjir cave. Everyone should visit the cave for recuperation, whenever it is needed!