About Yazd Atash Behram and Chak Chak
Yazd has long been the heart of Iran's Zoroastrian community. Its Atash Behram, the highest grade of fire temple, houses a sacred flame that tradition says has been tended continuously since the Sasanian era, moved between locations before reaching the current temple in 1934. Visitors view the fire through a glass screen in a calm building fronted by a pool and the winged Faravahar symbol. Zoroastrians regard fire as a symbol of divine light.
About seventy kilometers northwest of the city, the shrine of Chak Chak, or Pir-e Sabz, clings to a cliff in the desert mountains. Legend tells that Nikbanu, a Sasanian princess fleeing the Arab conquest, prayed here and the mountain opened to shelter her. Water drips from the rock into the grotto, giving the place its name. Each June thousands of Zoroastrians climb to it for an annual pilgrimage. Pilgrims usually stay overnight.
What to see
- Sacred fire of the Atash Behram
- Faravahar relief and garden pool
- Cliffside grotto of Chak Chak
- Dripping spring and ancient tree
- Towers of Silence on the edge of Yazd
Visiting Yazd Atash Behram and Chak Chak: practical guide
- Best time
- March to May and October to November; mid June for the Chak Chak pilgrimage
- Hours
- Atash Behram open daily, roughly 8:00 to 19:00; Chak Chak during daylight
- Entry
- Small fee for foreign visitors at the fire temple
- Dress code
- Modest clothing; remove shoes in the Chak Chak grotto; hijab for women in public
- Nearest airport
- Shahid Sadooghi Airport, Yazd (AZD), 8 km
Tips from experienced pilgrims
- Only Zoroastrians may enter the inner fire chamber
- Hire a driver for Chak Chak as there is no public transport
- Visit the Towers of Silence at sunset
Festivals and special days
- Chak Chak pilgrimage, 14 to 18 June
- Nowruz
- Sadeh
- Mehregan
Etiquette for visitors
Guidance drawn from Zoroastrianism tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.
- Many fire temples in India admit only Zoroastrians; view them respectfully from outside.
- In Iran, visitors can often see the sacred fire through a glass window.
- Cover your head in prayer areas when asked.
- Do not blow on or throw anything into a sacred fire.
- Avoid photographing people at prayer without permission.
- Treat Towers of Silence as funerary sites, even when no longer in use.
Location map
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Frequently asked questions
Where is Yazd Atash Behram and Chak Chak?
Yazd Atash Behram and Chak Chak is in Yazd, Yazd Province, Iran, Asia. GPS coordinates: 31.8786, 54.3711. The nearest airport is Shahid Sadooghi Airport, Yazd (AZD), 8 km.
What is the best time to visit Yazd Atash Behram and Chak Chak?
March to May and October to November; mid June for the Chak Chak pilgrimage
Is there an entry fee for Yazd Atash Behram and Chak Chak?
Small fee for foreign visitors at the fire temple Opening hours: Atash Behram open daily, roughly 8:00 to 19:00; Chak Chak during daylight
What should I wear when visiting Yazd Atash Behram and Chak Chak?
Modest clothing; remove shoes in the Chak Chak grotto; hijab for women in public
Which religion is Yazd Atash Behram and Chak Chak sacred to?
Yazd Atash Behram and Chak Chak is sacred to Zoroastrianism. Active place of worship.
