Daily Excursion to Kharanaq Village and Chek-Chek Zoroastrians Temple

Daily Excursion to Kharanaq Village and Chek-Chek is for the tourists visiting Yazd city for other reasons than sightseeing, but have a free day to dedicate to a little cultural adventure in the hills and mud-brick villages.

Detail of Yazd Cultural Tour to Kharanaq and Chek-Chek :

Kharanaq, is the name of an ancient village, which is now abandoned and a new town has been formed next to it. It is located 70km far from Yazd city  in a high range and pleasant weather. The abandoned part is completely made of mud-bricks from 1000 years ago with multi-floor houses, tunnels, passages and amazing allies inside. Also, there is a renovated mosque from the Qajar era with a shaking minaret. Another monument next to the village is a Savaid Carvansarai with an amazing structure. The Daily Excursion to Kharanaq Village and Chek-Chek tour includes visiting one of the most famous Zoroastrians temple, Chek-Chek, as well. The temple is in the heart of central mountains with an amazing view of the region and you will meet some Zoroastrians during worship inside the temple and know more about their culture.

According to Zoroastrian tradition, the temple is associated with a legendary event involving Nikbanou, the second daughter of the last pre-Islamic Persian ruler, Yazdegerd III of the Sassanian Empire. As the Arab invaders approached, Nikbanou fled to the mountains and sought refuge in the area now known as Chek-Chek. Miraculously, a rock opened up to provide her shelter, and she was hidden from her pursuers. The temple is believed to have been established at this spot to commemorate this event.

Chek-Chek is also an important cultural heritage site, reflecting the rich historical and religious tapestry of Iran. It is a place where visitors can learn about the ancient religion of Zoroastrianism, which once dominated the region before the advent of Islam.

As with many Zoroastrian temples, a sacred fire burns inside the sanctuary. Fire is a central element in Zoroastrian worship, symbolizing purity and the presence of Ahura Mazda, the supreme god in Zoroastrianism.