Pire Sabz (Chak Chak) Yazd, Iran
Pir-e Sabz, also called Chak-Chak, is perhaps the best known of all the pirs as it is frequented by non-Zoroastrians and is part of tourist itineraries. We understand that while the grounds are open to all, the shrine itself is open to Zoroastrians only - though given the number of photographs on the internet, it does appear that non-Zoroastrians are gaining entry.
Sabz means green and the alternative name, Chak-Chak, is said to be derived from the sound of dripping water in the cave which contains the shrine.
Pir-e Sabz is located in a shallow cave (called a grotto-shrine here) on the side of a barren mountain. If travelling from Yazd city, the usually method of access is by driving 60 km north northwest towards the outskirts of Ardakan, and then driving an additional 40 km east by taking the road past Sharifabad, a turn-off to Pir-e Herisht to the ancient town Kharanaq. A branch of this road terminates at the base of the Chak-Chak (or chekchek) mountain, after which visitors and pilgrims walk up a trail and flight of steps past some buildings to the shrine itself. An alternative route is to drive about 60 km north northeast from Yazd city to Kharanaq (via Anjireh) and then driving 25 km west in the direction of Ardakan. Some travellers will make the trip as a loop. Determined pilgrims use some of the older dirt roads and start the walk to the shrine as soon as it comes into sight.
The simply beauty of life clinging to the side of an otherwise barren cliff face surrounded by the southern reaches of the great Dasht-e Kavir desert. Visitors who ascend the rock face are rewarded with breathtaking vistas.