Best Time to Visit Kurdistan and Oraman
Breathtaking Landscapes and Rich Cultural Heritage
Traveling to Kurdistan and Oraman can be one of the best experiences you can have this summer. If you plan to spend this summer with your family or friends in a cool mountainous area, enjoying lush green nature, visiting historical attractions, and learning more about Iran’s history, do not miss this guide by SURFIRAN. Here, we will provide a travel guide to Kurdistan and explain the best time to visit and the must-see places.
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Understanding the Culture of Kurdistan
The people of Kurdistan are known for their kindness and hospitality, which attracts visitors from other cities. The local language in most of the cities and regions of Kurdistan is Kurdish, with slight variations in dialects.
Many people in Kurdistan, especially in rural areas, maintain their traditional way of life and continue to wear their local Kurdish clothing. In this city, many people are engaged in producing traditional handicrafts like carpets, Jajim, Klash shoes, and other crafts. The main occupations for men in this province include livestock farming, agriculture, gardening, and other similar jobs.
Best Time to Visit Kurdistan
Kurdistan is one of the most beautiful provinces of Iran with stunning natural landscapes. The province experiences warm summers and cold, wet winters. With the arrival of spring, Kurdistan’s weather becomes pleasant and mild, and its nature turns green and beautiful. If you want to visit a pleasant and moderate city during your spring or early summer travels, Kurdistan can be one of the best options for you.
Traveling to Kurdistan in winter is not highly recommended. However, if you want to participate in various festivals like Kurdish New Year, Nowruz Tangsir, and other spring welcome festivals, late winter can be a good time to visit. Generally, each season brings unique beauty to Kurdistan. If you plan to visit in winter or autumn, ensure your car has snow chains, and you have warm clothing.
Best Souvenirs from Kurdistan
One common question among tourists before visiting Kurdistan is what souvenirs to bring back. The best souvenirs from Kurdistan include traditional sweets, organic fruits, natural honey, nuts, and handmade crafts. Below is a list of some important souvenirs available in Kurdistan’s traditional and modern markets.
- Natural Honey
- Baked Almonds
- Saqez (Natural Gum)
- Kurdish Carpets and Rugs
- Klash Shoes
- Musical Instruments
- Local Clothes
- Jajim (Handwoven Rug)
These are just some of the famous souvenirs from Kurdistan. You can also find other handicrafts like pottery, painting, basket weaving, and dyeing. To support local artists and get authentic items, visit traditional markets and buy directly from the locals.
What to Eat in Kurdistan
One of the most enjoyable parts of traveling to a new city is tasting local foods. Kurdistan offers a long list of delicious local dishes. Some of the most famous dishes include:
- Ash-e Parpoleh
- Dovineh or Tarkhineh
- Kotlet Dizzi
- Meat Stew with Bakhila
- Rhubarb Stew
- Shalkineh
You can find these dishes in traditional and local restaurants in Kurdistan. For a more authentic taste, try dining in smaller local restaurants run by local women.
Best Way to Travel to Kurdistan
Traveling to Kurdistan can be done by both road and air. If you plan to drive, find the routes leading to Kurdistan from your starting city.
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From Tehran, you can take the Qazvin highway towards Zanjan, then head to Kurdistan via Hamadan. You can also travel by bus or train. To do this, go to the bus terminals or train stations in Tehran and board the Tehran-Sanandaj line. Many other cities also have bus and train lines to Kurdistan or Sanandaj.
Another option is to fly. From Tehran, you can book a flight to Sanandaj. Many other cities with domestic airports also offer direct flights to Sanandaj.
Below is the distance from Kurdistan to some other major cities in Iran:
| City | Distance to Kurdistan |
|---|---|
| Tehran | 494 km |
| Isfahan | 701 km |
| Shiraz | 1185 km |
| Tabriz | 451 km |
| Mashhad | 1376 km |
| Zahedan | 1806 km |
| Bandar Abbas | 1605 km |
| Ahvaz | 616 km |
Beautiful Cities and Villages in Kurdistan
Kurdistan has many beautiful cities and villages worth visiting. Some of the most important cities include Sanandaj, Saqqez, Marivan, Bijar, and others.
Among the most scenic and noteworthy villages are Belbar, Palangan, Nooreh, Dolab, Jivar, Oramanat, Khosrowabad, and Nagel. Oramanat is one of the most famous villages, attracting many tourists each year. Located in Sarvabad County, it is a border village connecting to Kermanshah, Sarvabad, and Iraq.
Best Hotels in Kurdistan
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Choosing the right accommodation is crucial for a comfortable stay. For luxury and equipped hotels, head to larger cities like Sanandaj. Some notable hotels include Diamond Hotel, Aria Hotel, and others.
Other luxury hotels in Kurdistan include Parsian Hotel in Saqqez, Aria Hotel in Marivan, Reziwar Hotel in Marivan, Hale Hotel in Baneh, and more. For a more immersive experience, consider staying in rural eco-lodges in smaller villages to better understand local culture.
Natural Attractions in Kurdistan
Kurdistan is known for its numerous natural attractions. In spring, the region’s nature, especially in its villages, becomes lush and beautiful.
Some of the well-known natural attractions include:
- Qeshlaq Dam Lake
- Zarivar Lake
- Chehel-Cheshmeh
- Gouileh Waterfall
If you want to learn more about Kurdistan’s natural beauty, continue reading this guide.
Historical Attractions in Kurdistan
Besides natural attractions, Kurdistan is rich in historical sites. This ancient province features relics from the Sumerian era to the Qajar and Pahlavi periods.
Key historical attractions include:
- Soleymaniyeh Castle
- Giyan Ancient Mounds
- Oraman Takht Village
- Shahriar Orami Mausoleum
- Ovang Mosque
- Lesseh Hajji Tomb
- Sarab Castle
Shopping in Kurdistan
We previously discussed the souvenirs and handicrafts of Kurdistan. But where should you buy these items? Visit local markets to ensure your purchases are authentic and locally made.
Some of the best markets include:
- Sanandaj Bazaar
- Saqqez Local Market
- Marivan Border Market
- Bijar Bazaar
One of the most popular shopping centers is Baneh Paradise Mall, offering a wide range of foreign goods at affordable prices.
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As summer approaches, many look for the best travel destinations in Iran. Kurdistan, with its pleasant summer climate, is one of the best choices. Known as the heart of Iranian tourism, it attracts many visitors in spring and summer.
In Kurdistan, you can enjoy historical and natural attractions, taste local foods, take beautiful photos, and have an unforgettable trip. For booking flights, hotel reservations, travel insurance, or registering for domestic and international tours, contact SURFIRAN experts today.
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