Zahedan Travel Guide

Explore Zahedan's rich culture, natural attractions, food, and customs with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best things to do, where to stay, and how to get around in Zahedan.


Introduction to Zahedan

Zahedan is a beautiful and vibrant city located in Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran. It is situated in the southeastern part of the country, close to the border with Pakistan. Despite being a relatively small city, Zahedan is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes and is home to a rich culture and history.

This travel guide is here to help you plan your trip to Zahedan and discover all the hidden gems that this city has to offer. From historical sites to outdoor adventures and delicious local cuisine, Zahedan has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Zahedan

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Zahedan Museum The museum showcases Zahedan’s historical, cultural and natural heritage. It has 8 galleries that contain various collections of manuscripts, coins, jewelry, sculptures, ceramics, fossils, and stuffed animals.

  • Abdolhamid Mosque The Abdolhamid Mosque is a beautiful mosque located in the heart of Zahedan city. Built in 1968, the mosque has an artistic interior decorated with traditional Iranian architecture.

  • Mirjaveh Castle Mirjaveh Castle is an ancient fortress which was built in the eastern Sistan region during the 12th century. Visitors can explore the castle’s ruins and discover the interesting history of the region.

Natural Attractions of Zahedan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Sorkhdoz Peak Sorkhdoz Peak is the highest mountain in Sistan and Baluchestan province standing at an altitude of 2877 meters. The mountain offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and is a popular destination for hiking and trekking.

  • Shahdad Desert Located about 60km south-west of Zahedan, Shahdad desert is the largest desert in Iran. Visitors can enjoy the stunning desert landscape and unique sand formations, as well as witness the traditional lifestyle of the local nomads.

  • Hamoon Lake Hamoon Lake is a group of freshwater lakes situated at the border of Iran and Afghanistan. The lake offers a variety of outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and bird-watching, and is also home to several endangered species.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Zahedan

  • Barandan Canyon Located about 30km east of Zahedan, Barandan Canyon is a scenic canyon offering stunning views of the surrounding area. Visitors can hike or bike along the canyon, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way.

  • Sorkhdoz Peak Sorkhdoz Peak, as mentioned earlier, is a popular hiking destination in Zahedan.

Best Things to Do in Zahedan: Activities and Tours

  • Camping in the Desert Camping in the desert is an unforgettable experience that you shouldn’t miss when visiting Zahedan. There are several campgrounds in Shahdad Desert where you can stay overnight and enjoy the beautiful starry night sky.

  • Explore Local Culture Zahedan is home to several ethnic groups such as Baluch and Fars. Visitors can explore the unique customs and traditions of these communities by visiting local markets, attending cultural events, and engaging with the locals.

Week-Long Itinerary for Zahedan

Day Activity
1 Visit Zahedan Museum and Abdolhamid Mosque
2 Explore Sorkhdoz Peak
3 Hiking/biking at Barandan Canyon
4 Visit Mirjaveh Castle
5 Camping in Shahdad Desert
6 Bird-watching and boating at Hamoon Lake
7 Explore local culture and cuisine

Food and Drink Scene of Zahedan

Must-Try Dishes

  • Balochi Sajji Balochi Sajji is a traditional Baluch dish made from mutton, cooked on a skewer over a fire pit. The meat is marinated in a special blend of spices and served with bread and rice.

  • Abdolhamid Soup Abdolhamid Soup is a delicious soup made with lentils, vegetables, and herbs. This soup is named after Abdolhamid Mosque in Zahedan, as it is a favorite food of locals who attend Friday prayers at the mosque.

Local Beverages

  • Sharbat Sharbat is a sweet, refreshing drink made from fruits, flowers, or herbs. This drink is popular in Zahedan, especially during the hot summer months.

Where to Stay in Zahedan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Pars Hotel Zahedan Pars Hotel Zahedan is a comfortable and affordable hotel in the heart of Zahedan city. It offers spacious rooms, free wifi, and a restaurant serving local and international cuisine.

  • Bam Guesthouse Bam Guesthouse is a budget-friendly option for travelers. It is located close to the city center and offers a cozy atmosphere and a friendly staff.

What to Buy in Zahedan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handmade Carpets Zahedan is famous for its handmade carpets which are made by local artisans using traditional weaving techniques. These carpets are beautiful and make the perfect souvenir to bring home.

  • Spices and Herbs Zahedan is a hub of traditional spices and herbs, such as saffron, cardamom, and cumin. You can find these spices in local markets and bring home the flavor of Zahedan.

Local Culture and Customs of Zahedan

Zahedan is a multicultural city with several ethnic groups, including Baluch, Fars, and Pashtun. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and visitors are encouraged to engage with them and learn about their customs and traditions. Respect for local culture and conservative dress is highly encouraged.

Best Time to Visit Zahedan

The best time to visit Zahedan is from March to May and from September to November when the weather is pleasant and comfortable for outdoor activities. The summer months from June to August can be extremely hot, and the winter months from December to February can be cold and rainy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Zahedan

Do:

  • Dress modestly in public
  • Engage with locals and learn about their customs and traditions
  • Try local cuisine and specialties
  • Respect Islamic customs and practices

Don’t:

  • Drink alcohol in public
  • Show public displays of affection
  • Insult or criticize local culture and customs

Safety and Health

Safety in Zahedan

Zahedan is a relatively safe city, but visitors are advised to take precautions such as protecting their valuables and not walking alone at night.

Health in Zahedan

Visitors are advised to take precautions against the heat and the mosquitoes, especially during the summer months. It is also recommended to drink bottled water and avoid street food to avoid any stomach problems.

Getting to Zahedan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Zahedan

Zahedan International Airport is the nearest airport to the city, serving several domestic and international flights.

Bus Stations Near Zahedan

Zahedan has several bus stations, with regular services to major cities such as Tehran and Kerman.

Other Options

There are also daily train services to Zahedan from major cities such as Tehran and Mashhad.

How to Get Around in Zahedan

Zahedan has a well-developed public transport system, including buses, taxis, and shared taxis. Taxis are a convenient and affordable way to get around the city.

Where to Go Next from Zahedan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Chabahar Chabahar is a beautiful coastal town located about 300km southeast of Zahedan. It is known for its stunning beaches, fishing villages, and historical landmarks.

  • Bam Bam is a historic city located about 400km northwest of Zahedan. It is home to the famous Bam citadel, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Conclusion

Zahedan is a beautiful city with plenty to offer for visitors. From stunning natural landscapes to rich culture and delicious cuisine, Zahedan is a destination that should not be missed by any traveler. We hope that this travel guide has been helpful in planning your trip to Zahedan and that you have all the information you need to have a memorable and enjoyable stay in this wonderful city.