Travel Guide to Iranshahr : A Hidden Treasure in the Heart of Sistan and Baluchestan
Continuing our adventures in the travel magazine Gulf City Pedia, this time we arrive at a city rarely heard of—Iranshahr. Iranshahr County, with its rich history and numerous natural attractions, is one of the stunning destinations in Sistan and Baluchestan that will leave you amazed. Wondering why?
First, despite its dry, desert climate, it boasts multiple waterfalls and rivers that flow year-round, creating breathtaking natural landscapes around them. Second, Iranshahr is filled with ancient sites, each telling unique stories of this land and serving as evidence of an advanced human civilization in ancient Iranshahr.
Third, it is home to warm, hospitable, and highly skilled people whose handmade crafts and artistry will leave you in awe. Now you know why we decided to write this travel guide to Iranshahr and introduce you to this astonishing city.
In this article, we’ve covered everything you need to know before traveling to Iranshahr—from how to get there and must-see attractions to souvenirs, local culture, and accommodations. So join us on this short journey through Iranshahr!
Where is Iranshahr?
Iranshahr County is located in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, with the city of Iranshahr as its capital. It is bordered by Chabahar to the south, Irandegan to the north, Saravan and Bampur to the east, and Nikshahr, Qasr-e Qand, Bam, Bampur, and Fanuj to the west and southwest.
Iranshahr consists of three districts: Markazi (Central), Bazman, and Damen. According to the latest census, it has a population of around 193,000 people.
How to Get to Iranshahr
You can reach Iranshahr by train, bus, plane, or private car, depending on your budget, preferences, and needs. If money is not an issue and you want to travel in the shortest time with maximum comfort, flying is the best option.
If you don’t have a private car or a large transportation budget, buses and trains can help you get to Iranshahr.
Traveling to Iranshahr by Plane
Iranshahr has its own airport, but finding flights to this city isn’t easy. First, very few cities offer direct flights to Iranshahr. Second, even in those cities, flights to Iranshahr are limited.
The nearest alternative airports are:
Zahedan Airport – 327 km away (~4 hours by road)
Chabahar Airport – 284 km away (~3 hours by road)
Traveling to Iranshahr by Train
Taking the train is an economical option that offers decent comfort and service. However, Iranshahr itself does not have a train station—the closest one is in Zahedan. You can take a train from Tehran, Kerman, or Bam to Zahedan and then continue to Iranshahr by intercity bus or taxi.
Traveling to Iranshahr by Bus
The most budget-friendly way to reach Iranshahr is by bus. The advantage is that buses go directly to Iranshahr, meaning you can find a bus to this city from almost anywhere in Iran. However, bus travel is longer and offers fewer amenities.
Road Trip to Iranshahr
If you’re driving to Iranshahr from anywhere in Iran, you’ll need to head southeast. If you’re starting from Tehran, you’ll pass through cities like Qom, Kashan, Yazd, Kerman, and finally Bam before reaching Iranshahr. The route from Zahedan to Iranshahr goes through Khash.
Key Distances:
Tehran to Iranshahr: ~1,523 km (18 hours)
Chabahar to Iranshahr: ~284 km (3 hours)
Khash to Iranshahr: ~150 km (1 hour 45 min)
Zahedan to Iranshahr: ~327 km (4 hours)
Climate of Iranshahr
Iranshahr has a predominantly hot and dry climate, characterized by desert and semi-desert conditions.
Spring: The weather is mild, with daytime temperatures ranging between 20-30°C and nighttime temperatures dropping to around 15°C.
Summer: Extremely hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C. The intense heat can be exhausting, making outdoor activities difficult during peak daytime hours.
Autumn: Similar to spring, with moderate temperatures and little rainfall. However, nights become colder, sometimes dropping to 10°C.
Winter: Cold, with temperatures occasionally falling to 2°C. Another notable climatic feature is the seasonal monsoon winds in summer, which bring sandstorms to the western and southwestern parts of the city.
Best Time to Visit Iranshahr
The ideal seasons to visit are spring and autumn, when the weather is at its most pleasant. These periods offer sunny days with minimal rainfall, making it perfect for exploring Iranshahr’s attractions.
Unlike many tourist destinations, Iranshahr doesn’t get overcrowded during holidays (such as Nowruz), and prices for accommodations and services remain stable. This makes it a great place to visit year-round without worrying about peak-season inflation.
Transportation in Iranshahr
Iranshahr does not have an advanced public transport system—taxis are the only available public transportation. However, the city itself is small and walkable, allowing you to reach most attractions on foot.
If you plan to visit sights in nearby villages, you can arrange for ride-hailing taxis or private cabs.
Must-See Attractions in Iranshahr
Continuing our travel guide to Iranshahr, we now come to one of the most important aspects of any trip: the city’s must-see attractions. Whether you’re a nature lover or a history enthusiast, Iranshahr’s sights are so diverse that you’ll find something to suit your taste.
1. Nasseri Fort (قلعه ناصری)
Our first stop is the Nasseri Fort, a historical gem dating back to the Qajar era and registered as a national heritage site in 1996. Built under the orders of Nasser al-Din Shah Qajar, the fort was designed by Hossein Memar-Bashi Kermani with such durability that its walls still stand strong today.
History of Nasseri Fort
According to historical records, Nasser al-Dowleh Farmanfarma, the ruler of Kerman and Baluchistan, proposed its construction to enhance regional security. After the Qajar period, the fort changed hands multiple times—even being occupied by Reza Shah and later used as a school.
Following the Islamic Revolution, the fort gradually fell into disrepair, with much of its interior architecture lost. Today, only its grand entrance remains. Note: The interior is only accessible during Nowruz (Persian New Year); at other times, visitors can only admire it from the outside.
Address: Imam Khomeini Blvd, Iranshahr, Sistan and Baluchestan Province
2. Iranshahr Daily Market (بازار روز ایرانشهر)
Shopping is a key part of any trip, and Iranshahr’s Daily Market is the perfect place for personal purchases and souvenirs. Most goods here are reasonably priced, with few luxury items. A highlight? High-quality fabrics at affordable prices!
Address: Shahid Maleki St, Iranshahr, Sistan and Baluchestan Province
3. Esfand Waterfall (آبشار اسفند / آبشار پورا)
It may seem surprising to find a perennial, roaring waterfall in this arid region, but Esfand Waterfall (also called Pura Waterfall) defies the desert climate. Fed by the Esfand River, it flows year-round into a deep pool, sometimes reaching depths of 3 meters.
Located in Esfand Village, it’s the only waterfall in western Sistan and Baluchestan. The stunning contrast of cascading water against the clear sky makes it a photographer’s paradise.
Address: Esfand Village, 80 km south of Delgan County, Sistan and Baluchestan
4. Bampur River (رودخانه بمپور)
Another natural wonder is the Bampur River, a 175-meter-long river flowing through Iranshahr’s plains and ending in Jazmurian. Its main tributaries include Karavandar, Irandegan, and Damen.
Address: Bampur Village, 120 km north of Iranshahr, Sistan and Baluchestan
5. Houdian Hot Spring (چشمه آبگرم هودیان)
Hot springs have always been a favorite attraction among Iranians – not just for recreation and quality time with loved ones, but also for their natural therapeutic benefits. One such gem is Houdian Hot Spring in Iranshahr.
Located on the Bazman to Delgan road, this spring emerges from cracks in Quaternary volcanic rocks, with its heat originating from underground volcanic activity. Beyond tourism, it serves as a vital water source for local agriculture.
Address: Houdian Village, 55 km northeast of Delgan, Sistan and Baluchestan
6. Damen River (رودخانه دامن)
Another year-round flowing natural wonder, Damen River lies 25 km north of Iranshahr along the Chabahar-Zahedan transit road. It’s a critical water source for locals, traditionally accessed via qanats, canals, and hand-dug wells.
Address: 25 km north of Iranshahr, alongside Chabahar-Zahedan Highway
7. Espidj Cemetery (گورستان اسپیدژ)
One of Iran’s most mysterious ancient sites, this 25-hectare cemetery (registered as a national heritage site in 2002) contains artifacts from:
• Islamic era
• Pre-Islamic Bronze Age (3rd millennium BCE)
Address: Espidj Village, Iranshahr County
8. Molla Soleiman Cave (غار ملا سلیمان)
Also known as Ho Soleiman, this historic cave in Lashar region’s Kupch Village hides a story more captivating than its geological formation. It served as the refuge of Soleiman, a brave companion of Dadshah Baluch, who resisted surrender to the new shah’s forces after Dadshah’s death.
Local legend: Soleiman and his allies fought here until defeat
Address: 5 km south of Kupch Village, Lashar, Sistan and Baluchestan
9. Tasht Hot Spring (چشمه آبگرم تشت)
An off-the-radar gem, Tasht’s mineral-rich waters (33°C) contain:
• Sodium carbonate
• Calcium sulfate
• Magnesium
The journey:
2 km hike from Bazman-Tasht road
Surrounded by pristine landscapes and medicinal plants
Address: Bazman-Tasht Road, Sistan and Baluchestan
10. Ketukan Mineral Spring (چشمه آب معدنی کتوکان)
This neglected wonder emerges from red limestone rocks, packed with minerals due to the area’s unique geology.
Temperature: Fluctuates seasonally, reaching 40°C.
Address: North of Ketukan Village, Iranshahr
Iranshahr Souvenirs
No travel guide to Iranshahr is complete without exploring its famous souvenirs. The most iconic gifts from this region are the handcrafted artworks of its people.
1. Traditional Embroidery
Needlework & Sequined Fabrics: Exquisitely decorated textiles are the most sought-after souvenirs.
Coin Embroidery (Sikka-Dozi): A unique Baloch craft where colorful coins, buttons, beads, mirrors, and sequins are stitched onto fabrics in intricate patterns. Used for:
Wedding camel decorations
Bedspreads
Wall hangings
2. Basket Weaving (Hasir-Bafi)
Most women in Iranshahr master the art of weaving natural fibers into:
Baskets
Storage containers
Mats
Culture of Iranshahr
Religion & Language
Majority: Sunni Muslims (with a small Shia population)
Ethnicity: Predominantly Baloch, with a few Persian residents
Languages: Balochi and Persian (with regional dialects)
Livelihood & Lifestyle
Primary Occupations: Farming, livestock herding (especially goats), and trade
Tribal Nomadic Life: Many villagers live in traditional tents (kapar) made from palm fronds and natural materials, sustaining organic farming and dairy production.
Traditional and Local Cuisine of Iranshahr
The local and traditional foods of Iranshahr are generally spicy and delicious—highly recommended to try at least once! Some of the most famous rice-based dishes include:
- Biryani Polo
- Karahi
- Bat Mash
- Sistani Kadu Polo (pumpkin rice)
- Zereshk Polo (barberry rice)
- Bat Banklink
- Bat o Havari Jehinga
Popular Stews (Khoresht):
- Dough Pai Khoresht (yogurt-based stew)
- Fish Stew
- Naresht Meat Stew
Bread-Based Dishes:
- Balochi Abgoosht
- Sistani Kadu Stew
- Patrook
- Kashk Abgoosht (whey-based stew)
- Anari Abgoosht (pomegranate stew)
- Kashk-e Bamieh (okra with whey)
- Kuku-ye Lapeh (split pea patties)
Famous Restaurants in Iranshahr
Restaurants in Iranshahr generally offer good quality and reasonable prices, with few upscale options. You’ll find a variety of cuisines, from fast food to local and Persian dishes. Some notable restaurants include:
- Valanjak Restaurant
- Nab Traditional Restaurant
- Baradaran Restaurant
- Pandora Pizza
- Baharestan Kitchen
- Sahoon Restaurant
- Sib Pizza
- Shab Pizza
- Hira Fast Food
Where to Stay in Iranshahr?
Depending on your budget and preferences, Iranshahr offers various accommodation options:
Best Hotels in Iranshahr
- Given its small size, Iranshahr has only one hotel:
- Ghasr Hotel (3-star) – Affordable with decent services.
Eco-Lodges (Boomgardi)
For travelers who love traditional decor and immersive local experiences, staying at an eco-lodge is ideal. These accommodations let you engage with local culture and traditions. Some options:
- Khalah Ziba Eco-Lodge
- Hani Mont Eco-Lodge
Historical Background of Iranshahr
Iranshahr County enjoyed greater prosperity in ancient times, when its prominence was more widely recognized. The earliest references to Iranshahr appear in Greek and Latin sources, where it was known as “Pura”—the capital of one of the Achaemenid satrapies. Historical texts also mention it by other names like “Parah,” “Pahre,” and “Mo’arab.”
Archaeological discoveries—including ancient sites and artifacts—confirm that Iranshahr has been a hub of human settlement and civilization for millennia. For instance:
The Sassanid-era Bamport site served as the political and military center of Kerman and Baluchistan.
Excavations at Espidj Cemetery reveal astonishing advancements of its ancient inhabitants in metal smelting, tool-making, pottery, and painted ceramics—long before modern technology.
Essential Travel Tips for Iranshahr
To ensure a memorable trip, follow these recommendations:
Avoid nighttime travel on intercity roads.
Visit in spring or autumn for mild weather.
Support local artisans by purchasing handicrafts.
Try regional dishes to immerse yourself in the culture.
Respect local traditions and customs.
