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Things to Do in Kerman

Things to Do in Kerman

Kerman Iran Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Embrace the wildlife and landscape around Kerman with these exciting activities.

Hiking & Trekking

Sirch Mountains

Offer hiking opportunities from easy walks to challenging treks in higher elevations.

Guided Tours

Local guides are advisable for longer or remote trails for navigation and safety.

Water Sports

Not applicable to Kerman as it is an inland desert city.

Desert Activities

  • Cycling: Limited dedicated routes in the city, but mountain biking in hills is possible.
  • Sandboarding: Down towering dunes in the Shahdad Desert.
  • Desert Trekking: Across vast plains.
  • Off-road Driving: 4x4 safaris in the sandy landscape.

Photo Opportunity

  • Shahdad Desert & Kaluts: Capture the unique formations.
  • Traditional Kerman Bazaar: A hub for candid shots.
  • Shazdeh Garden: Reflecting pools and terraced beauty.
  • Villages in the vicinity: Document authentic life.

Wildlife Encounters

  • Organized wildlife viewing tours are limited.
  • Desert tours sometimes spot desert-adapted flora and fauna.
  • Birdwatching might happen in specific oases.
  • Not the main focus of most tours.

Scenic Views

  • Sunrise/sunset in Shahdad Desert for dramatic light.
  • Views from Sirch Mountains.
  • Shazdeh Garden's harmonious design.
  • The vastness of the Lut Desert.

Safety Advisory for Desert Trips

Always book desert activities with reputable local tour operators and guides. Solo ventures into the desert are not advisable due to extreme conditions and extensive, unfamiliar terrain.

Cultural Immersion

Engaging with Kerman's rich culture has profound and memorable experiences.

Workshops & Community Tourism

  • Workshops: Certain guesthouses or cultural centers offer calligraphy, carpet weaving, or Patteh embroidery classes.
  • Music Workshops: Traditional Iranian instruments might be available via local contacts.
  • Homestays: Opportunities in Kerman province (e.g., Meymand) for authentic cultural interaction.
  • Language Learning: Short Persian (Farsi) classes may be available through private tutors.

Cultural Festivals

Nowruz Iranian New Year

Late March. The most significant national holiday, with family gatherings, special foods, and visits. Offers deep cultural insight.

Yalda Night Winter Solstice

Late December. A celebration of the longest night, with poetry reading, storytelling, and special foods.

Religious Festivals

E.g., Muharram, Ramadan. Observed throughout Iran with specific local customs. These are often solemn occasions.

Relaxation & Wellness

Some upscale hotels may feature basic spa facilities. Traditional bathhouses are historical sites. Hot springs are rustic. Yoga/meditation retreats are not common.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Evening entertainment focuses on social gatherings. Live traditional Persian music sometimes happens in tea houses. Nightclubs and public dancing are not permitted.

Shopping & Markets

Kerman Grand Bazaar is convenient for carpets, spices, Patteh embroidery, copperware, and local sweets. Bargaining is customary. Support local artisans.

Cultural Performances & Craft Workshops

Immerse yourself further in Kerman's arts scene.

Performances

  • Traditional music performances (instrumental or male vocalists) sometimes happen in tea shops or cultural centers.
  • Check local festival schedules for classic shows or ceremonies during specific times.
  • Kerman cultural halls organize local plays plus live acts, usually in Persian.
  • Late-night places that serve tea and cafes present a relaxed atmosphere for conversation.

Crafts & Shopping

Patteh Embroidery

A Kerman specialty, needlework with brightly hued threads on woolen cloth. Workshops and sellers in the bazaar.

Carpet Weaving

Kerman is a renowned center for Persian carpets. Workshops and sellers in the bazaar deliver high-quality hand-knotted rugs.

Copperware

Kerman is also known for its copper handicrafts, with plenty of shops with intricately designed items.

Souvenir Recommendations

Patteh Items

Embroidered tablecloths or wall hangings.

Pistachio Nuts

A local specialty.

Kolompeh Cookies

Traditional date-filled cookies.

Ethical Shopping & Shipping

Support local artisans and understand customs for your purchases.

Ethical Guidelines

  • Support local artisans straight in the bazaar. This helps preserve traditional crafts.
  • Bargaining is customary in the bazaar (not for food), do so respectfully and with a friendly demeanor.
  • Always compare prices from several vendors before purchasing.
  • Ask about the origin of products to ensure authenticity.

Shipping & Customs

Shipping Large Items

Shipping carpets or large items abroad can be organized via specialized dealers in the bazaar.

Customs Regulations

Become acquainted with your home country's customs regulations for importing goods, especially hand-knotted carpets.

Documentation

Retain all receipts plus documentation for customs purposes.

Value for Money

Kerman's bazaar offers good value for real local products when compared to overseas markets.

Quality Assurance

Many artisans take pride in their work; inspect stuff with care for craftsmanship and quality.

Bazaar Navigation

The bazaar is vast; dedicate ample time for exploration and do not hesitate to ask for directions.

Warning: Counterfeit Goods

Watch out for imitation goods, especially for high-value items like carpets. Purchase from reputable dealers.

Other Activities & Experiences

Beyond structured tours, Kerman provides various opportunities for engagement.

Unique Cultural Engagements

  • Homestays and going to see villages: Experience daily daily life and local customs firsthand.
  • Poetry Reading: Join locals during Yalda Night for poetry and storytelling.
  • Local Gatherings: Observe and learn from community events.
  • Cultural Centers: Attend lectures or traditional music performances.

Food & Drink Experiences

Tea Houses Chai Khaneh

Relax in traditional settings, savoring black tea and local sweets. Excellent for persons-watching.

Local Bakeries

Sample freshly baked bread accompanied by Kerman's famous Kolompeh cookies.

Street Food Stalls

Taste various types of Ash (thick soups) and local snacks.

Desert Safaris

  • Explore the vastness of the Shahdad Desert.
  • Options for 4x4 driving and dune bashing.
  • Sunset and stargazing experiences.
  • Book with licensed operators for safety.

Volunteering

  • Restricted formal opportunities exist.
  • Inquire with local NGOs or arts centers.
  • Could include teaching English or community projects.
  • Requires specific visas and set upments.

Photography Tours

  • Tailored tours to capture Kerman's unique landscapes.
  • Focus on architectural details and local life.
  • Expert guides for best spots and lighting.
  • Especially popular for the Kaluts and traditional bazaars.

Practical Activity Advice

Advance Booking
  • Book popular desert tours and courses in advance, especially during peak season.
  • Small group tours may fill up quickly.
  • Consider GetYourGuide for booking things to do.
Local Guides
  • Local guides enhance the experience with cultural context and navigation expertise.
  • They bridge language barriers and allow for genuine interactions.
  • Help the local economy and knowledge.

Cultural Sensitivity

Always approach cultural interactions with respect and an open mind. Dress modestly and be mindful of local customs, especially during sacred observations.

Activity Planning Summary

Must-Do Experiences

  • Shahdad Desert Safari & Kaluts Exploration.
  • Persian Cooking Class (focus on Kerman specialties).
  • Patteh Embroidery or Carpet Weaving Workshop.
  • Extensive exploration of Kerman Grand Bazaar.

Recommended for Dive

  • Homestay in a traditional village (e.g., Meymand).
  • Specialized Photography Tour.
  • Attend a traditional music performance if available.
  • Hiking in Sirch Mountains.