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Day Trips from Kermanshah

Day Trips from Kermanshah

Kermanshah Kermanshah Province, Iran Travel Guide

Nearby Destinations & Transport

Discover fascinating locations within easy reach of Kermanshah, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bisotun (30 km east) with its monumental inscription of Darius the Great, and Kangavar (80 km east), home to the magnificent Anahita Temple.

Farther away, explore Harsin (southeast) for traditional Giveh production, or the scenic mountainous town of Paveh (120 km north) in the Hawraman region.

Transportation

  • Bisotun/Kangavar: Shared taxis (savari) or private taxis; buses for Kangavar.
  • Harsin: Local buses or pool taxis.
  • Paveh: Pool taxis or private hired driver for mountain roads.
  • Organized tours or hired drivers: Recommended for convenience to Paveh or several locations.

Planning Your Outings

Choose between independent investigation or organized tours based on your comfort and time.

Independent Travel

Bisotun, Kangavar, and Harsin are accessible via public transport (shared taxis, buses). This approach calls for navigation and schedule flexibility.

Ideal For

  • Adventurous travelers.
  • Budget-conscious exploration.
  • Flexible schedules.

Organized Tours & Drivers

For Paveh or multi-site visits (e.g., Bisotun and Kangavar), a hired driver or tour offers ease and local insights.

Benefits

  • Group convenience.
  • Local insights.
  • Time savings.

Explore more day trip options: Find your next adventure

Suggested Itineraries

Half-Day Trips

  • Bisotun: 3-4 hours, including travel.
  • Comprehensive visit.
  • Not suitable for many major sites.
  • Easy transport access.

Full-Day Trips

  • Bisotun & Kangavar: 6-8 hours for both.
  • Deep historical dive.
  • Can be tiring without private transport.
  • Paveh: 8-10 hours, mountain roads.

Comparative Overview

  • Independent Travel - Cost:Lower
  • Independent Travel - Flexibility:High
  • Independent Travel - Ease:Moderate
  • Independent Travel - Local Interaction:High
  • Organized Travel - Cost:Higher
  • Organized Travel - Flexibility:Low
  • Organized Travel - Ease:High
  • Organized Travel - Local Interaction:Varies

Local Insight

Engage with local taxi drivers for advice on routes and destinations. They often share valuable information.

Natural Escapes

The majestic Zagros Mountains around Kermanshah offer bountiful opportunities for immersing in nature's beauty and embarking on scenic explorations.

Bistoon Protected Area

Surrounding the UNESCO site, this area blends the beauty of nature with historical context, ideal for mindful strolls.

Mount Parau Area

Discover short hikes and stunning mountain views just a stone's throw from Kermanshah city.

Hawraman Region

Experience stunning terraced villages, deep valleys, and rich biodiversity, a cultural landscape of rare beauty.

Scenic Landscapes

The Hawraman Region, near Paveh and Oraman Takht, boasts terraced villages, deep valleys, and breathtaking views, notably in spring.

Beyond Hawraman

  • Zagros Valleys: Picturesque views, especially lush in spring.
  • Autumn Leaves: Colorful displays transform some areas.
  • Winter Snow: Mountain landscapes turn serene.

Nature Activities

Kermanshah province, dominated by the Zagros Mountains, has abundant rural and mountainous areas for nature lovers.

Experiences

  • Trekking through mountain tracks.
  • Birdwatching in protected areas.
  • Spring wildflowers.

Best Times to Visit

Spring (March-May):Lush greenery, mild weather.
Summer (June-August):Warm, suitable for higher altitudes.
Autumn (Sept-Nov):Pleasant, colorful foliage.
Winter (Dec-Feb):Snowy peaks, serene.
Hawraman Spring:Peak beauty.
Zagros Valleys:Best in spring.

Natural Beauty

  • Explore the Zagros mountains, but remember Kermanshah is landlocked, so no beaches.
  • Respect local ecosystems and trails.
  • Pack the necessities for outdoor exploration.
  • Check weather for mountain treks.
  • Stay on marked paths and carry out all waste.

Cultural Excursions

Venture beyond Kermanshah city to find more of Iran's profound history and traditions in its surrounding areas.

Ancient Wonders

The Anahita Temple in Kangavar is a significant archaeological site, demonstrating ancient Persian religious architecture.

More to Explore

  • Anahita Temple: Grand classical stone structure.
  • Sarpol-e Zahab: Anubanini relief, one of Iran's oldest rock carvings.
  • Historical layers await discovery.

Rural Heritage

The Hawraman Villages, like Oraman Takht, invite deep immersion into Kurdish rural life, revealing unique terraced architecture and traditional customs.

Village Life

  • Unique terraced architecture.
  • Traditional Kurdish life.
  • Authentic local customs.

Pilgrimage Sites

The Shrine of Seyed Yaqoub in Sarpol-e Zahab holds particular spiritual importance for followers of the Ahl-e Haqq faith.

Spiritual Insight

  • Ahl-e Haqq faith significance.
  • Regional spiritual traditions.
  • Serene atmosphere for reflection.

Local Traditions

Beyond ancient stones, discover local crafts and customs thriving in smaller towns.

Crafts & Culture

  • Harsin's traditional Giveh (hand-woven shoes).
  • Regional attire and folk art.
  • Kurdish music and storytelling.

Cultural Immersion

Historical Significance

Witness the timeless legacy of ancient empires through rock carvings and temple ruins.

Rural Authenticity

Engage with villagers, observe traditional practices, and admire unique architecture.

Spiritual Depth

Visit local shrines to understand regional spiritual practices and traditions.

Cultural Etiquette

Always wear conservative clothing and seek permission before photography, especially of people.

Multi-Day Extensions

Expand your journey beyond Kermanshah. Western Iran abounds with with more history treasures and the heritage landscapes.

Nearby Regional Journeys

1-2

Hawraman Region Stay

Deeply experience terraced villages, local culture, and nature. Sleep over in a guesthouse. Bus/shared taxi to Paveh, then local transport.

1-2

Hamadan Excursion

Discover ancient Ganjnameh Inscriptions, Avicenna's Mausoleum, and the Tomb of Esther and Mordecai. Frequent buses and shared taxis.

1-2

Sanandaj Connection

Immerse in Kurdish culture, music, and handicrafts, exploring the provincial capital. Frequent buses and shared taxis.

Longer Regional Routes

  • Kermanshah - Hamadan - Tehran: A popular route for travelers heading east from western Iran to the capital.
  • Kermanshah - Sanandaj - Tabriz: Explore Iranian Kurdistan and connect to the historical city of Tabriz in the north.
  • Flexible Connections: Connect to other major Iranian cities via Hamadan or Tehran for onward travel.

Transportation Connections

  • Hawraman: Shared taxis from Kermanshah to Paveh, then local transport to Oraman Takht.
  • Hamadan: Frequent buses and shared taxis operate between Kermanshah and Hamadan.
  • Sanandaj: Frequent buses and shared taxis connect Kermanshah and Sanandaj.
  • Tehran: Regular bus, train, or flight options for national and international connections.

Further Considerations

Accommodation

Consider local guesthouses for an authentic experience during extended stays in territories like Hawraman.

Flexibility

Longer trips permit greater flexibility for spontaneous discoveries and adapting to local rhythms.

Travel Tips

Early bookings for accommodations and transport are a prudent approach, especially during peak seasons.