Best Winter Destinations in Iran

Best Winter Destinations in Iran

 

Winter is a season for staying home and spending time next to the heater and fireplace with hot drinks for many people, but it can also spend memorable. Travel is one of the best things to do this time of year. It is a different experience. Provinces and cities with cold and snowy weather are suitable for all kinds of winter activities, and warm cities with pleasant weather in the winter are proper for sightseeing in the cold weather of the year.

 

Traveling in the cold days of the year has some advantages. First of all, winter is generally the off-season. It means that not many tourists travel during the winter season. This issue causes hotels to charge less to attract more tourists. So, if you know how to travel in winter, the cost of your trip will reduce. Secondly, some entertainment is only limited to the winter season. For example, using the ski slope is possible only in winter. Also, some cities are so hot that you can escape from the heat and visit the tourist attractions of that city in winter.

 

Traveling to hot southern regions in winter:

 

The southern provinces of Iran have warm and moderate weather during the winter season. It made them one of the most popular travel destinations in Iran during winter. Khuzestan, Bushehr, Hormozgan, and Sistan and Baluchestan provinces on the southern coast are among the most popular winter travel destinations for fans of tropical regions.

 

Khuzestan province: 

 

The first signs of civilization in Iran take place in the Khuzestan province. Historical buildings and cities like ChoghaZanbil Ziggurat, the ancient city of Susa, Shushtar Historical Hydraulic System, Shush Castle, Tomb of Daniel, and Rangooniha Mosque, have made this province one of the most popular destinations for fans of traveling to historical destinations. Along with the historical attractions, natural attractions such as Karun River, Dez, Shevi Waterfall, Tashkooh, Daffodils, numerous islands, beautiful beaches, nature, coastline, and moderate climate make this province fantastic. Natural and historical attractions, food, and ethnic diversity provide Khuzestan province with a destination for travelers to enjoy water and beach activities, especially in the cold seasons. 

 

Bushehr province: 

 

Bushehr province is one of the winter travel destinations in southern Iran. This thousand-year-old province, which dates back to the Sassanid era, is highly popular among tourists due to its cultural and food diversity. Its sandy beaches include more than 700 kilometers of the coast of southern Iran, and in most areas, visiting them is free of charge for the public.

In addition to the beautiful and sunny beaches of Bushehr, Jashak Salt Dome, Malek Mansion, the Historical palace of Sheikh Nasouri, Maritime Museum of the sea and the Persian Gulf, Sheikh Sadon Mosque, etc. is part of the attractions of this province. The warm and mild climate, many accommodations and residences, local attractions, Food variety, Indigenous and local music, and water and beach entertainment have made this province one of the best travel destinations in winter. 

 

Hormozgan Province:

 

Hormozgan is one of the southern provinces of Iran, famous for possessing many beautiful islands. Qeshm, Kish, Abu Musa, Lavan, Hendorabi, Larak, Hormuz, Hengam, Lesser Tumb, Greater Tumb, and Siri Islands are the most beautiful ones. The attractions of Hormozgan province are not only limited to the beautiful islands of this province. A wide range of resources and scenic, cultural and artistic attractions has made Hormozgan one of the most popular destinations suitable for travel in the winter. Fekri Historical House, Kong, Fin castle, Stars Valley, The Valley of the Statues, Kuhestak, The Millennium Fortress, Dargahan, etc. Local Bazaars and specific clothes for men and women with the modern and urban texture of Hormozgan have created a beautiful contrast for travelers and tourists. Also, the variety of vegetation and fauna of the province, along with the beautiful sunrise and sunset views on the sandy coast of the Persian Gulf and its unique and rare ecosystem, have allowed nature lovers to enjoy their winter vacations.

 

Sistan and Baluchestan Province:

 

Sistan and Baluchistan is the second largest province in the southeast of Iran, on the shores of the Gulf of Oman Sea and the Indian Ocean. In addition to historical places and sightseeing attractions, it has many natural and pristine areas causing this province to become one of the most popular for nature lovers. Historical background, ethnic and cultural diversity, and local and border markets are other advantages.

 

Some of the most attractive places in this province we can mention Shahr-e Sukhteh, Khajeh Mountain, Ladiz waterfall and cave, Naseri Castle, Portuguese Castle, Tiss Beach Resort, Beris, Rocky Beach, Lipar wetland, Makki Grand Mosque, Hamun Lake, Rostam Castle, Jalal Abad, etc. Sistan and Baluchestan province has a historical background, and ethnic and cultural variety is a suitable destination for lovers of historical, cultural, and nature trips. What makes this province a specific goal is the uniqueness of the language, music, and clothes of the people and the nature specified in this region.

 

Kerman Province:

 

Kerman province is one of the vast southern provinces of Iran, which has a long history and dates back to ancient times. More than 700 national historical works are in this province. What has made Kerman province one of the appropriate travel destinations in winter is the presence of beautiful deserts that generally have warm and pleasant weather during the cold days of the year. Unique historical and natural places like the Ganjali Khan complex, Jabaliyeh historical Dome, Kaluts, Shahdad dessert, Lut Star eco camp, Bam Citadel, Rayen Citadel, Shahzadeh Mahan Historical Garden, Kerman Historical Bazaar, etc. The specific accent of the people, local music, and food undoubtedly will create pleasant and unrepeatable experiences for travelers and tourists under the starry sky of the desert.

 

Yazd Province:

 

Yazd is a desert province in the center of Iran. It has hot and dry weather. The vastness of the deserts of Yazd province, the adobe architecture, and the culture of the desert people have made this province a desirable and attractive destination for tourists all year round, especially in winter.

Rig-e Zarrin, Caracal Desert, Siah Kuh desert, Haft Sang desert, Harat and Marvast, Bahadoran, and Kalmand, are among the popular desert areas of Yazd province.

 

In addition to the desert, Yazd province has many historical and cultural centers and buildings, which many tourists appreciate visiting every year. Among these centers are Jameh Mosque of Yazd, Amir Chakhmaq Complex, Dowlat Abad Garden, Shesh Badgir Ab Anbar, Alexander Prison, Silent Tower, Zoroastrian Fire Temple of Yazd, Chak Chak Temple, etc.  Observing the starry sky of the desert along with its unique and beautiful nature, navigating the dunes, watching animals, staying in old caravansaries, and relishing the silence and clean air of the desert are features together made Yazd one of the best travel destinations in winter.

 

 

Traveling to cold regions in winter:

 

Tehran Province: 

 

Tehran is at the foot of Alborz Mountain and in the neighborhood of Damavand peak. The existence of Tochal Sports and Recreation Complex, Shemshak Ski Resort and Complex, Dizin International Ski Resort, Darband Sar, and Ab Ali make the city a suitable destination for those who like to travel in winter. Tochal Sports and Recreation Complex is the most famous ski resort in Iran, which is usually covered with snow in the middle of autumn and available to be used. It has facilities such as a hotel, hostel, restaurant, ski equipment store, ski school, cable car, etc. Because of the proper and standard facilities and unique views of the slopes of the Alborz mountains, it is very favorite among ski lovers. 

 

Darband Sar ski resort is the only resort that has a snow machine. This complex has a ski lift, ski chair, cable car, restaurant, and ski school. Among other ski resorts in Tehran province, we can mention Ab Ali ski resort, the oldest ski resort in Iran. This complex has five ski slopes equipped with cable cars and ski lifts. It has others facilities such as a tennis court, horseback riding, kite jumping, a hotel, a restaurant, and medical assistance.

 

Ardabil Province:

 

The mountainous province of Ardabil is one of the most popular areas during winter. In addition to tourist attractions and historical monuments, the presence of hot water springs next to the mountain areas covered with snow has created a delightful contrast for fans of winter traveling. The hot springs of Sareyn and Gavmish Goliv, the Iced Shourabil Lake, Alvares Ski Resort in Sabalan mountain range, the Iced Waterfall of Sardabe, in addition to historical centers like Sheikh Safi Al-Din Ardabili Shrine, Meshgin Shahr Suspended Bridge, Qahqaheh Castle, and Recreational center of Fandoghlu, Heyran, Neor Lake, etc. are just some of the attractions of this cold northern province and make it one the winter destinations for travelers. 

Kurdistan Province: 

 

Kurdistan is one of the mountainous provinces in the western region of Iran that is considered one of the most popular travel destinations for lovers of snowy and cold districts in winter. In addition to the mountains, valleys, and plains covered with snow, there are frozen lakes and rivers like Zrebar Lake. This river is next to the hot and mineral water springs such as Sarab-e- Qorveh, Khavar Abad spring, Uraman Takht springs, Zhavehrud spring, Baba Gorgor Mineral Water Fountain, and Bel Spring. It has created a specific and contrasting nature. The location of Kurdistan between Zagros Mountain caused unparalleled food, music, and traditional culture for this province. The diversity of traditional foods, special ceremonies, and customs in every district, the existence of many stories and myths between people, are other points. 

 

Besides the beautiful nature of Kurdistan, the existence of sports facilities make you enjoy winter traveling in this area. Nesar ski resort in Kurdistan is one of the most famous ski resorts in the western region of Iran. The beautiful view of the city of Bijar has special features for the ski resort. It also has a parking lot, hotel, and restaurant. Nesar ski resort has a grass ski resort during the hot days of the year. The Grand bazaar of Sanandaj, Asef Vaziri Mansion, Uraman Takht, Avalan mountain, Caraftu Caves, Garan Dam, and Palangan are other sightseeing and tourist attractions of Kurdistan province. They have created a unique combination for tourists with the cultural, ethnic, and natural attractions of this province.

 

East Azerbaijan Province: 

 

This province has several mountains and is known as a cold province of Iran, on the slopes of the Alborz Mountains. In addition to having countless historical and cultural attractions, it has a cold and winter nature. So, it is on the list of winter travel destinations. Various facilities for lovers of winter sports made this province one of the best travel options. Sahand ski resort, near the city of Tabriz, is one of the most fitting ski resorts in the northwestern region of the country. Every year many ski fans travel there and enjoy winter sports. Among other ski resorts in East Azarbaijan province, Yam International Ski Resort near Marand city attracts many tourists from all over the country. Due to its location and little-known nature, this ski resort is a practical option for people who want to stay away from crowded and touristy areas.

 

West Azerbaijan Province:

 

West Azarbaijan Province, generally known as Urmia Lake, is considered another suitable travel destination in winter, especially for those interested in winter sports. Khoshaku Ski Resort is one of the most important destinations for those interested in skiing and winter sports during the winter. This ski resort is welcome by many travelers and local groups due to its pristine and beautiful views.

 

Hamadan Province: 

 

Hamadan, with its cold and mountainous nature and suitable geographical location, is one of the most popular travel destinations in winter for those interested in nature trips and winter sports.

Tarik Darreh Ski Resort, near Ganj Nameh historical complex and on the slopes of Alvand mountain, has many fans in the country. It is a good place all year round for those interested in skiing on snow and grass.

 

Fars Province: 

 

Fars province has eminent tourist sightseeing in terms of historical, cultural, and natural aspects. The existence of historical places such as Karim Khan Citadel, Vakil Mosque, Tomb of Hafez Shirazi, Tomb of Saadi Shirazi, Quran Gate‌, Afif-Abad Garden, Eram Garden, Moshir al-Doulah Bazaar, Zinat Al-Molk Historical House, Qavam House, etc. has placed Fars in a specific position in the tourism industry. 

 

Many rivers, lakes, plains, and mountains that have a pleasant climate during the cold days of the year have made this province one of the most relevant travel destinations in winter. Poladkaf ski resort is one of the most famous ski resorts in Iran, and the second largest ski resort in the country, near the city of Sepidan. This complex can be used all year round and is considered one of the most popular domestic travel destinations in the winter season for the people of the southern half of the country. Facilities such as hotels, cable cars, restaurants, coffee shops, guest houses, snowmobiles, and ski equipment stores are available there for travelers and fans of winter sports.

 

Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province: 

 

Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province have a cold and mountainous nature due to their location in the heart of the Zagros mountains. This province, which contains a wide range of ethnic and cultural diversity, hosts many travelers from all over the country yearly. Chelgerd ski resort is one of the tourist centers of the province near the city of Kuhrang and is one of the most famous and oldest ski resorts in the Zagros region, built-in 1354. This ski resort is near the second tunnel of Kuhrang and can use all year round. Chelgerd ski resort has accommodation, parking, a ski equipment store, a school, and a local souvenir market.