Sightseeing places in Kurdistan; Attractions and places to see + photo and address

Kurdistan is one of the most beautiful and noble regions of Iran, known for its mountainous nature, rich culture and hospitable people. This province is considered a different travel destination with its pristine landscapes, terraced villages, lakes and numerous historical monuments. The sights of Kurdistan offer tourists a combination of peace and authenticity of local life. If you want to get to know the most spectacular places of this province and its unique attractions, don’t miss the continuation of this article.

One of the most famous sights of Kurdistan and Sanandaj is Abider Mountain Park, which is filled with local people on weekends. This park, which is located on a high mountain, is an ideal place for picnics and sightseeing; Especially since a beautiful view of the city of Sanandaj is under your feet. There are several fountains, gardens and a zoo in this spectacular park.

Photographer: Haryad Art / unsplash.com

Photographer: Mustafa Sassati / Google Map

Lake Zarivar or Zaribar is considered to be one of the most famous tourist attractions in Kurdistan, which hosts many tourists from all over the country every year with its beautiful nature and attractive entertainment such as sailing, paragliding and fishing. This lake, which was registered in Iran’s natural heritage list on 20th of Bahman 1389 AH, is one of the largest fresh water lakes in Iran.

Photographer: Farid Enayati / Google Map

The water of the lake is supplied from boiling springs in its bottom, as well as rain and snow water, and its suitable feature has caused various plant and animal species to be present around the lake. The most popular food by the lake is its grilled fish, which according to tourists is considered the best grilled fish in all of Iran.

Qeshlaq Dam Lake or Vahdat Dam Lake is located 20 kilometers north of Sanandaj, which is considered a suitable place for water sports due to its recreational facilities and boat dock. This lake is the habitat of various fish such as fish, kingfish, blackfish, etc., and for this reason, there are recreational fishing conditions for those interested.

Photographer: Hadi Karimi / Google Map

Guileh waterfall is one of the famous places in Kurdistan, which is located on the way from Saqez to Marivan and in the heart of the lush forests of the border region of Kurdistan. With a height of more than 50 meters, this waterfall becomes very full of water in the spring season and creates very beautiful effects. Since the distance between the waterfall and the road is only one kilometer, it is easy to access, and in addition to watching the waterfall, you can use the green and lovely atmosphere around it for fun.

Photographer: Morteza Mohabati / Google Map

Babagargar spring is located in Babagargar village in the northeast of Qorve city. The color of the water of this spring is reddish and sometimes it turns lemon-yellow, which is due to the mineral salts in it. The presence of mineral salts, especially sulfur, has made its water effective for soda and skin diseases, treatment of indigestion, digestive diseases, etc.

Photographer: Mohammad Rafiei / Google Map

The tomb of one of Imamzadegan named Seyed Jalal known as Babagargar is also located in this village, which you can visit after using the spring.

Sarab Qorveh is one of the sights of Kurdistan province, which is located in the south of Qorveh city. This lake is also known as Sarab Kotsar and its cool water is supplied by boiling springs. A small island can be seen in the middle of the lake, which is very attractive to visitors thanks to the beautiful lighting. In addition, access to this island is possible with an iron bridge.

Photographer: Mohammad Gh / Google Map

Photographer: Majid Sohailinia / Google Map

When you visit this house, you can see one of the most beautiful historical baths in Kurdistan, which is located in this house. In addition, you will have the opportunity to visit the Kurdistan Anthropology Museum as the largest ethnic museum in Iran.

Sanandaj museum or Salar Saeed mansion is located in the center of Sanandaj city in the Qajri mansion of Mullah Lotfollah Sheikhul-Islam. Historical works of the province and other parts of the country are kept in this museum. The pre-history section, the age of history section, the Islamic era section and the temporary display section are among the different sections of the museum to visit. In addition, the mansion building has its own charm for visitors with sash windows and colored glass.

Photographer: Shabnam Jafari / Google Map

Sanandaj Grand Mosque or Darul Ahsan Mosque is considered one of the most important mosques and places of interest in Kurdistan, which is worth visiting due to its seven-color tiling, glazed bricks on the floor and inscriptions containing two-thirds of a part of the Quran. This mosque, which was built in 1227 AH by Amanullah Khan Ardalan, consists of two porches, a flowerbed, a central courtyard, 12 rooms and a chapel with 24 stone pillars.

Photographer: jame / Wikimedia

Hamam Khan, also known as Hamam Pirzahiri, is located in the old context of Sanandaj city. According to the stone inscription of the bath, it seems that its building was built in 1220 AH during the reign of Amanullah Khan Ardalan.

Photographer: Faez Salehi / Google Map

This bath was purchased by the General Department of Cultural Heritage in 1377 AH and then its restoration work began in 1378 AH. Hammam Khan, like other Iranian baths, consists of different parts, such as the entrance hall, vestibule, upper part, mid-door, upper part, treasury, etc. Currently, Hammam Khan is used as a traditional dining room.

Khosroabad mansion and garden complex is one of the most attractive sights and one of the beauties of Kurdistan, which must be included in the itinerary of every tourist. Especially since it is considered one of the national works of the country.

Photographer: Majid Baglo / Google Map

The different parts of the mansion include the royal palace, porch, bath, porter’s and servants’ rooms. This mansion, which was built in 1223 A.H., was used as the seat of the governors of Ardalan.

Qamchaqai Castle was added to the list of national monuments of Iran in 1365 AH and its date is related to the third millennium BC. This castle is located in the village of Qomchagai in Bijar city and the height of its walls reaches 200 meters. The only way to connect the castle with the outside is through a narrow passage that one person can hardly pass through. An inscription with hieroglyphs and in heratic script has been discovered from Qamchagai Castle, which is considered one of the oldest semi-pictorial inscriptions in Iran.

Photographer: Hamed Dehestani / Google Map

Hamza Arab shrine or imamzadeh is one of the most attractive attractions in Kurdistan, which is located on a high mountain with a beautiful view around. He is considered to be from the dynasty of Sadat Musa bin Jafar (AS), who is said to have been buried in this place according to his will. To access this Imamzadeh, you can travel part of the way by car. The rest of the route consists of about 600 steps that you have to walk to reach the shrine.

Photographer: Ranjbaran Akbar / Google Map

Hajar Khatun’s tomb is considered one of the most important religious places in Sanandaj city, which is located in the old neighborhood of Sartpoule. This tomb has been registered in the list of national monuments of Iran due to its special architectural features. According to the narrations, this Imamzadeh is the sister of Imam Reza (a.s.) who passed away on a trip to Khorasan and was buried in this place.

Photographer: Reza Baghi / Google Map

The two minaret mosque is located in the old context of Saqqez city on Imam Khomeini Street and apparently dates back to the Afshariya era. This mosque, which is among the national monuments of the country, has a brick facade with a Chinese knot made of bricks and yellow tiles.

Photographer: Aryan Mo / Google Map

Sanandaj market has a simple and nested space with a dome roof, which is a relic of the Safavid period. This traditional market, which is located in the center of Sanandaj city, is one of the most special places to visit in Kurdistan

Unlike other Iranian markets, it does not have a linear pattern and its plan is rectangular. After entering the market of Sanandaj, at first glance, colorful fabrics hanging from the ceiling are in front of your eyes; Fabrics used for sewing women’s Kurdish clothes. Also, while exploring the market, you will get to know the aroma of Kurdistan’s special spices, which will remain in your mind forever.

Photographer: Farid Enayati / Google Map

Tanakura market in Sanandaj, which is dedicated to the sale of second-hand goods, is another shopping center in Kurdistan. In addition to clothes, all kinds of shoes, glasses, sports equipment and tools, electrical appliances, dolls and toys can be found in this place.

Photographer: Reza Barzoui / Google Map

Marivan border market is located 15 km away from the city, and as one of the city’s shopping centers, the quality and authenticity of its products cannot be guaranteed. In general, this market is a great place to buy electrical and electronic devices, bags and shoes, clothes, etc. In addition, it is possible to buy beautiful Marivan fabrics and local handmade shoes for souvenirs.

Photographer: Mohammad Reza Afshar / Google Map

Bijar market, which dates back to the Safavid era, was destroyed and rebuilt several times during the war, and today parts of the previous building can still be seen in it. This market was registered in the list of national works of the country in 1387 AH. In addition to the daily necessities of people that are sold in this place, handwoven carpets are also sold in this market.

Photographer: Sadegh Heidarinia / Google Map

Many tourists choose Baneh to buy foreign and cheap household goods. If you travel to this city, be sure to go to the large market of Aftab Derakhshan, which, in addition to electrical appliances, has two floors dedicated to the sale of clothes. Here, the goods are offered in wholesale and retail at reasonable prices.

Photographer: Aftab Derakhshan / Google Map

Golestan Baneh shopping center is an ideal place to buy cosmetics. Two floors of this shopping center are dedicated to the sale of cosmetics and clothes, and the other two floors are dedicated to all kinds of home appliances at very reasonable prices.

Photographer: Saeed / Google Map

Palengan is a village with stepped architecture in a mountainous area, which reminds you of Masuleh in Gilan. This village is divided into two halves by a roaring river, which has given it a double charm. The beautiful nature of Palangan, including spectacular and green gardens, several bubbling springs in the Tangivar Valley, watery waterfalls, etc., has made this place one of the most special sightseeing areas in Kurdistan.

Photographer: Kish Mat / Google Map

Palangan Castle, which is located on the top of the mountain and next to the village, is considered one of the attractions of Palangan, where life continued until the 10th century.

Hoye village is located in the west of Kurdistan between the two cities of Sanandaj and Marivan. This village also dazzles every viewer with its stepped architecture. Hoye village is divided into two parts, Warde Ga and Meleh Ga, each of which has its own sights.

Photographer: Idris Amani / Google Map

The location of the village in a mountainous area has caused several important mountains such as Rozdeh Khani, Se Bid, Shianeh, Reh Jal Ga, etc. to exist around it. One of the reasons for the life of this village are the springs around it, among which Hanu Sheikheh and Hanu Hawasi can be mentioned.

Tangi Sar village is another beautiful village in Kurdistan with a staircase architecture. The unspoiled natural scenery, diverse, beautiful and colorful local clothes are among the factors that have placed this village among the sights of Kurdistan province. These features have gone hand in hand for every visitor to capture these sights with their camera frame.

Photographer: Masha / Google Map

Oraman Takht is more than 3,000 years old and is located in the Oramanat region of Kurdistan. It was previously known as a village, which was renamed to Oraman Takht city in 1390 AH together with Sarpir village.

Photographer: Ebrahim f / Google Map

The fame of Oraman Takht is related to the stepped architecture of its houses, which are made of stone and wood. The unique nature and stunning views of this region are attractive for every tourist. Since Oraman Takht is located in a mountainous area, the best season to visit it is spring and especially May.

The spring of Kurdistan with the flowering of the plains, the greenness of the mountains and the pleasant weather is the best time to travel to this beautiful and mountainous province. Among the sights of Kurdistan in spring, the following can be mentioned:

• Lake Zarivar
• Oramanat village (Oraman Takht)
• Mount Abid in Sanandaj
• Palangan village
• Qeshlaq Dam

Photographer: Shima Badakhshan / unsplash.com

Due to its high altitude and cool weather, Kurdistan summer is an ideal destination to escape from the heat of the central cities of the country. Among the places to visit in Kurdistan province in summer, the following can be mentioned:

• Lake Zarivar
• Oramanat village (Oraman Takht)
• Guileh waterfall
• Sirvan River
• Zagros oak forests

Photographer: Farzad Mohsenvand / unsplash.com

The autumn of Kurdistan, with its golden colors and cool air, gives a poetic and calm face to the nature of this province. Among the sights of Kurdistan in autumn, the following can be mentioned:

• Zagros oak forests
• Lake Zarivar
• Marivan-Sarovabad road
• Palangan village
• The slopes of Mount Abider

Photographer: Muhammad Kamaran / unsplash.com

Winter in Kurdistan is cold and snowy, and its white mountain scenery has a special and spectacular effect. Among the attractions of Kurdistan in winter, the following can be mentioned:

• Nassar ski resort
• Lake Zarivar
• Mountain roads
• Sanandaj city
• Winter scenery of Kamiyaran

Photographer: Ngar Amini / unsplash.com

Join Kojaro now to have a comprehensive picture of the beauty of this spectacular region before traveling to beautiful Kurdistan. If you want to learn more about the natural, cultural, and historical features of Kurdistan province, we suggest that you take a look at the list of Kurdistan attractions before continuing. This list will accompany you with the most prominent tourist attractions in Kurdistan and will help you plan a purposeful and fruitful trip.