Garmsar is an old city located in the westernmost part of Semnan province. The attractions of this area include both historical monuments and spectacular natural attractions. Visiting this city is equivalent to a small world tour; Because among the sights of Garmsar, you can visit Little Africa and the Bermuda Triangle of Iran. In addition, a trip to Garmsar, the island of tribes, will introduce you to the culture and life of different tribes.
In this memorable trip, you will have the opportunity to sleep under the dome of a 500-year-old caravanserai and walk on the ancient pavements of the Silk Road the next day. In this article from tourism magazine flytodayWe will introduce some of the most important places to visit in Garmsar.
Where is Garmsar?
As said, Garmsar is located in the westernmost point of Semnan and is bordered by Tehran and Qom provinces. The people of this city are from different ethnic groups of Iran and have given a rich culture to this region. Handicrafts are thriving in Garmsar and make up most of Garmsar’s souvenirs. Also, the carpet weaving of this city is famous and popular in the world markets. The city of Garmsar has become one of the popular tourist destinations due to its important natural and historical attractions.
Location of Garmsar on Google map
Sightseeing places in Garmsar Sightseeing in a spectacular city
The climate of Garmsar city is hot and dry and a large part of its soil is desert. However, Garmsar is the habitat of some of the most important animal species in Iran, and it has many scenic areas in its nature. This city is also very important from a historical point of view and contains many ancient buildings. In general, if you visit Semnan, you will see that Sightseeing places in Semnan There are many.
Garmsar has also been a place of travel for nobles and merchants since ancient times, and for this reason, buildings suitable for these people and to meet their needs were built in this city, some of which are still healthy and standing. In this part of the article, we will first introduce some historical attractions of Garmsar.
Historical attractions of Garmsar Watching leaves of history
Garmsar was located on an important road many years ago. The famous silk road passed through this city and many merchants and caravans passed through it. Also, due to the presence of deer and Iranian graves, this area was a popular place for kings and elders to stay and hunt; Therefore, many palaces and caravanserais were built in Garmsar, whose remains have become the most important sights of Garmsar today. In the following, we will introduce some of the most important historical works of Garmsar.
Siyakoh historical collection From Silk Road to Bahram Gore residence
There are several important historical monuments in the middle of the desert plain and on the northern slope of Siyakoh Heights; These works are generally called “Black Mountain Historical Collection”. This complex includes a part of an ancient road and several palaces and caravanserais. The best time to visit the historical complex is the months of November, December, March and April. You will need a permit to visit the buildings in this area; But if you go with a tourist tour, these difficulties will be easier for you. In the following, we will introduce you to the works and historical monuments of the Black Mountain complex.
Bahram Palace A building made of hard stones of Garmsar
Bahram Palace is a very beautiful historical monument in the heart of Dasht Kavir and is considered one of the most important sights in Garmsar. This stone caravanserai was built by the order of Shah Bahram Sasani or Bahram Gur. This building has remained intact and intact from the Sassanid era until now, and today it has become a destination for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts and also astronomers.
If you come to this area to watch the night sky, all seasons of the year are suitable for your visit; But if you plan to visit this ancient and magnificent attraction during the day, we recommend mid-autumn and late winter. When visiting Bahram Palace, you can also visit the Haremsara historical monument in the south of this area.
- Address: south of Garmsar, southeast of Javadabad, north of Namak lake.
Harem Palace A small trace of a big palace
In the past, the harem palace was a resting place for kings and hunters. This attraction was originally a big palace; But no action was taken to restore and maintain it. Unfortunately, the current condition of this historical building is worrying. Many of its parts have collapsed and been damaged over time; But it is still considered a valuable ancient work and many historians and architects visit it. All in all, Haremsara Palace can be one of the main options in the list of attractions in Garmsar.
- Address: Garmsar, 1 km south of Bahram Palace.
Ain al-Rashid Caravanserai A beautiful souvenir from the Safavid era
This historic caravanserai with beautiful Safavid era architecture is considered one of the most important sights in Garmsar and is also included in the group of national monuments of Iran. To enter its main courtyard, you have to pass through a 9.7 meter long porch. There are two halls on both sides of the porch and each of them has 5 doors facing the palace courtyard. In the past, from the spring located between the caravanserai and the hunting guard post, water flowed into the caravanserai and watered the plants in the yard. But today, nothing but a trace of that water is left on the desert.
- Address: Garmsar, between Salt Lake and Big Desert, 2 kilometers north of Bahram Palace.
Siyakoh paved road Traces of the advanced civilization of those days
This ancient pavement is part of the famous Silk Road. This path was paved by the order of Shah Abbas of Safavid to make it easier to travel in the desert. The presence of pavement in the heart of the desert is something we rarely see in historical civilizations. This ancient work was made of stone, saroj and coal, and in the past, it connected Garmsar salt lake to Damghan; But today, only 35 kilometers remain. A part of this historical road passes by Sayehkoh complex today. This pavement is registered in the list of national works of Iran and is considered one of the scenic areas of Garmsar.
- Address: Northern slope of Siyakoh highlands, south of Garmsar, northeast of Namak lake.
Shah Abbasi Caravanserai A place to travel back in time
Shah Abbasi Caravanserai (Deh Namak) is also one of the most popular places to visit in Garmsar. This caravanserai dates back to the Safavid era and its valuable building is registered in the national list of Iran. The 500-year-old Deh Namak caravanserai has remained intact and has now become a tourist resort. Imagine how much fun it would be to spend a night in a sturdy and beautiful ancient attraction after visiting ruined palaces and caravanserais. In this residence, modern facilities such as cooling and heating system and free internet are also provided.
- Address: Semnan province, Aradan city, Kohnabad city, Deh Namak village.
- The cost of each night’s stay: starting from 300,000 Tomans.
Historical reservoir of the city A souvenir from the Qajar era
This historic water reservoir can also be introduced as one of Garmsar’s sights and dates back to the Qajar era. This structure has a large dome on top of which there is a wind deflector. In distant years and during rainy seasons, they stored water in the reservoir for hot seasons. This brick building is not used much today; But it is visited as a valuable tourist attraction.
The main door of the reservoir, which was located on the side of the bazaar, is now closed; But you can enter and visit this building from another door located in the mosque alley.
- Address: Garmsar, next to Jame Mosque, south of Imam Square, next to Bazarche.
Garmsar museums A place to touch the culture of this city
As we mentioned, Garmsar is an ancient city with a lot of cultural richness. There is no doubt that museums are very important attractions in this city. Garmsar has two important museums, each of which exhibits a corner of the history and culture of this city. We recommend that you do not miss the opportunity to visit its museums during your trip to Garmsar. In the rest of this section, we will introduce these two museums.
Historical house of the Bagheris A room for the people of the city to live together
The Bagheri house (Museum of relatives) was built in the early Pahlavi period in the style of Qajar tropical houses. It is interesting to say that the design of this building is similar; Even its first and second floors have a similar plan. This 100-year-old garden is included in the group of national works of Iran. In 1997, the Bagheri house was converted into a museum. Since Garmsar is known as the island of ethnic groups, this attraction introduced the different ethnic groups living in the city and was named “Museum of ethnic groups”. By visiting this museum, you will get to know the tools, clothing and daily life of ethnic groups such as Bakhtiar, Ler, Kurd, Turk, etc. To visit this museum, you have to pay a small fee to buy a ticket.
- Visiting hours: every day from 9 am to 6 pm
- Address: Ayatollah Kashani Blvd., Salman Farsi St., Shahid Ansari Alley, Museum of Gentiles.
Cotton factory An industrial museum in the heart of a beautiful brick building
Cotton factory (science and industry museum) is another interesting place in Garmsar. Iran’s first cotton factory was established in Garmsar during the Pahlavi era. This factory currently has no industrial activity; But its beautiful adobe building was used as a museum. Also, a part of this building has been turned into a market for selling handicrafts. This building is built on two floors and has many arches and domes. Due to the presence of these arches, it is also confused with a caravanserai. The science and industry museum garden is in the list of national works of Iran. Before entering the museum, you can buy tickets there.
- Visiting hours: 9 am to 5 pm.
- Address: Lale Township, Basij Square, Motahari St.
Garmsar natural attractions From gazelle to dragon
Although Garmsar is known as a hot and dry city; But its nature and animal cover have a lot to say. From the most beautiful natural phenomena to mysterious areas as well as rare species of animals; Everyone has gathered in Garmsar. Also, in this city, you can visit and enjoy distinctive and beautiful caves, plains and mountains. We will review some of these items below.
The story of Dragon Mountain From science to legend
Dragon Mountain is one of the rarest natural phenomena in Iran and one of the most important sights in Garmsar. This mountain has beautiful folds that consist of several layers of different and colored soil. Due to the forces that entered this area from both sides at the same time, these folds and regular patterns have been formed.
It is interesting to say that because of the red color and twist of this image, this mountain was called the Dragon Mountain; But legends have a different story. According to mythological stories, this mountain is the place where Rostam and the dragon fought. According to this story, after Rostam threw the dragon’s body on the mountain, the footprint of the dragon’s body created this role! The best time to visit this attraction is autumn and winter.
- Address: 11 km from central section, Lejran district.
Salt cave A memorable caving experience
The salt cave is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful sights in Garmsar. This place is actually a salt mine; But because of its arch-like shape, it is known as salt cave. Inside the cave, on the walls and ceiling, beautiful salt lamps will attract your attention. Water flows on the floor of some parts of the cave and has created a spectacular view.
To visit this attraction, you need to get a permit from the traffic police and pay an entrance fee. Remember that in this cave, there is no mobile phone antenna; But you can use your mobile phone to take pictures. Having a flashlight is also necessary to enter the cave. Due to the slippery nature of the path, we recommend that you visit this place in a group. Regarding the visiting time, both autumn and winter seasons are more suitable times.
- Address: before the Qom-Garmsar road and 3 km from the flyover.
Martian hills A colorful landscape
In some areas of Iran, including Garmsar, there are yellow, orange and red folded hills. These hills were created as a result of a geological phenomenon called Badland. Garmsar Martian hills are located in Padeh village and to reach the most beautiful part of Martian hills, you have to hike for about 3-4 hours. After that, you will reach an area that has a very beautiful landscape and you can see the most special face of the Martian hills there. The best time to visit Martian mountains is the first half of spring and autumn.
- Address: Semnan province, 4 kilometers east of Aradan city, between Garmsar and Ivanki, Padeh village.
Desert National Park The house of gazelles
Desert National Park is one of the oldest and largest protected areas in the country. Desert Park is one of the most popular places to visit in Garmsar, especially for people who are concerned about Iran’s nature and animal species. This park is very important because of the variety of animals that live in it, and it is interesting to say that in the past, this area was known as Little Africa; But unfortunately, today many of its animal species, including Iranian cheetah and zebra, have become extinct.
Currently, the desert national park is home to animals such as deer, red fox, ram, golden eagle, falcon and migratory birds such as flamingo and duck. In addition, many tourist attractions of Semnan, including the historical complex of Siyakoh, are located in this area, making it one of the most important sights in Garmsar.
- Address: Garmsar, Mohibani Mobarakieh or Siyakoh.
Rig Gen | The dreaded desert of Iran
Among the places of interest in Garmsar, none of them have stories and legends as much as Rig Jen! The Bermuda Triangle of Iran is a very beautiful, but mysterious and dangerous desert. Until a few years ago, no one could get out of it alive, and this matter had become the basis for many beliefs and legends. Until in 1998, a desert scientist named Ali Parsa crossed it for the first time! This place is now a popular destination for desert tours.
Of course, the high heat of the region, salty springs and rivers, and the deadly swamps of Rigjen still make it difficult to hike in the desert. To visit this area, be sure to join a professional tour. The best time for desert hiking in Rig Jen is autumn and winter.
- Address: Semnan province on the border of Semnan and Isfahan, Garmsar city, Kavir National Park, Rig Jen desert.
Strait of Darkness A beautiful erosion
Tengeh Zelamat can be introduced as one of the most beautiful scenic areas of Garmsar. The beautiful curves of this gorge have been formed by wind and water flow over the years. In fact, this beautiful phenomenon occurred due to erosion. In the northern part of the gorge, the length of the walls is shorter; But the further you go, the walls get higher and eventually reach a height of 30 meters.
While crossing the gorge, you will sometimes pass through corridors that the natives of the region call darkness. We recommend that you have a compass when visiting the Darkness Gorge. We also suggest that you get the help of local people and experienced tour leaders. The best time to visit this attraction is early morning in spring, autumn and winter.
- Address: Garmsar, southeast of Kavir National Park.
Bane Koh | A corner to escape from the heat
We have always said about the heat and dryness of Garmsar air; But among the places of interest in Garmsar, there are also places with good weather. Benekoh tourist area is a place full of water and cool, and while hiking in this area, you will probably come across fruits and plants such as figs, plums, and rhubarb. One of the common pastimes of Benekoh is fishing in Hableroud.
This area had special importance in the past; Because it was located on the route that connected Garmsar to Mazandaran and was very important from a military point of view. The ancient Stunavand castle, which is one of the sights of the region, was built to protect this route and the people of this land. When visiting Baneh Mountain, we recommend you to visit this castle as well.
- Address: 5 km north of Garmsar.
Behvard tourist area A green glow in the heart of the desert
Another green spot in Garmsar is the Behord tourist area. When you are tired of the heat of Garmsar air, go to Tepe Mahorha and drive on a winding mountain road. After enjoying this scenic road, you will reach the pristine and pleasant region of Behord and you can spend your summer day in the cool air of this mountain village. Due to its flora and fauna, this area has become one of the best places to visit in Garmsar. In the corners of Behord village, there are many waterfalls that have multiplied the attractiveness of this place.
- Address: Garmsar, 32 km northwest of Ivanki district.
Garmsar religious attractions The intersection of history and religion
When you go to Garmsar, even the Imamzades and religious attractions of this city have the color of history! Garmsar has two important shrines, whose tombs and the areas where they are located are very old. By visiting these religious places, you will also enjoy the architecture of the ancient buildings. In this section, we will introduce these two historical Imamzadeh.
Imamzadeh Ali Akbar Garmsar A religious attraction with a long history
Among the religious places of the city, this tomb is considered one of the most important sights in Garmsar. Imamzadeh Ali Akbar does not have an inscription to indicate its age; But according to other historical evidence, its life reaches about 850 years. The popularity of this attraction has caused them to bring an asphalt road and piped water to this area for the well-being of pilgrims.
The age of the tomb of this historical imamzade dates back to the Ilkhani and Qajar periods. Its building is also designed in a traditional hexagonal shape and has two whitewashed domes. During religious days such as 21 Ramadan and 28 Safar, Imamzadeh becomes very crowded and its roads are closed; So, if you want to visit this tomb during these special days, you should reach the village of Imamzadeh Akbar the night before.
- Address: Garmsar, Aradan section, Radan city, Yatri district.
Imamzadeh Sultan Shahnazar A combination of history and religion
Imamzade Sultan Shahnazar is one of the religious attractions of this city; But it also has traces of history. This Imamzadeh is located on a hill that dates back to the pre-Islam era. But the building of Imamzadeh belongs to the Qajar period and was built according to the architecture of the same period.
The local name of this imamzadeh is “Ardavan” and its building has a relatively conical dome and transept arches. There are also beautiful plasterwork inside it. Although Imamzadeh of Sultan Shahnazar is included in the group of national monuments of Iran, unfortunately, this beautiful building and its restoration are not taken care of as it deserves.
- Address: 15 km southeast of Garmsar, Aradan city center.
Travel to Garmsar and visit stunning beauties
In this article, we got acquainted with the places of interest in Garmsar and saw what wonders and sights are hidden in just one corner of Iran. By traveling to Garmsar, you will have a trip to history and you will be amazed by its natural attractions. This city had a great commercial and military importance in the past, and for this reason, today we see many ancient buildings in this area. Although its nature is hot and dry, its sights are commendable. From another point of view, a trip to Garmsar will be an opportunity to get to know the different tribes of Iran and their rich culture. Have you traveled to Garmsar? Which of the scenic areas of Garmsar was the most attractive to you? Write us in the comments section.
Frequently asked questions about places of interest in Garmsar
When is the best time to travel to Garmsar?
Garmsar has the best weather in April and May. We recommend you to travel to Garmsar in spring.
What souvenirs does Garmsar have?
Garmsar salt, handicrafts such as rugs, handwoven fabric and local dairy products are some of the souvenirs of Garmsar.
What are the most famous local dishes of Garmsar?
Abgousht, techin and keshkbadmjan are among the most popular local dishes of this city.
What are the handicrafts of Garmsar?
Garmsar handicrafts include knitted items such as carpets, jajims, handwoven fabrics, rugs and khorjins.
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