Kerman

Kerman is the gateway to Iran's Lut Desert in the southeast, blending desert heritage, historic architecture and Persian gardens. A travel guide for Iraqi travelers.

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Overview

Kerman lies in southeastern Iran and is one of the country's largest provinces and the gateway to the Lut Desert (Dasht-e Lut), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is known for the historic Ganjali Khan complex with its bazaar, bathhouse and school, the Persian Shazdeh Garden in nearby Mahan, and its proximity to the mud-brick Arg-e Bam (Bam Citadel). The climate is desert: hot and dry in summer, mild to cold in winter.

Airports

Kerman International Airport (Ayatollah Hashemi Rafsanjani) is the city's main airport, served by domestic flights from Tehran, Isfahan and other Iranian cities. There are currently no regular direct flights from Iraq to Kerman; most travelers arrive via Tehran or Isfahan, then continue by a domestic flight or overland.

Getting around

Within the city there are taxis, ride-hailing apps and buses. To reach Mahan and Shazdeh Garden or the Lut Desert, it is best to hire a car with a driver or join an organized tour, as some desert sites are far from the city.

Top highlights

Lut Desert (Dasht-e Lut): one of the hottest places on Earth and a World Heritage Site, famous for its dramatic wind-carved formations called kaluts.
Ganjali Khan Complex: a historic square with a Safavid-era bazaar, bathhouse, school and caravanserai.
Shazdeh Garden in Mahan: a UNESCO-listed Persian garden with tiered fountains and greenery set in the desert.
Kerman Historic Bazaar: one of Iran's longest covered bazaars, with a traditional bathhouse and teahouse.
Arg-e Bam (Bam Citadel): one of the largest adobe structures in the world, near Kerman and worth a day trip.

Tips

Iraqi travelers need a visa to enter Iran; check the Iran visa requirements before you travel.
Plan desert visits for early morning or near sunset to avoid extreme heat, and carry plenty of water and sun protection.
Since there are no direct flights from Iraq, route your arrival via Tehran or Isfahan, then take a domestic flight to Kerman.

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FAQ

Are there direct flights from Iraq to Kerman?

There are currently no regular direct flights from Iraq to Kerman. Most travelers arrive via Tehran or Isfahan, then take a domestic flight of roughly an hour and a half, or continue overland.

Do Iraqis need a visa to visit Kerman?

Yes, Iraqi travelers need a visa to enter Iran. Check the current Iran visa requirements before you travel.

When is the best time to visit Kerman?

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are best, when the weather is mild, as summers are very hot in the desert areas.

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