Everything you need for visiting Kermanshah: Taq-e Bostan, Bisotun, and Tekyeh Moaven al-Molk, getting there via Tehran or Isfahan or overland, and tips for Iraqi travelers. By RideFly.
🔍 Search & book your flightKermanshah is an ancient Kurdish city in western Iran, close to the Iraqi border and a familiar stop for Iraqi travelers. It blends a rich Sassanid heritage with mountain scenery and a living Kurdish culture. This guide covers its top sights, how to get there, getting around, and key tips before you travel.
Kermanshah lies in western Iran and is among the closest Iranian cities to the Iraqi border. It is an important center of Kurdish culture, known for its Sassanid heritage, mountain setting, and local cuisine. It pairs ancient archaeological sites with modern city life, making it a rich destination for visitors.
Leading the sights is Taq-e Bostan, with its Sassanid rock reliefs carved into the mountainside beside a spring. Bisotun is one of the world's most significant historical sites and is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Tekyeh Moaven al-Molk is worth a visit for its colorful tilework, alongside the Grand Mosque and the old bazaars.
Direct flights from Iraq to Kermanshah are limited and seasonal, often charters during pilgrimage seasons. The most common way is to reach Tehran or Isfahan with carriers such as Iraqi Airways, Mahan Air, or Iran Air, then take a domestic flight to Shahid Ashrafi Esfahani Airport (KSH). Given the city's closeness to the border, many also choose to travel overland.
Taxis, ride-hailing apps, and buses connect the main sights. Taq-e Bostan is close to the city and easy to reach, while Bisotun lies roughly 30 kilometers to the east and is best visited by rental car or on an organized tour that gives you enough time.
Iraqi travelers need a visa to enter Iran, so review the current Iran visa requirements before booking. Carry warm clothing in winter, and plan your visit away from peak pilgrimage seasons if you prefer quieter surroundings. Set aside a full day for farther sites such as Bisotun.
Spring and autumn are among the best times for their mild weather, while winter is cold and summer is warm. Choose the season that suits your plans and your appetite for the mountain climate.
About two to three days are enough to see Taq-e Bostan, Tekyeh Moaven al-Molk, and the city's sights, with an extra day for the Bisotun site.
Yes, its historical sites, gardens, and bazaars suit families, with a range of accommodation and dining options in the city.
Yes, Iraqis need a visa to enter Iran. Review the Iran visa requirements before you travel.
