If I were to choose the most underrated destination in Iran, it would have to be Chabahar. No discussion!
I had the fortune of calling this gorgeous coastal city the first stop of my overland journey across Iran after crossing the Rimdan border from Pakistan and I couldn’t be more grateful! Located along the breathtaking Makran Coast of Balochistan, Chabahar has it all: Tall white cliffs towering over turquoise waves, otherworldly desert landscapes with bubbling mud volcanoes, and of course, the extraordinary cultural heritage of traditional Balochi embroidery. In fact, I enjoyed my time in Chabahar so much that I spent two full weeks there, granting me plenty of time to explore the natural beauty of the region and immerse myself in the local culture.
Unfortunately, few tourists manage to make it to this little-known region of the country. Located in the extreme southeast of Iran in the province of Sistan and Baluchestan, Chabahar is closer to the Pakistani border than any major Iranian city and nowhere near the popular tourist attractions in the west. Transportation is limited and tourism infrastructure is largely lacking. Hence, most tourists miss out on some of Iran’s most beautiful views.
The good news is, the fact that you’re reading this article means that you probably have plans for venturing off into the far southeast. Applause! To make the best out of your trip, consider adding these 20 best places to visit in Chabahar to your list – trust me, you will not regret it!
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About Chabahar
There is a good chance that the name ‘Chabahar’ is relatively new to you. In fact, Chabahar is younger than some of you who might be reading this! The city was founded only five decades ago under the project of Chabahar Port, which provided a strategic access point to the Arabian Sea. Nowadays, Chabahar Port is of such importance that the area around Chabahar has been declared a free trade zone. As a result, the city is sprinkled with endless neon-lit malls selling imported goods at discounted prices.
This doesn’t mean Chabahar has nothing to offer for history buffs, though. Long before the modern port city was founded, civilization was thriving in the neighboring village of Tis, which still exists to this day. The ancient fishing village has been known to exist since 2500 BC and was mentioned in the conquests of Alexander the Great. Over the centuries, the Portuguese, British, Baloch, and many more left their traces in this former port town, which can still be found. Today, Tis is mostly a residential village, albeit full of historic attractions for the curious traveler.
Nowadays, the dominant ethnic group living in and around Chabahar are the Baloch. The Baloch are an Iranic people with a culture distinct from Persians or any other group in the region. Their land is known as ‘Balochistan’ and stretches across modern-day Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, including the Iranian province of Sistan and Baluchestan, where Chabahar is situated.
There is a lot of diversity within Baloch culture. The locals of Chabahar are mostly known as Makrani Baloch and their lifestyle and traditions are quite distinct from others, such as the Sulemani Baloch of Pakistan’s tribal areas, about whom I wrote in this post.
How to get to Chabahar
As I already mentioned, Chabahar is very remote and transportation is limited. Unless you have a private car and lots of time on your hands, your options are the following:
- Bus: There is regular service to other Iranian cities, including Zahedan, Kerman, and Shiraz. Tickets tend to sell out quickly due to limited service, and routes are excruciatingly long, so plan ahead!
- Flight: Chabahar has a small airport with regular flights to cities like Tehran and Zahedan.
- From Rimdan border: Chabahar may be your first or last stop if you are traveling from or two Pakistan via the Rimdan border. You can commute between the border and Chabahar by taxi or sporadic buses.
Read more: How To Cross The Gabd Rimdan Border – Pakistan To Iran By Road
Weather in Chabahar
The name ‘Chabahar’ is derived from Char Bahar, meaning ‘four springs’ (season). This implies the weather is mild around the year, but don’t be fooled: summers along the Makran Coast are tormentingly hot and humid! This makes winter the best time to visit Chabahar and summer the worst.
Hotels in Chabahar
The most famous accommodation in Chabahar is the luxurious Lipar Hotel. Azin Hotel is also popular. Keep in mind international hotel booking platforms don’t operate in Iran. Reservations can be made through Iran-based travel agencies, such as Termeh Travel,
Is Chabahar Safe?
Most Persians I have talked to tend to avoid travel to Balochistan due to safety concerns. While it is true that the region is extremely underdeveloped, impoverished, and unrest is not uncommon, many fears are also based on negative stereotypes. The local people are also the most hospitable you will ever encounter and go above and beyond for their guests.
Nonetheless, precautions should be taken. It’s best to visit with a local host or guide to avoid being the target of crime. Women are advised not to roam around alone or trust stranger men.
A Note On The Local Culture
Balochistan is known to be one of the most conservative regions in the world. One of the core cultural values is protecting the modesty of women. Tourists are strictly advised to not take any photos of local women, not even of friends. As a guest in a Baloch homes, expect to be separated by gender. Male tourists should avoid talking to women. All visitors should pay attention to dressing and acting modestly, even more so than in the rest of Iran. Westerners should be prepared for culture shocks that involve strict gender roles and patriarchal values. Avoid discussing religion.
Best Places to Visit in Chabahar City
Have you made up your mind to visit Chabahar yet? If so, these are the best places to visit in Chabahar City.
Recommended duration for Chabahar City: 1 day
Chabahar Free Zone (CFZ)
Probably the most famous attraction within the city, the CFZ is a collection of shopping malls that specialize in selling imported goods. Visitors can find everything from electronics to clothes to hardware at the lowest prices inside these malls. While shopping for made-in-China may not be your main priority, the malls themselves are a unique experience and key to understanding the importance of this port city. There is also a large food court selling specialty pizza, ice cream, and more.
Traditional Bazaar
If you are looking for a more local shopping experience, a visit to Chabahar’s traditional bazaar is a must! With its narrow, crowded alleys full of colorful textiles, jewelry, and spices, the traditional bazaar of Chabahar resembles the markets of the neighboring Pakistan a lot more than Persian bazaars. In contrast to most Pakistani bazaars, however, this market sells unique cultural goods of Balochistan, including traditional hand-embroidered women’s dresses and intricate gold jewelry. Even if you are not planning to buy anything, taking in the exclusive cultural atmosphere of this place is a must for every visitor.
Darya Bozorg
Darya Bozorg is Chabahar’s equivalent to Karachi’s legendary Seaview Beach. As the name translates to ‘Big Sea’, one can tell that the large waves in this region make swimming impossible. This doesn’t deprive Darya Bozorg of things to do, though: from camel rides to seaside dinners to stunning views of algae-covered blowholes, Chabahar’s main beach has something to offer to people of all ages.
Lipar Beach
When Darya Bozorg gets too crowded, head to Lipar Beach instead! This stone-covered sand beach is located just a short but scenic walk down from Chabahar’s famous Lipar Hotel and is a great spot to swim and relax with family.
Makoran Restaurant
Are you looking for nightlife Balochi-style? If so, Makoran Restaurant is your best bet. With chic, modern ambience, this open-air seaside restaurant is best to visit after dark, when loudspeakers begin to blast Farsi, Arabic, and Balochi music from all directions. Enjoy a cup of tea with shisha while taking in a unique atmosphere that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Places to Visit in Tis Village
When in Chabahar, a visit to its beautiful historic mother village of Tis is a must. Driving from Chabahar to Tis takes no more than 20 minutes, making it an easy day trip from the city.
Recommended duration for Tis Village: 1 day
Baan Mesiti Caves
One of Tis’ most notable attractions is the Baan Mesiti Caves. This mysterious set of caves is found in the mountains towering over the village and is believed to date back thousands of years. The shallow caves contain an oven-like altar with ancient inscriptions that is believed to have been used for worship purposes by the people who inhabited the region millennia ago.
Portuguese Castle
Chabahar’s second major historic site dates back to the Portuguese occupation of Makran in the 17th century. While most relics from this period have been destroyed, the ruins of an old defense fortress remain. The Portuguese Castle is located on top of a hill and requires a brief climb but visitors will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the village and the turquoise sea.
Jinn Cemetery
One of the more obscure sights of Tis is the Qabrestan-e-Jinn, which translates to ‘Jinn Cemetery’. According to Islamic belief, Jinn are invisible mystical creatures that live alongside humans, similar to ghosts. The Jinn Cemetery is located next to a regular village cemetery and is believed to house the tombs of Jinns. Their graves closely resemble the human equivalents but contain mysterious inscriptions that are said to be the traces of Jinn. While it is okay to walk over the Jinn tombs, it’s considered disrespectful to step on the neighboring human tombs, so caution is advised.
Darya Kuchek
Darya Kuchek translates to ‘small sea’ and unlike Darya Bozorg, this beach is very quiet with calm, clear, and warm water. Most parts are very shallow without strong currents, making this beach perfect to swim even for children. Female swimmers must dress modestly even in the water, making a burqini swimsuit the best option.
Gardens of Tis
The small village of Tis is full of gardens. While these mediocrely maintained parks are a far cry from the majestic gardens of Shiraz, they do offer a decent spot to walk and cool down during the day. I took a mid-day stroll in Tis Natural Garden after my visit to the Baan Mesiti Caves and admired the rather practical horticulture while refreshing myself in the water fountains.
Ancient Mosques
Tis Village is a small and sleepy settlement that can easily be explored by foot. While strolling through the village, visitors can get a glimpse of the local life and admire the beautiful architecture, including the old mosques. Although there is little information about these small mosques, locals estimate them to be many hundreds of years old. For optimal views and pleasant temperatures, plan your walk around sunset time.
Natural Wonders around Chabahar
While there are some intriguing cultural sites in Chabahar and Tis, the real attractions of the region are the unique natural wonders along the Makran Coast. Out of Chabahar, all major attractions of the Iranian portion of the coast are accessible during day trips.
Recommended duration for the Iranian Makran Coast: 1 day east of Chabahar (Pink Lake, cliffs, Martian Mountains, Beris), 1 day west of Chabahar (mangroves, mud volcano, Darak Beach), optional: 1 day in the mountainside
Pink Lake
Like other places in Iran, Chabahar also has a salt lake that displays a strong pink color during various times of the day. Unfortunately, the lake was only slightly pink when I visited, but I nonetheless enjoyed the salty landscape and the neighboring sandy beach. There are also local vendors selling salt harvested from this lake as well as traditional Balochi handicrafts.
Martian Mountains
Probably the most famous attraction of the Makran Coast, the Martian Mountains are a set of uniquely shaped white mountains that can indeed trick you into believing you’re on Mars. Located right by the coast, these rock formations are the work of wind and sea over many millennia. While the rock formations of Hingol National Park on the Pakistani side of the Makran Coast are even more impressive, in light of the Pakistani government’s travel restrictions the Martian Mountains of Chabahar are the most accessible option for international travelers.
Golden Cliffs
What would be the Makran Coast without its iconic white cliffs that tower of the turquoise sea? Some of the most stunning examples can be found just east of Chabahar and extend all the way to the Pakistani border. Be careful not to slip, though!
Beris
The single most famous cliff can be found in the fishing village of Beris. It extends out from the village as a slim peninsular that offers the most ravishing 360° views of the blue sea and the small port of Beris. Beris is a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting Chabahar and the perfect location to try out your camera’s panorama feature.
Blowholes
Another unique phenomenon commonly observed around Chabahar are blowholes. Unexpectedly, water emerges out of holes between the rocks, which results in breathtaking views and drenched clothes. One spot to witness blowholes is on the algae-covered rocks next to Darya Bozorg in Chabahar City.
Mangrove Forests
Locally known as ‘Hara forests’, Mangrove forests are coastal swamp areas inhabited by specially adapted trees and shrubs, such as the sacred fig tree. This flora protects the landscape from the harsh forces of the sea and allows unique fauna to flourish, including crocodiles, so look out! Small mangrove forests can be found all along the coast, including one just west of Tis.
Mud Volcanoes
Mud volcanoes are another unique natural phenomenon commonly found along the Makran Coast. The tallest, most prominent example is the Tang Gelfeshan located about 100 kilometers west of Chabahar on the way to Darak Beach. After entering the park, visitors can climb the 50-meters-tall volcano to watch the gas-propelled mud eruptions. While mud volcanoes are generally not dangerous, caution is advised, else you may fall into the crater like I did and are at the risk of drowning in clay.
Darak Beach
Darak is a remote, untouched beach two hours west of Chabahar, where the sandy, date-palm-covered desert landscape extends directly into the sea. There is even one spot where a lone palm tree arises from the smooth golden sand in front of the sea. The beach can be difficult to find and the drive is long, but absolutely worth it in my experience. Sunsets at Darak Beach are especially dreamy, but leave before nighttime as there are many robbers in the remote corners of Balochistan.
Mountainside
This one is a bonus, and I would only recommend visiting with a local who has land or family there, but the mountainside north of Chabahar is absolutely stunning and home to some of the most traditional people of Balochistan. A visit to one of the remote villages in the mountains offers a glimpse into the vastly different lives of the tribal shepherds, some of whom even live nomadic lifestyles. Most areas have no electricity and water is drunk from goat hides, but this makes the experience even more special.
If you have no invitation to a village, don’t worry, you can still enjoy beautiful views of the mountains from the main road that connects Chabahar to other major cities.
Where to go next
Where to go after Chabahar? Here are your best options:
- Zahedan: Zahedan is the capital of Sistan and Baluchestan province. Located more than seven hours to the north, Zahedan is still inhabited by mostly Baloch, but their culture and lifestyles differ from the people of Makran.
- Kerman: Kerman is the closest major city from Chabahar and the most logical next stop when traveling westward.
- Pakistan: If Chabahar is the last stop of your Iran tour, you can cross the nearby Rimdan border to Pakistan. More information on the border crossing can be found here.
Conclusion
Chabahar may not be a popular destination for Iran travelers due to its remoteness, but certainly worth a visit. The young port city is the gateway to the Iranian portion of Balochistan’s Makran Coast, which is rich in natural wonders. Furthermore, it’s a great place to experience Baloch culture, which is vastly distinct from Persian culture. Whether you are crossing to or from Pakistan or simple want to take advantage of the geographical limits of your Iran visa, if you have the chance to visit Chabahar, don’t miss it!
Have you ever been to Chabahar? Which places were your favorites? Let me know in the comments below!