Things To Do
in Darb-e Behesht

Slow-cooked stews with lamb or chicken, often flavored with local herbs and served with rice or flatbread; available in village homes and small eateries in nearby towns.

Must-Try!

Simple, fragrant skewered lamb or chicken grilled over charcoal—common at roadside stands and local restaurants in nearby bazaars.

Traditional Iranian flatbreads baked in local ovens; eaten with cheese, herbs or stew and sold at small bakeries in neighboring towns.

Locally-grown dates and pistachios; sweets made with nuts and honey are common and make great souvenirs.

A regional bazaar in the closest market town where you can buy fresh produce, spices (saffron, turmeric), nuts, dried fruits and simple street snacks such as sambuseh (savory pastries) and grilled skewers.

A communal teahouse is the social hub; try strong black tea, simple snacks and watch daily life while chatting with locals (offer to pay for your tea).

Conservative clothing is expected: women should wear a headscarf and loose-fitting outer garment in public; men should avoid shorts in towns. Respect local modesty norms at all times.

Greet people with a polite 'Salam' and accept tea if offered—hosts are hospitable and may invite guests to share a meal. Use the right hand for handshakes or passing items.

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women and children. Avoid photographing government buildings, military installations or suspicious sites.

Respect prayer times, mosque spaces and religious customs; avoid loud behavior during the call to prayer and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Tipping is appreciated but not always expected in small villages. In restaurants in larger towns, a tip of 5–10% is common. For guides, drivers or helpful hosts, a small cash tip is customary if service was good.

Cash (Iranian rial) is the primary payment method in rural areas; bring sufficient local currency from larger towns. Credit/debit cards and international payments are accepted only in bigger cities and some hotels. ATMs are available in regional centers but not guaranteed in tiny villages—plan accordingly.

One of the best times to visit: mild temperatures, occasional green from irrigated fields and wildflowers in higher elevations. Daytime is comfortable; nights can be cool.

Hot and dry—daytime temperatures can be very high. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon, stay hydrated and avoid strenuous hikes at midday.

Another excellent season with cooling temperatures and clear skies—ideal for photography, market visits and day trips into surrounding desert and hills.

Cool to cold, especially at night; higher elevations can see frost and occasional snow. Bring warm layers for evenings and be prepared for reduced water flow in some irrigation channels.

Vegetarian options are available but limited in small villages—ask for egg- or lentil-based dishes (ash or khoresh without meat) and rely on bread, rice, salads and dairy. In larger towns you’ll find more variety; learning phrases to request no meat helps.

Vegan choices are harder; request rice, vegetable stews without meat or dairy and fresh fruits. Carry snacks if you have strict requirements.

Flatbreads are ubiquitous; rice dishes are a safe choice. Notify hosts or restaurants that you need to avoid bread and cross-contamination.

Nuts (pistachios) and dairy are common—communicate allergies clearly and consider carrying translation cards explaining specific allergens.