Sistan and Baluchistan in Iran
Sistan and Baluchistan province (also spelled Sistan and Baluchestan) is in the southeast of Iran on the border with Afghanistan and Pakistan. To the south lies the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Oman. This province is about the size of Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and Slovenia combined. As a result of its huge dimensions, there is a fair amount of driving from the north to the south. It has 1,100 km of land along the border with Pakistan and Afghanistan together with a coastal stretch of 300 km along the Indian Ocean’s Gulf of Oman.
The inhabitants consist of two tribes, one is the Baluchi tribe, who are Sunni Muslims, and the other the Sistani tribe, who are Shi’a Muslims. Both speak Persian.
The province is really amazing with huge contrasts between the deserts, snow-capped mountains, peculiar rock formations, an active 4,000 m volcano, Martian scenery, cliff-enclosed fishing villages along the coast, plus tropical rivers with the rare Mugger crocodile. This is a lesser-known destination in Iran but, at the same time, one of the most beautiful areas of our country.
One of the places in the province you must visit is the famous Shahr-i Sokhta or “Burnt City”, (registered on UNESCO list in 2015), founded around 3200 BC. It is situated at the junction of the Bronze Age trade routes crossing the Iranian plateau.
Another region is the Dasht-e Lut desert. The Lut desert was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2016. It is one of the main highlights of Iran in terms of nature. Since Iranian deserts were on the Silk Road, there are many historical monuments and sites remaining from that period that are well worth visiting. Not only are there many different types of flora and fauna in this hot region, but also numerous Caravanserais still exist that can accommodate travelers with ease.
Another highlight of this area is exploring the Gulf of Oman coast as well as visiting several small towns and fishing villages. Adventure Iran has a couple of special tours for this province including Baluchestan, Chabahar port & the Indian Ocean coast. It is one of the best Iran off the Beaten Path destinations you can visit and enjoy. Balochistan is one of the Best Iran Tour during winter and the temperature is excellent around December, January and February.
For getting complete guide of Sistan and Baluchistan destination, Please check out our recent post of this authentic destination.
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