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Voykit pocket guide · Iran
Mahan
ماهان
Half a day is enough: see the Shazdeh Garden and the tomb of Shah Nematollah Vali, then return to Kerman. Not a base.
Mahan is a small town 30 km southeast of Kerman, best known for the Shazdeh Garden (a UNESCO Persian Garden) and the turquoise-tiled tomb of the Sufi poet Shah Nematollah Vali. Most travellers visit as a half-day trip from Kerman on the way to Bam or Rayen. The town itself has little else, so plan 3–4 hours.
- Country
- Iran
- Local name
- ماهان
- Best months
- Mar–May, Sep–Nov
- Avoid
- Jul–Aug (extreme heat)
- Stay
- 0 nights
Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.
Essentials
- Currency
- IRR
- Money
- Foreign cards and ATMs do not work in Iran: see Insurance & payments above.
- Daily spend
- Budget IRR 1,500,000–3,000,000 excl. bed · Mid IRR 3,000,000–6,000,000 excl. bed · High IRR 6,000,000+ excl. bed (estimate; check)
- Emergency
- Police 110 · Ambulance 115 · Fire 125
What things cost
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Taxi Kerman–Mahan (one way) | IRR 500,000–800,000 |
| Shazdeh Garden entry | IRR 500,000 |
| Tomb of Shah Nematollah Vali entry | IRR 250,000 |
| Doogh (yogurt drink) | IRR 30,000–50,000 |
| Black tea at a teahouse | IRR 20,000–40,000 |
Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.
Get in
By air
- KER · Kerman Airport
- About 40 km (25 mi); taxi to Mahan about 45 minAbout 25 mi (40 km); taxi to Mahan about 45 min
Typical fares
- Taxi Kerman–Mahan
- IRR 500,000–800,000, about 30 min (check)
- Shazdeh Garden entry
- IRR 500,000 (check)
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card
Get around
Walkable except Shazdeh Garden, which is 2 km (1.2 mi) south of the centre (taxi, about 200,000 rials).Walkable except Shazdeh Garden, which is 1.2 mi (2 km) south of the centre (taxi, about 200,000 rials).
See and do
Known for
- Shazdeh Garden (UNESCO Persian Garden)
- Tomb of Shah Nematollah Vali
- Caravanserai
Day trips
| Where | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Kerman | Taxi or bus from Khajoo Square; about 30 min | About 30 min |
| Rayen | Taxi via Kerman, about 1 h 30 min | About 2 h |
| Bam | Taxi or bus via Kerman, about 2 h | About 2.5 h |
| Shahdad | Taxi via Kerman, about 2 h | About 2.5 h |
Sleep
- Mahan town centre
- A few basic guesthouses; most visitors sleep in Kerman and day-trip.
Phrase card
| English | Say or show |
|---|---|
| Hello | سلامsalaam |
| Thank you | ممنونmamnoon |
| How much? | چقدر؟cheghadr? |
| Where is the garden? | باغ کجاست؟baagh kojaast? |
Etiquette, safety and scams
Scams and watch-outs
- No ATMs in Mahan; bring cash (rials) from Kerman.
- Alcohol is illegal; do not attempt to buy or drink.
- Touts may approach at the historical house; do not pay them.
- Shazdeh Garden closes at sunset; check the exact time with your driver.
Mahan is safe for tourists, but avoid political gatherings and respect local dress codes. Women must wear a headscarf and long clothing. The main risk is heat exhaustion in summer.
One and two days
No timed day plan for Mahan yet. Suggested stay: 0 nights. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.
- Shazdeh Garden (UNESCO Persian Garden)
- Tomb of Shah Nematollah Vali
- Caravanserai
Sources
Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.
- Wikivoyage: Mahan, revision 5065733 (CC BY-SA 4.0): en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=5065733
Pocket card
Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.
Printed from Voykit (/mahan). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.