Marivan

Introduction

Marivan is a city in the Central District of Marivan County, in Iran's Kurdistan province, and serves as the capital of both the county and the district. That administrative role places it at the centre of the surrounding area, making it the natural base for exploring this part of Kurdistan.

Three days in Marivan

Day one: Start in Marivan, the city at the heart of Marivan County in Kurdistan, and get your bearings in the Central District before heading out into the surrounding countryside. Use the first day to settle into the rhythm of the city and its bazaar, then take a walk along the shores of Lake Zarivar, where the water and the reed beds draw birds and a steady stream of local visitors. Keep the pace easy and let the landscape set the tone for the days ahead.

• Marivan city centre and bazaar
• Lake Zarivar

Day two: Give the day to the mountains and villages of Marivan County. Head out of the city towards the border hills, where the roads climb through oak woodland and past small Kurdish settlements, and stop wherever the views open up. This is walking country, so plan on time on foot rather than in the car, and carry what you need since services thin out quickly beyond the main towns.

• Rural Marivan County
• Kurdish villages of the border hills

Day three: Return to Lake Zarivar for a slower morning, perhaps hiring a boat or simply walking the shoreline paths, before spending the afternoon back in Marivan. Round off your stay with the city's food and company, and use the remaining time to arrange onward travel within Kurdistan or back towards the rest of Iran.

• Lake Zarivar
• Marivan city centre