Kuhpayeh neighborhood; home to breathtaking waterfalls, valleys
Iranica Desk
Kerman and its surrounding areas are often perceived by tourism enthusiasts as dry and warm regions with few significant natural attractions. While much of the province is desert, there are sections that feature lush pastures and mountains, making them some of the best sightseeing spots in the area.
The Kuhpayeh neighborhood consists of several mountainous villages that serve as popular summer retreats for both residents and tourists of Kerman. When visiting the historical sites of Kerman, you can also take some time to enjoy the beautiful nature in Kuhpayeh, located approximately 35 kilometers northeast of the city.
The villages in this neighborhood are clustered in a mountainous area, with only a few situated farther from the main settlements. Access to all the villages is possible by private vehicle via a road that is only closed during heavy rainfall. The natural attractions scattered throughout these villages are a major draw, enticing residents of Kerman and those from the warmer parts of the province to enjoy the cool weather and lush landscapes.
The Kuhpayeh neighborhood features rivers, bubbling springs, flowing waterfalls, and tall mountains, contributing to a significant temperature difference between these areas and other cities in Kerman Province. Agriculture and horticulture thrive in Kuhpayeh, and from the first days of spring, the atmosphere in the gardens of this region is stunning.
Surrounding each of these villages are valleys that attract the attention of professional climbers and trekkers. For canyoning in these areas, it is advisable to seek assistance from local guides familiar with the routes. Unfortunately, in the past decade, this region has experienced unfortunate incidents involving climbing and trekking groups unfamiliar with the area.
The mountains overlooking Kuhpayeh neighborhood are located along the western edge of the Lut Desert. These mountains separate the desert climate of Kerman from the villages of Kuhpayeh. The highest peak in these mountains rises over 4,200 meters and is situated in the Polvar heights.
In the villages, there are facilities such as grocery stores and mosques. Among the most famous local products of this region are citrus fruits, vegetables, walnuts, and honey.
To visit some of these attractions, a certain level of physical fitness is required, although access to some of the sights isn’t too difficult. Each village in this area has a high potential for rural tourism and exploration of local areas, attracting those interested in getting to know the local culture of the people of Kerman. Below, we will introduce the most famous attractions in Kuhpayeh neighborhood.
Shangestan Valley
Shangestan Valley is one of the scenic spots in the Kuhpayeh neighborhood, near Vameqabad village. It is situated along the Derakhtangan River. The distance between this river and Gohar Spring marks the location of Shangestan Valley. The valley, which is approximately five kilometers long, sits at about 2,200 meters above sea level, resulting in a cool mountainous climate.
A variety of plant and animal species inhabit Shangestan Valley. During your trek through the valley, you will encounter beautiful landscapes and rushing waterfalls, the most famous of which is Gohar Waterfall. To reach the valley, you should follow the river from Vameqabad village. To visit the waterfalls, you need to trek for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Darb-e Anarestan village
Darb-e Anarestan village is one of the central villages in the Kuhpayeh neighborhood and is located a short distance from Simk Village. Access to this village is via a secondary road leading to Simk, with the entrance situated before Deh-e Lulu Village.
Attractions in Darb-e Anarestan include flowing rivers, bubbling springs, and qanats (ancient underground aqueducts). During spring and summer, the slopes surrounding the village are filled with aromatic and medicinal plants, while the adjacent mountain serves as the main habitat for various aromatic species in the area. Exploring the natural surroundings of Darb-e Anarestan and hiking in the nearby heights are particularly appealing to visitors.
Lulu village
Lulu village is another prominent village in the region, often regarded by tourists as the main village of the Kuhpayeh neighborhood. The area is surrounded by mountains, each offering some of the best climbing routes in the region.
An ancient plane tree in Lulu is one of the village’s most important natural attractions.
Throughout the village, bubbling springs and flowing rivers contribute to the lush greenery of the region. Many local accommodations and newly built villas are found in and around Lulu village. This village also provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the culture of the local people and to purchase local handicrafts and souvenirs.
Foosk Valley
Foosk Valley is considered one of the most beautiful natural attractions in the neighborhood, located near a village of the same name. This valley offers significant opportunities for exploration and trekking; however, a suitable level of physical fitness and professional trekking gear are necessary to traverse it.
As you move deeper into the valley, you will encounter more challenging sections. The most notable sights in Foosk Valley are the numerous beautiful waterfalls scattered throughout it. There are about 45 waterfalls, with the shortest one measuring approximately three meters in height. One of the most famous climbing routes in the Kuhpayeh neighborhood is Kafar Kuh (Kafar Mountain), which is adjacent to this valley. The route to access Foosk Valley begins from the nearby village.
Simk Valley
Simk Valley is one of the beautiful and pristine valleys in the Kuhpayeh neighborhood, featuring numerous natural attractions. This valley is home to 13 waterfalls of varying heights, which are among the most famous sights around Kerman.
To navigate Simk Valley and ascend and descend its waterfalls, professional trekking and climbing equipment, as well as appropriate physical fitness, are required. The walls of Simk Valley are quite tall, but the width of the valley does not exceed five meters. Many birds have built nests in the crevices of the valley walls, which can be seen during your trek. Simk Peak, rising over 3,700 meters, is another attraction of this area.
Best time to travel
The best time to visit the Kuhpayeh neighborhood is in the spring. The villages in this region serve as pleasant retreats, experiencing cold weather and rainfall during the winter. Due to the different climate of this area compared to Kerman and neighboring cities, visiting the neighborhood is also suitable during the early and late days of summer; however, as autumn begins, the weather in the region starts to cool down.
In spring, the natural beauty of the villages reaches its peak. During this time of year, waterfalls, rivers, and springs are abundant, and aromatic flowers and plants cover the slopes of the mountains. For hiking in this area, the best time is from late May until the last days of summer. If you plan to visit the villages during your trip to Kerman, it’s advisable to avoid the summer season, as enduring the heat of Kerman at this time of year can be quite challenging for tourists.
Accommodation
Not too long ago, the villages of the Kuhpayeh neighborhood were pristine areas with only orchards, agricultural fields, and rural houses. However, today, there is a wide variety of villas and newly built homes in these areas, with many people engaging in construction activities. Currently, the appearance of the villages is different from the past, and the number of simple rural houses is more limited than before.
When traveling to the villages, if you decide to stay overnight in these areas, you will have the option to rent various types of villas and rural homes. The garden villas are situated in areas with beautiful views and are fully equipped with amenities for tourists. If you want to save on accommodation costs, consider choosing smaller suites and rural houses.