Overview
Karaj is a city of about 1.6 million people in the foothills of the Alborz mountain range, making it the fifth-largest city in Iran and a key transit hub just 20 km west of Tehran. Its cooler climate and mountain scenery offer a greener, more pleasant alternative to the capital, while its nickname "Little Iran" reflects the rich cultural mix from migrants across the country.
Budget Travel · Day Trips · Mountains · Nature · Skiing
Before you go
Connectivity
Area code for Karaj is 026.
Money
Hotels list prices in US dollars (US$25-30), but Iranian Rial (IRR) is the local currency for most transactions.
Safety
Avoid walking alone late at night on quiet streets; go out with a native companion when possible.
Transport
Karaj Metro connects west-east through the city and into Tehran. Freeway and railway link to Tehran 40 km east and Qazvin 100 km northwest.
Weather
Karaj has a cooler climate than Tehran with 260 mm of annual rainfall. Mountain areas are cold; skiing available November-March.