"Qom -- so close yet so far from Tehran" Qom by jkseddon

Qom is the second most important religious centre in Iran after Mashad and is where Imam Khomeini was exiled from by the Shah. Today it is a pilgrimmage site for Shiite Muslims and is quite a conservative place.

For non-Muslims, finding accomodation can be tough and overall the reception you'll find is much cooler than elsewhere in Iran. Aside from the shrine and Khomeini's house there is little to see in Qom but the pilgrims stay busy by shopping in the evenings.

You can stay here on the way into or out of Tehran. Alternatively, you can make it a day trip from Tehran.

• Pros:Radically different from most of the country
• Cons:tough to find accomodation
• In a nutshell:Get a glimpse of a side of Iran more along the lines of what people erroneously believe the whole country is like