Masouleh Village - The scenic village in north of Iran

North of Iran is a magnificent area in terms of nature, climate, and culture. This area meets the Caspian Sea from the north and the steam rising off the sea gets banned by the Alburz Mountain Range, which has resulted in a very lush and rainy area covered with dense forests. There are numerous towns and villages in the north of Iran, and one of the most amazing ones is the charming Masouleh Village. Masouleh is located 55 kilometers away from Rasht, the center of Gilan Province, and is one of the villages of Iran that shouldn’t be missed. But, what makes Masouleh Village so worth visiting?

The history of Masouleh Village

About 800 years ago, groups of people from different parts of Iran like Kurdistan migrated to this village as a result of unknown reasons, maybe earthquakes or drought in their previous homelands. They were accompanied by a group of people who lived in a village named the Old Masouleh which is 10 kilometers away from the current Masouleh and is where many pieces of ancient potteries and other objects are found. Masouleh was the first alive village which was registered on the National Heritage List of Iran in 1975.

The architecture of Masouleh Village

In general, the people living in the north of Iran are extroverted and lively people and the architecture of their houses follows this pattern, too. In Masouleh, the houses have wide windows and balconies which helps the circulation of the misty air. Since this village is constructed on the foothills of mountains, it has a stepped construction like Abyaneh and Uraman villages. In Masouleh the houses are built based on a vertical chain and the rooftop of the lower house is the courtyard of the upper house or is used as the public alley of the village, where no motor vehicle is allowed to enter. The houses are covered with yellow mud in order to be notable in misty weather which accrues in Masouleh all the year.

The locals of Masouleh Village

Most of the locals of Masouleh are old men and women who have refused to migrate to cities and prefer to stay in their cozy houses of this beautiful village. They speak in Taleshi language which is close to the ancient Avesta language and are so loyal to Islamic rituals like Ashura and Tasu’a and Iranian new year ceremony, Nowruz. The locals earn money by animal husbandry, renting village houses to travelers, and making handicrafts like wood crafts and knitted crafts like woolen warm socks and tiny cute dolls.

Things to do in Masouleh Village

Many people travel to Masouleh Village in order to get relaxed for a couple of days, walk through the colorful and vibrant local market, enjoy the scenic view and the fresh weather, and sit in small teahouses where locals gather and play backgammon. The travelers looking for more active experiences usually manage to climb the Shah Moalem Mount which is 3050 meters high above the sea level and is the highest spot in Gilan Province. This is a safe climbing route and passes through the eye-catching forests.

The best time to visit Masouleh Village

During the winter and as a result of the great amount of snowfall, the weather in this village is so cold and the roads reaching it sometimes get banned for days, however, the trees and houses covered with white snow create an astonishing view. Thanks to the mild weather and less rainfall, spring and summer are the best seasons for visiting Masouleh. But, for many autumns are the most amazing time of the year for having a trip to Masouleh. In spite of the great amount of rainfall, the weather is not very cold and the landscapes are so colorful that blow every visitors’ mind.

Where to stay in Masouleh Village?

There are two cozy hotels inside Masouleh and some other hotels on the road of Masouleh that travelers can book before arriving Masouleh. There are also many clean and cozy village houses and ecolodges that travelers can book with lower prices and enjoy a more authentic experience.

Tours to Masouleh Village

Although Masouleh Village in north of Iran is not usually included on Iran classic and culture tours, this is a highly recomended place especially on your second travel to Iran. There are two PackToIran Iran tours that include the wonderful Masouleh Village. If you are keen to visit this village, checkout North of Iran Tour and North and Northwest Iran Tour and choose between them.