Saed News: Su-e Chaleh, a summer resort, is one of the tourist attractions of Masal and is located about 30 kilometers from Masal.
According to the tourism service of Saed News, during the hot days of the year, especially in summer, travelers look for lush and cool destinations. Among the various travel options, the cool highland pastures in the north of the country are particularly popular. Masal, a small city in Gilan Province, is known for its summer resorts with fresh and unique air, untouched misty landscapes, indescribable serenity, tall waterfalls, and endless green meadows—a place where you can literally walk above the clouds.
Most travelers associate Masal with the Olasbelangah summer resort. However, did you know that many of the photos and videos circulating on social media, claimed to be of Olasbelangah, are actually from the nearby Su-e Chaleh? Su-e Chaleh is another tourist attraction in Masal, just a short distance from Olasbelangah, and features colorful two-story houses and lush scenery that leave every visitor in awe.
Experiencing the magical and untouched landscapes of Su-e Chaleh and watching the entire valley suddenly get covered in mist is something everyone should try at least once in their lifetime. Don’t forget to take a walk in the evening—when Su-e Chaleh reveals its most beautiful form, offering you a slice of paradise. Stay with us as we explore more about this stunning destination.
Su-e Chaleh is a pristine and beautiful summer village located south of Masal city, in Gilan Province. Masal lies about 60 kilometers from Talesh and 55 kilometers northwest of Rasht, the provincial capital. It is approximately 370 kilometers from Tehran, and the drive takes around five hours. Masal is also the second-highest city in Gilan after Rudbar.
Su-e Chaleh (also spelled "Sochaleh") is the most famous summer resort in Masal after Olasbelangah. It sits 33 kilometers south of Masal at an elevation of 1,900 meters above sea level, nestled among lush, misty mountains—just four kilometers above Olasbelangah.
To reach the summer villages of Masal, head towards Rasht via the Qazvin–Rasht highway. About 20 kilometers before reaching Rasht, take the exit toward Fuman, then continue through Fuman and Soume’eh Sara until you reach Kalidar village. From there, drive towards Taher Gourab village and on to Masal. After entering Masal and passing a long boulevard, you’ll reach the winding mountain road that leads to the summer resorts—lined with towering trees, waterfalls, roadside stalls, and untouched nature.
After about an hour of driving through the mountain roads and passing the Khardol summer resort, you’ll reach Fardin Masoumi Hotel and the Olasbelangah summer resort. Drive past the hotel for another 10 minutes to reach Su-e Chaleh.
Address: Gilan Province, Masal Highlands, 4 km from Olasbelangah
In the local language, "Su-e Chaleh" means "a place where Golpar (Persian hogweed) and daggerleaf grow."
Su-e Chaleh in Gilan, with its scenic views and wooden houses, is an ideal getaway for a summer weekend. From afar, the village looks like a hollow or a saddle. “Su” in the local Talysh language means Golpar—a plant that grows abundantly in the area. Hence, the name means a place where Golpar and daggerleaf plants grow.
Photography, hiking, nature walks, walking in the mist, feeling the rain, admiring green mountainous landscapes, watching herds of sheep, and breathing clean, fresh air are all part of the Su-e Chaleh experience that draws more tourists each year. Spending a night here allows you to live a traditional, rural life and escape the chaos of big cities.
It’s best to start your journey early in the morning and stay overnight, as driving the winding and unlit roads at night can be dangerous. Watching the sunrise and sunset, the starry night sky, and the "sea of clouds" phenomenon are experiences you absolutely shouldn’t miss.
We recommend renting a wooden cabin for your stay. If you’re not into traditional village life, you can stay at the Fardin Masoumi Hotel in Olasbelangah or other hotels nearby.
Note that most wooden houses in the Masal highlands lack city utilities like electricity, gas, and tap water. Water is sourced from springs and stored in tanks, and electricity is provided by generators, which usually turn off after midnight—so bring a power bank. Some cabins have bathrooms, but most have outdoor toilets. Heating is provided by wood, kerosene heaters, or small gas canisters.
The weather in Su-e Chaleh is cold during autumn and winter, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. But in spring and summer, it enjoys mild, pleasant weather with an average temperature of 18°C, making it a perfect summer getaway near Rasht. Winters are so cold that most residents move back to Masal, and the village becomes nearly deserted.
In April, Su-e Chaleh experiences sudden heavy rain and snow, so it's best to avoid traveling during this month. The ideal time to visit is from late May to October. May and June are especially great for misty views and the cloud ocean phenomenon. You can also visit during the beautiful autumn season, but keep in mind that fog can get so thick that visibility becomes almost zero.
Don’t forget to check the weather before your trip so sudden rains don’t catch you off guard, and pack appropriately for the temperature.
