Masouleh is far more than pretty houses and a souvenir bazaar: it’s a year-round natural stage of cloud, flowers, waterfalls, and nearby peaks. This compact guide covers where Masouleh is, how to get there, its architecture and history, the best seasons to visit, nearby waterfalls, peaks, museums, local foods, etc.
The sights of Masouleh are not limited to its beautiful local houses, market and museums. Most foreign tourists who travel to Gilan also visit Masouleh; that foreign interest shows that Masouleh’s fame is global and its beauty is exceptional.
Masouleh sits in a mountainous area in southern Gilan province amid dense forests. The distance from central Masouleh to the Zanjan province border is about 2 km, and to the Ardabil area (Gilvan) about 10 km.
Generally there are two routes to Masouleh: Fuman → Masouleh from Gilan side, and Majelan → Masouleh from Ardabil province. Majelan is the last village of Ardabil province on the Khalkhal → Masouleh road.
The road that reaches Masouleh from Majelan used to be an old caravan route for foot traffic and pack animals; later, with growing villages and roadworks, cars could use it. In recent years this road got attention: at the time of writing the asphalt and safety upgrades from Majelan to Masouleh are being completed. Some sections are still dirt.
The older all-season route is the Fuman → Masouleh road.
The closest route from Tehran is the Qazvin → Rasht road to Saravan, then Saravan → Fuman, then on to Masouleh. Now that we’ve said where Masouleh is, here are road distances from various cities:
Tehran → Masouleh: 380 km
Zanjan → Masouleh: 170 km
Lahijan → Masouleh: 111 km
Anzali → Masouleh: 99 km
Ardabil → Masouleh: 263 km
Qazvin → Masouleh: 255 km
Fuman → Masouleh: 32 km
Rasht → Masouleh: 55 km
Ramsar → Masouleh: 185 km
The name Masouleh has several theories and each has its own interpretation. The original pronunciation «Moslæh» in the Talysh language has been used since the 8th–9th century AH, indicating deep historical and cultural roots.
Some believe the name comes from a mountain named “Mah-salar,” originally called “Masala,” which later became Masouleh.
Another theory breaks the word into “Mas” (meaning mountain/obstruction) and “uleh” (meaning high) — interpreting it as “high mountain.” In Sanskrit and Pahlavi influences Masouleh has been taken to mean “small moon” or “land of the small moon.” Some suggest the name was borrowed from Mosul (in Kurdish regions) and that early inhabitants were Kurdish — but that theory lacks strong historical backing and is disputed by researchers.
The similarity of Masouleh to nearby names like Maser shows inhabitants probably moved from Old Masouleh to the current town.
This variety of theories reflects the region’s rich and complex history; each interpretation reveals a different cultural facet.
Masouleh’s climate, like much of Gilan, is temperate: warm summers and cold winters. Summer highs reach about 30°C; winter lows around freezing.
Fog is common in spring, autumn and winter; winters are snowy and icy.
If you plan an adventurous trip, note Masouleh’s weather isn’t always friendly — in autumn/winter bring tire chains for slippery roads and wear suitable shoes.
Mid-summer is humid with clear blue skies.
Masouleh is pleasant year-round, each season offering special charms:
Spring: Nature revives — green meadows, colorful blooms, pleasant air; perfect for walks and nature photography.
Summer: Geraniums and colorful balcony flowers make the village lively; sunny days are great for resting and mountain views.
Autumn: Brilliant reds, oranges and yellows make Masouleh spectacular.
Winter: A pristine white snow blanket transforms Masouleh into a memorable winter scene; walking the snowy alleys and viewing mountains is unique.
Many mountainous Iranian villages are terraced, but only a few — like Masouleh — gained fame. That fame made the locals’ income depend on tourism.
Historically, about a thousand years ago the area now called Old Masouleh was a trading place for agricultural goods, metalware, leather and winter supplies — a hub where northern and southern mountain producers met.
Back then the Fuman → Zanjan route was important. In winter that route may have been better than others; note roads like Asalem → Khalkhal didn’t exist and even today heavy snow can close routes fast.
The proximity of Ghal’eh Rudkhan (Rudkhan Castle) shows the strategic importance of local routes.
Trade and caravan traffic led people to settle in Old Masouleh and a market center formed; caravanserais were built along the route.
About 400–500 years ago, for reasons unclear — plague, earthquake, or local conflict are suggested — residents left Old Masouleh and built New Masouleh about 10 km away.
Archaeological finds at Old Masouleh show homes, ironworking and continuous life; nowadays that site is a flat area scattered with stones.
In New Masouleh the presence and burial of Imamzadeh Aoun turned the place into a religious site visited by neighboring villages.
Abundant springs and green pastureland suitable for livestock also sustained Masouleh’s importance.
Masouleh’s houses show one of Iran’s most distinctive vernacular architectures, developed to match local climate and topography.
Terraced construction: Houses are built stair-like on slopes so each home receives sunlight and has privacy.
Flat roofs: A house’s roof serves as the courtyard for the house above; used for daily activities or garden plots.
Local materials: Stone, wood, clay-straw (kāh-gol) and sun-dried bricks are used.
Durable materials: Chosen for strength and resistance to local weather.
Drainage system: Designed so rain naturally flows down, preventing floods and damage.
Shared passageways: Sidewalks next to houses were used for common movement and for shops/workshops.
Special structure: Houses anchor to the mountain with wooden posts and beams; the design gives seismic resistance.
Masouleh architecture exemplifies harmony between humans and nature, using location and climate to make life easier and more beautiful.
Masouleh’s houses and their architectural style are the village’s most attractive feature: traditional houses, wooden windows, geraniums on balconies — a special look.
We start from sights inside Masouleh and then present surrounding attractions.
The Masouleh bazaar is a local market — not a long mall but a few shops, street vendors, a teahouse, eateries and workshops surviving from Masouleh’s heyday.
Most shops sell handicrafts, souvenirs, copper and brassware, spices, pickles and local foods.
The bazaar was once a caravanserai area and a trading hub between Azerbaijan and Gilan; thus Masouleh became an interregional commercial center.
From the bazaar entrance to its end the aromas (grilled kebab, boiled beans, ash reshteh, ash doogh and occasional hookah smoke) tempt visitors to stop. The prettiest shops sell knitted dolls and handwoven gulim (flat rugs). Many visitors who don’t plan to buy still stroll the market for the sights.
If you want a photo in local costume, rental traditional outfits are available at the upper bazaar.
Older guides often list a Masouleh ethnographic museum, but that private museum is currently closed. Instead, three small museums remain active:
Wildlife Museum (taxidermy of local animals) — located beside the bazaar.
Museum next to the shrine (adjacent to the Imamzadeh) — displays relics.
Cultural Heritage Museum — a historic house with Qajar-era artifacts. (Ask locals for “Kesheh Sar” if you can’t find it.)
Visiting all three takes about an hour.
The Imamzadeh Aoun (a descendant of Imam Ali) is important locally and sits beside Masouleh’s grand mosque. Religious ceremonies, like the processions with flags in Muharram, are held there.
The shrine has been repaired several times; an inscription records a major repair in Fath-Ali Shah’s time. A metal shrine replaced an older wooden one in recent years.
Masouleh River originates from high springs and melting snow above the mountain, passes through Masouleh, follows the road and finally waters rice paddies.
Within Masouleh a high retaining wall was built along the river to prevent flood entry into the town.
The mountainous Gilan region is full of springs, streams and waterways, so it naturally hosts many waterfalls. Near Masouleh there are two fairly small waterfalls; below are details and how to get to each.
As the name indicates, this waterfall sits on the Masouleh river; it’s west of Masouleh at the start of the Majelan road. Follow the river upstream for a short walk to reach it. If you came by private car the waterfall is near Masouleh parking.
Trishom waterfall is on a route used by climbers ascending Mount Trishom. From the Fuman → Masouleh road take a side track before the village toward the waterfall; after the Ashkalt fork and about 1.5 hours’ walk you reach it. Since Trishom waterfall may not be marked on maps like Google Maps, hire a local guide.
Kousham waterfall is 30 meters tall at the end of a Masouleh forest valley and mountain heights. The pleasant approach follows the river with mild slopes — a favorite for hikers. After roughly an hour’s hike passing some smaller falls you reach a rock face where water drops and makes Kousham waterfall.
Khorram-bu is one of Masouleh’s most pristine natural attractions, surrounded by forest — a near-paradise. To reach it you must hike about 2 km after leaving Masouleh market; lack of a road preserved its wilderness. Khorram-bu drops from ~20 meters. Along the path you can visit a rock-climbing site, a small Khurbo waterfall and the shrine of Imamzadeh Hashem; drinking water from Masouleh’s spring is refreshing.
Larcheshmeh waterfall is a unique nearby attraction about 6 meters high in dense northern forests. It lies just before the Masouleh village beside the Fuman road. Pond(s) below the fall create a calm setting. Nearby teahouses, rest areas and restaurants make a full nature outing.
Shah-Mo’allem (Masouleh Dagh) at 3,058 meters is one of Gilan’s few 3000+ m peaks. Many climbers choose it for its beautiful, untouched route.
Local stories say a devout teacher (known as “Mo’allem”) lived on the slope; he requested burial at the peak, and the locals honored that wish (these stories are unverified).
“Dagh” means mountain in Azeri; Masouleh Dagh thus means Masouleh Mountain.
The straight-line distance from Masouleh to Shah-Mo’allem is about 10 km. Most hikers who want scenic ridge views (not hardcore training) take the ridge route with lovely southern panoramas. To ascend this way go toward Old Masouleh (on the Majelan route), then follow the branch trail to Shah-Mo’allem.
Trishom (2,470 m) is another popular summit. From Fuman → Masouleh head to Zudel village, then follow a roughly 10 km route to the peak.
Lalandiz, a little-known alpine pasture east of Masouleh, has no road and only a footpath worn by traffic. With a local guide a ~2-hour walk reaches the pasture; there are no facilities — only a spring. Shepherds bring flocks here; the pastoral soundscape and views are peaceful and memorable.
Masouleh Forest Park is a large park — about 2,400 hectares — with rich biodiversity and dramatic landscapes. The park ranges from 800 to 1,800 meters elevation; it’s both recreational and a conservation area. Hazelnut, beech, maple, poplar and medicinal plants grow there.
Imamzadeh Hashem lies en route to Khorram-bu waterfall after the Masouleh spring. Its simple, intimate shrine amid clay walls and colored-glass windows, with a wooden door and surrounding graves, offers a peaceful camping spot under old trees and stone hedges.
Korbar, one of Gilan’s most beautiful highlands, is in Masouleh’s mountains and is renowned for a scenic trail that’s counted among Iran’s best nature routes. Reaching Korbar is several hours and relatively tough: long climbs and some steep stretches make it a challenge but the panoramic reward is great. It’s ideal for photography, mountaineering and hiking.
Andere (Andrē) is another attractive highland in Sardar Jangal district near the Gilan-Zanjan border, about 5 km from Masouleh. It’s on the Masouleh → Khalkhal road and is easily accessible.
Ali Zakhuni (also called “Zamzemeh”) is a distinctive mineral spring near Masouleh. Its bicarbonate-rich water looks orange due to nearby minerals. The taste is bitter; locals often mix it with sugar. It’s thought to help digestive and respiratory issues.
Because of its historic strategic location, Masouleh has several caravanserais that reflect its past trade importance.
Haji Feyzi Caravanserai: a three-story caravanserai recently restored — once the main trading house of Masouleh and a fine example of Pahlavi-era architecture.
Mirza-ye Masouleh Caravanserai: another historical caravanserai and a registered national relic — worth visiting.
The Old Masouleh (6 km NW of present Masouleh) is the original settlement and the place where early iron-smelting evidence was found. This archaeological area helps understand Masouleh’s age and heritage.
After visiting Masouleh’s sights try local Gilan cuisine: kabab-e torsh (sour kebab), baghala-qatogh, mirza-ghasemi, shami kebab, morgh-torsh (sour chicken), torsh-tareh and more — served in Masouleh’s restaurants.
The bazaar offers many edible souvenirs and handicrafts — hard to resist:
Food souvenirs: fish, olives, pomegranate paste, bitter orange paste, jams, tea, rice, lavashak, golpar (Persian spice), local sweets.
Handicrafts: gulim rugs, wicker products, scarves & socks, wood & metal crafts, traditional clothes.
If you plan to visit, Masouleh is a tourist region with adequate facilities:
Parking
Mobile and internet coverage
Public toilets
Restaurants
Lodging options
Shops and supermarkets
ATMs
Mosque and prayer space
Pharmacy
Northern villages are close; with planning you can visit Masouleh and several nearby villages in one day:
Maklavan ~35 km from Masouleh
Masal ~45 km
Aliyan rural district ~35 km
Zudel Sarr pasture ~7 km
For staying near Masouleh and visiting attractions choose camping, eco-lodges (b&b) or local hotels. You can also stay in traditional houses in the village; for camping use Masouleh forest park.
3-star Aram Hotel
3-star Navid Aparthotel
2-star Arya Hotel (Masouleh)
1-star Mehran Hotel
Tasting local food completes the trip. Masouleh has many eateries offering regional dishes:
Traditional Namuneh Restaurant — Baradaran Roohi
Bamdad Traditional Restaurant & Teahouse
House of Teachers Restaurant
Bam Masouleh Teahouse
Maah Salar Kuh Restaurant
Hezar Pelleh (Thousand Steps) Restaurant
Lar Cheshmeh Restaurant
Nights of Masouleh Restaurant
Aram Restaurant
TakaYaka Restaurant
Arya Restaurant
Tolou Traditional Teahouse
Many Iranians prefer day trips (drive, eat lunch, return), but Masouleh also suits other trip types. We suggest considering:
Multi-day stay to explore all sights
Mountaineering and peak ascents
Masouleh plus side trips to Zanjan or Ardabil
Participating in local festivals or religious ceremonies
No fixed festival calendar exists; tour organizers usually announce events in advance. The Alam-bandān (flag-raising procession) during Muharram is famous — photographers travel to capture it.
Masouleh is Gilan’s gem, attracting many tourists each year — a miniature jewel of Gilan’s four-season beauty. Guides often overlook the Masouleh people: Talysh-speaking locals who have always welcomed guests and rarely complain about crowds. Perhaps their warm character makes visitors fall in love with Masouleh.
