Escape to Deylaman(misty highlands, wildflower meadows and ancient villages just a winding drive from Gilan)
Gilan, our country’s lush northern province, is a place whose beauty needs no single season. Travel to Gilan is rewarding any time of year. Have you heard of Deylaman? This lesser-known corner of Gilan is one of the most delightful travel experiences you can have. Join us at Ali Baba magazine to learn more about the area and its remarkable sights.
Deylaman lies in Gilan province and is administratively part of Siahkal county. It is roughly 88 kilometres from Rasht and about 25 kilometres from Siahkal. The area sits at an elevation of around 2,000 metres above sea level and has long been a summer pasture. Shepherds historically used the area as ideal grazing land.
The name itself comes from Gilaki: “dail” means grazing place, “am” denotes altitude, and “an” indicates place — so the name essentially means the high place for grazing. Gilaki is a beautiful language, isn’t it?
Deylaman also has high historical value. The region was the birthplace of the Buyid and Daylamite dynasties. Ancient objects found in its caves point to long human presence here; it is estimated that life in Deylaman stretches back to the second millennium BCE.
The access route to Deylaman is pristine and scenic. From Siahkal, follow the winding 45-kilometre road toward the highland. That road is one of the most attractive drives you can find in Gilan.
The best time to visit is in the first six months of the year. Deylaman’s elevation means its climate is markedly cooler than the lowlands, and most visitors avoid it for winter travel.
Spring — especially mid-May to early June — is the prime window, when poppy fields and the rare “Susan-ol-chalcheragh” lily meadows bloom.
[Image omitted — original showed a field of poppies]
Traveling to Deylaman is one of those trips where the sights begin as soon as you leave the main road. You can also visit Siahkal and enjoy its attractions. The Siahkal Thursday market is a well-known traditional market — if your trip coincides with it, be sure to drop by.
Below are the must-see places along the Deylaman route.
The Titi Caravanserai is one of the region’s most interesting historic buildings. It dates back to the Safavid era. Local stories say a Safavid princess named Titi sponsored its construction. In Gilaki, “Titi” means the blossom of a tree.
Until a few years ago this caravanserai was used to keep and graze livestock — yes, you read that correctly. Despite its historical value, it was neglected for years. Recently, Siahkal’s cultural heritage office took responsibility for its preservation.
The caravanserai stands at the start of the Siahkal–Deylaman road. You can find it near the fork between the Babakooh and Meysam rivers.
Loonak Waterfall is one of the route’s most beautiful natural scenes. The waterfall and its surrounding trees captivate every traveler and draw many visitors. To reach this waterfall, you must continue about 22 kilometres along the road.
[Image omitted — original showed Loonak Waterfall]
Larikhani forest sits about 5 kilometres from Deylaman and is among Iran’s beloved woodlands. The forest’s beauty attracts many visitors; within it is the Larikhani mineral spring, worth a visit.
Espili village lies just short of Deylaman. It is a charming settlement of rice paddies and hospitable people. You can buy supplies there — and if you arrive on a Monday or Thursday, the Espili local market is an interesting stop.
Pirkuh is about 20 kilometres from Deylaman. Its unpredictable weather and distinct climate make it one of the most beautiful nearby villages. If you plan to visit, bring warm and rainproof clothing — rain can arrive suddenly at Pirkuh!
Another scenic highland near Siahkal is the Dorfak area. With its many historical caves and attractive nature, Dorfak is a good camping spot. It’s roughly 25 kilometres from Siahkal.
The Mir Balook Mirblock bathhouse — a well-known local building — is a highlight for those interested in local culture. It dates back roughly 500 years. The cultural heritage office acquired the bathhouse in recent years and converted it into a museum showcasing local traditions.
An ancient fortification, Garmavar Castle sits on the lip of Garmavar mountain. Its construction predates Islam, and its position makes access to the towers difficult by design.
The castle’s cliffside placement and surrounding moats demonstrate clever defensive planning. The site also offers beautiful views over nearby plains and a striking blend of archaeology and nature.
South of the town, Damash village hosts a meadow of rare lilies — Susen-ol-Chalcheragh — that blooms in June. This species is among the rarest in the world and is regarded as a symbol in Iran. If you travel in May–June, plan a trip to Damash to see these flowers.
About 6 kilometres west, the Pas Kuh area hosts wild red poppy meadows that come into bloom in June and paint the countryside red. Deylaman’s beauty is abundant — it’s hard to name a single top sight — but the poppy fields are among the most memorable. Try to time your visit for June so you don’t miss the wild poppies and the rare lilies.
The people of Deylaman are skilled artisans. You can buy local handicrafts as souvenirs: pottery and ceramics, engraved metal dishes and handmade wool clothing are among the well-known crafts.
Local edible souvenirs go beyond crafts. Hazelnuts are a signature product — the area’s elevation favors large hazelnut trees, and the nut is a key agricultural product. You’ll also find traditional breads, dairy products and herbal remedies gathered from local mountain plants.
Bring comfortable walking shoes.
Even in summer, Deylaman’s weather is cool and sometimes cold; pack warm clothing and heating items.
You can stay in local eco-lodges or camp — both are enjoyable options.
If camping, bring purified drinking water.
Never light fires in warm seasons; if you do light a fire, make sure it is completely extinguished.
Remember that nature is a global legacy; do not leave litter behind and take your trash to suitable disposal points.
Tip | |
|---|---|
Visit in spring or early summer (best: mid-May to June) for wildflowers and pleasant weather. | “Best time… mid-May and early June… poppy fields and lily meadows bloom.” |
Drive the 45-km Siahkal–Deylaman road slowly — it’s scenic but winding. | “The winding 45-kilometre road… one of the most attractive drives.” |
Bring warm and rainproof clothing — weather can change suddenly, especially in Pirkuh. | “Wear warm and rainproof clothes… rain can arrive suddenly.” |
Stop at local markets and roadside vendors for hazelnuts, jams and handicrafts. | “Locals sell hazelnuts, pillows and handicrafts… markets on Monday/Thursday.” |
If you camp, bring purified drinking water and avoid lighting fires in warm seasons. | “If camping, bring purified water… don’t light fires; extinguish them completely.” |
