Saednews: Estakhrgah village is one of the tourist attractions of Roudbar, located 35 kilometers from Roudbar and 75 kilometers from Rasht.
According to the tourism service report of Saadnews, Rudbar is a city known for olives, Mount Dolfak, and of course, the earthquake of 1989. However, if you happen to visit Estakhrgah, or as the locals of the region call it, Selga, Rudbar will forever be known as Estakhrgah! This scenic village is situated on the slopes of Dolfak, with an untouched environment that has been minimally disturbed, and the constant presence of fog adds a special charm to the area. Estakhrgah includes mountains, forests, waterfalls, ponds, lakes, and everything one could wish for, offering a unique and stunning nature, even compared to other areas of Gilan. Join us as we explore more about this beautiful village.
Where is Estakhrgah?
Estakhrgah village is located on the slopes of Dolfak, about 35 kilometers from Rudbar and 75 kilometers from Rasht. To reach Estakhrgah from Tehran, you must take the new Qazvin-Rasht highway toward the north. After passing Rudbar, exit the highway and head toward the Barasar-Tutkabon road.
From the Barasar-Tutkabon road, head toward the Defraz highland; the Defraz road is mountainous and rural, so make sure you have the necessary supplies for such a trip. After about 20 minutes, you’ll reach Defraz, and the rest of the way can be easily found by asking the locals. The distance from Estakhrgah to Karaj takes about 4 hours, and if you’re coming from the Mazandaran or eastern areas, the distance from Ramsar to Estakhrgah is about 5.5 hours.
Why should we visit Estakhrgah?
At the beginning of this note, we claimed that Estakhrgah is one of the places in the north that remains visually stunning and attractive, even among all the beauty the region offers. Now, we will explain why, and the judgment is up to you! This highland village is located on the slopes of Dolfak, known as the "Roof of Gilan." The name Estakhrgah comes from the fact that two natural pools surround the village, with the village itself being encircled by these pools.
An interesting fact about this village is that for years, it has been used in various advertisements as a beautiful filming location. To put it casually, Estakhrgah is one of those places that, when showing its images, says, "This is not Switzerland; this is Iran!" But what makes Estakhrgah and places with a similar geographical location so attractive to tourists? As you know, the north is usually associated with the sea and coast, and for people from outside the region, it is generally defined by plains. For various reasons, fewer tourists or travelers visit the mountainous areas of the north. However, these areas, in addition to having more pleasant weather, especially in the hot summer months, offer a different nature compared to the plains, creating new landscapes. So, to truly experience the north, it's a good idea to visit the highlands and enjoy the lesser-seen beauty of the region.
Estakhrgah is where the forest, mountain, waterfall, and lake intersect. It is a place where, not far from the city and main road, you can escape from the noise and pollution of modern life for hours or days, and listen to the sound of nature and life on the slopes of Dolfak, near the olive trees and the endless winds of Manjil.
One of the constant beauties of this village is the fog that often settles there throughout the year; the 100-year-old rural house by the lake, in the fog, seems to rise from the heart of history. This house is one of the historical attractions of Estakhrgah, and anyone who has visited surely has a photo with this house.
The village itself, in addition to the two famous pools that it is named after, has other attractions as well. These include the historical house near the pond, the pond of water in the village, which has hosted many filming groups, and the nearby waterfalls. The path to the waterfall is clearly marked, and by continuing along the river, you can reach the waterfall, which is not far from the village. In short, there are plenty of sights in Estakhrgah, from waterfalls and ponds to mountains, forests, and the ever-present fog, as well as the sounds of birds and frogs around the pond, and of course, the magical and incredibly pleasant weather.
The best time to visit Estakhrgah
From a weather perspective, the best time to visit this village is from June to August. You can pack your bags during the peak heat of summer and enjoy the cool weather of Estakhrgah.
Estakhrgah is incredibly beautiful and lush in the spring, but the weather can still be a bit cold. If you don’t mind the chill, don’t miss the natural scenery of this village in spring. Summer is the best time to visit in every way. Estakhrgah is also stunning in the fall, though it becomes a bit colder, but it is worth it as the colorful forests in the fall give the area a unique beauty. Estakhrgah also offers many attractions in winter, but the weather can be quite cold, and access becomes more difficult, requiring suitable equipment and vehicles. However, adventurers can prepare accordingly and visit the area in winter to have an amazing experience. Therefore, Estakhrgah is a four-season destination that attracts different groups of nature lovers and tourists throughout the year.
Essential items for a trip to Estakhrgah
As mentioned earlier, this village is in a highland area, and its weather is different from the plains. Therefore, you should bring warm and suitable clothing, as well as camping gear depending on the season. If you have a sleeping bag, bring it along, as you might need it. Also, appropriate shoes and clothing for walking and possibly some hiking are other essentials for a trip to this area, especially if you plan to camp.
Cash is also important to bring because there is no mobile signal in Estakhrgah, and consequently, card payment systems are not available. It is best to do some shopping beforehand and buy local products from the villagers, such as dairy products.
Many locals who rent cottages or rural houses also offer Gilanian dishes such as grilled meat, baghali qatogh, mirza ghasemi, etc. So don't miss the chance to taste authentic homemade Gilanian food. If you are interested in birdwatching, make sure to bring a camera to observe birds around the pond and the forest.
Accommodation in Estakhrgah
For accommodation, you can camp or rent a cottage or rural house. Many locals in Estakhrgah have started renting out their houses as tourism in the area has flourished. Some of these places, especially the more famous ones with historical houses, can be quite busy, so it's a good idea to make a reservation a few weeks in advance. However, don’t worry, you will definitely find somewhere to stay. In any case, the friendly locals of Estakhrgah will never let a guest sleep outside against their will.
Camping is also a great option for nature lovers, and you can spread your camp wherever you find flat ground and suitable weather. There are many places around the village suitable for setting up tents, but it's better not to stray too far from the village. When camping, make sure to follow the necessary guidelines for staying in nature, such as fire safety, trash disposal, and other camping essentials that can greatly improve the quality of your trip. If you plan to camp, make sure to check the weather forecast and plan your trip accordingly.
Nearby attractions of Estakhrgah
Darband Reshi Cave: The first place where humans lived in Gilan. The cave is only 8 km from Estakhrgah, and the artifacts found there date back to the Paleolithic period.
Dolfak Mountain: One of the highest peaks in Gilan, known as the "Roof of Gilan." It's an extinct volcano with olive orchards and clouds resting above it. To reach the peak, you pass through Estakhrgah, which is one of the routes leading to it.
Halimeh Jan Lake: A beautiful lake near Estakhrgah, famous for its two-colored water.
Esstolkh Jan Village: A picturesque village 23 km from Estakhrgah, known for its handicrafts and livestock products.
What to buy as souvenirs from Estakhrgah?
Estakhrgah is located in Rudbar County, a city known for its olive orchards. Therefore, don’t forget to get some local olives. You can also buy handicrafts made by local women, such as kilim weaving, jajim weaving, and basket weaving. These items make great souvenirs. Additionally, the local handmade cookies, perfect for tea time, are a must-try. Women in Estakhrgah also make local pickles and traditional Gilanian clothing, which can be great items to take home.
