Masouleh is a village in the Sardar-e Jangal District, in Fuman County, Gilan Province, Iran. At the 2006 census, its population was 554 individuals from 180 families. This picturesque village is worth every step of the difficult way, whether you only decide to stay for a day or spend more time here. The mud houses that sit on top of each other and dot the green hills are a true architectural wonder that everyone must visit. IN 1006AD Masouleh was an important iron trading center, a few miles away from the current town.
Unfortunately, most of the inhabitants died after a deadly epidemy that spread from the neighboring villages, and after a devastating earthquake, the entire old town was destroyed. The surviving families then moved a couple of miles away and built the new Masouleh town that still exists today. After the 1565 earthquake, some of the houses were even built on roofs of the old homes. Since then, people built their homes as high as possible in the mountain to avoid flooding and severe climate changes that mostly affect the lower parts of the village.
All the houses in Masouleh are colored bright yellow which makes them visible through the fog. The hike to the village starts at 328 ft and ends 3455 ft from where you can enjoy the spectacular vistas of Alborz mountain range. The path is steep and recommended for people with a good heart condition.
The best time to visit this charming village in Iran is during the summer, although the tour buses can be crowded sometimes. If you want to enjoy this beautiful hike, you better stay overnight and then visit the surrounding mountains in the morning.
Masouleh is one of the world's most attractive hidden gems that every hiker must visit. Good luck!
Activities
BackpackAmenities
Bike ParkingLive Weather
NOW: 8.54°CThe article does not reflects the AWAYN's official views, and should NOT taken as editorial work
SEE ALL ARTICLES