Masal and Shanderman, green roofs of Iran

The city of Masal includes two parts of Masal and Shanderman which both feature the natural tourist attractions. The green roof is not dominated by villa constructors and dealers yet and has still preserved its beauty and peace. They are so peaceful that they would relive all the stress and pains.
If you plan to go to the north of the country, you’d better travel to unknown places such as Masal and Shanderman. The beautiful city in the province of Gilan with over 70,000 hectares of forests and pastures is a well-worth destination.
Masal is the second highest city in Gilan province. The first is Rudbar. It was once a district of the large city of Talesh and in 1376 it was converted into a city.
In the past it was called Rudkenar where the Shanbe Bazar is now held ( Shanbe Bazar is a kind of outdoor market working on Saturdays only). The famous market helped the small village of Rudkenar develop into a city. After that the official departments in Masal and Shanderman were first transferred to Bitem from Shanderman and then on to Masal.
No one would ever know the exact meaning of Masal but some believe that it is a combination of two words: Mazal and Mes Al which means something like a mountain.
Masal’s centerpieces are rivers that make the whole region beautiful. The main rivers are Khalkai in Masal and Rud Morghak in Shanderman. Khalkai originates in the315-meter peak of Shah Moallem and after 40 km it enters Masal. The rivers are great for riding kayaks and white water rafting. There is a park in the neighborhood of the Khalkai river where you can spend a nice day along with your family.
The plain area of Masal lies 50 km northwest of Rasht and 20 km west of Fuamn and Sumee Sara. It’s not extremely cold in winter. The humidity is high and reaches 75% sometimes. It is the highest in Shahrivar (September) and you are recommended not to visit then.

The city of high waterfalls

If you ever get to travel to Masal, don’t miss its waterfalls such as Views, near the summer place of Elenzeh in Shanderman, Khun , Tuli Nesa,and Ramine.
It also boats caves such as the ancient cave of Khandile Posht , Chasali, and Kalchal. The stone wall of Asbe Rise is a place where rock climbers would find most interesting. The tall rocks are a suitable spot for holding local, national , or even international competitions.
The professionals in this sport field not only do adventurous rock climbing activity but they also get to do boat riding in the roaring river down the rocks.

Mirza Kuchak Kahan’s memorial

Mirza Kuchak Khan Jangali, a national hero, froze to death on the heights of Masal due to severe snow and blizzard while he was going to the secure place in the heights of Alale Poshte and Khalkhal.
His memorial is housed right where his dead body was found.
Alale Poshte is located 45 km from the center of Masal.

Where to stay?

The summer village of Olsbolangah , with a huge crowd, lies on the way to Khalkhal . It features many residential complexes built with wooden frames and two inns which are both active all year round to accommodate tourists and visitors.
The main residents are the people of Masal who come over to stay there in the hot season.
Once you get in, it feels like you have stepped into the heaven.
The villagers are grateful for the great gift God almighty has granted them, a beautiful and quiet nature. Among the highlights are the woodlands of Tasko, the summer places, and holy mausoleums. Shanderman’s Friday market is quite popular.
The largest village in the province of Gilan lies in Shanderman. Known as Siah Mard , it has a population of 40,000. Shanderman was the name of large tribes who used to live there. When Rabino , an Italian world explorer, visited the place in 1906 , there were 12 tribes. But what does Shanderman mean ?
In Taleshi it means to go with me. Some believe that it had some caravansaries where the caravans who were going to the north of Talesh and Khalkhal would stop and rest and that’s why it is called this way. There are also some who believe that in the old days it was a territory of the Shah (or kings) and that’s why it is called Shanderman ( or Shah Dar Man or kings in me).
Masal also boasts over 17 large and small caves ; the largest is Avisho , 1,300 meters above sea level . It is located between Tai Bene, Ande Chu, and Khamasun within a valley with little water.
The wonderful cave of Avisho , southwest of Shanderamn, is among the largest caves in Gilan and most exceptional across the country.
The visitors would be amazed once they see the icicles and 7 waterfalls nearby. Up to now over 2 km of the dingy and the longest cave in Gilan has been explored by spelunkers and mountain climbers. Research of geologists shows it dates from about 75 million years ago.

Friday market

The local markets are a prime part of Gilan’s culture and draw countless visitors. They not only get to roam and see and enjoy the vitality but they also can get their necessary objects. The markets in Gilan , either outdoor or indoor , are shopping centers where you could get a lot of things , prepared based on the customers’ needs. The most interesting thing is many of the venders are women. Among the products offered are fresh vegetables, handicrafts, and local eggs.
In Shanderman , too, there is a local market held on Fridays. Among other things, they offer fresh vegetables and fruits, fish, handicrafts ,made with straw ,and hand-woven products.

How to reach it?

Shanderman is 50 km northwest of Rasht. To go to the cave of Avisho you should move from Rasht to Masal and then over to Shanderman.