There are so many places to see in Soumea Sera that people with any taste and in any season can choose this beautiful city as their travel destination. This city is located in Gilan province and besides its natural attractions, it also has important ancient monuments. In the beautiful city of Soumesara, you can walk among the 1200-year-old buildings, sit in the Mirzakochek Khan hangout, watch the most beautiful species of plants and animals, and participate in lively local festivals. In this article from tourism magazine fly todaywe will review the sights of the monastery and important tips for traveling to this city together.
Where is the monastery?
Soumesara is one of the old cities of Gilan province and is located near Anzali. Most of the people of this city are Gilak; But in some of its areas, immigrant Kurds also live. Agriculture is one of the common occupations of the people of this region, and one of the important products there are rice, strawberries, and pumpkins. The nature of the monastery is also beautiful and spectacular and there are various natural attractions in this area. One of the attractions of this city is the numerous local festivals that are held in different days of the year for various reasons.
How to go to the monastery?
To travel to the monastery, you can choose your own suitable method according to your interest, budget and time. If you plan to travel to this city, in addition to the road trip, there are two other options in front of you, which we will mention in the rest of this article about the places of interest in the monastery.
Traveling to the monastery by plane The fastest option
If your time is limited and you want to use the opportunity you have in the best way, the plane is the best option for you. You can easily go to your destination with airport taxis after arriving at Sardar Jangal Airport. The distance from Rasht Airport to Soumesara is 39 km and it will take about 50 minutes by taxi.
Traveling to the monastery by train The pleasure of watching spectacular views
If you like to sit by the window and watch the beautiful natural scenery, we suggest you travel by train; Because the Rasht train passes through a spectacular route. After arriving at the Rasht railway station, you can take the taxis available on the spot to go to the monastery. The distance from Rasht railway station to Soumesara is 35 km and it will take about 45 minutes by taxi. Rasht train ticket You can also book online.
Sightseeing places of the monastery Satiety in history, nature and culture
A trip to the monastery will create a variety of experiences for you. With its beautiful nature, rich history and cultural attractions, this city attracts tourists with different interests in all seasons of the year. By visiting the sights of the monastery, you can explore the nature and immerse yourself in the moment, or you can go to the historical places of the city and travel to the past. The seasonal festivals of this region are also a good opportunity to spend a lively and happy day. In the following article, we will first introduce the natural attractions and scenic views of the monastery, and then we will go to the historical and cultural attractions of this city.
Nature tour in the monastery From wetlands to high forests
The existence of numerous wetlands, mountainous areas, forests, etc. has given the nature of this city a lot of variety. You can go to the wetlands and watch the birds and lotuses or drive through the forest roads and stand on top of the mountain to watch the spectacular views of the monastery. Depending on your taste or the weather and seasonal conditions, there will always be a corner in the nature of this city. In the following, we will introduce some of the sights of Sera Monastery suitable for nature tourism.
Selka Wildlife Sanctuary A place to watch flamingos
One of the most beautiful places to see in the monastery is Selka Wildlife Sanctuary. This valuable sanctuary with various migratory birds and a lagoon full of lotuses is an ideal place for wildlife and birdwatching lovers. From pink flamingos to all kinds of swans, geese, swans, gannets, wetland eagles, etc., all for resting or laying eggs. They come to Selka protected area. Among the plants of the region, we can mention the reed, the blue lily, the frog’s bed, the blue maryam, the trapa, etc.
To maintain the water level of this important habitat, an earthen dam has been created on the rivers of the region so that this wetland is not affected by the decrease of Anzali wetland water. You can visit this area in winter to see the flamingos. Selke shelter is located in the south of Anzali lagoon and in the village of Sufiandeh Soumesara.

- time of visit: From 8 am to 2 pm on Fridays.
- address: Tolem district, 5 km from Sufiandeh village.
Sufiandeh village The land of strawberries
Sufiandeh village is one of the important areas of Gilan and from Sightseeing places in Gilan is As we said, Selke protected area is located around this village. Sufiande is also very important in terms of agriculture and economy; Because more than 70% of strawberries in the province are produced in this village. By traveling to this place, after exploring the surrounding areas, you can stay in the eco-tourism residences of the village.
The best time to travel to this region is April, May and October. In these months, you will enjoy the mild climate of the region and you can witness the harvesting of local strawberries and participate in the strawberry festival.

- address: Monastery, Tolem, Sufiandeh village.
Black Dervish Lagoon The opportunity to ride a boat among the lotuses
You can see one of the most beautiful sights of the Sera Monastery around the Siah Darvishan Lagoon. This wetland is the place where water lilies grow and the habitat of all kinds of fish and migratory and native birds such as Filosh, Gilar, Khotkai and Stork. In this area, in addition to nature tourism and bird watching, you can also engage in activities such as boating and fishing.
This lagoon has its own attractions in different seasons of the year. If you are going to Siya Darvishan for nature tourism and water activities, it is better to choose the months of Farvardin, May and Mehr for your trip. Winter is also the season of arrival of migratory birds and a great time for wildlife and birdwatching lovers. In August, water lilies bloom and make the view of the lagoon spectacular. The end of this month is also the season for harvesting and selling blue pistachios (lotus flower seeds). All in all, depending on your interests, you can visit Siah Darvishan Wetland in different seasons of the year.

- address: west of Soumesara city, south border of Anzali lagoon.
Nargistan lagoon Spectacular and historical resort
Nargestan Wetland is located in a green and secluded village with the same name. This beautiful and peaceful place is very suitable for people who are interested in nature tourism and photography. Unfortunately, Nargestan village does not have a residence; But for camping or daily fun, you can go to this village or stay in nearby accommodations. You can also get the supplies you need from the old market of the region.
Nargistan has had great political and economic importance in the past. Various ships used to cross the Nargestan river from Anzali and Russia ports and came to the village market for trade. It is interesting to say that Mirza Kuchak Khan Jangli and his friends used to gather in Nargestan and around the lagoon to collect weapons and recruit troops.

- address: Monastery, Nargestan village.
Hindkhale lagoon A manger of free horses
One of the most popular places to visit in the monastery is the Hindkhale Lagoon. Hindkhale lagoon is located in a village with the same name. This wetland, which is connected to Anzali Wetland, was an important communication route with Anzali Port in the past. Hindkhale Wetland is still very important today; Every year, migratory birds come to this lagoon and attract many tourists to this place.
In the fall season, wildlife and birdwatching enthusiasts come to this wetland to watch the birds and different animal species of the region. Hindkhale is also a pasture for animals such as free horses, buffaloes, and herds of cows and sheep. Other entertainments in this area include water sports such as boating and fishing.

- address: Monastery, Tolmat district, Hindkhale village.
Black Kashim Protected Area A safe bed for nests on water
Siah Kashim is one of the protected areas of the monastery and has valuable plant and animal diversity. In this area, there is also a wetland and it is interesting to say that the name of the area is derived from the name of one of the migratory birds called Kashim. The size of this spectacular attraction reaches 4,498 hectares and it is the habitat of many species.
In this region, apart from Kashim, another important bird comes to the lagoon, which is called the sea swallow. This bird chooses Kashim for hatching. The sea swallow’s nest is floating on the water and watching the swallow chicks in the nests on the water will be a memorable sight. Among the plants of this habitat, we can also mention reed, water lily, wetland tulip, water lily, crown, gypsy red and alder.

- address: Southwest of Anzali lagoon and north of Soumesara city.
Tenyan | Soamesara summer cottage area
Tanyan is a mountainous region with good weather in the city of Soumesara. This section contains some of the most important sights of the monastery; Therefore, there are many choices in front of you for sightseeing and nature tourism in Tanian. The region is surrounded by mountainous and forest areas.
In the midst of Tanyan forests, the beautiful Tanyan wetland is located, a little later you will reach Khonabkesh cave and at the end, you will come to Siyakoh forest park. Tanyan has the best weather in spring and early autumn and is considered one of the most popular sightseeing spots in Sera Monastery.

- address: Mirza Kochak section of Gorab Zarmikh, 20 km from Soumesara, Tanyan region.
Siyakoh Forest Park A forest with dreamy roads
Siah Kouh Forest Park is another must-see place in Sura Monastery. This forest park is located near Siyakoh village and in a mountainous area. While visiting this area, you will pass through winding mountain roads with a forest of tall and ancient trees on both sides. Mountain areas usually have a lower temperature than lowland areas; Therefore, this forest park is considered a suitable place for nature tourism in hot summer evenings.
With this nature tour, you will go to the mountain and the forest at the same time. The vegetation of this forest includes plants such as old maple trees. If you are interested in forest night camp, this place is the right option for you; But we recommend that you do not do this alone and, as much as possible, have a local person or an experienced tour leader with you.
- address: Gorab Zarmikh, Siyakoh village.
Panther river A river in the middle of the forest
Another sight to see in Sera Monastery is Pelengvar, a river full of water in the middle of the forest, and it is a popular place for camping in the summer season. This river originates from Talash mountains, irrigates the fields of the village and exits from the north of the village. The environment around the Plengvar river is a forest and provides a good opportunity for nature tourism.
If you are only planning a day picnic and not spending the night in this area, we recommend spring season for touring the area. But if you intend to swim or camp overnight, you must visit this river in the summer season. In this place, you can enjoy activities such as jungle climbing, swimming and photography. We recommend that you bring suitable hiking shoes, extra clothes and drinking water with you for walking in this area.

- address: 20 km southeast of Soumesara, Sesar village.
Historical places of the monastery The faint border of legend and history
Among the sights of the monastery, there are important historical monuments. In the distant past, this region was a land of emirs and a place of rulership. In addition, in recent years, great and influential people such as Mirza Kochak Khan Jangili came from this city. In the following, we will introduce some of the historical buildings and attractions of the monastery.
Kasma village From the historical bath of 9 domes to the jungle movement
Kasma village has great historical importance. During the Jangal Movement, this village was the center of the first military and administrative organization of Mirza Kochak Khan Jangali. Jungle magazine, one of the most important magazines in history, was printed and published in Kasma with simple facilities and in stone form.
The office of Jangal Journal still exists in this area; But due to neglect and lack of restoration, it is very worn out. Kasma village is also considered one of the most important places to visit in Sera Monastery due to its historical bath and local Wednesday markets.
- address: Somaesara, central sector, Kasma village.
Kasma historical bath A beautiful 100-year-old building
The history of this beautiful historical building goes back to the Qajar era and it is considered one of the most special places to see in the Sera Monastery. Its most important feature is the presence of 9 domes, each of which has another small dome on it. On these small domes, they made holes for sunlight and ventilation.
Kasma bath is no longer active; But probably in the past, the light that shined through these openings created bright and beautiful lines in the steamy atmosphere of the bathroom. This adobe bathroom has different parts, such as the head, the main hall, the middle door, the cleaning room, the safe, the washing area, the cold interior and the warm interior. Fortunately, this building has been renovated in recent years.

- address Kasma historical bath: Soamesara, Kasma Road.
Historical city of Gaskar 1200 year old city
Among the sights of the monastery, there is an ancient and legendary attraction. In the village of Bhambar Soumesara, in the heart of dense forests, there are the remains of a 1200-year-old city known as Haft Deghnan. From the available evidence, it seems that this old city was very prosperous. In this area, there are the remains of a bathhouse, several houses, a blacksmith shop and the tomb of Khoriso, the sister of the ruler of Geskar. It is said that tunnels go from this area to the brick minaret of the market.
There are several legends about the reason for the abandonment of this city; In many of these beliefs, the existence of a big frog has driven people from this city! In another legend, the attack of snakes is considered the reason for the abandonment of the city.
- address: Ziyabar village, Behambar village and Gaskar region.
Brick minaret of Gaskar village A relic of the Safavid era
In the historical village of Gaskar, there is a brick minaret that dates back to the Safavid era. Inside this minaret, a spiral staircase is built up to the roof of the building. There are various possibilities about its use. Considering the minaret’s location, it does not seem to be a suitable place for surveillance and military activities. Some people believe that the Minaret of Bazar Gaskar was built to check and estimate the time of sunrise and sunset.
The brick minaret of the monastery was 30 meters high; But parts of it were destroyed due to the Rudbar earthquake and atmospheric factors. Currently, the minaret has been partially restored; But its height is only 12 meters. This building is also considered among the national works of Iran.

- address: Monastery, Gaskar village.
Gorab Tolem clay bridge A souvenir from the Qajar era
During the Qajar period, this brick bridge was built by the local rulers of Gurab village on the Gazrobar river. Materials such as brick, stone and Saroj mortar have been used in its construction. egg white was used in the composition of saroj; For this reason, local people call this bridge “Morghaneh Purd”, which means egg bridge.
Unfortunately, currently, parts of the bridge are damaged; But it is still used and it is the link between the two villages of Khorat Mahaleh and Gorab. If you intend to visit this national monument, after reaching Gurab neighborhood, ask the local people for the exact location of the brick bridge.

- address: Monastery, Tolem district, Gorab village.
Cultural attractions of the monastery The city of festivals
Some of the tourist attractions of the monastery are related to the customs and culture of the people of the region. The people of this city are very active in preserving and promoting the native culture of the region and various ceremonies are held with this purpose. In the festivals of the monastery, you will witness spectacular ceremonies such as lafandbazi and local dances. Local markets are also a good opportunity to touch the daily life of the local people and also buy souvenirs. In the following, we will introduce the festivals and the Sunday market of the monastery so that you can get to know more about the culture of this region.
Monastery festivals A mirror of the region’s culture
One of the tourist attractions of the monastery is its numerous and diverse festivals. The theme of these festivals is usually things like harvesting different products and commemorating traditional rituals. In these events, ceremonies such as lafandbazi, gilemardi wrestling, local dances, etc. are usually performed. Among the festivals of this city, we can mention the threshing festival, Ziabari halva festival, strawberry harvest festival, sugarcane festival, Gypsy bride festival, Khashkar string festival, traditional food festival, native games festival, etc.

Sunday market of the monastery Enjoy shopping in local markets
In the Sunday market of the monastery, local and market people offer their goods and products; From clothes and household appliances to vegetables and all kinds of local food are bought and sold in this market. Of course, there are other weekly markets in this area. Different villages of this city have their own local markets. Among these markets, we can mention the Dushanbe Bazaar of Hindkhale, the Thursday Bazaar of Kasma, the Thursday Bazaar of Tahergorab, the Dushanbe Bazaar of Ziabar, etc. On different days of the week, you can buy souvenirs and local supplies you need in the villages of this city.
What season is the best time to visit the monastery?
In answer to this question, you should consider why and for what purpose you go to the monastery. In this city, there are various cultural and natural attractions, some of which can only be seen in a certain season and month. In autumn and winter, the monastery city hosts migratory birds and is a good opportunity for bird watching. If you want to see water lilies or swim in the river, you must come to this city in summer. Spring has favorable weather for nature tourism, fishing and viewing the city’s ancient monuments.

Stay in the monastery A place for a relaxing trip
You have different options for staying in this city. You can use luxury hotels and tourist complexes or go to traditional and refined ecotourism accommodations and get to know more about the sweet culture and daily life of the people of Gilan. If you happen to pass by the monastery, Mehrgan, Fanus Shab or Daruk Ecotourism Residence are good options for staying and relaxing.
Trip to the monastery Visiting the city of vitality
In this article, we reviewed the sights of the monastery and various entertainments that can be experienced in this city. We saw that the travel time to the monastery is not limited to a specific season and this city has special attractions in every season. Choosing the travel time is up to you and according to your conditions and interests. You can with plane ticket reservation, train ticket Or take a private car to this green city.
A trip to this city with good weather, delicious local food and spectacular views is the pure experience that tourists don’t want to end. What do you think? If you have already traveled to the monastery, write us which tourist attraction of this city you were most interested in?
Frequently asked questions about the sights of the monastery
What are the traditional foods of the monastery?
Mirza-Qasmi, Cheghartmeh, Sour Kebab and Baqalagatooq are among the local dishes of this city.
What are the souvenirs of the monastery?
In addition to the common souvenirs of Gilan, the monastery has souvenirs such as silk, pearl weaving products and miniature paintings. Foods such as sugar cane, cookies and Ziabar halva are also welcomed by tourists.
What is lafandbazi?
Lafandbazi is one of the old customs of Gilani which is performed in weddings, festivals, local markets and Nowruz ceremonies.
Does the monastery have a sea?
No, but if you are interested in water sports, you can swim in the Plengvar River during summer afternoons.
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