Golangesh Village

Golangesh Village (also written Golankesh) is part of Khorgam District in Rudbar County, Gilan Province. It is one of Gilan's authentic and historic areas, and its people are said to be descendants of the ancient Amard people. In the local language, the name "Golankesh" means "alliance and gathering", and some historical sources and ancient texts also refer to it as "Gilan Kesh". Sources such as the writings of Quintus Curtius indicate that the Mardian people stood up to Alexander the Great in the distant past, and the Golangesh area was part of that same resistance.

The village is famous for preserving its traditional character and its two-storey timber-and-stone architecture: buildings with letehsar (thatched-style) gabled roofs that give the village a historic, picturesque look. Among its natural attractions is the ancient "Kuf Dar" tree, which stands in Siahdasht-Bon, one of the hamlets of Golangesh. This damp-loving tree, with a trunk about 4 metres in diameter and an age of nearly 1,300 years, is regarded as one of the region's natural and historical landmarks. It lies along the road to Derfak Peak, and this route is in itself one of the well-known mountaineering and nature-tourism routes in Gilan. In addition, Golangesh is the cradle of local maqam music, linked to the region's ancient tales, and the villagers speak the Deylami language; it is an ancient and rich culture that captivates travellers who love Iranian music.

The people of Golangesh still preserve their traditional customs, and their lives are intertwined with nature and history. To get there, visitors can set out for the village from Rostamabad or Barehsar. Along the way they can enjoy the natural attractions of the route, such as gushing springs, mountain views and the authentic fabric of the village. The best time to visit is spring and summer, when you will experience lush pastures, pleasant weather and a delightful summer-pasture atmosphere. We recommend visiting the village with a responsible-tourism approach: do not leave litter in nature, respect the villagers' homes and fields, and for a more authentic experience, talk with the locals and spend time in their company.