Cheshmeh Bad Cave

Cheshmeh Bad Cave is located in the village of Harzevil, near the town of Manjil, in Gilan Province. At an altitude of about 1,400 meters above sea level, on the slopes of the Asemansara mountain range, it is one of Gilan Province's valuable natural monuments and is listed among Iran's National Natural Monuments. Dating back to the Tertiary period of geological time (245 to 65 million years ago), Cheshmeh Bad Cave is known as one of the largest and longest river caves in Gilan.

This river cave has a limestone, multi-level structure. It was formed by acidic water seeping through the rock, and by surface water and rain combining with the limestone. The explored length of the cave is about 700 meters. Inside, there are numerous passages and corridors with a variety of stalagmites, stalactites, columns and limestone curtains. The dominant colors of the deposits are white, milky and yellow, and the semicircular interior, 1.5 meters high and 2 meters long, creates a striking natural spectacle. In the cold seasons, icicles hang at the cave entrance, and the area around the mouth is enclosed by large boulders.

The cave is usually reached via the Manjil → Harzevil route. The rest of the way leads through the Yuzerbin forest and along a mountain footpath, and requires suitable equipment and, preferably, a guide. The best time to visit is summer and autumn, because in spring the river inside the cave is so full that entering it is almost impossible. Visiting responsibly is essential to protect this natural heritage. That means keeping quiet, protecting the vegetation, not leaving any litter, and paying attention to safety inside the cave.