Lahijan

Lahijan (لاهیجان) is one of the most beautiful cities in Gīlān Province, nestled in the Alborz mountains overlooking the Caspian Sea. Known as the "City of Silk" and "City of Tea," Lahijan is Iran's tea-growing capital, with lush green tea plantations covering the surrounding hillsides. The city has a mild, humid subtropical climate with abundant rainfall, making it exceptionally green year-round.

The city centre is built around the central square and the Lahijan Lake, a small artificial lake at the foot of a hill. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, with comfortable temperatures and the tea harvest in full swing.

By Plane

Rasht Airport (RAS) is about 40 km northwest, with domestic flights from Tehran. A taxi to Lahijan costs about 500,000–800,000 rials.

By Car / Road

Lahijan is on the main Rasht–Chalus road (Route 22), about 340 km north of Tehran via the Qazvin–Rasht freeway (4–5 hours by car). Frequent buses from Tehran's West Terminal and from Rasht serve Lahijan.

The city is walkable in the centre. Taxis and minibuses connect the neighbourhoods and surrounding tea villages.

• Lahijan Lake (Sheytan Kuh) — A scenic lake at the foot of a hill with a park, paddle boats, and views over the tea plantations.
• Tea Museum and Kashef Al Saltaneh Tomb — Dedicated to Mohammad Mirza Kashef Al Saltaneh, who introduced tea cultivation to Iran.
• Lahijan Bazaar — A lively covered market selling local produce, tea, and handicrafts.
• Sheytan Kuh Hill — A forested hill above the lake with walking trails and panoramic views.
• Afsar Tea Plantation — Working tea fields where visitors can see tea plucking and processing.
• Bisheh Waterfall — A scenic waterfall about 15 km south of the city.

Tour the tea plantations and learn about tea production. Take a rowboat on Lahijan Lake. Hike up Sheytan Kuh for views over the Caspian plain. Visit the weekly bazaar for local produce.

• Lahijan's cuisine features Caspian specialities including mirza ghasemi (smoked aubergine with tomato and egg), baghali ghatogh (bean and dill stew), and fresh Caspian fish (kutum, sturgeon).
• Several restaurants around the lake serve traditional Gilaki food.
• Kolucheh Lahijan — Local rice-flour cookies sold in the bazaar.

Freshly brewed Lahijan tea is a must — light, aromatic, and golden. Try it at a traditional teahouse overlooking the plantations.

• Budget: Guesthouses near the lake from 500,000 rials.
• Mid-range: Several small hotels around the lake and town centre offer rooms from 1,000,000–2,000,000 rials.
• Upscale: The Lahijan Grand Hotel (near the lake) is the premier option.

Lahijan tea (چای لاهیجان) is the premier souvenir — buy fresh loose-leaf green or black tea directly from plantations. Local honey, cookies (kolucheh), and silk scarves are also popular.

• Rasht (40 km, 45 minutes) — Provincial capital, gateway to Gilan cuisine.
• Masuleh (60 km, 1.5 hours) — Iconic stepped village in the misty mountains.
• Bandar-e Anzali (50 km, 1 hour) — Caspian port with lagoon and birdlife.
• Ramsar (70 km, 1 hour east) — Seaside resort in Mazandaran.
• Tehran (340 km, 4–5 hours via Qazvin).