Bonun Village

Bonun Village (also spelled Binun) is a lush mountain village in Lisar District, Talesh County, Gilan Province. It lies about 13 kilometres from the Khotbeh Sara Bazaar, deep in the dense forests of Talesh. The village is part of the Mashayekh villages of Khotbeh Sara and sits beside the Mashayekh River in the mountainous highlands of the region. Its location next to the historic and religious village of Shamilarzan, and its setting within the Hyrcanian forests, give Bonun a pristine, humid and verdant natural environment.

Bonun has about 51 households, most of whom work in farming and animal husbandry, and the villagers are known for their hospitality and traditional way of life. Besides its dense forest cover, the area has valuable natural attractions such as mineral springs, ancient trees including yew, and striking mountain scenery. The most important natural attraction here is the Rivu Waterfall, which drops vertically about 30 to 40 metres from rock walls, creating a spectacular view among tall trees. The waterfall is part of a multi-tiered series (about seven waterfalls), the main one of which is about 86 metres high, set among the forest trails of the area.

To reach Bonun, travel to Khotbeh Sara and then take the forest road leading to the Rastin Lodge. From there, a walk of about 15 minutes along a marked forest trail brings you to the waterfalls and the surrounding nature. Thanks to the walking infrastructure, the route is fairly easy and suitable for families. The best time to visit is spring and summer, when the forest is at its greenest and the waterfalls carry more water. When visiting, it is very important to practise responsible nature tourism: keep the forest clean, avoid harming the ancient trees, and respect the pristine environment and the quiet of nature, so that this valuable ecosystem is preserved for future generations.