Sarcheshmeh Village

Sarcheshmeh is a village in the Central District of Lahijan County in Gilan Province. It lies in Lil Rural District, on the slopes of Atakuh. The village is about 10 to 11 kilometres from the city of Lahijan, in a mountainous area, and enjoys a pleasant climate thanks to its natural setting. With its extensive tea gardens and the lush green land around it, Sarcheshmeh has a character that sets it apart from other villages in northern Iran, and tea growing is the main occupation of a large part of its people. The village's drinking water comes from natural springs, and it has services such as electricity and telephone. About 170 hectares of tea gardens on the mountainsides form an important part of Sarcheshmeh's natural landscape and local economy.

Among the most important natural attractions around Sarcheshmeh are the Atakuh Forest and the Shahkhani Cave, also known as the Bat Cave. The start of the Atakuh Forest is about 500 metres from the village. A steep, winding mountain dirt road runs through it, and it is part of the appeal of the route. The hills around the village offer beautiful views over Lahijan, and watching the sunset from the heights around Sarcheshmeh is especially popular with visitors. Shahkhani Cave lies next to the village, above the Shahkhani Spring. In the local dialect it is called "Shakhuni" or "Shupar"; in the Gilaki language, "shupar" means bat. According to local accounts, the cave once had a longer passage, but it is said that part of it collapsed after the 1369 (1990) Rudbar and Manjil earthquake, leaving a passable route of only about 40 to 50 metres. Alongside these attractions, the tea gardens, tea processing factories and the green atmosphere of the village make up an important part of the Sarcheshmeh travel experience.

To reach Sarcheshmeh, drive from Lahijan, starting near Kashef al-Saltaneh Square, towards the Bam-e Sabz road, and continue to the end of the road beside the Bam-e Sabz route. The distance from Lahijan to the village is given as about 10 to 11 kilometres. The best time to visit Sarcheshmeh is spring and the mild months of the year, when the tea gardens and the green cover of the area look their best; holidays are also among the busiest times in the village. When enjoying nature in Sarcheshmeh, please keep the environment clean, avoid damaging the tea gardens and vegetation, and respect the boundaries of farmland and village life. Also, because of the reported collapse in Shahkhani Cave, entering unknown or blocked sections of the cave without equipment and an expert guide is not recommended.