Negarman village home to Iran’s first purpose-built ecolodge
The Bagh-e Gilas (Cherry Garden) Ecolodge in Negarman village, near Shahroud in Semnan Province, has been officially recognized as Iran’s first purpose-built ecolodge, according to the head of Shahroud’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Department.
Citing an announcement by the secretary of the National Committee for Ecotourism and Green Tourism, Seyyed Mohammad Sadeq Razavian said the lodge was constructed in the early 2000s in Negarman village, IRNA wrote.
Based on official inquiries and system reviews, the complex has been identified as the country’s first ecolodge that was designed and built from the ground up, rather than being created through the conversion of an older building or the repurposing of an existing structure.
He added that the Bagh-e Gilas Ecolodge operates on the slopes of Mount Shahvar, one of the prominent natural landmarks of the region.
Razavian noted that the presence of the country’s first purpose-built ecolodge in Negarman provides an important opportunity to further promote the tourism potential of Shahroud and Semnan Province. The village is located in the Bastam district, around 20 kilometers north of Shahroud, and is regarded as one of the leading ecotourism destinations in the eastern part of the province.
He said Negarman is known for its exceptional natural attractions, where springs and waterfalls in a predominantly desert climate create a distinctive landscape that brings together mountain and desert scenery.
Multiple waterfalls and springs, the Negarman River, and attractions such as the Zereshk Train and the Haft-Rang Farahzad Spring have helped turn the area into a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and travelers seeking unique landscapes, he added.
Razavian emphasized that expanding ecolodges across Semnan Province — particularly in promising areas such as Shahroud and Bastam — not only creates sustainable employment opportunities, but also helps preserve local identity, revive traditional architecture, and strengthen the local economy.
He described the ecolodge as a successful example of private-sector participation in sustainable tourism, adding that it has effectively utilized the natural and cultural capacities of Negarman through a responsible tourism model while showcasing the village’s environmental and cultural heritage.