Ahrar Cable Car offers scenic views of Lahijan
Ahrar Cable Car, also known as Lahijan Green Roof Cable Car, is one of the most popular recreational attractions in Lahijan, Gilan Province. Located in the Green Roof Complex on the slopes of Sheytan Kuh (Sheytan Mountain), the cable car offers visitors panoramic views of the city, tea plantations, rice fields and Lahijan’s colorful rooftops.
The cable car is part of the Green Roof Complex, a popular destination that is easily accessible from the city center. Visitors do not need to travel far outside Lahijan to reach it. The complex is about 48 kilometers from Rasht and 15 kilometers from Langarud, according to kojaro.com.
Ahrar Cable Car was developed through a joint project between Lahijan Municipality and Ahrar Company and began operating in 2005. Since then, it has become one of the city’s best-known attractions, drawing many visitors each year.
The cable car route begins at the Green Roof station and travels approximately 1.5 kilometers to its final station in an area known as Taj-e Khrous. The round trip takes about 20 minutes. Along the way, passengers can enjoy sweeping views of Lahijan, its famous lake, surrounding rice paddies and lush tea plantations.
The system has five towers and 33 cabins, each with a capacity of six passengers. Its route passes over green tea fields and provides a different perspective of Lahijan’s landscape.
Ahrar Cable Car is also considered one of the most technologically advanced cable car systems in Iran. It is equipped with a hydraulic traction system, motion-control equipment, a system for measuring the distance between cables, and a powerful generator for use in emergencies.
The Green Roof Complex surrounding the cable car provides a range of amenities, including parking, restrooms, a prayer room, restaurants, cafes and picnic shelters. The shelters overlook Lahijan and its lake and are particularly popular with families on weekends. Several cafes and restaurants operate near the first station, including Shahr-e Abrisham Restaurant.
The second station also has a restaurant and traditional teahouse, with some tables and chairs positioned along the edge of the station overlooking the surrounding natural scenery. Additional shelters are available nearby for visitors.
Other attractions
Ahrar Cable Car is part of a larger recreational area offering several other attractions. One of them is an amusement park near the cable car station. Its Ferris wheel, located on the slopes of Sheytan Kuh, is considered one of the tallest in northern Iran and offers particularly attractive views of Lahijan at night.
The amusement park also features rides and activities such as a Frisbee ride, bumper cars, a sled ride, a haunted castle, an escape room and a children’s train. An indoor children’s entertainment center known as Bazino is also available.
Another popular attraction is the zipline. The approximately one-kilometer course begins along the pedestrian route on Sheytan Kuh and ends near the Jahangardi Hotel on the edge of Lahijan Lake. The route passes above tea gardens and part of the lake, providing visitors with a distinctive view of the area. It is regarded as one of the largest ziplines in Iran and the Middle East.
Hiking route
The pedestrian route leading to the Green Roof Complex is another popular activity for visitors to Ahrar Cable Car. The walk can be extended toward the second cable car station for those who want a longer hike.
The walking route begins near Lahijan Lake and the waterfall.
From there, visitors follow a stepped path through a wooded area toward the Green Roof Complex. Several points along the route provide opportunities to stop and enjoy views of the city and lake.
The trail is not particularly challenging for experienced hikers, while the surrounding pomegranate and walnut trees add to the appeal of the walk. However, the numerous steps can be tiring for older visitors and young children.
Near the lake, visitors can also stop by Lahijan Waterfall, an artificial waterfall that has become a popular spot for photographs. Another, somewhat longer walking route connects the Green Roof Complex with the second cable car station. Hiking enthusiasts can take this route uphill and return to the first station by cable car.
Best time to visit
Spring is widely considered the best time to visit Ahrar Cable Car and Lahijan. The city is known for its extensive rice fields and tea plantations, which take on a particularly lush and vibrant appearance during the spring months.
Summer can bring high humidity and muggy weather to Gilan, but the elevated location of the cable car and the cooler air around Sheytan Kuh make the area a popular summer destination as well.
Autumn offers another attractive experience, particularly along the forested routes leading to the cable car. The cooler weather and colorful landscape make hiking especially pleasant, while a cup of locally produced Lahijan tea can add to the experience.
Winter is generally colder around the Green Roof Complex, but visitors who are prepared for the weather can still enjoy the views and recreational facilities when the complex is operating.