Aq Owlar and Maryan countrysides are among the most spectacular villages in Gilan province. They are considered to be parts of Talesh city. These countryside villages are extremely popular among tourists especially in warm seasons.
It is approximately six hours from Tehran to Talesh. After thirty kilometers, while approaching the mountain, Maryan countryside is waiting for you at the end of the road. The path between Talesh and Maryan is extremely pleasant; a mountainous route passing through the forest.
When it comes to the high places, you might just think of Filband! But Maryan is also placed at 1080 meters above sea level. Where the mountains appear to be completely covered by green forests and as far as you see it is greenness. There are a lot of apple and pineapple trees in forest and the village has been surrounded by golden wheat fields.
Gorgan Rud passes along the village in its way to the Caspian Sea, adding to the beauty of the place. Maryan reaches Aq Owlar from the west where you can see many historical monuments.
Not only is the nature one of the significant attractions of this place, but it also has an ancient cemetery attributed to BC. Starting from Maryan, it ends in Aq Owlar. Graves include three floors, like a crypt. Therefore, the place must have long been residential.
The bathhouse of Maryan is another historical monument here remained from the late Safavid or the early Qajar period. White palace or the palace of Sardar Amjad in Aq Owlar was constructed at time of Mozaffar al-Din Shah Qajar, when he was the governor of the village.
At present, Sardar Amjad palace has been turned into the office of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism. Hosseinieh, Shirkhan Mosque and Pir Ali Mausoleum are among the other attractions.
The best time for traveling to Maryan and Aq Owlar is between Ordibehesht and Mehr, although the professional nature trekkers do not miss its spectacular snowy winters.