The deepest lakes of Iran; Blue treasures of nature

Iran’s lakes are one of the best nature tourism destinations that are located in the corners of the country; From Urmia Lake in West and East Azerbaijan to Maharlu Lake in Fars Province. In addition to having a beautiful and eye-catching nature, these lakes are considered one of the best destinations for bird watching, water sports and photography. Although many of the country’s water bodies are being destroyed due to natural and human causes, some of the deepest lakes in Iran still retain their former glory. Among these lakes, Ahank, Gohar and Neor lakes can be mentioned. Stay with us and read more about the deepest lakes of Iran.

Learn more about the deepest lakes in Iran:

15. Maharlo Lake

• Location: Fars province, 30 km southeast of Shiraz (view on the map)
• Maximum depth: 3 meters

Maharlo lake is considered one of the beautiful lakes of Fars province and one of the sightseeing places of Shiraz. Maharlo has an area of ​​about 24,000 hectares. In times of high water, the average depth of this lake is one meter and its maximum depth is three meters. Maharlu Lake is considered a part of the prohibited hunting area of ​​Maharlu.

_{Photo source: Young Journalists Club, photographer: unknown}

Maharlo lagoon or lake is the winter habitat of migratory birds and every year birds such as flamingos migrate to this area. Tanje, types of kakai, big Gilanshah, small Salim and all kinds of watercress are among the other birds of Maharlo. Jackals, wild cats, hyenas and foxes can also be seen around the lake.

A type of algae lives in the water of Maharlo Lake, which produces a substance called beta-carotene with increasing temperature and salt concentration. This substance causes the water of Maharlu to turn pink and red and creates a stunning sight. You can go boating in this lake and enjoy sightseeing and watching the landscape and nature around Maharlo.

14. Troubled Lake

• Location: Fars province, 20 km southeast of Kazeroon, Arjan-Tharayan protected area (view on the map)
• Maximum depth: 5 meters

Parshan Lake is considered one of the most beautiful and one of the largest freshwater lakes in the country and the Middle East. This lake has an area of ​​4,300 hectares. Parshan is also known by names such as “Hoor”, “Shur”, “Yon”, “Toz”, “Famur” and “Kazeron”. The depth of this lake is on average 1.5 to 2.5 meters. Parshan lake or wetland is a part of Arjan-Pharsan protected area.

_{Photo source: Iran wetlands protection plan website, photographer: unknown}

Grassy plants and reeds form the vegetation of this lake. These reed fields are a suitable place for breeding birds such as gray pelicans, white-headed ducks, sandpipers and herons. Water dog is the most important aquatic mammal of Parshan Lagoon. Mammals such as sheep and goats, goats, deer, brown bears, wolves, boars, leopards and Iranian yellow deer live around the lagoon. Water snake, turtle and marsh frog are other animals of this area.

13. Salt lake

• Location: Mazandaran province, Swadkoh city, central sector, Rastopi village, Shormast village (view on the map)
• Maximum depth: 5 meters

Shoremast lake is one of the sights of Swadkoh and the only natural lake in Mazandaran province. This lake has an area of ​​15,000 square meters and its depth reaches five meters. Since Shurmast is the only remaining natural lake of Swadkoh, it is called the heart of Swadkoh. Forest cover and alder trees surround this lake.

_{Photo source: Google Map, photographer: Iman Soharadi}

Shoremast Lake is a suitable place for nature tourism and enjoying boating, fishing, horse riding, cycling and photography. In the autumn season, the colorfulness of the salty nature and the fogging of the lake surface create a spectacular and unique sight.

12. Kafter Lake

• Location: Fars province, Eqlid city, Kaftar village (view on the map)
• Maximum depth: 5.3 meters

Lake Kaftar or “Shadkam” is one of the freshwater wetlands of Fars province. This lake is the first station of migratory birds to Fars province. Kaftar has an area of ​​about 4,600 hectares and its water is supplied from the Shadkam River.

_{Photo source: Wikipedia, photographer: Alireza Javaheri}

Kaftar Lake is the second fresh water lake after Parshan Lake in Fars province. This lake is a natural habitat for migratory birds and a breeding ground for carp and Amur fish. Kaftar lake hosts many birds every year, including common terns, mallards, mallards, gray ducks, gray geese, white-tailed eagles, and terns.

11. Lake Kew

• Location: Lorestan province, Khorram Abad, Q Square, Jam Jam Blvd. (view on the map)
• Maximum depth: 7 meters

Q lake is considered one of the pleasant weather resorts and sightseeing places of Khorram Abad. “Q” in the Lori dialect means blue and dark blue, and this naming was due to the dark color of the lake. Kew Lake is considered an inner city and has easy access. The depth of the lake is between three and seven meters and its area reaches seven hectares. Lake Kyu was created in the place of a natural spring and is the result of nature and human hands. The sources in the springs at the bottom of the lake supply its water.

_{Photo source: Wikipedia, photographer: Mysam}

You can do various activities in Kew Lake and experience a fun and entertaining day. Recreations such as jet skiing, boating with motorized and pedal boats are provided in this lake. In addition, there is an amusement park and karting for children and adults.

10. Evan Lake

• Location: Qazvin city, Eastern Alamut Rudbar section, Moallem Kalaye village, near Avan and Verban villages (view on the map)
• Maximum depth: 7.5 meters

Evan Lake and its spectacular nature is one of the best places for nature tourism and having unforgettable hours and moments. This lake is one of the sights of Qazvin and it is located near the historical fortress of Alamut. The area of ​​Avan lake is about seven hectares.

_{Photo source: Wikipedia, photographer: Shahryar.seven}

To reach Evan lake, you have to go through a mountain road. The beautiful access road, the surrounding mountains and scenery provide you with the perfect opportunity for photography. You will have a different experience by boating in this lake and ice skating in winter. Avan is considered one of the centers of birding; Therefore, bird watching during the migration season is one of the reasons to choose this place as a travel destination.

9. Lake Zarivar

• Location: Kurdistan province, 5 km west of Marivan (view on the map)
• Maximum depth: 11 meters

Lake Zarivar or “Zaribar” is one of the sights of Marivan and one of the spectacular attractions in the west of the country. Zarivar is the largest freshwater lake in Iran. The average depth of Zarivar is about 5.5 and it covers about 2,000 hectares. Zarivar Lake is one of the bird watching destinations in Iran and is known as a wildlife sanctuary. About 271 species of plants, eight species of fish, 30 species of mammals, more than 90 species of migratory and native birds, three species of reptiles and three species of amphibians have been identified in this lake.

_{Photo source: Kurdistan Environmental Organization, photographer: unknown}

In Zarivar Lake, you can spend a fun and memorable day with your family and friends. This lake hosts birds in seasons of the year and has a spectacular and beautiful view. Boating, water skiing and fishing (in the permitted season) are some of the water activities of this lake. Paragliding and flying over the lake will also bring you sweet memories. Don’t forget to wander around and try the taste of grilled fish around this lagoon.

8. Lake Hamon

• Location: Sistan and Baluchistan province, southwest of Zabul (view on the map)
• Maximum depth: 11 meters

Hamon Lake is one of the old lakes and water areas of Iran and one of the sights of Zabul, which is also mentioned in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh. This wetland, which is located on the border of Iran and Afghanistan, was much more watery in the past. The water of Hamon Lake is supplied from the Hirmand, Khash Roud, Hossein Abad, Nehbandan, Farah, Harut Roud and Shore Roud rivers, most of which originate from Afghanistan.

_{Photo source: Tasnim news agency website, photographer: unknown}

The extent of Lake Hamon reached more than 566,000 hectares during high water; But over time, its area has reached less than 382,000 hectares. In the past, this lake had a solid shape; But today it is divided into different parts such as Hamon Sabri or Hamon Sistan, Hamon Hirmand, Hamon Pozak of Iran and Hamon Pozak of Afghanistan. In Hamon Lake, you can enjoy swimming and fishing when the water is high.

7. Shorabil Lake

• Location: Ardabil, Milad Highway, Police Square, Shorabil Street (view on the map)
• Maximum depth: 11 meters

Shurabil Lake is one of the few lakes in Iran in the urban context, which is also considered one of the sightseeing places of Ardabil. Throughout the year, this lake hosts bird species such as golden-eyed ducks, geese, gray pelicans, and black storks, and ducks, khotkas, pheasants, and herons are also native birds of this area. The water of Shorabil Lake was very salty in the past; But by adding fresh water to it, its saltiness has been greatly reduced. The water of this lake is supplied from Baligluchai river, underground springs, rivers around this area and annual rains.

_{Photo source: Googlemap, photographer: Mustafa Jafari}

Shurabil Lake has various recreational, sports and welfare facilities, among which you can find the walking path around the lake, boating and water sports site, sports halls, zip line, outdoor and indoor amusement park, karting track, electric car, Paradise Garden, rock parks, Many restaurants and cafes are mentioned.

6. Bezegan Lake

• Location: Razavi Khorasan Province, Sarkhs County, Marzdaran Division, Gol Bibi Village, about 7 km northeast of Bezengan village (view on the map)
• Maximum depth: 12 meters

Bezengan Lake or by the local name “Kol Bibi” is known as the only natural lake in Razavi Khorasan province and is considered one of the famous places of Sarkhas. This lake was registered in the list of the country’s natural heritage and four environmental zones in 2006. Geologists believe that Bezegan Lake was formed in the second and third geological eras due to orogenic activity. The size of this lake is about 80 hectares and its water depth is maximum 12 meters.

_{Photo source: Wikipedia, photographer: Sanchooli}

Bezegan Lake has the title of the bride of Iran’s lakes. This lake, like other lakes in Iran, is the habitat of various animal species. In different seasons of the year, Bezegan hosts migratory birds and is considered one of Iran’s bird watching destinations. This lake is also a breeding place for salmon.

5. Neor Lake

• Location: Ardabil province, Ardabil city, Hir section, Neor Sefli village (view on the map)
• Maximum depth: 13 meters

Neor Lake is the largest permanent fresh water lake in Ardabil province. This lake is located in one of the valleys of Baghrou Mountain and in the mountain range between Ardabil and Talesh with a beautiful and heartwarming view. Neor in Turkish means a small lake that does not have a river. This lake consists of two small and big lakes that join together in spring and create Neor Lake. The area of ​​this lake is more than 210 hectares and the average depth of the lake varies between three meters and the maximum depth of 13 meters.

_{Photo source: Wikipedia, photographer: Elajan}

Neor lake hosts and shelters migratory birds every year and there are various plant and animal species in it. Water otter is the only mammal that lives in this place. Neor Lake is one of the important research centers of Environmental Protection Organization in aquatic affairs. In this lake, those interested in fishing can fish by obtaining a permit during the permitted fishing seasons. The nature and scenic views around the lake provide you with a good opportunity to explore and record unrepeatable moments. Camping, overnight stays, and hiking are other activities that you can experience in Neor. The route from Lake Neor to Talash is considered one of the best cycling routes in Iran.

4. Lake Urmia

• Location: The border between the provinces of East Azarbaijan and West Azarbaijan, east of Urmia (view on the map)
• Maximum depth: 13 meters

Lake Urmia with an area of ​​more than 500,000 hectares is located in the northwest of Iran and between the provinces of West and East Azerbaijan. This lake is also considered as the largest internal lake of the country and one of the most important and valuable water ecosystems of Iran and the world. The average water depth of the lake is two to five meters.

Urmia Lake was one of the largest salt water lakes in the world in the days of high water; This lake became depleted in the mid-1980s and is in danger of drying up today.

_{Photo source: Iranian wetlands protection plan, photographer: unknown}

Since 1346, Lake Urmia along with Kabudan and Qion Daghi islands are among the protected areas. In 1354, it was introduced as an international wetland and in 1356 as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This lake is located in the middle of a closed watershed, and all surface and underground waters from the surrounding areas overflow towards it. There are freshwater satellite wetlands around Urmia and they have created an important ecological area around it.

3. Gohar Lake

• Location: Lorestan Province, Durood County, Central Division, Heshmat Abad District (view on the map)
• Maximum depth: 28 to 30 meters

Gohar Lake is a mountain lake with fresh and permanent water and it is considered one of the scenic spots of Durud in Lorestan province. This lake is located on the main fault of Zagros and was probably created by the movement of the fault and earthquake. The Gahar Lake consists of two parts, the Big Gahar (Kale Gahar) and the Small Gahar (Kore Gahar). The large cave has an area of ​​100 hectares and its maximum depth is about 28 to 30 meters. The small cave has an area of ​​about five hectares and its depth varies between one and three meters in different places.

_{Photo source: Wikimedia, photographer: Hasan Papi}

The path to reach Gohar Lake is not accessible by car and requires several hours of hiking and proper equipment; Usually, hikers with high physical strength can go through it. The fresh water of the lake provides a suitable environment for salmon. Other aquatic animals such as turtles, frogs and animals such as rams and sheep, mountain goats, brown bears, wolves, foxes, rabbits and all kinds of birds such as eagles, partridges and yellow hawks live in this area. The vegetation around the lake consists of oak, willow, almond, wild pistachio, wild pear, plane tree, elm, fig, sparrow’s tongue, apple and hawthorn.

The fact that Gohar Lake is surrounded by the mountains of Ashtrankoh has given it a special appearance and beauty, and it is considered a suitable place for walking in the lap of nature, climbing and watching the wildlife of the region. In this lake, you can also go fishing (with permission from the environment) and boating.

2. Iron Lake

• Location: Tehran province, Firouzkoh city, central sector, Habalroud village, Simin Dasht village (view on the map)
• Maximum depth: 32 meters

Ahank Lake is one of the deepest lakes in Iran, which is one of the famous places in Firuzkoh. This lake contains two twin ponds, the depth of the big pond reaches 32 meters and the depth of the small pond reaches 8 meters. The water of Ahanek lake is supplied from the boiling springs below it and the rainfall and melting snows of the highlands of this region. Keep in mind that the water of this lake contains sulfur and is not suitable for drinking. The water temperature of Ahnak Lake reaches 24 degrees Celsius and its bottom is covered with very soft sand and mud. Carps and frogs also live in this lake.

_{Photo source: irangardi.app website, photographer: unknown}

Ahanak lake is surrounded by tall reeds with a height of about three meters, which give the lake a beautiful appearance. In this lake, you can experience diving at a depth of 6 meters. If you are a skilled swimmer, go for a swim and enjoy the coolness of the water. One of the attractions of this lake is the green village of Simin Dasht and its beautiful nature.

1. Caspian Lake

• Location: Coastal coast of Golestan, Mazandaran and Gilan provinces (view on the map)
• Maximum depth: 1,025 meters

The Caspian Lake or “Caspian Lake”, which is better known as the Caspian Sea, is considered the largest lake in the world and is located among the countries of Iran, Russia, the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan. The size of this lake is 371,000 square kilometers (37,100,000 hectares), which has 820 kilometers of coastline in Iran. The maximum length of the Caspian Sea is 1,200 km and its maximum width is 435 km. The maximum depth of Caspian Lake also reaches 1,025 meters.

_{Photo source: Wikipedia, photographer: unknown}

Caspian Lake is one of the most important sources of caviar in the world. In this lake, one of the world’s rare aquatic mammals, the Caspian jaw, lives. The Caspian Sea is the habitat and refuge of many important types of birds in autumn and winter. Ducks, geese, swans and cranes are among the birds of this lake.

On the shores of the Caspian Sea in the northern provinces of the country, you can experience a variety of water and beach activities and enjoy the nature and scenery around the lake.

_{Maharlo Lake; Photo source: Wikimedia; Photographer: Hadith Faqiri}

If you have the experience of visiting the deepest lakes of Iran, share your opinion with us and the companions of Kojaro.

_{Cover photo: Lake Urmia; Source of the photo: the site of the Ir N wetlands protection project, photographer: unknown}