Situation
Iran is among the countries that has several Lake and for certain, Gahar Lake is one of the most beautiful ones. Encircled by snowcapped mountains, Gahar Lake is a bustling tourist resort in western Iran that attracts many sightseers and environment buffs every year.The property is nestled under the southern wall of Oshtorankuh range in a protected nature reserve and in fact made up of two smaller lakes that are situated within 100 meters of each other: upper Gahar and the Lower Gahar in Lorestan province.Lorestan Gahar Lake, also known as the solitaire of Zagros, is mountainous and located in the heights of Oshtorankouh Mountains in Lorestan province. 2350 meter above the sea level, it bears a1700m length, 500m wideth and a maximum depth of 28m. The nearest way to get to Gahar Lake is through Doroud County. In fact, Lorestan Gahar Lake attracts the approximate number of 700000 tourists annually all of whom now have a memorable experience of this peaceful area. Though in some parts, the lake has a rocky beach not suitable for swimming, some parts yet are appropriate for it especially in the hot weather of summer.
There is no motorway to the lake and the best recommended way to get there is to climb. Beginning at the ranger hut and car park at Haft Cheshmeh, 23km from Dorud, the walk on skirts of the mountain flanks takes four hours.Lorestan Gahar Lake in is accessible through Dorood and Aligoodarz cities by a road, which is one of the most beautiful of the walk sideways routes. Thousands and thousands of people visit this lake annually and stay there for a few nights, to better enjoy the tranquility of this rare space. Great views justify also the car journey through Darb-e-Astaneh, a mud-house village 18km from Dorud.
Genesis Origin
Lorestan Gahar Lake is among the best sample of lakes appeared due to the landslide. It is like a pond filled from Oshtorankuh springs, waterfalls and spring wells, its water volume is constant during the summer and winter and the most of lake surface freezes in winter. The shallow water in the small Gahar allows for watching the fish swimming at the bottom. Inflow into the lake is 10 ft3/s-1 and outflow is approximately 20 ft3/s-1. The increased rate of outflow compared to the inflow can be explained by the springs at the bottom of the lake.Tapleh is the main river supplying the icy, crystal clear waters to this lake; its bed is made of gravel and rocks.The big sliding mass has locked a big valley mouth and caused one natural dam; the water gradual aggregation of which, behind this dam has formed this lake.The shore of Lorestan Gahar Lake except for the entrance (western side) and its front part (eastern part) has a sandy face; while the other beaches are rocky.
Climate Condition
The climate is generally sub-humid continental with winter showering mostly in the form of snow. Due to the lake situation on the westernmost slopes of the Zagros Mountains, annual rainfall in Lorestan is one of the highest ones in Iran and in south of Alborz Mountains. Temperatures vary widely between day and night and through seasons. For instance, at Khorramabad, summer temperatures typically range from a minimum of 12 °C to a hot maximum of 32 °C. In winter, they range from a minimum of -2 °C to a chilly maximum of 8 °C.
Flora and fauna
Various shrubs, stout willow trees, roundabouts beautiful plants and flowers have turned the area around Lorestan Gahar Lake to a natural and incredible park. Eye-catching beauty and modern views of the lake have made numerous people from Lorestan, neighboring cities and other countries to walk or drive to the lake to spend their time there for several days, despite the difficult path.Protected in the area of Oshtorankuh, Gahar Lake is surrounded by a very beautiful valley covered in colorful anemones, Fritillaria tulips, irises, and pigweeds. This area is also an ideal habitat for wildlife, including turtlebacks, frogs, fish such as eels and trout, and wild mammals such as goats, sheep, deer, leopards, wolves, boars, brown bears, hyenas, foxes, jackals, rabbits, as well as various birds such as eagles, partridges and hawks. A total of 70 thousand tourists visit this region annually, especially in July and August.Thanks to an approximate rainfall of 933 mm, the trees are mostly oaks, willows and almond trees.
Travel tips:
1. Late April is the best time to visit Lorestan Gahar Lake, although it is cold at nights then.
2. Fishing is prohibited until early June; after which, a permition from environmental monitoring is needed for fishing in the western side of the lake.
3. The western side is safer to use as it has guards, electricity, and a camping area.
4. Watching the spectacular star-studded sky of Gahar Lake is recommended, as a rare phenomenon.
5. It is highly recommended to burn your litter safely.
6. Be mindful of the pristine, protected nature of this area.
Our Suggestion
Lorestan Gahar Lake provides a great opportunity for relaxation, fishing, boat riding, and swimming, however, possible only on the western and eastern sides of the lake which have sandy banks, unlike most other rocky lakes.Here, beside enjoying a really pleasing time, you can also spiritually benefit from the beauty of the place and the charming eye-catching nature around. It is highly recommended to see this outstanding Lake on your trip to Iran. Climbing, fishing, swimming, boating, the possibility of water ski, exploring the wildlife, walking around the rivers are the unique ecotourism attractions of this region.In the case, you determine coming to Iran and visiting Lorestan Gahar Lake, let Iranhrc provide you with a sophisticated package and serve you with all the necessary requirements. Be sure that all of our itineraries are exactly tailored in accord with the tender tastes of our respected clients; as you can refer to some of their great ideas on our website!