Joftan Lake

Joftan Lake is located in Kerman Province, near the village of Keshito, on the slopes of Mount Joftan. The lake was formed by a magnitude 7.3 earthquake in 1981 (1360 SH). The quake caused parts of Mount Palvar to collapse and block the course of the Keshito River, creating a natural lake holding more than 2 million cubic metres of water. This geological phenomenon is known not only as a natural attraction but also as a reminder of the power of nature.

Joftan Lake does not have a fixed volume or size, and it changes with the climate of the region. In wet years the water level rises, and its turquoise colour contrasts strikingly with the dry desert landscape around it; in periods of drought, parts of the lake dry up or become shallow. This variability is due to the lake's natural sources of supply, which come mainly from rainfall, local runoff and a connection with the Joftan and Keshito river system. The vegetation around Joftan Lake consists of plants resistant to arid and semi-arid conditions. Tamarisk, saxaul, atriplex and astragalus (gon) shrubs are among the plants that grow in this area. Besides its natural beauty, this vegetation helps maintain the ecological balance of the region and provides a suitable habitat for some animal species.

To reach the lake, the route starts from the city of Kerman, heads towards Shahdad, passes through the village of Keshitu'iyeh and arrives at the slopes of Mount Joftan. Part of the access road is unpaved and can be hard to pass when it rains, so extra care and preparation are needed for the trip. The best time to visit the lake is early autumn or after the seasonal rains, when the weather is milder and the lake is more likely to be full. Responsible nature tourism is also essential in this area, including not leaving litter, avoiding damage to the desert vegetation, respecting local settlements and reducing any negative impact on the environment.