Pasab Wetland

The Pasab Wetland of Yazd lies 4 kilometres north of the city of Yazd, in Yazd Province. It was formed by the release of treated water from the Yazd wastewater treatment plant. The wetland stretches east to west, about three kilometres long and up to one kilometre wide at its widest point. Its elevation is 1,145 metres above sea level. The vegetation around the wetland consists of large clumps of reeds and reed beds. As its name ("Pasab", meaning effluent) suggests, the wetland is made of treated water from the Yazd wastewater treatment plant, released into the heart of the desert. The water settling among the dips and rises of the sand dunes has created a wetland in several separate parts, providing a home for many kinds of birds and reed beds, as well as a watering place for desert animals.

Like the rest of Yazd Province, the climate around the wetland is dry and desert-like, with a very large difference between day and night temperatures. There are several ways to reach the wetland, but the safest is to continue along Nasr Street near the Quran Gate (Darvazeh Quran), which brings you to the Baran Desert Camp. Note that the route to the wetland is an unpaved, sandy track with no signs to guide you, so be sure to use a suitable vehicle or hire experienced guides for your trip to this wetland.

For a trip to Yazd, to see this wetland and to explore the desert around it, it is best to choose the period from late Aban (mid-November) to the first days of spring. Although Yazd is hot in spring too, thanks to the water the area around the wetland is cooler. This can make choosing your destination easier. Sunglasses, water, sunscreen, a ground mat, a sunshade and sandals for walking on the desert sand are essential items. Don't forget a spare set of clothes for rolling around in the sand and water. If you plan to spend the night beside the wetland, be sure to pack a travel blanket, a suitable tent and enough food.