Khers Chal Lake

Khers Chal Lake is one of the most pristine natural lakes in Alborz Province. It is located in Karaj and is listed among the wetlands and lakes of Iran. This mountain lake lies in the heights of the Alborz range, amid the lush, well-watered nature of northern Iran, and its formation dates back to the Ice Age. Set in a deep rocky depression and surrounded by forest and green pastures, the lake creates a unique and charming view. It was formed by glacial erosion and the accumulation of water in a natural basin on the mountain slopes, and it is regarded as a valuable source of mountain water. The water is very cold, and the lake can be seen at its fullest only during the snowmelt season; at other times it remains seasonal and half-full.

Thanks to its mountain location and high altitude, Khers Chal Lake has a calm, cool and refreshing environment, and its natural landscapes of mountains, forest and water can be enjoyed in every season of the year. The vegetation around the lake includes a variety of temperate broadleaf trees and mountain pastures, which also provide habitat for the region's native animals and birds. A fairly long hike with changes in elevation is part of the nature-tourism experience here, offering the chance to enjoy unspoiled scenery and the silence of the mountains. Visitors must follow mule tracks, cross rocky ridges and valleys, and in the cold seasons encounter ice and snow. The area around the lake is surrounded by mountain views, rocky ridges and the unspoiled nature of the Alborz, and it is also possible to see animals such as wild goats and ibex in these heights.

To reach the lake, take the Karaj–Chalus road to the Gachsar section, then turn onto the road on the right (east) and continue for a few kilometres. Near the park ranger post you enter a short dirt road that finally leads to the lush, refreshing village of Varangerud. From there, after a short dirt track, the route continues on foot along small streams and through pasture areas until you finally reach this beautiful lake. The best time to visit is spring and summer, when the weather is milder and the hiking trails are in better condition. Along the trail, visitors can enjoy the beauty of mountain streams, green pastures and natural scenery, and by the lake they can spend their time on nature photography, light mountaineering and relaxing in nature. Given the sensitivity of the mountain ecosystem and the pristine setting of the lake, it is essential to follow the principles of responsible nature tourism, such as collecting your rubbish, staying on designated trails and keeping the natural quiet around the lake, so that this natural wonder is preserved for future generations.