Latyan Dam Lake

A Natural Gem Near Tehran

Seas and Lakes
Tehran, Lavasan
Altitude 1,600 m

Ability level Beginner

Ability level: Beginner

Latyan Dam Lake is one of the best-known recreation areas of Tehran. It lies south of the town of Lavasan. The lake was formed by the water that collects behind the Latyan Dam, one of the sources of drinking water for the capital. The pleasant mountain climate, the striking scenery and views, and the good tourist facilities have made the Latyan Dam one of Tehran's recognized sights. Latyan was in fact the name of the village closest to the dam wall, in the rural district of Lavasan-e Kouchak (Little Lavasan), which was submerged when the dam was built.

Latyan Dam Lake covers an area of about 330 hectares and is roughly 99 metres deep when full. Besides supplying Tehran's drinking water (about 290 million cubic metres), it is also used for recreation. The large Latyan and Telo forest parks surround the lake, and facilities such as gazebos, walking trails, restaurants and cafés can be found nearby. Fishing at Latyan Dam is one of the most attractive activities in the area. Besides standing on the shore and fishing, you can take a boat out to the middle of the lake and enjoy the peace of nature. Various kinds of fish live in these waters, including Caspian white fish (river whitefish), roach (slack), crucian carp and yellowfin fish. Some professional anglers have also reported rainbow trout in the Jajrud River and behind the dam, although this fish is rarely seen today.

There are two main routes to Latyan Dam Lake. The first starts in eastern Tehran, in the Tehranpars area. Take the Damavand Road and, after reaching the Jajrud Bridge, turn onto the road that runs parallel to the Jajrud River. After about five kilometres, the entrance to the dam area will appear. The second route is reached from northeastern Tehran and the Babaei Expressway. On this route, after passing through Greater Lavasan (Lavasan-e Bozorg), a side road heading southeast takes you directly to the Latyan Dam. The best time to visit the lake is from early spring to the beginning of autumn, when the weather is mild and the green forests and the full-flowing rivers make for a spectacular view. Responsible nature tourism in this area means following some basic principles: do not leave litter, respect the peace and quiet of the surroundings, stay on the marked trails, and take special care to protect the water resources, because Latyan Lake plays a vital role in supplying Tehran's drinking water.

Written by زهرا لنگری Last updated 13 Sep 2025

Activities

What you can do here, and what it takes

Fishing

افراد علاقه‌مند می‌توانند از امکانات ماهی‌گیری تفریحی در حاشیه دریاچه استفاده کنند.
Rowing

بعضی از روزها روی سطح دریاچه امکان قایق‌سواری تفریحی فراهم است.
Walking

مسیرهای جنگلی اطراف پارک لتیان و پارک تلو مناسب پیاده‌روی آرام و گشت‌وگذار در سایه درختان و نزدیک به دریاچه‌اند.