Tar Lake

Tar Lake is one of Iran's national natural monuments and one of the tourist attractions of Tehran Province, located in Damavand County. It is classed as a freshwater mountain lake. The lake lies at an altitude of more than 3,000 meters above sea level, 15 kilometers east of the city of Damavand and west of the village of Hoyar. Its water is rich in minerals, including calcium, magnesium and carbonate.

Part of the lake's water comes from springs on the Qarehdagh, Siahchal and Shahneshin mountains to the north, and from seasonal watercourses to the south. Some of the water from these springs and watercourses flows into Tar Lake and Hoyar Lake, while the rest feeds the Tar and Hoyar rivers. The water level of Tar Lake varies from season to season, and in the wettest season its depth reaches 50 meters. In the high-water season, a small part of the lake's water overflows and joins the Tar River. Along its course, the Tar River joins other rivers, and its flow continues as far as the city of Damavand. Around Tar Lake you will not find many trees or much vegetation, but one of the few plants in this area is wild thyme; if you walk among the hills, you will notice its pleasant fragrance.

Because of its altitude, the weather at Tar Lake is always cool, and the mildest weather is in summer. But Tar Lake also has beautiful springs, and you can enjoy the lake's beauty in that season too. In autumn, and especially in winter, the lake's water freezes, giving it a beautiful look. However, if you choose the cold season to see the area's natural beauty, be sure to travel with warm clothing and proper gear.

Besides aquatic plants, the lake is home to fish such as brown trout (red-spotted trout), yellow-finned rainbow trout and Caspian roach (zardkesh). The presence of these fish has made Tar Lake a good place for fishing, drawing many enthusiasts to the area solely to fish. Besides the fish mentioned, other species are also raised in the lake by the Department of Environment. If you intend to fish in this lake, you must obtain a permit from the Damavand Department of Environment.