Choghakhor Wetland

Choghakhor Wetland is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, located 60 kilometers from Shahrekord. Covering more than 2,300 hectares on the slopes of the Baraftab and Kolar highlands, it shines like a jewel. The pleasant climate and beautiful landscapes of the area have made Choghakhor Wetland one of the most important tourist destinations in the province. Local elders say that Choghakhor is actually a combination of a Turkish word and a Persian one. "Chogha" in Turkish means "hill and meadow", and "khor" in Persian means "sun". So "Choghakhor" can be said to mean "hill or meadow of the sun".

Because of the humidity of the Choghakhor Wetland area, most of the plants here are moisture-loving species. The vegetation of the area is full of pondweed (Potamogeton), reed, sedge, willow and knotweed (Polygonum). There are also other plants in the area with various properties that are used as medicinal herbs. Waterbirds are the most diverse and most important group of animals in wetland ecosystems. Every year Choghakhor Wetland hosts thousands of migratory birds, and the presence of native and migratory birds such as herons, white storks, pochards, flamingos, birds of prey, swans, coots and mallards makes the area an excellent place for birdwatching. These features have made Choghakhor Wetland one of the province's outstanding natural attractions. The wetland is also home to various fish and reptiles. Fish found in the wetland include the bride fish (arous), phytophagous carp, mosquitofish (Gambusia), zebra fish and common carp. If you walk around the wetland, you may also see a few reptiles such as snakes, monitor lizards and freshwater turtles. Several mammal species also live in the area, the most important of which are jackals, foxes, wild boars, jungle cats, wolves, stone martens and hares.

The best time to visit Choghakhor Wetland is spring and summer, because in these seasons the cool weather and beautiful scenery delight every traveller. In spring, the nature around the wetland takes on a special greenness and freshness. In summer, the presence of Bakhtiari nomads adds to the area's appeal, and the blooming of wild poppies gives the wetland a special beauty. Summer is also a good time for fishing, and in general these seasons are considered the best time to enjoy the nature of Choghakhor Wetland.