Amir Kabir Dam

Amir Kabir Dam, also called Karaj Dam, lies along the Chalus Road in the north of Alborz Province and is one of the best-known sights in Karaj. The dam is built on the Karaj River in the Alborz mountains. It serves industrial, agricultural and recreational purposes, and beautiful natural attractions surround it. Throughout the year, many travellers heading to northern Iran stop beside the Karaj Dam lake and spend some time relaxing in the area. Construction of the Karaj Dam began in 1336 (1957) and it went into operation in 1340 (1961). It was built to control the spring floods of the Karaj River and to reduce the damage caused by floods and by the river overflowing, which affected the villages along the Karaj River. The Karaj Dam is a tall concrete arch dam with a crest length of 390 metres and a height of 180 metres from its foundation. Along the Amir Kabir Dam in Karaj there are 6 water discharge gates, which control the water level behind the dam.

Around the Amir Kabir Dam lake there is diverse vegetation, including various species of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants. Some of the most important plant species in the area include trees such as oak, maple, ash, and wild pistachio (baneh), shrubs and bushes such as hawthorn, a variety of wildflowers, and meadows. Thanks to its water resources and rich vegetation, the Amir Kabir Dam lake and its surroundings are a suitable habitat for many animal species. Some of the most important animal species in the area include birds such as ducks, coots and eagles; mammals such as foxes, jackals and hares; reptiles; and fish such as trout and carp.

The best time to visit Amir Kabir Dam lake depends on the activities you plan to do. In general, however, the best seasons to visit the lake are spring and summer, because nature is at its best then, and the mild, pleasant weather is ideal for walking and nature tourism as well as for water activities.