Gavshan Dam

Gavshan Dam, one of the largest and most important dams in western Iran, is located in Kurdistan Province, 45 kilometers south of Sanandaj and 90 kilometers north of Kermanshah. The dam was built on the Gavehrud River and is a rockfill dam with a clay core. It is 123 meters high from its foundation, and its crest stands at 1,551 meters above sea level. The reservoir of Gavshan Dam holds about 550 million cubic meters of water and plays a key role in supplying the region with drinking and agricultural water. The dam was built to provide water for irrigating 31,000 hectares of farmland in the Bilevar and Miandarband plains, and to supply 63 million cubic meters of drinking water per year to the city of Kermanshah. In addition, the dam's power plant has a capacity of 11 megawatts and generates hydroelectric power.

With its beautiful natural scenery and varied vegetation, including shrubs and rangeland plants, the area around Gavshan Dam is a good spot for nature lovers and photographers. Given the dam's importance for water and energy supply, a visit can also appeal to travellers and anyone interested in water resources engineering.

To reach Gavshan Dam, head south from Sanandaj and after about 45 kilometers you will arrive at the dam site. The access road is paved and suitable for all types of vehicles. Because the dam is close to both Sanandaj and Kermanshah, a visit makes a good option for a day trip.