Shahrchay Dam Lake

Shahrchay Dam Lake is located 12 km southwest of the city of Urmia in West Azerbaijan Province. This clay-core earth-and-rockfill dam was built on the Shahrchay River in 1384 (2005 CE). It stands 84 meters above the riverbed, has a crest length of 550 meters, and holds a reservoir capacity of 221 million cubic meters. The dam was built mainly to supply drinking, agricultural and industrial water to the city of Urmia, and also to help restore Lake Urmia through water releases.

With its beautiful natural scenery and pleasant climate, the artificial lake behind the dam has become one of the region's popular tourist destinations. The road to the dam passes through the village of Band, and with the Shahrchay River and the lush gardens and fields around it, it offers visitors a delightful setting.

To reach Shahrchay Dam Lake, you can take the Silvana Road in Urmia. The best time to visit is spring and summer, when the nature around the lake is at its most beautiful. When visiting the area, it is essential to follow the principles of responsible nature tourism, including picking up litter and avoiding any harm to the local vegetation and wildlife.