Zarivar

Zarivar Lake (also spelled Zaribar) is located in Marivan County and is one of the most important tourist destinations in Kurdistan Province, Iran. Situated about 125 kilometers northwest of Sanandaj, this scenic lake—along with its migratory and native bird populations, unique wetland ecosystem, and surrounding forests—has become a favorite attraction for nature lovers and tourists alike. Zarivar is the largest freshwater lake in Iran and ranks among the most famous and picturesque natural landmarks in western Iran, particularly within Kurdistan Province. It is surrounded by forested mountains and lush green meadows that add to its breathtaking beauty. The lake itself stretches over an average length of 5.4 kilometers and a width of approximately 2 kilometers, with a depth ranging from 2 to 5.5 meters (averaging around 3 meters). The lake basin covers about 3.8 square kilometers, and including the surrounding wetlands, its total area is estimated at around 20 square kilometers—making it ideal for boating and other water activities. The lake’s water comes primarily from groundwater springs bubbling up from its bed, along with runoff from nearby creeks and seasonal rains. In recent years, due to reduced rainfall and declining water levels, about 3.6 million cubic meters of water are annually transferred from the Garan Dam via pipeline to help maintain the lake’s ecosystem. Zarivar’s expansive surface and favorable geography provide a rich habitat for a variety of flora and fauna, as well as for both migratory and resident bird species. These features have made the lake a hotspot for eco-tourism and birdwatching, drawing visitors from across the country and beyond. Zarivar was officially registered as a national natural heritage site on February 9, 2011. Since 2009, it has also been recognized as a wildlife refuge under the protection of Iran’s Department of Environment.

A Prime Habitat for Birds

Zarivar is considered one of the most important bird habitats in western Iran. Over 31 species of birds have been recorded here—14 of them native and the rest migratory. Notable species include ruddy shelducks, mallards, large and small bitterns, coots, terns, gulls, grey herons, Eurasian teals, storks, and birds of prey such as marsh harriers and kestrels. These birds represent just a portion of the total avian population, but they are the most prominent and easiest to spot, especially for casual observers and birding enthusiasts. The name "Zarivar" comes from the Kurdish word "Zariba," which means lake. Its linguistic roots trace back to Parthian Pahlavi and Middle Persian.

Wetland Ecosystem of Zarivar

Zarivar is a unique aquatic ecosystem nestled in a wide valley and surrounded on the east and west by wooded mountains and open pastures. The region’s predominant land cover includes semi-dense forests dominated by Persian oak, along with wild pear, hawthorn, almond, ash trees, and other species spread across various elevations and terrains.

Plant Life in Zarivar

The lake’s vegetation includes various floating plants such as Ceratophyllum and Myriophyllum, as well as spiny aquatic plants. Along the shoreline, you’ll find reeds, bulrush, blue plantain, water lilies, smartweed, creepers, sedges, wild mint, and other native species.

Aquatic Life in Zarivar

The lake is home to both native and non-native fish species. Among the natives are the spotted loach, common loach, and the beautiful Alburnoides fish, as well as the mosquito fish (Gambusia). Non-native species include white amur, mirror carp, common carp, bighead carp, and silver carp (hypophthalmichthys molitrix). In addition, a species of eel, five species of phytoplankton, and 17 ypes of zooplankton have been identified in the lake. 

Mammals in Zarivar

The area also supports mammals such as red foxes, hares, wolves, wild boars, and wildcats, contributing to the lake’s rich and diverse ecosystem.

Visitor Facilities in Zarivar

To enhance the experience for travelers, a range of facilities have been developed around the lake:

• Restaurants and cafés serving freshly grilled lake fish
• Local handicraft markets and souvenir shops
• A lakeside parking area
• Holiday accommodation services during the New Year and summer vacation periods

Zarivar Lake is regarded as one of Iran’s most pristine natural sites, and its untouched beauty continues to captivate visitors. In the cold season, access may be limited due to snowfall and freezing temperatures, but in contrast, summers offer a refreshing retreat compared to Iran’s hotter southern regions. Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, offering ideal conditions for hiking, birdwatching, boating, and other outdoor adventures.

Getting Zarivar

To reach Zarivar, simply follow the main road from Sanandaj to Marivan. Given the popularity of the lake during peak travel seasons and the limited number of accommodations, it's highly recommended to join an organized eco-tour or connect with our experienced team at Sana Persian for a more seamless and enriched experience. Since the lake is located near the beautiful city of Marivan, many travelers choose to stay in town and plan day trips to the lake. In winter, it’s an excellent time for observing migratory birds, while in warmer seasons, activities like rowing, fishing, diving, and even paragliding are available. Fishing experiences can be arranged with the help of local fishermen or guided tours. Moreover, thanks to Zarivar’s location along the strategic Sanandaj–Suleimaniyah transit route, it can also serve as a scenic stop on cross-border travel itineraries. This has made the lake a natural attraction for tens of thousands of travelers en route to Iraqi Kurdistan.

A Unique Shopping Experience

One of the additional highlights of visiting Kurdistan and Zarivar is the opportunity to shop in Marivan’s bustling markets. Due to the city’s proximity to the border, a wide range of goods is available—making it a favorite shopping destination for many Iranian tourists. In fact, for some, shopping alone is reason enough to travel to this border city.

Culinary Delights 

Another essential part of the Zarivar experience is trying traditional Kurdish cuisine, which is both diverse and delicious. The local food culture is considered among the top six in Iran for its variety and quality—an experience that significantly enhances any trip to the region.

Winter Charm

A winter trip to Kurdistan and Zarivar offers a different yet equally rewarding experience. While southern parts of Iran become unbearably hot, Zarivar’s climate remains cool and pleasant. The lake and surrounding areas are often covered in snow, making them ideal for snow sports, hiking, and winter photography. At the beginning of summer, the weather is so mild and enjoyable that one could camp by the lake for weeks on end, truly savoring every moment of nature’s tranquility. Sanapersian hopes to welcome you soon to Zarivar Lake and accompany you through the wonders of Kurdistan Province and the natural beauty of this unforgettable region.