Golestan Dam

Golestan Dam is built on the Gorganrud River, 12 km northeast of the city of Gonbad-e Kavus. It is one of the region's notable sights and an important site in terms of water resources and nature. The dam stands in a green, scenic area and, besides supplying irrigation water to the downstream farmland, is also used as a fish farming centre. Construction of Golestan Dam began after the Islamic Revolution, in 1374 (1995), and it came into operation in 1379 (2000). Just one year later, in Mordad 1380 (August 2001), the region was hit by one of the most destructive floods in the country's history. The flood killed more than 500 people and filled the Golestan Dam reservoir completely. Following this event, Golestan Dam 2 was built upstream to control floods better. In that flood, the discharge of the Gorganrud River rose to more than 3,000 cubic metres per second, and the width of the river grew from 10 to 400 metres.

Golestan Dam is a homogeneous earthfill dam. With a crest height of 25 metres, a crest length of 1,350 metres and a normal reservoir capacity of about 56 million cubic metres, it plays an important role in storing water and preventing floods. With the help of a diversion dam and a transfer canal, the dam also carries water from the Oghabi River into the main reservoir. Its main goals included developing about 10,000 hectares of land on the right bank of the Gorganrud with a pressurised irrigation system, improving irrigation in the Voshmgir Dam network, and controlling seasonal floods. So far, 5,600 hectares of the planned land have been brought under irrigation. Thanks to the natural scenery and calm atmosphere around the dam, the site has also attracted nature lovers in addition to its technical and economic uses, and it can be regarded as one of the recreational assets of Golestan Province.

To reach Golestan Dam, head northeast from the city of Gonbad-e Kavus. The main road to the dam is clear and there are signposts along the way. It is recommended to check road and weather conditions before you set out. The best time to visit Golestan Dam is spring and early summer, when the weather is mild and the nature around the dam is green and delightful. In these seasons you can enjoy the natural scenery and use the recreational facilities around the dam.