Pasand Lake

Pasand Lake is located in Behshahr County, Mazandaran Province, in the mountainous Hezarjarib region. The lake can be reached by a gravel road heading south, passing through the villages of Mohammadabad, Shirkola and Pasand. The Hezarjarib area, covering more than 49 hectares, is one of the country's protected areas and is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. Thanks to its rich vegetation and biodiversity, it has become a popular tourist destination in northern Iran. This natural lake has formed in a forest hollow, and with a local river and forest springs flowing through it, it creates a calm, cool setting that attracts many nature lovers.

Pasand Lake lies in the heart of dense forest, along a road with little traffic. With its fresh water, surrounded by lush trees, the lake offers visitors a peaceful and enchanting atmosphere. Around the lake there are walking routes and forest footpaths that allow you to wander through unspoiled nature. Another attraction near the lake is the Espeh-Av Waterfall, whose stepped limestone pools give the area a special beauty. The vegetation around the lake is very rich and varied; forest species such as boxwood, oak, Persian ironwood (anjili), hornbeam and alder, together with wildflowers such as borage and thyme, have created an ecosystem full of colour and life. This forest environment is an ideal habitat for birds, reptiles and mammals such as wild boar and the brown bear.

To reach Pasand Lake, take the road from Tehran to Sari and then continue towards Behshahr. From Behshahr, drive about 8 kilometres to the village of Pasand, and from there local dirt roads lead to the lake. The best time to visit the lake is spring and summer, especially the month of Ordibehesht (late April to May) and late Shahrivar (September), when temperatures are mild and rainfall is low. In these seasons the landscape is at its most beautiful, and you can walk the forest trails and enjoy the cool mountain air.