Qareh Qeshlaq Wetland

Qareh Qeshlaq Wetland covers an area of about 22,000 hectares and lies 13 kilometres southwest of Bonab, in East Azerbaijan Province. Located on the southern shore of Lake Urmia, on the border between East and West Azerbaijan provinces, it is known as the "Bride of the Northwest's Wetlands" for its natural beauty and biodiversity.

As a habitat for waterbirds and shorebirds, Qareh Qeshlaq Wetland hosts more than 153 bird species, some of which live in the area seasonally and others year-round. Notable birds of the wetland include flamingos, ruddy shelducks, pelicans, geese, ducks, white-fronted geese, herons, cranes, spoonbills, gulls and terns. The wetland is also home to plants such as tamarisk trees and extensive reed beds, which serve as a natural refuge for birds and other animal species.

The wetland can be reached by dirt roads from the villages of Qareh Qeshlaq, Ahmadabad, Aq Dash and Sefandoz. Autumn and spring are the most attractive seasons to visit Qareh Qeshlaq, since the bird population is impressive and the weather is mild and pleasant. When travelling to this area, it is essential to follow the principles of responsible nature tourism, such as not harming the environment, not leaving litter and respecting wildlife.