Sufi Chay River

The Sufi Chay River, also known among locals as "Gapi Chay," flows through East Azerbaijan Province and Maragheh County. This perennial river rises on the southwestern slopes of the volcanic Mount Sahand, runs west of Maragheh and south of Bonab, and finally empties into Lake Urmia. It is about 70 kilometers long, and because of its environmental importance, parts of its basin have been designated as the Sufi Chay Protected Area.

Along the course of the Sufi Chay River you will find picturesque scenery of orchards, old village architecture and seasonal waterfalls, which has made it one of the region's most important natural tourist destinations. The Alavian Dam has been built on the river, and the water collected behind it creates pristine lake views and a variety of recreational opportunities. Besides its natural beauty, the Sufi Chay plays a vital role in irrigating more than 12,000 hectares of orchards and farmland in the region. Species such as the red-spotted trout have also been observed in the river, which doubles the importance of protecting its environment.

The most common way to reach the Sufi Chay River is to travel to the city of Maragheh, since the river passes through the city and makes its scenic spots easy to access. The best time to visit is spring and summer, when the water volume is higher and the green, cool surroundings of the Alavian Dam offer a pleasant setting for walks and nature tourism. During your visit, it is essential to follow the principles of responsible nature tourism: do not pollute the water, collect your litter, and stay only on the marked trails so that the area's ecosystem is not harmed.