Namrud Dam Lake

Namrud Dam Lake is located in Firuzkuh County, Tehran Province, about two kilometres downstream of the village of Salehban, and is one of the area's natural and recreational attractions. The lake lies along the Arjomand side road, near the town of Arjomand, about 140 kilometres from Tehran, which makes it a good option for a short day trip from the capital. Namrud Dam was built on the Hableh Rud River, and construction began in 2005 (1384 SH). It is an earth-fill dam with a clay core, about 82 metres high from the foundation, with a reservoir capacity of 119 million cubic metres. Besides supplying drinking and irrigation water, the expanse of water it has created among the heights gives the region a distinctive landscape. The village of Salehban, with its summer-pasture scenery, historical background and mountain views, is also an important part of the area around this attraction.

Around Namrud Dam Lake you will find mountain landscapes, the Hableh Rud River and a varied plant cover, including species such as wild pistachio (baneh), juniper, wormwood, milkvetch (gavan), wild almond and barberry. The area is also home to various animal species, and birds, reptiles and some wild animals can be seen in the natural surroundings of the dam. The main recreational activities here include photographing the lake and mountains, picnicking, camping and fishing. Fishing is only possible in compliance with the regulations and with the necessary permit, and rainbow trout and yellowfin barbel (zardak) are among the fish mentioned for angling in this lake. Swimming in Namrud Dam Lake is dangerous and prohibited. The nearby town of Arjomand also makes it easier for visitors to reach shops, a bakery, local products and some essential services, and for overnight stays you can use local lodgings, rental houses and other accommodation options in Firuzkuh and Arjomand.

To reach Namrud Dam Lake from Tehran, take the Tehran–Firuzkuh road and then turn onto the Arjomand side road. After about 12 kilometres along the side road, the lake and dam lie downstream of the village of Salehban. The best time to visit is usually from mid-Ordibehesht to mid-Shahrivar (early May to early September). During this period the weather is cool and pleasant and the surroundings of the lake are greener, while autumn is more appealing to anglers and those who enjoy colourful scenery. Firuzkuh's cold, long winters make this season unsuitable for a leisure trip to the lake. When visiting, avoid approaching the dangerous areas of the dam and do not enter the water. Do not leave litter in nature, avoid picking plants carelessly or harming local wildlife, and help preserve the peace of the natural habitat around the lake.