Hashilan Wetland

The beautiful Hashilan Wetland lies in Elahyarkhani Rural District, along the Kermanshah–Ravansar road, and is an excellent place for ornithological research and nature tourism. The wetland covers roughly 450 hectares, set in a broad plain and low-lying land at the foot of the Khorin and Vis mountains. Hashilan's water is supplied by the Sabzali spring-head. Upstream, the wetland begins as a spring-head with bubbling springs, and across the wetland itself the water spreads out into large and small channels. About 110 small and large islands have formed within the wetland. Hashilan is the only wetland in Kermanshah Province, and as an aquatic ecosystem it has always attracted nature-tourism enthusiasts. The surface of the wetland is covered with vegetation and a variety of flowers. There are no wild-growing trees within the wetland area; only willow species grow, very sparsely and in very small numbers, at a few points. The vegetation on the wetland's surface consists of grasses and aquatic plants that grow in the water.

Rodents from the mouse family and mammals such as the Iranian cheetah, wolf, wild boar, fox, hare, jackal, wild goat and wildcat live in and around the wetland. Because it shelters migratory birds, Hashilan is considered a protected area. The wetland is also home to several species of snake, particularly the water snake and the Caspian whip snake (chalipar). Major fish species in the wetland include bleak, Caspian roach, Caspian kutum, bream and barbel, all from the carp family. The wetland also has several species of crustaceans and amphibians, including crabs, frogs and turtles. Hashilan Wetland is one of the most important stopover sites for migratory birds in Kermanshah Province. Every year, birds such as the greylag goose, egret, heron and mallard migrate to this wetland.

Hashilan Wetland has its own charm in every season, but if you want to spend hours here at leisure, enjoying the scenery and the sound of the water, we recommend the months of Ordibehesht, Khordad, Tir and Mordad (roughly late April to August). As mentioned, Hashilan lies beside Mount Khorin, and this combination of mountain and water means the weather is always pleasant and cool, making it a good destination for escaping the heat. If you are keen to see migratory birds, autumn and winter are the best seasons for you.