Tahm Dam Lake

Tahm Dam Lake is one of the natural and tourist attractions of Zanjan Province. It is located 15 kilometres northwest of the city of Zanjan, near the village of Tahm. This earth-fill dam with a clay core was built on the Sarmsaqlu River. It has a height of 123.7 metres from the foundation and a crest length of 451 metres, and can store 78.78 million cubic metres of water. The main purpose of building the dam was to supply drinking water for the city of Zanjan and to reduce the use of groundwater resources. The lake behind the dam, with its unspoiled and picturesque natural scenery, has become one of the most popular destinations for nature lovers and tourists.

The vegetation around Tahm Dam Lake consists mainly of mountain pastures and plants resistant to cold and drought. With its cold, mountainous climate, the area provides a suitable habitat for a variety of animal and plant species. The lake is home to fish such as carp, yellowfin (zardpar) and shirbot (Tigris salmon barbel), which offers a good opportunity for anglers. Various species of birds can also be seen around the lake, making it a good spot for birdwatching.

To reach Tahm Dam Lake, take the paved Zanjan–Tahm side road from the city of Zanjan. The road is about 15 kilometres long and leads to the village of Tahm and then to the lake. The best time to visit is spring and summer, when nature is at its most beautiful and the weather is pleasant. Visitors should follow the principles of responsible nature tourism and avoid harming the environment and the area's water resources, so that this valuable ecosystem is preserved for future generations.