Incheh Borun Wetland

Incheh Borun Wetland is a valuable seasonal wetland in Golestan Province, located near the border between Iran and Turkmenistan. It is part of the network of aquatic ecosystems of the Gorgan Plain, and thanks to its distinctive geographic position it hosts thousands of migratory birds during the migration season. The water level rises during the rainy months and in some seasons the wetland partly dries out because of water shortage, yet this very feature has made it a dynamic habitat for a variety of species.

The wetland is about 2 kilometers long and up to 1.8 kilometers wide at its widest point. On its western side lies the Incheh mud volcano, one of the region's major tourist attractions. Around the wetland you can see a wide landscape of flat plains, salt-tolerant vegetation, wetland plants and scattered shrubland. The area is an important habitat for waterbirds such as flamingos, white-headed ducks, greylag geese and pelicans. Mammals such as wild boar, jackals and the Turkmen fox are also seen in the surrounding areas.

To reach the wetland, you can take the road from Aq Qala to Incheh Borun. The wetland is located on the east side of the road at kilometer 23. Incheh Borun Wetland not only has high environmental value but, because it lies on a migratory bird flyway, is also an attractive destination for bird-watching enthusiasts. The silence of the plain, the reflection of the sky in the wetland's shallow waters and the presence of flocks of birds have made this area one of the most pristine natural attractions in northeastern Iran.