Ashk Island

Ashk Island is one of the nine islands of Lake Urmia National Park, located in West Azerbaijan Province, about 40 kilometres from the port of Golmankhaneh. With an area of about 2,350 hectares, it is the second-largest island in Lake Urmia and is known as one of the most important habitats of the Persian fallow deer. Because the island is surrounded by submerged salt rocks and lies within a protected area, it can only be visited with a permit from the Department of Environment.

Ashk Island is home to a wide variety of wildlife. The Persian fallow deer, one of the rarest deer species in the world, lives on the island. In addition, the Armenian mouflon (wild sheep), foxes, jackals and birds such as flamingos, shelducks, ruddy shelducks, gulls and avocets can also be seen here. A freshwater spring and diverse vegetation provide suitable living conditions for these species.

To visit Ashk Island, you need to obtain a permit from the Department of Environment. The island is reached by boat, with prior arrangement. The best time to visit is spring and early summer, when nature is at its most beautiful. When visiting this area, it is especially important to follow the principles of responsible nature tourism and to protect the environment, so that you can enjoy its natural beauty while helping to preserve it.