Ovan Lake is a jewel of Alamut (crystal water, alpine air and easy access from Qazvin make it a perfect day trip or overnight escape.)
Ovan Lake lies about 20 kilometres from Alamut and 75 kilometres from historic Qazvin. If you’re visiting Qazvin and want to see regional highlights, Ovan Lake is one of the top choices.
In this SaedNews travel piece we cover everything you need to plan a trip to the area. Reading this article should help you arrange a memorable visit.
Ovan is suitable for both serious nature lovers and family outings; it frequently becomes a cherished memory for visiting families.Ovan Lake, known locally as “Alamut Lake,” is among Iran’s most beautiful lakes and sits on the slopes of Mount Khoshchal in the Alborz range.
The lake is encircled by the four villages of Ovan, Varbon, Zavardasht and Zarabad, and has been listed as Iran’s 89th natural heritage site by the Cultural Heritage Organization.
Ovan Lake, with its pristine scenery and striking setting, is one of Qazvin province’s most attractive natural sites. It sits in the Alamut region on Mount Khoshchal’s slopes, surrounded by the four villages Ovan, Varin (or Varbon), Zavardasht and Zarabad.
Its location is roughly 75 km northeast of Qazvin, and because of its beauty it’s known as the “jewel of Alamut.” The drive from Qazvin to Ovan is therefore about 75 kilometres.
One route to Ovan is to travel first to Qazvin — by train, bus, plane or car. Various tour operators in Qazvin also run trips to Ovan Lake.
If you drive from Qazvin toward Alamut, head to the Gharibkesh square and follow signs for Alamut. Continue toward Rajayi-dasht until you reach the Alamut–Ovan fork.
From that fork the lake is close: after passing Zarabad village you’ll arrive at Ovan Lake. Note that the road beyond the Alamut–Ovan fork is scenic but can be dangerous, winding and occasionally foggy.
If you travel from Tehran by private car, join the Tehran–Qazvin motorway, pass the Qazvin tolls, then take the Qazvin–Alamut road toward Rajayi-dasht. From there it’s roughly 20 km to the lake.
Generally, the drive from Qazvin to Ovan Lake takes about three hours. A common plan is to spend the morning at Alamut Castle, then drive the short distance to Ovan Lake for the afternoon.
Ovan Lake and its surroundings support a diverse plant and animal community. On the lake’s shores you’ll find trees such as willow, plane (sycamore), poplar, apple, sour cherry, cherry, oleaster, hazelnut and walnut.
Herbaceous plants mentioned in the area include agun (a local shrub), artichoke thistle, and licorice, while aquatic and marginal plants inside the lake include reeds, aquatic rush (khoshab) and water-milfoil, all of which provide habitat for aquatic life.
The region’s wildlife remains rich despite pressures: overhunting and habitat loss have reduced populations of wild goat and ibex, but species still reported in the area include leopard, brown bear, fox, jackal, wolf, wild boar, musk deer (shang), Eurasian lynx, raptors (eagles, vultures, buzzards, falcons, owls) and many songbirds (partridge, dove, woodpecker, greenfinch, magpies and several passerines).
Aquatic life includes frogs, turtles, crabs and fish; recorded fish species in Ovan Lake include rainbow trout, carp and pike-perch.
Ovan Lake offers four-season activities. Depths vary and sticky sediments and silt occur in parts of the bottom.
In 2013 a diving team measured the lake’s depth at 6.8 metres, with underwater visibility around 1 metre.
In summer the lake is a popular spot for swimming, boating and fishing, though the article notes that fishing and hunting are prohibited to protect the lake’s environment — visitors are advised to avoid these activities.
In autumn migrating waterfowl such as swans, geese and ducks visit and attract birdwatchers and photographers. In winter the lake may freeze, making ice-skating possible for enthusiasts.
[Image omitted — original showed a winter view of Ovan Lake]
If you enjoy mountain sport, the lake’s location on the mountain slopes also offers good opportunities for year-round hiking and mountaineering — views of the lake from nearby heights are a memorable experience.
Being located in the Alborz mountains, Ovan Lake has cool, pleasant springs and summers; mornings are often foggy while afternoons bring a gentle breeze. Autumn cools and paints the surroundings in colourful foliage; winters are snowy and cold and the lake can freeze. Each season shows a different face of Ovan’s landscape.
Spring and summer are the most popular seasons, offering pleasant weather and outdoor activities. If you don’t mind crowds and your primary aim is to enjoy swimming or boating, these seasons are recommended.
Autumn and winter offer quieter scenery and seasonal beauty — frozen surfaces and snow add a different kind of charm, but visiting in low season reduces the likelihood of getting solo portrait photos free of other visitors.
Ovan is not extremely remote — nearby villages provide basic services. Boat rentals operate on the lake; there are toilets, camping-friendly flat areas and parking for visitors. You will typically find what you need for a comfortable day visit.
What you pack depends on season and purpose. The flat shores make camping feasible — bring a tent and picnic gear if you plan to overnight. Wear suitable hiking clothing and shoes because muddy shorelines and stony slopes can make walking difficult without proper footwear.
Bring enough food and bottled water for convenience. If staying overnight, take a sleeping bag, eco-friendly heating equipment and warm clothing. For autumn/winter visits bring snow chains for your car: snow and rain can be unexpected and may make driving hazardous.
If you prefer not to camp, consider staying in Qazvin and commuting to the lake. Hotels and guesthouses in Qazvin give you comfortable alternatives and allow a longer scenic drive to the lake.
Experienced nature travellers know how important it is to preserve natural heritage and recognize the social and economic benefits conservation brings to local communities. Visitors must avoid illegal hunting, leaving litter, lighting uncontrolled fires, breaking branches or damaging vegetation — such actions can permanently destroy fragile natural sites.
Natural treasures that attract millions of visitors are gifts we must pass on to future generations. Protecting them is our shared responsibility.
Tip | |
|---|---|
Travel in spring or summer for pleasant weather and lake activities; autumn/winter are quieter and scenic. | “Spring and summer attract many tourists… autumn/winter add different beauty.” |
Drive carefully on the winding, sometimes foggy mountain roads; from Qazvin the trip takes about three hours. | “Roads are scenic but dangerous, winding and sometimes foggy… drive safely.” |
Bring suitable hiking shoes and clothing — shores can be muddy and slopes stony. | “Wear suitable hiking clothes and shoes… mud and stony slopes.” |
If camping, bring a tent, sleeping bag, warm clothing, and enough bottled drinking water. | “For overnight: sleeping bag, eco-friendly heat, warm clothes, bottled water.” |
In winter, equip your vehicle with snow chains and be prepared for icy conditions. | “Snow chains are recommended in autumn/winter — snow can catch you off guard.” |
Respect conservation rules: fishing and hunting are banned — avoid these activities. | “Fishing and hunting are forbidden for environmental protection.” |
