Choghakhor Lagoon: Iran’s Stunning Wetland of Global Significance

Choghakhor Lagoon, perched at 2,100 meters above sea level in the foothills of Kuh-e Klar, stretches over 2,300 hectares, offering a rare blend of natural beauty, biodiversity, and adventure. Despite its shallow depth of less than three meters, the lagoon thrives thanks to spring-fed waters from Sibak, Tang-e Siah, Zeverdegan, Avorgan, Sakiabad, and Galu Gerd, supplemented by rainfall around Klar Mount.

This serene wetland is more than a scenic escape—it’s a hub for climbing, birdwatching, fishing, boating, biking, and photography. Visitors can stay in cultural and residential buildings near Avardgan village in Borujen County, making the lagoon accessible for extended exploration.

Choghakhor Lagoon is home to a rich variety of wildlife. On land, you may encounter boars, jackals, foxes, wolves, rabbits, and beech martens. Its waters host fish such as zebra cichlid, Barbel, Medusafish, common carp, Redmouth grouper, silver carp, and the unique Gambusia (toothed carp). Reptiles like snakes, monitor lizards, sea turtles, and frogs also thrive here.

The wetland becomes a seasonal sanctuary for thousands of native and migratory birds from autumn to spring. Bird enthusiasts can spot species including geese, ducks, ruddy shelducks, white storks, coots, herons, grebes, cormorants, flamingos, rails, ibises, plovers, and large white-headed gulls, making it a prime birdwatching destination in Iran.

Choghakhor also boasts rich flora, with 23 plant species across 16 families, including majestic willow trees, contributing to its lush and tranquil landscape.

Access to this natural marvel is convenient via asphalted roads from Borujen, Naghan, and Shahrekord, with scenic routes from the west and southeast through surrounding villages, offering travelers a journey as memorable as the lagoon itself.

Choghakhor Lagoon is more than a wetland—it’s a sanctuary of life, adventure, and tranquility, a must-visit for nature lovers seeking Iran’s hidden treasures.