Ovan Lake

Ovan lake (also known as Evan Lake) (Persian: اوان‎) is a small alpine lake in the Alamut region of the Alborz mountain range, in Qazvin province of Iran. The centre point of the lake is approximately located at 36°28′58.98″N 50°26′37.39″E. The only tributary that flows into the lake, is a stream with the same name, Ovan, coming down from northern mounts. The north of the lake is surrounded by three small villages, namely from east to west: Varbon, Avan and Zarabad.

Evan Lake
Ovan Lake and surrounding mountains
Location	Alamut
Coordinates	36°28′58″N 50°26′37″E
Primary inflows	Ovan stream and the springs underneath of the lake
Primary outflows	A stream to farmlands
Basin countries	Iran
Surface area	70,000 m^2 (17 acres)
Max. depth	7.5 m (25 ft)
Surface elevation	1,800 m (5,900 ft)

Hydrology

Ovan Lake by Landsat

Because of the heavy seasonal rainfall and snowfall in the winters, which at times reaches a few meters, it has numerous water resources. Surrounded by Avan, Varbon, Zavardasht and Zarabad villages, the lake is located in an altitude of 1800 meters above sea level, its maximum length is 325 meters, and it has a width of 275 meters. The deepest section of the lake is 7.5 meters and extends over 70,000 square meters. The water of Ovan lake is provided by rainwater and springs in its ground which results in very clean and transparent clear water. The excess water of the lake which forms a small river which irrigates farmlands in the villages of Kushk and Ain. Most residents of these two villages either breed livestock or work their land.

Ovan Lake is suitable for fishing, swimming and riding boats in summer while in fall it hosts migratory birds such as swan, goose and duck. In winter, the lake can be used for sports such as skiing and ice skating while its surface becomes slippery with ice in winter.[1]

Ecology

Having covered an area of 70 thousand square meters, Ovan Lake is the largest in Qazvin province. There in the lake also live fishes like salmon, carp, and pike in addition to plants like everglade and reed that grow in its vicinity. Thanks to these beauties and natural potentials, Ovan Lake is recorded as one of the most significant tourist poles in Qazvin province and is frequented by many visitors from around the country and all over the world during the whole year especially on holidays and in summer. The fact that it is being visited by tourists and travelers has helped locals economically in various ways.[2]

Access to the lake

The lake can be reached via a road which connects Qazvin to East Alamut. Starting from the south towards the north, there is a village at the beginning of the road, called Shinqor. After passing a relatively high hill there is a flat area called Rajaee-dasht. A few kilometers after this point, where the road branches off, the Moalem-kalaye road should be taken. At the last fork, there is a narrow road towards the north which directly goes to the lake.

References

1. Magical Beauty of Ovan Lake
2. Ovan village in Qazvin Province