Pari Lake

Mahneshan, Behestan, Hoodoo (that is also known as Jinn Chimney, Doodkesh-e Jen in Persian; it is a geological phenomenon in which a mushrooms-form stone is eroded by passing time in form of a thin and tall minaret) and Pari lake (meaning fairy) are the natural and geographical attractions of a city, not a fictional city, but a real one, a historical and old city in Iran, Zanjan province.

Approximately 150 kilometers far from Zanjan you reach Mahneshan, a historical city related to Medes period, with colorful mountains that make an earthy rainbow. In addition to these wonderful mountains that cannot be overlooked, Behestan castle and hoodoo (Jinn Chimney that is a geological phenomenon) are also among the beauties of this city. Twenty-five kilometers after Mahneshan you will reach a wide asphalt road with a relatively large lake; here is Pari village (fairy lake) and this lake is named Pari lake, too.

Pari lake or Khandaqlu is also called Shur Gol that has been constituted in lower level than the surrounding areas; therefore, the rainwater and groundwater enter the lake through the underground flow.

The lake is approximately five hundred square meter area that changes in different seasons; in the spring the area is increased because of melting snow and intermittent rainfall. The height of this lake varies between 40 and 500 meters, the width between 60 and 130 meters and its depth reaches 20meters maximum. Therefore, the best time to travel to this region is spring and summer.

The existence of asphalt road and being close to two villages namely Pari and Khandaqlu villages and being in the route of Mahneshan are the advantages of this region, however, since it is far from Zanjan it is not deservedly known and popular among tourists and nature lovers. However, the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage has designed a recreational site for the lake, that is not yet operational.

The region has many tourism potentials; Geotourism is one of the interesting branches of tourism concerning the geological phenomena. In this regard, Mahneshan and surrounding areas has a high potential for attracting professional tourists. You will take unique photos from Mahneshan that fewer have seen it.