There are amazing regions across Iran that visiting them excites any cultured traveler. One of these extraordinary natural areas and tourist attractions in Chabahar is Lipar Lagoon, which is also known as the Pink Lagoon. If you want to learn more about this exceptional Lagoon, stay with us in this article from Eligasht.
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Introducing Lipar Lagoon
Lipar Lagoon is one of the most famous Lagoons in Iran, located on the coast of the Sea of Oman, east of Chabahar, along the coastal road from Chabahar to Gwadar, and next to the village of Lipar. The village of Lipar is considered part of the central district of Chabahar County.
This Lagoon, which has formed in a rocky gorge overlooking a beautiful valley, showcases its unique pink color and is also referred to as the “Bride of Chabahar.”
Lipar Lagoon has been created by the stagnation of the waters of the Sea of Oman between two mountains, resulting in a special ecosystem. With its astonishing appearance, it is home to one of the saltiest waters in the world.
The extent and color of this unique Lagoon vary depending on environmental conditions at different times. During rainy seasons, the area of the Lagoon reaches about 10 hectares and is over 14 kilometers long.
What Does Lipar Mean?
The word “Lipar” is composed of two parts: “Lip” meaning thorn and debris of a river, and “Ar” meaning river water. Since in the village of Lipar the river water flows with debris into the sea, this name was chosen for the Lagoon.
Additionally, in the Balochi language, Lipar refers to the point where river water meets the sea, and the term Lipar essentially indicates the location of this Lagoon and the village.
How Did Lipar Lagoon Form?
There are two narratives regarding the formation of Lipar Lagoon. Some local people believe that this Lagoon gradually formed due to the natural opening of estuaries. In contrast, others credit its creation to a person named “Dadakarim Sheikhzadeh,” a resident of the village of “Dambedaf.”
According to what the second group claims, this Lagoon was established in the year 1362 in the Persian calendar (1983 AD). Reports suggest that thanks to the efforts of the residents, personal funding from Dadakarim Sheikhzadeh, and the support of the Ministry of Energy, machinery was allocated to create Lipar Lagoon to manage the surface waters resulting from rainfall.
In the early years of this Lagoon’s formation, good rainfall occurred in the area, allowing the Lagoon to fill with water and its surroundings to become lush. Many birds have also made this Lagoon their permanent or temporary home. Unfortunately, recent droughts have put the existence of this Lagoon at risk, and the size and shape of the lake are changing.
The Reason for the Pink Color of Lipar Lagoon
As you may have already realized, the main reason for the fame and popularity of Lipar Lagoon is its pinkish-red color. This color is caused by the high salinity of the lake water combined with a type of algae.
The algae Dunaliella salina, which can tolerate high salinity, grows in the waters of this lake and, when in contact with a group of bacteria called halobacteria, leads to the production of a pink carotenoid (pigment). Overall, multiple factors play a role in the formation of pink lakes.
In fact, it can be said that climate, soil type of the lake bed, and the level of salinity are among the factors that create a suitable environment for the growth of this type of algae and the existence of this type of bacteria.
Introduction to the Plant Life of Lipar Lagoon
The unique and special geographical location of Lipar Lagoon has created conditions suitable for the growth of plants such as oak, nettle, tamarisk, acacia, and reeds. The presence of these plants and the colors of the Lagoon create a stunning landscape. Additionally, next to the Lagoon, there is a plain called “Dashtar.”
It is noteworthy that in the local language, Dashtar means fiancé or young girls who have not yet married. Interestingly, this plain is named so due to the presence of lush and young trees. Furthermore, wild cotton plants grow around the Lagoon, and local people use them to make mattresses and pillows.
Introduction to the Animal Life of Lipar Lagoon
Scientific research has identified 64 species of mollusks, 93 species of phytoplankton, 31 species of zooplankton, 85 species of fish, 24 species of crustaceans, 14 species of meiobenthos, and 46 different species of algae in the waters of Lipar Lagoon.
Additionally, white and pink flamingos (firebirds), black coots, herons (fishing birds), marsh harriers, peafowl, diving ducks, squacco herons, partridges, and the protected and endangered marble duck are among the indigenous and migratory birds that inhabit Lipar Lagoon.
Why Does the Color of Lipar Lagoon’s Water Change Throughout the Year?
You might be curious as to why the color of the water in Lipar Lagoon changes throughout the year. The answer to this question lies in various environmental conditions, the water quality of the Lagoon, and the increase and decrease of bacterial activity in different seasons, resulting in changes in the Lagoon’s color.
In some seasons, red and crimson colors are more pronounced and often, in April, June, September, Oktober, February, and March, the water of the Lagoon turns a pinkish-red. The rivers and streams leading to the Lagoon introduce various organic and mineral materials to the pink lake, affecting the activity levels of algae and bacteria.
Moreover, ocean currents resulting from monsoon storms (a natural phenomenon in the Oman region), dust storms, and winds increase the activity of algae from June to September, and their numbers peak after several months, which means the colors of the Lipar Lagoon become more vibrant.
When is the Best Time to Visit Lipar Lagoon?
The favorable geographical location and easy access to Lipar Lagoon have made it a popular destination for tourists throughout the year. However, if you want to know the best time to visit this Lagoon, it is from mid-winter to spring when the water levels and color are particularly attractive and picturesque. In summer, the Lagoon usually becomes less watery, and due to environmental conditions affecting algae, its pink color is not as prominent.
Autumn is also the migration season for birds and is considered the best time for birdwatching and recreation at Lipar Lagoon. In winter, specific migratory birds can be seen in this lake.
How to Get to Lipar Lagoon?
Lipar Lagoon, considered one of Iran’s natural wonders, is located 20 kilometers east (a 25-minute drive) from the coastal city of Chabahar. To reach this Lagoon, you need to travel along Quds Boulevard in Chabahar until you reach the Mother Roundabout.
At this roundabout, change direction towards Ocean Boulevard. Then, make a U-turn and enter the coastal road from Chabahar to Gwadar; this road is marked as Route 98 on the map. After about 18 kilometers of driving on this coastal road, you will reach the village of Ramin and the pink Lipar Lagoon.
Tips for Visiting the Lipar Lagoon
It is worth mentioning that visiting the Lipar Lagoon is free and can be done 24 hours a day. Another important point is that the lands surrounding the lake are marshy, and there is a possibility of getting your vehicle stuck in them.
When visiting this Lagoon, you will need equipment such as a sun hat, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, extra clothing, a camera, and binoculars for bird watching. If you plan to stay overnight in the area, be sure to bring a camping tent, blankets or sleeping bags, a flashlight, and snacks.
Additionally, by shopping at the local Lagoon market, enjoying camel rides, and utilizing the eco-lodges, you can help improve the local economy. While visiting the pink Lagoon, never pollute the lake water or leave your trash in the area to avoid putting the Lagoon’s ecosystem and its creatures at risk.
What Activities Can Be Done at the Lipar Lagoon?
In addition to eco-tourism, photography, and bird watching—which are some of the main activities you can enjoy around the Lipar Lagoon—there are small huts around the Lagoon selling handicrafts, seafood, and handicrafts made by local Baluchi women that you can take advantage of.
In this area, there is also a small room for henna hand design, and sometimes you can enjoy music played with local instruments by the indigenous people. Furthermore, near the Lagoon environment, there are a number of camels for those who are interested in camel riding.
Tourist Attractions Near the Lipar Lagoon
You might also want to know what tourist attractions are near the Lipar Lagoon so you can make the most of your visit. Some notable attractions are mentioned in the below:
A beautiful spot in Chabahar is the village of Ramin, which is close to the Lipar Lagoon and the miniature mountains. The coastal area of the Kalat River in the village of Kamin stretches nearly 10 hectares, making it a lovely place to explore.
Tis village is just 5 kilometers away from Chabahar and boasts a history of around 2,500 years. It used to be a major port in Iran and the key port for Makran. Nowadays, it’s more of a coastal village that attracts tourists with its various sights. Some of the must-see spots include the Tis Djinn Cemetery, the Great Mosque of Tis, the Ban Masiti Cave Complex, Pirouz Ghat Castle, Anushirvan Castle, the tomb of Seyed Gholam Rasoul, the Portuguese Castle of Tis, and the local fishing port.
The Masiti Caves, also known as the three caves of Tis, are located about 5 kilometers from Tis at the base of the Shahbaz Mountains. One cave is natural, while the other two are man-made. In Balochi, “Ban” refers to a god-fearing person, and “Masiti” means a worship place. Locals believe these caves were once used for religious ceremonies, complete with a platform for rituals. They sit about 25 meters above the ground.
In Chabahar, you can’t miss the British Telegraph House. This historical gem is one of the oldest telegraph houses in Iran, built by the British during the late Qajar period. It’s one of the earliest modern buildings in the area and was recognized as a national heritage site in 1998 due to its unique architecture.
Final words
In this article from Eligasht, we introduced one of the most unique and scenic Lagoons in Iran, known as the pink Lagoon or lake, which is the Lipar Lagoon in Chabahar. This Lagoon has a pink color due to a specific type of algae combined with lake bacteria, and by visiting it, you can gain a special and unique experience of traveling in Iran.
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FAQ
Where is the Lipar Lagoon?
This Lagoon is located on the coast of the Oman Sea, east of Chabahar, along the coastal road from Chabahar to Gowater, next to the village of Lipar.
Why is the Lipar Lagoon known as the Pink Lagoon?
This Lagoon is known for its pink color due to a specific type of algae combined with lake bacteria, which is why it is referred to as the pink Lagoon or pink lake.
What is the best time to visit the Lipar Lagoon?
The best time to visit this Lagoon is from mid-winter to spring.
Is there a fee to visit the Lipar Lagoon?
Visiting the Lipar Lagoon is free, and there is no need to pay any fees.