| Namak Lake | |
|---|---|
| Location | 40% in Aran va bidgol County ( Isfahan province ) 30% in Qom province 30% in Semnan province |
| Coordinates | 34°30′N51°52′E / 34.500°N 51.867°E /34.500; 51.867 |
| Type | Salt lake |
| Part of | Great Salt Desert |
| Primary inflows | Qom River |
| Primary outflows | Evaporation |
| Basin countries | Iran |
| Surface area | 1,800 km2 (690 sq mi) |
| Max. depth | 1 m (3 ft 3 in) |
| Surface elevation | 790 m (2,590 ft) |
| Islands | Sargardan island |
| Settlements | Aran va bidgol |
| Location | |
![]() Interactive map of Namak Lake | |
Namak Lake (Persian:دریاچه نمک,romanized: Daryâče-ye Namak, i.e.,salt lake) is a salt lake inIran on the Western edge of theGreat Salt Desert (Dasht-e Kavir). It is located approximately 100 km (62 mi) east of the city ofQom and 60 km (37 mi) ofAran va bidgol at an elevation of 790 metres (2,590 ft) above sea level.
The lake has a surface area of about 1,800 km2 (690 sq mi), but most of this is dry. Water only covers 1 km2 (0.4 sq mi). The lake only reaches a depth between 45 centimetres (17.72 in) to 1 metre (39.37 in).


The air in this area is very dry and the temperature difference between day and night reaches 70 degrees Celsius.[1] Due to the high rate of evaporation and very high salinity of the water, Qom's salt lake has a desert-like structure and is covered with thick layers of salt. Also, this lake is known as the habitat of some special plant and animal species that have the ability to live in the harsh and salty conditions of this region.[2]
Aliabad Caravanserai, Red Castle, Desert National Park, Sefidab Caravanserai and Manzariyeh Caravanserai are some of the sightseeing places in Qom around Namak Lake.[3]