Plizio Visual Lab

Lake Tharthar

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Lake

Weather…

Lake Tharthar is the largest artificial lake in Iraq, located approximately 120 kilometers northwest of Baghdad between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. It was created in the 1950s as part of the Samarra Barrage project to control the devastating floods of the Tigris and to store water for irrigation during dry periods. The basin in which the lake lies is a natural depression connected by canals to the two great rivers. With a surface area of over 2,000 square kilometers, it is a significant ecosystem for numerous fish species and an important resting place for migratory birds. Despite its strategic importance for the country's water management, the lake suffers from increasing salinity and falling water levels due to climatic changes. The coastal regions are partially sparsely populated but offer potential for fishing and nature conservation. Lake Tharthar remains an impressive example of large-scale hydraulic engineering projects in modern Iraqi history.

Location: Iraq
Nearby: Hit (56 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	9	11	16	22	29	34	36	36	32	26	16	10
Rain mm	26	24	23	20	7	0	0	0	1	8	21	22

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

As the largest lake by area in Iraq, it is accessible via major regional roads connecting to nearby main cities. A private vehicle is generally required to comfortably reach the extensive reservoir shoreline.

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Best season

The temperate spring and autumn seasons are typically the most favorable times to visit, largely avoiding the extreme heat of the Iraqi summer. Winter can also be visually pleasant but occasionally quite chilly.

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Terrain & paths

The extensive shoreline varies widely from flat, arid plains to more rugged, rocky stretches near the water edge. Expect mostly unpaved, natural, and sometimes sandy surfaces when walking close to the reservoir.

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What to bring

Bring plenty of extra drinking water, reliable sun protection, and a wide hat, as natural shade is extremely limited around the vast lake. Sturdy footwear is highly recommended for walking on rocky ground.

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Parking

Visitors usually park their vehicles on informal dirt clearings or broad flat areas near the local access roads leading to the water. Always ensure the ground is completely firm to avoid getting stuck in soft sand.

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Safety

Stick firmly to well-used local paths and known access points, and always be mindful of current regional travel advisories. Swimming may be unsafe due to unpredictable water depths or a lack of supervision.

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Time needed

A typical casual visit for sightseeing or a relaxed picnic usually lasts between two to four hours. The sheer vast size of the reservoir means simply driving to and from a scenic spot takes considerable time.

Geography

Coordinates

33.96670, 43.26670

Facts

The lake was officially flooded in 1956 following the completion of the Samarra Barrage.
The maximum surface area of the lake is approximately 2,710 square kilometers.
It has a capacity of around 85 billion cubic meters of water.
The lake lies in a natural depression that reaches 3 meters below sea level.
A 65-kilometer-long canal connects the lake with the Tigris River.
Lake Tharthar serves as a vital reservoir for agriculture in central Iraq.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ramadi44 km · WExplore →

Hamrin Mountains50 km · NEExplore →

Hit56 km · SWExplore →

Lake Habbaniyah60 km · NWExplore →

Tikrit69 km · NEExplore →

Al-Askari Shrine70 km · NExplore →

Samarra72 km · NExplore →

Fallujah76 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is Lake Tharthar a natural lake?

No, it is an artificial lake created for flood control.

How big is Lake Tharthar?

It is one of the largest lakes in Iraq.

Where is the lake located?

Between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers, north of Fallujah.

Can you fish in the lake?

Yes, the lake is known for its fish abundance.

Are there tourist facilities on the shore?

Infrastructure is very limited, it is more of a natural area.

Lake Tharthar: where is it located?

Lake Tharthar is located in Iraq.

Lake Tharthar: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Oct.

Lake Tharthar: why is it worth visiting?

Lake Tharthar is the largest artificial lake in Iraq, located approximately 120 kilometers northwest of Baghdad between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

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