Along the narrow side road branching off Route 98 - nestled amid the central Golan’s lush orchards, sprawling vineyards, and looming wind turbines - lies one of the plateau’s most tranquil locations. Named after the abandoned Syrian village of Botmia, the Botmia Reservoir is framed by trees and offers a natural sanctuary for waterfowl and migratory birds, all beneath the dramatic backdrop of the extinct volcano Tel Faras. The Kinneret Drainage and Streams Authority highlights the site as an ideal destination for a short excursion, perfect for travelers seeking a peaceful escape far from the region's busier, overcrowded trails.
Visitors to the reservoir should note that there are no paved parking areas, snack bars, or official signs, and swimming in the reservoir is strictly forbidden.
Why are there reservoirs in the Golan?
Botmia is part of a broader network of water reservoirs established across the Golan Heights in the wake of the Six Day War. While most streams on the plateau flow westward into the Sea of Galilee and are protected to ensure a steady water supply to the lake, a smaller catchment area in the eastern Golan channels water eastward toward the Ruqqad Stream in Syria. To capture these "eastern waters," dams were constructed across local stream beds, creating artificial reservoirs to store vital water supplies for local agricultural communities.
How to get there
Drive north on Route 98 for approximately 10 kilometers from Moshav Ramat Magshimim and turn northeast. Continue for roughly 1.5 kilometers before turning right at the junction onto a side road with a rough, potholed surface. Proceed for 500 meters until reaching a dirt mound adjacent to a gate. If the gate is locked, visitors can park nearby and walk the remaining distance to the reservoir; if the gate is open, vehicles can be driven directly up to the site.