• A strenuous but enjoyable, non technical peak ascent up the world’s highest volcano.
• Hot and cold springs, wildlife, frozen water-fall.
• Soak in a nice mineral bath for rejuvenation after a memorable climb.
•  No specialized mountaineering skills or equipment is required.

Meal Abbreviations: (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

Meals: 6 B / 3 L / 3 D

Accommodation: 2 nights hotel, 2 nights local house, 3 nights camping

Included:

Meals as indicated

All accommodation (twin shared)

All internal transportation,

Mineral baths fees, local guide

Not Included:

Air fare, airport taxes, gratuities, items of personal nature

Introduction: Damaavand, with 5,610 meters elevation is the highest mountain in Iran, western Asia and Europe. But more interesting it is the highest volcanic cone-shaped peak on the planet.  Its volcanic activity has been in the geological past and there is no human historical record of any known activity. So it is considered as a non active former volcano. But as a former volcano it is endowed with many natural gifts due to its past. Hot and cold springs abound on her slopes and the surrounding land. There are sizable areas on its slopes that are covered with sulfur, still active enough to give off that special sulfur odor. There are relatively large glaciers, frozen waterfalls, gas and steam wells. Because of many deep valleys and high slopes surrounding it, the region harbors a great variety of vegetation and wild life. There are great vistas where one can take in some quiet moments and gaze at the beautiful panoramas, while standing in the heart of this remarkable mountain.

It is located in the Central Alborz mountain chain and has at least 16 recognized routes for ascension to its peak. There is a long and colorful history of numerous ascends. Some have become quite mythical in their colorful accounts, courageous deeds and tragic ends. The mountain itself is the subject of many mythical and folkloric tales.  One can also add the existence of a number of historic sites to the special attraction of Damavand. In the spring the slopes are covered by green pastures and wild flowers. From the peak one can see quite some distance. To the north are the waters of the Caspian Sea, to the west there is the waters of Lar Reservoir and the sprawling city of Tehran. To the south one can gaze into the vastness of the desert which is called Dashte Kavir.

A truly remarkable and memorable climb on a unique mountain.   

Summary:

The main intention of course is to climb the mountain. But we have designed the trip to be not strictly a mountaineering expedition but a combination of sight seeing, enjoying the hot springs and taking our time to climb the mountain. There are no specialized skills required and we have planned it in such way so that nothing is rushed and the climb will be done in a fairly leisurely and paced manner.

Daily Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival and transfer to hotel, free time to explore the city or rest.

Day 2: Travel to Poloor village, then to Goosfand Saraa base camp (2900m) and start our ascent up to our first night shelter (4150m). (B, L, D)

Day 3: we will hike up to a frozen waterfall at about 5000m for acclimatization and return to our camp for the night. About 6-7 hours walk. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Main ascent up to the summit of 5610m and its huge volcanic crater and then back down to our camp. About 6-7 hours ascend, 4-6 hours descend. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Back down to base camp and then drive to Larijan village to bath in its mineral hot water baths. Minibus back to Tehran and our hotel. (B)

Day 6: Visit to Saad Aabaad Palace museum or spend the day at your own discretion. (B)

Day 7: Transfer to Airport and departure. (B)