Mount Damavand South Face Ascend

4 Days

Duration

Strenuous

Activity Level

Jun, July, Aug, Sep

Best Months

Trekking & Hiking

Activities

Adventure Travel

Travel Styles

Mount Damavand four days’ trip start from Tehran with one-day acclimatization in the 3rd camp

TOUR CODE

022-STN-MNT

START

Tehran

FINISH

Tehran

REGION(S)

Central Alborz Mountains

INCLUDED

MEALS: 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 3 Dinners
ACCOMMODATIONS: Camp: 3 Nights
TRANSPORTATION: 4WD, Private vehicle, Mule
All transportation according to the itinerary Accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary Meals as indicated in the itinerary English speaking tour guide Backpack handling by Mules/Horses (limited to 15kg per person)

NOT INCLUDED

Entry fee for the sites not mentioned in the itinerary
Travel insurance
International airfare
Excess baggage charges
Airport and departure taxes
Any extra hotel costs such as early check in or late checkout
Laundry
Mini bar used in the room
Meals not stipulated in the itinerary
Tips (optional)
Cost of medical immunizations
Bottled water
Phone calls
Any other service not mentioned in the itinerary

A challenging but enjoyable climb to the Asia’s highest volcano
Observing wildlife and a frozen waterfall
A rejuvenating mineral bath after a memorable climb

Damaavand, with 5,671 (according to the latest estimations) meters elevation is the highest mountain in Iran as well as western Asia.
But more interesting, it is the highest volcanic cone-shaped peak in Asia. 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 and 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 ascending 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.

On this four day tour of Damavand, we start from Tehran going to Polor village “the first camp”. From there, we change the vehicle and go up to the 2nd camp “Goosfand Sara” at 3000m using minor roads on the mountains. After getting the permit for the summit, we collect our day pack hiking up to the 3rd camp 4250m. We will finish our first day sleeping in the camp/shelter in the 3rd camp “Bargah- Sevom”. Second day would be acclimatization day so we will hike up to 5000m and come back to the camp.
Third day would be a tight and tough day. We will go for the summit and come back to the camp again. On the last day, we start descending to the 2nd camp taking our belongings and driving back to the 1st camp and then back to Tehran. We will be there late afternoon.

Day 1: Drive from Tehran to Base camp & climbing to 3th camp

Early morning (around 6 am), you will be picked up from your hotel driving to Raineh village (old base camp). It will take about 2 hours. Our 4WD vehicle will take us to Damavand south face second camp called Goosfand Sara (3000m). Hiking will start from the second camp to the third camp (Bargah Sevom or Shelter 3) in 4250m. Hiking time is between 5 to 6 hours depending on the strength and speed of the group. There is a good opportunity to socialize with other hikers and climbers who are usually in the shelter (total ascent 1250m). We will make our camp there and take a rest, dinner and overnight stay at camp. (B, L, D)

Day 2: Acclimatization Day

This is a very important high altitude acclimatization day. We strongly believe that rushing to ascend to the peak is unsound and unwise. So this day will be spent getting used to the high altitude, but we will not go to the summit. We will hike from the shelter to a frozen waterfall which is at about 5000 meters and return. This will take about 6 to 7 hours and will be very suitable for our purposes. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Hike to summit (5671m), then return to Bargah-e Sevom (3rd camp)

Early morning wake up. After breakfast (around 4 am), we will start climbing from 4200 m to the top 5671m; This day will be the hardest one since we will push for the summit which usually takes about 6 to 7 hours. We will enjoy the amazing view of Damavand volcano. The terrain is difficult with loose rocks and scree and the weather can change at any time, so please be prepared for anything even snowfalls in the middle of summer. Some 500m below the summit, we come across the aptly named ‘Sulphur Hill’ (Dood Kooh) where we can see the evidence of the mountain’s turbulent pass amongst the volcanic era and sulphurous fumaroles rising up from the earth. Making the final ascent to the top, we hope to reach the summit around midday, affording us an opportunity to enjoy something of the breathtaking views before the clouds cover the peak (conditions permitting). From here, we then begin the descent back down to our 3rd camp, a journey of some 7 hours that should bring us back to camp on time for dinner. Total Walking Approx 12 hours. Ascent/descent 1521m. Dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Descend the mountain and drive back to Tehran

Descending back down to second camp (Goosfand Sara). This morning total descending time would be approx 4-5 hours, 1250m. We then rejoin our 4WD vehicle for driving back to Raineh where we continue back to Tehran. If we have time in the evening, we will drive to Larijan natural hot spring bath to leave the tiredness in the hot mineral water, then will be driven to Tehran. (B, L)