Shemshak Winter Mountain scenery Shemshak is the name of a touristic village before the revolution which has now turned mostly into a small town. Shemshak became famous because of the famous Shemshak Ski resort and a lot of old wealthy people before the revolution came to Shemshak for skiing and it was a hub for many active people in the past years. It’s located in the heights of central Alborz Mountains 50 km away from north east of the capital. The video that you see is a collection of 6 months of photography and timelapsing in the winter season from November 2020 till April 2021. Shemshak village is located between 2600 m – 2800m above the sea level surrounded by a lot of mountains above 4000m and it has about 6 months of winter. There is a long story behind this short video and these pictures as it happens after the pandemic situation when I moved from Lavasan to Shemshak to be far from the population. I had decided to make a short documentary about this special lifestyle that can happen in Iran and the things that happen in the village, but I couldn't make it fully and the end result was the aforementioned video. There were two reasons for that. The first was I didn't have much material and footage to make this video and the second was that I needed a crew and a lot of professional equipment to record this live life happening in the village. So I cut short the plan I had in my mind and only took the most special moments that happened during that winter and I asked our editor to make a nice slide show of the magnificent nature that happens in the high mountains of Alborz. Most of the footage
Shemshak Winter Mountain scenery Shemshak is the name of a touristic village before the revolution which has now turned mostly into a small town. Shemshak became famous because of the famous Shemshak Ski resort and a lot of old wealthy people before the revolution came to Shemshak for skiing and it was a hub
Winter Trekking in Shemshak Alborz Ski Region Shemshak is mostly famous for skiing in Iran and many people (especially Tehranians) know of Shemshak Ski Resort. It’s a destination for skiing during winter and an amazing region for trekking and mountain biking during the summer. Along with ski and ski touring activity many adventurous hikers are interested in winter trekking and mountaineering which has its own attraction as the scenery in the winter is much different and it’s perfect for photography. Shemshak is located in the heart of central Alborz Mountains surrounded by many high peaks above 4000m. In winter it has high volumes of snow, in some canyons more than 3 meters. Shemshak is only 50 km away from the capital but the winter takes 6 months as it is located at 2700m altitude. The video is made of a trek in winter times in Shemshak that was planned to ascend Abak Peak with 3500 m altitude. Our group did this trek on the 8th of December of 2020. They had a day trek to ascend another small peak and take the ridge line towards the top of Shemshak ski resort. They started the trek from the village and after a few hours reached the pass which has an amazing view of Mt Damavand, the highest mountain in Iran. From there they took the ridge towards the peak where they had an amazing view of many mountains in Alborz like MT Sarakchal 4210 m, MT Kolonbastak 4160m, MT Touchal 3960m and MT Kholeno 4400m which is the highest peak in Tehran province and central Alborz mountains. As you can see in some parts of the video, the weather changes a lot but it made a spectacular view of the high mountains and Shemshak valley. They descended from another side of
Winter Trekking in Shemshak Alborz Ski Region Shemshak is mostly famous for skiing in Iran and many people (especially Tehranians) know of Shemshak Ski Resort. It’s a destination for skiing during winter and an amazing region for trekking and mountain biking during the summer. Along with ski and ski touring activity many adventurous hikers are
Trekking from Alamut towards the Caspian Sea The video is a slideshow of Adventure Iran’s trekking tours from the Valley of Alamut to the Caspian Sea. As we had not much good footage for this clip we made it with our tour photos which we had from different tours performed in the years with the purpose of showing the beauty of this rout. This trail is one of the most famous trekking routes in Iran which is located in the west Alborz mountains. Lonely Planet also mentioned this route as Iran’s top travel experiences. The starting point of this trail is around the Alamut Castle in the valley of Alamut which is in Qazvin province. And you will finish the trail in Yuj which is in Mazandaran province in the southern part of the Caspian Sea. geographically, Alamut valley is in the southern part of Alborz mountain and Yuj is on the north side of Alborz. So you should cross the mountain ridge line of Alborz to reach the Caspian Side. The climate of the southern side of Alborz is different from the north side. The season starts from April and finishes in October or sometimes November depending on the weather. In early spring you will face snow in the heights of the mountains and summer is mainly green and in fall the landscape is mostly yellow and brown. In the winter the entire area will be full of snow and the road is blocked from south to north. So the beauty of the landscape and the scenery is changing season by season and that’s why you will see different pictures of nature in the video or in our tour photos on our website (which you can see here). Hope you enjoy the video and if you like it subscribe
Trekking from Alamut towards the Caspian Sea The video is a slideshow of Adventure Iran’s trekking tours from the Valley of Alamut to the Caspian Sea. As we had not much good footage for this clip we made it with our tour photos which we had from different tours performed in the years with the
Lavasan Town in Tehran Lavasan is a gorgeous town and the center of the Lavasanat district in Shemiranat county in the province of Tehran. Located 11 km northeast of the capital, it is the closest summer resort to Tehran city. In colloquial terms, this town is called Lavasoon. Lavasan means the ridge of sunrise or the ridge of the mountain from which the sun rises. The town of Lavasan is surrounded in the north by the mountains of Varjin, Baghdereh, Kand, and Afjeh, in the west by the Qasran Mountains, and in the northeast and east by the mountains of Ira, Phil Zamin, Lavasankooh, and Jajrud, and in the south by the mountains of Telo, Quchak, Zinkooh, and Arakooh. Lavasan is a summer valley with a pleasant climate on the southern slopes of the Alborz Mountains, which is famous for its pristine and beautiful landscapes, the Jajrud River, and the beautiful lake of Latian Dam. Latian Dam is located in the south of Lavasan, which went into operation in 1967. This concrete dam has an important role in providing water and electricity for Tehran. The name of this dam was Farahnaz before the revolution. Jajrud River, which originates from the heights of Darbandsar, Garmabdar, Igal, Zaygan, and the southern parts of Tochal (part of the Central Alborz Mountains), is the main catchment area of the dam. The unspoiled landscapes around this town depict nature as amazing as possible in all four seasons of the year. In addition, Lavasan town is known to be not only one of the safest cities in the world but also the first fashionable city in Iran. Lavasan has such good facilities and lifestyle in some areas that it is known as Switzerland or the Beverly Hills of Iran. This town is home to many wealthy
Lavasan Town in Tehran Lavasan is a gorgeous town and the center of the Lavasanat district in Shemiranat county in the province of Tehran. Located 11 km northeast of the capital, it is the closest summer resort to Tehran city. In colloquial terms, this town is called Lavasoon. Lavasan means the ridge of sunrise or
Mount Sarak Chal in Iran Mount Sarak Chal (or Sarakchal) is one of the highest summits in the central Alborz Mountains in Iran, at 4210m above sea level. There are three Sarak Chal peaks which are located on the famous Kolon Bastak-Sarak Chal mountain ridge line. All three mountains are above 4000 m. The closest village to this mountain is Shemshak, the last one on the famous mountainous road of Tehran-Fasham. It is 60 km away from downtown Tehran. As a matter of interest, one of the most notable ski resorts in Iran for professional skiers is in Shemshak village. The altitude of the village is about 2700 m above sea level, which is the starting point of the trek to Sarak Chal peak. There is a shelter at 3492 m on the way to the peak, which is convenient as it is also the ideal location for acclimatization. There is a 15 km famous ridgeline above Shemshak village from west to east, which starts from Mount Koloon Bastak (4170m) in the west and ends at Mount Sarak Chal 3 (4210m) in the east. Between these two mountains, there are the two peaks of Sarak Chal 1 (4080m) and Sarak Chal 2 (4100m), making this ridgeline very challenging. From the peak, you have an excellent view of the immense Central Alborz mountains. In clear weather, you can see most of them, such as the Abak (3520m), Kholeno (4387m), Azadkuh (4350m), and Borj (4326m) mountains as well as the mighty Damavand (5610m), the roof of Iran. The season runs from mid-spring till the beginning of autumn. Summertime is the most popular period for ascending the mountain, as the weather is more stable for trekking. Mount Sarak Chal Ascend is the shortest hiking tour that we offer for this mountain. Hike in
Mount Sarak Chal in Iran Mount Sarak Chal (or Sarakchal) is one of the highest summits in the central Alborz Mountains in Iran, at 4210m above sea level. There are three Sarak Chal peaks which are located on the famous Kolon Bastak-Sarak Chal mountain ridge line. All three mountains are above 4000 m. The closest
Mount Sabalan in Iran Mount Sabalan is the third highest peak in Iran at an altitude of 4811 m. It is located in Ardabil province, the northwest part of the country. Sabalan or Savalan Mountain is an inactive volcano at 4811 m and is one of the most beautiful mountains in Iran. So far, not too many foreign climbers choose this pinnacle as it is in the northwest corner of the country, far from the capital. However, it certainly appeals to enterprising climbers, looking for something particular. Being so far north, the peak is covered with snow for most of the year. At the summit, there is an impressive and alluring lake situated at over 4784 m, making it one of the world’s highest lakes. Mount Sabalan is an inactive stratovolcano in Iran. The lake has been formed in the volcano’s crater, which is covered with ice from October to May. From the peak, there is a 360° panoramic view of the area. When the weather is clear, you can see numerous mountains in the northwestern part of Iran and the Caspian Sea region. Furthermore, flora and fauna are abundant around the mountain which adds to the magnificent view, making it even more attractive. Moreover, many nomads live around the mountain. One of the most famous is the Shah Savan tribe. MT Sabalan Ascent is one of Adventure Iran’s short tours with acclimatization of Mt Kolon Bastak peak.
Mount Sabalan in Iran Mount Sabalan is the third highest peak in Iran at an altitude of 4811 m. It is located in Ardabil province, the northwest part of the country. Sabalan or Savalan Mountain is an inactive volcano at 4811 m and is one of the most beautiful mountains in Iran. So far, not
Mount Alam kuh in Iran Alam Kuh, is the name of a huge mountain in northern Iran, in Mazandaran province, located in the Takht-e Soleyman massif mountain chain. Takht-e Soliman is also a part of the west Alborz Mountain range. Alam Kuh’s altitude is 4,850 m above sea level and is the second highest mountain in Iran after Damavand Mountain (5,610 m). Mount Alam Kuh is known as the Alps of Iran, which is the main center for professional Iranian climbers and hikers. The north face of Mt Alam Kuh is a steep, enormous vertical wall. This feature has made it famous for climbers around the world looking for something different. The height of this granite rock rises to about 480 m to reach the summit. One of the main highlights is that the base of the wall starts from 4,400 m above sea level. Climbers have found this formation extremely inspiring and challenging. Since 1936, there have been several routes to choose from, all created by famous international and local climbers. They are still ongoing. Mount Alam Kuh has at least two desirable hiking routes to reach its peak from various directions. One of the most beautiful is a week-long trail starting from the southern side of Alborz from Alamut valley to MT Alam Kuh. This is the link for the tour: Alamut Long Trek. Apart from this, there is another trail to ascend the peak starting from a city near the Caspian Sea called Kelardasht. Most local climbers choose this route for ascending the summit during the summertime. Locals call this route Hesarchal which is on the south face of Alam Kuh as it is the easiest and shortest route compared to the other trails. Below is the link for that trek, (an excellent choice for an acclimatization
Mount Alam kuh in Iran Alam Kuh, is the name of a huge mountain in northern Iran, in Mazandaran province, located in the Takht-e Soleyman massif mountain chain. Takht-e Soliman is also a part of the west Alborz Mountain range. Alam Kuh’s altitude is 4,850 m above sea level and is the second highest mountain
Dasht-e Havij in Iran Dasht-e-Havij or Gor Chal plain, at an altitude of 2,700 m, is situated 400 meters above Afjeh village in Iran. It is one of the most famous attractions in the Lavasanat district (northeast of Tehran in the central Alborz Mountains). Havij means Carrot and Dasht-e Havij means literally a ‘big carrot field’. There are various legends about this name’s origin, which probably indicate that large parts of this vast land were sown with carrot seeds. Today, there is no sign of anything left to reinforce it. Gor Chal in ancient Persian means fireplace, being the combination of two words; Gor means fire and Chal means place. It is said that it got its name for it being so hot compared to the surrounding places being so cold, but there is no evidence to support this assertion. Dasht-e Havij is surrounded by a cluster of high-altitude peaks between 3,000 – 4,000 m which protects this area from the wind. During the Safavid dynasty (400 years ago), it was an important hunting area with some beautiful cascades called Passchoobak, Saboosetan, and Charand. A couple is still in existence, depending very much on the snowfall of that year. In addition, there are numerous maple trees and, of course, a variety of fruit trees in this unspoiled region. The remains of Safavid Caravansaries can be seen along the path at the end of the valley, near the rock wall. There is also an old bath dating back to the Safavid era which is, surprisingly, still in use and is presently enjoyed by rural people. The Qajar dynasty (200 years ago) used this path to reach the Lar National Park going through the countryside. From Lar, there was an ancient mule road stretching towards the Caspian Sea. 3 Peaks in one
Dasht-e Havij in Iran Dasht-e-Havij or Gor Chal plain, at an altitude of 2,700 m, is situated 400 meters above Afjeh village in Iran. It is one of the most famous attractions in the Lavasanat district (northeast of Tehran in the central Alborz Mountains). Havij means Carrot and Dasht-e Havij means literally a ‘big carrot
