Mount Damavand Guide in English
Mount Damavand Guide in your native language
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5671m
Damavand
Summit of Iran
Summit of Middle East
Highest Volcano in Asia and Europe
Second Highest Volcano in The North Hemisphere
Mount Damavand Information
Mount Damavand Guide
Mount Damavand is a silent volcano located in Alborz Range . On most days of the year in clear condition the summit can be seen not only from Tehran but also far from 150 kilometers away . it looks like Fujiyama in Japan but much greater . I believe that its snowy white top with its regular clouds is the most beautiful sight of Iran . There has been no eruption of Damavand in historical times and records so it is regarded as extinct silent volcano. There are some hot springs on its lower slopes like Larijan village . At the summit there is a crater about 150-200 meters across , with a lot of yellow sulfurous rocks and pumice stones. At about 5000 meters there are also some sulfuric gas making a little problem for climbers . Snow covers the crater and upper slopes in winter, spring and autumn . Because of its great height , the view from top of Damavand is very extensive , a big panorama of mountains and valley covering many hundred of square Kilometers . All around are other peaks of the Alborz range, in the north to the Caspian Sea plain and in the south descending to the deserts of central of Iran . In fact it is the not only the highest peak in Iran , but also the highest in Middle East and the highest if you travel from Europe eastward to Iran .
Useful Information about Mt. Damavand
Farsi Name: Koh Damavand alternate Donbalvand , Dood koh , Koh Damawand
English Name: Mount Damavand or Volcano Damavand ,mt. Damavand
Alternate Spell & Name : Mount Damawand , Volcano Damawand , Demavand ,Demavend , demavand....
Location: central Alborz range Iran 80 Km North- East of Tehran
Altitude: 5,671 m - 18,605 ft also see: Elevation of Damavand
Latitude: 35° 57' 19" N
Longitude: 52° 06' 36" E
Best Climbing Time: 10 June To 20 August
Best Climbing Side: South face
Best Climbing Program: 2 days climb
Best Start point: Polour , a small village at the south side of the Mount Damavand
First Climbs : We believe there has been may unrecorded climbs in ancient years.
First Recorded Climbed: 1837 by W.T Thomson
Status: not active See Also: Volcanic Activity of Damavand
Most Recent Eruption: None on record
Nearest International Airport: IKA Airport Teheran, Iran
Climbing Mount Damavand
Climbing Mount Damavand ,5671 meters , Iran's highest and most prominent mountain, can make a lifelong memories . Damavand itself may look more attractive from afar than from close up, but the views on clear days and the experience of climbing Damavand with a group of equally minded hikers from around the world are very rewarding.
When to climb Mt. Damavand ?
See also Timing for Mount Damavand Climb
Best climbing season for Damavand
June, July and August are the best climbing season for Damavand. During these three months, the Damavand footpath is usually free of snow, the weather is relatively mild, access by public transportation is easy but the mountain shelters are crowded. Everybody without much hiking experience is strongly advised to tackle the mountain during this climbing season.
When not to climb Mt. Damavand!
Off Season
Mountain shelters are open for use in all climbing seasons in Iran. While there is usually little snow on Mount Damavand , even during summer temperatures at the summit drops to far below zero eg down to -25C at night. Only experienced hikers with a strong urge to avoid the crowd, should consider the Off Season ascent to Damavand .From October to around mid May climbing to the Damavand summit is highly perilous due to extreme wind and weather conditions, snow, ice and other risks.
Iranian new year holydays and Weekends
Iranian new year called Nowroz , 21 March to 2 April, is not recommended for Damavand climbing , during this time you can not find public transport , and the roads are in the worst possible trafic condition.
How to climb Mount Damavand ? Is it difficult ?
See also How To Climb Damavand in detail.
The ascent to the Damavand summit does not require any major climbing skills. Only at some points, the terrain is steep and rocky. A few signs along the trail show the hikers the way. However, the main challenge of the climb is the fact that the air gets notably thinner as you gain altitude.
Mount Damavand Crowds
See also Timing for Mount Damavand Climb
Climbing Mount Damavand is very popular not only among the Iranians, but also among foreign tourists, who seem to make up less than a fifth of all hikers. The peak season for climbing Mount Damavand is during the school vacations which last from around 20 June to 23 Sep. The peak of the peak is reached about 6 August, It is recommended to avoid climbing in this period .In order to encounter neither too large nor too small crowds, we suggest you to climb mt Damavand on a weekday in the first half of July before the start of the crowd. The downside of a climb in early July is the weather, which tends to be somewhat more unstable than later in the season.
Mount Damavand Routes
see also
How To Climb Damavand ,
Damavand GPS Landmarks ,
Virtual Trip To Mount Damavand by Google Earth
Mount Damavand has 16 routes , 4 of these routes ( south north east and west ) are popular, each with a shelter at about 4000m .The north face has an extra shelter at 5000m , the most popular side is the south face, most climber start their ascent to the Damavand summit from south route.
Mount Damavand South Route
It is easily accessible from Tehran or north of Iran , the short way from Tehran to the Damavand through Haraz main road make southern approach best Trail . This is by far the easiest and the best side, the ascent to the summit is also shorter .
Mount Damavand Camp1 - Polour Camp
Altitude 2,270 m - 7,447 ft
Distance from Tehran 1.5-2 hour by car ( about 80 Km )
Polour Camp is a new established Iran Climbing Federation Complex Camp near Haraz Road in Polour village, it is the best resting place for Iranian and foreign climbers who intend to climb Mount Damavand from classic south route or west route of Damavand. Haraz Road is one of the main roads which connects Tehran to Caspian Sea in north of Iran in Mazandaran state , this main road passes by Mount Damavand through beautiful Haraz Valley closed to Haraz River.
Mount Damavand Camp2 - Base Camp
Altitude 3,040 m - 9,973 ft
Ascent to Bargah Sevom Camp: 3-5 hours
Descent from Bargah Sevom Camp: 2 -3 hours
Distance from Polour Complex Camp approx 1 hour by car
This is the most popular base for the climb to the Damavand summit, and the most easily accessible from Polour or Reyneh by car. The last part of the road to this camp is a rough gravel road , the Hraz Road , is a crowded road , which is used by private vehicles during the peak of the summer holidays (specially Iranian weekends Thursday and Friday).
Mount Damavand Camp3 - Bargah Sevom Camp
Altitude 4,220 m - 13,845 ft
Ascent to Damavand summit : 5-7 hours
Descent from Damavand summit : 2- 4 hours
The south Trail leads from the Bargah Sevom Camp to the summit. Lots of footpath shows this trail to the top , and there are separate trails for the ascent and descent.The South Trail meets the East Trail near the summit. Spend one night sleeping in Bargah Sevom and then continue to the summit early on the second day.
A wrong way is to start climbing the mountain during the night from the 3rd camp and hike through the night to reach the summit around sunrise. Obviously, this is a more tiring way of climbing the mountain and brings an increased risk of falling victim to altitude sickness .
Climbing Equipment
see also Mount Damavand Equipment List
In order to enjoy a safe hike to the summit of Mount Damavand, it is crucial to bring the proper equipment. Some of the most important things to bring are listed below:
Proper Shoes
The rocky, steep terrain in some sections and the potential of sudden, strong wind gusts are reasons to bring proper hiking shoes .
Proper Clothes
Bring proper protection against low temperatures and strong winds. It is usually below zero at the summit, and strong winds often make it seem even colder. Bring rain gear, as weather conditions can change very quickly in the mountains. Gloves are recommended both against the coldness and for hiking the steep, rocky passages.
Flashlight
Alothough I do not suggest you hike during nighttime, a flash light is highly recommended in any season and essential outside of the peak season . Most people choose head lamps, as they leave both of your hands free.
Food
Particularly on the trails where there are few mountain huts, it is important to bring enough water and food. Also, it is a good idea to carry down all your garbage although there are garbage bins on Mount Damavand.
Altitude Sickness
see also Mountain Sickness
The human body requires some time to adjust to a sudden increase of altitude, otherwise there is a risk of headache, dizziness and nausea. Quite a few people, who climb Mount Damavand, fall victim to altitude sickness. To avoid altitude sickness, you are advised to tackle the mountain at a slow pace and make frequent breaks. An overnight stay at Bargah Sevom Camp is recommended as opposed to a straight climb to the top. There are no bottles of oxygen, available at mountain hut, you may bring your own as an effective tool in preventing and fighting altitude sickness.
How To Climb Mount Damavand
Two Days Climb to Mount Damavand from south Route during summer in detail .
visit also :
GPS Landmarks
Virtual Trip By Google Earth
Equipment List
Volcanic Activity
Summary:
Day1 - Tehran to Camp3. Day2 - Camp3 to the summit and back to Tehran !
Detail:
Day 1
How to reach Mt.Damavand ?
You can travel by car or bus to one of these places :
Camp1 - Reineh
Tehran > Haraz Road > Reineh > Reineh Camp .( approx 2.5 Hours )
If you come from north of Iran, ie Mazandaran State, you may use this way
OR
Camp1- Polour Camp 2,270 m - 7,447 ft
Tehran > Haraz Road > Polour > Polour Camp . ( approx 1.5 Hours )
If you travel from Tehran, Polour is much shorter and better way for you.
These Camps belong to Iranian Mountain Climbing Federation which you can use them or you may ask for a car to take you to:
Camp2 - Base Camp 3,040 m - 9,973 ft
Farsi Name Goosfand Sara Camp .
Strong cars like 4WD Jeeps carry you to the 2nd Camp / shelter called Goosfand sara which in fact is the Base Camp , ( approx 1 hour ).
If you live in a city with low elevation, like the sea level , you better to have extra rest here or, perhaps stay one night at this place for acclimatization. ( read note 1)
Camp3 - Shelter 4,220 m - 13,845 ft
Farsi name Bargah Sevom Camp
By 3 to 4 hours walk you reach the Bargahe Sevom Camp , do not carry heavy equipments yourself , use mule and porters instead . Use the foot paths , it is easy to find them , go slow and steady , if you start in the morning you have enough time , use the day light only , never start in the darkness . Stay one night here .
( read note 1 & 2)
Maps and Signs for Mount Damavand Climb
Day 2
How to go to the top of mt. Damavand 5,671 m - 18,605 ft
The south face is not a technical way , by 5 to 7 hours slow and steady walk you can reach the summit , do not carry heavy equipments with yourself , you can leave them in Bargahe Sevom Camp, only take necessary things with you , depending to the weather the best starting time is about 5 o`clock in the morning . (read important note 3) . Before starting check up all your necessary things ,have a good breakfast , see the weather forecast carefully if possible , do not rest more than 5 minutes per rest during your climb, for food & drink you need at least 1.5 letters of water , and a little foods, some sweets or chocolate thats all !! from here upwards there is no water , food or shelter . Use the foot paths , during summer a lot of climbers go this way perhaps you could be able to find a group which suits your programme , if you are not sure use a guide. Do not climb at night.
Return Back
After reaching the top do not spend a lot of time there , take few pictures and return back quickly to Bargah Sevom Camp ( about 2.5 hours) , you can have rest now for half an hour , when you feel ok try to go back to Goosfand Sara and even to Tehran . If you have enough time after your climb , it is a good idea to go to Abe Garm e Larigan 5 km from Reyneh, which you may use the benefit of mineral hot water springs of Damavand and spend a night there.
Note 1
During summer you can find water and some food here , but I suggest you use your own . You can find mule and porter too.
Note 2
During summer you may find tent and sleeping bag for rent here.
Note3 , Important !
There is a wrong believe that suggest you start climbing from Bargahe Sevom to the summit of Mount Damavand at night because of less sulfuric gas , but I advise you never start at night even if you see some climbers do so , most of these people do not succeed their climb and never see the summit !! during the night you can not find suitable footpaths ,you may make many mistakes, you will lose more energy because of colder weather,and most important thing you may be awake but you body is not and the biological clock of your body says it is sleeping time !!
Do not be afraid of sulfuric gas, have a little vinegar with you, it helps you a lot !
Services
We offer and supply you these services for your Mount Damavand and other Iranian mountain, ecosystem, cultural tours..
Welcome
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Transport
- Transfer from your hotel to any starting point of Mount Damavand by private cars.
- private car + driver guide for other Iranian cities.
- Patrol car + driver guide.
- transfer from Mehr Abad Airport to hotel.
- transfer from Imam Airport to hotel.
- private car or public bus for diffrent Iranian cities.
Equipments
supplying equipment for your Mount Damavand tours.
- mountain gears.
- food , drink & cooking equipments.
- tent, Sleeping bag , mat , and camping equipments.
- ski equipments.
- GPS , avalanche transceiver , compass , head light etc ....
- maps.
Other Services
We can offer other services :
- Iran Visa for foreign Climbers to Mount Damavand .
- Iran Visa for American Climbers to Mount Damavand .
- hotel reservation in Iran.
- accomodation in Tehran and villages near mount damavand.
- Mount Damavand mineral hot water springs baths.
- obtaining permit for foreign climbers to Mount Damavand.
- mules , sherpa , porter to carry your equipments to Mount Damavand shelters and back.
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