Damavand Trekking Info

Damavand is usually covered in a halo of clouds and plays an important role in Iranian folklore and myths. Damavand is more than one of the amazing natural wonders of the country. In a clear sky Damavand summit is not only visible from Tehran, but also as far as 250 km away. This giant perfect cone-shape volcano is also called Volcano Damavand! It is located in the middle of Alborz Mountain Range in north of Iran on the southern coast of the Caspian Sea. Damavand Mountain height is 5670 meters above sea level (See also Damavand Height by our GPS Measurement). Damavand Volcano is the highest volcanic mountain in Asia and the second highest volcano in the northern hemisphere.

Snow covers the entire mountain in winter and the upper parts in the other seasons. Damavand (in Persian دماوند) has a narrow summit crater usually covered with snow-cap and cloud. The snowy white peak with its regular Cloud Cap is the most beautiful sight of Iran. Damawand is surrounded by many good looking peaks of the Alborz Chain. The view of this huge mountain looks more attractive from away than close up. In a clear day it is visible far from 250 km.

Hiking Trekking Damavand Iran

Hiking and trekking are two great ways to explore Damavand. There are many different routes that you can take, each with its own unique scenery and challenges. The most popular program is Climbing Damavand from South Route, which starts from the village of Polour. This route takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in Iran, including Haraz mountainous road, local villages, sheepfolds, an icefall ...

Damavand south trail is also a challenging route, with an ascent of over 2,670 meters from its base to Damavand Peak. If you're looking for a relaxed hike, this trail is a great option. In summer season trekking from classic south route starts from the basecamp called Sheepfold (Goosfan-Sara or Mosque) which makes it much shorter than the other routes. However, it still offers stunning views of Damavand and the surrounding area.

Damavand 5670 mters (18600 ft) is the most prominent peak in Iran, it is the highest volcano in Asia, and the 3rd highest volcano in the volcanic seven summits (V7S) and one of the most popular hiking destinations in the country. It is located about 80 kilometers drive from capital city Tehran. Damavand can be climbed by 16 different trails. The most popular route is the southern route which starts from a beatiful village called Polour.

Trekking Damavand takes about 3-5 days to complete. The trekking in summer season is relatively straightforward and does not require any special or technical equipment. Once you reach the Damavand summit, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding area of the Alborz Mountains. Find more information in Damavand Routes.
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Damavand Mountain, Iran
Damavand Iran View from Mt Tochal Summit
Photo Ardeshir Soltani

How to Climb Mount Damavand Iran?

Mt. Damavand Climbing Routes

Routes and Tracks to the Damavand Summit

Mount Damavand, Iran
Damavand 3rd camp Bargah-Sevom in winter season
The old shelter/refuge (4200m) and the new hut (4250m) in one view
Hike to the Summit of Damavand, the trekking south route trail is shown
Photo A.Soltani

Climb Damavand from South Route

Damavand south face is the most well-liked front of the mountain. It has a mountaineering resort at polour village called 1st camp Polour Resort at altitude 2270 m. One shelters at 3050 m called 2nd camp or basecamp (Goosfand-Sara or Mosque). An old shelter at 4200 meters named 3rd camp Bargah Sevom and a superior mountain resorts at 4250 meters above sea level called 3rd camp Bargah Sevom new hut. Most climbers prefer to climb from south trail. Damavand southern side is the easiest and the quickest route to climb Mount Damavand, Iran. This route begins a 80 km drive from Tehran to Polour village. In this trail you will visit very beautiful views such as ...

Mount Damavand, Iran
Damavand Road and Route Map
Download/View The Original Size Image HERE

Climb Damavand from West Route

Difficulty of Damavand west side in summer season is fundamental trekking with ordinary cold and snow but very hard descend. Damavand west route has a shelter at 4200 meters above sea level called Simorgh Refuge.

How to Climb Damavand from West Route?
Another common route for mountaineering Damavand Iran is the west route. West front is the second popular trail of the Damavand mountain after the south route. If you wish to hike Damavand from the western route, you have to drive from Tehran to Haraz road and to Polour Village then from Polur village you may take a 4WD car and drive to Lar Dam Road and continue to the starting point called Parking Area. Driving through the last part of the Lar Dam Road is possible only is in summer season ...

Mountaineering Mount Damavand Iran from the West Route

Climb Damavand from Northeast Route

One of the good-looking sides for mountaineering to Damavand summit is the north-east route. North-east route is longer that other sides but it is a popular track to hike to Damavand mountain. The beauties of the north-eastern side of Damavand are too many to count and even photos cannot show the reality. If you wish to trek Damavand or visit its beautiful sights, choose this route, the views have attractive appearance. It is longer than other routes.

How to Climb Mount Damavand Iran from Northeastern Front?
Damavand northeast difficulty is trekking with long and hard ascend, cold and wind and long descend. Mountaineers have two different option for trekking Damavand Northeast route:
1- Gazaneh trail - Start trekking from the Gazaneh Village, this route is longer than below and crosses the Talkh Roud (bitter river).
2- Nandal trail - Start trekking from Nandal Village, this route is shorter than above and is the suggested trail … Read more details in How to Climb Mount Damavand Iran.

Mountaineering Mt. Damavand in Iran
The Northeast Route Map - Gazaneh Trail

Hiking Damavand Mountain, Iran
The Northeast Route Map - Nandal Trail

Damavand North Face

Climbing Mt. Damavand North Route
Among the 4 main sides, the north face is the hardest route of Mount Damavand Iran. But because of a gravel road (dirt road) and two refuges, it can be said to be simpler than some of secondary unpopular trails of Damavand. Generally speaking, trekking to Damavand peak from any side is always a difficult task because of the high altitude of this great mountain.

How to Climb Damavand North Face?
Hiking Trekking Mount Damavand, Iran from the North Face
Trekking Damavand mountain from the northern front is usually done by groups in 3-5 days’ programs.

Day 1:
Early morning drive from Tehran to Nandel Village, in the village you may ask for a 4WD car or a van to take you to a place called the Big Stone (2,900 masl) before the noon. The Big Stone, also called The Big Rock (Sang Bozorg) is the starting point for hiking trekking Damavand north route. You may stay the night at this place for better acclimatization or trek to the 1st shelter, called 4,000 refuge or even to the 2nd shelter, called 5,000 shelter before the darkness …
Read detailed information in How to Climb Mount Damavand Iran.

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Climbing Mount Damavand Iran
Damavand Mountain Northe Face Trail Map

Damavand Winter Climb

Damavand Winter Season

Damavand Winter Climbing, Damavand Mountain Tehran
Damavand Winter Sport Activities
Winter Climbing, Ski Touring & Snowboarding
Stormy weather, Strong wind, very low temperature, snowfall and foggy condition
Damavand Summit - Photo by Ali Fard

Iran Mountains Trekking Tour Guide

Trekking Mount Damavand, Iran

A practical guide for Damavand trekking. Trek to the “roof of Persia” is an unforgettable and an incomparable trekking experience. Raise your chance of success to Damavand and enjoy a safe trek to this charming mountain. Trekking Damavand the highest mountain and the most famous summit of the Iran is a life time memory. Climbing Damavand with a group of mountaineers from around the world is very rewarding.

How to Trek Damavand?

In this topic you will find detailed information for how to trek Damavand from Tehran and find the best guidelines to arrange and supervise your program. This guidance is complete tutorial for ordinary climbers with regular trekking skill and common trekking gears. Before trekking, it is necessary to read all the information for trekking this gigantic peak. In our website you may find the most FAQ and answers about trekking this summit …

Damavand Routes
Among the 4 major routes for hiking Damavand, most hikers prefer the southern route. Technically speaking, mountaineering Damavand in summer is not difficult and it is an ordinary walk-up. Most first-time trekkers need a guide for 3-5 days tour from Tehran ...

Mount Damavand Iran
Photo by Ardeshir Soltani

Damavand Mountain Trekking Season

Mount Damavand Trekking Itinerary

Mt Damavand Equipment List

Damavand Brief Gear List

Mount Damavand, Iran
Brief gear list for trekking Damavand Mountain in summer
Essential equipment fo rhiking & trekking Mount Damavand Iran

Damavand Mountain Difficulty

Mount Damavand Difficulty in Summer Season

Mt. Damavand Location

Damavand Trekking Tour

We are the leading Damavand Tour Operator based in Tehran, Iran. Our guides are the most experienced mountain guides. We organize a wide range of quality tours to Damavand and other Iran mountains for hiking & trekking, climbing, skitouring, snowboard and mountain biking. We are the leading Damavand tour operator in Iran and organize a wide range of high quality hiking trekking tours to Mount Damavand, Iran and other Iranian mountains for climbing and ski touring, covering from a simple summer hiking, ideal for complete beginner, up to advanced Alpine style climbing in winter season. We are a group of senior experienced Damavand trekking tour guides based in Tehran and many individual climbers, mountaineering groups and tour agencies use our guiding support each year, supporting incoming groups with the best possible Services and logistics.

Damavand trekking tour is one of the most popular mountaineering tours in Iran. You will spend your time during this trip walking on the snow-covered summit of Mount Damavand, which is an active volcano rising up to 5670m above sea level. Damavand tour has three different options which will help you explore different facets of Damavand: summer hiking & trekking, winter climbing and ski touring. At the summit of Mount Damavand, you can enjoy the most spectacular sunrise in the world, which is perfect for photography. Tour to Damavand: Enjoy the beautiful and breathtaking views of mountains, valleys and plateaus during your trip to Iran. This family friendly tour covers all of these destinations. Damavand ski tour is one of the most popular winter sports, but skiing in Damavand mountain Iran is a different and unique experience. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views, as well as gorgeous sunsets.

Enchanting snow-capped mountain, in the north the green forests, meadow-filled valleys, crystal blue streams and lakes, natural springs, wild animals and birds. This is Damavand climbing tour. A majestic mountain in the heart of Iran which you can reach by hiking with a guide or climbing with a guide in the best season to do so. We have a chance to see the best of nature in Mount Damavand in Iran and the beautiful scenery of this spectacular mountain. The tour will take you up Mt Damavand through hiking and trekking, a route that you can choose according to your ability. Mount Damavand hiking tour is a hiking, climbing and trekking tour in the magnificent Alborz Mountain Range. This mountain is the highest peak in Iran. The trekking route starts at the Tehran city, followed by a steep climb up past grazing land, eventually finishing at the summit of Damavand and back to the starting point. See also Damavand Economy Tour.

Damavand has long been considered one of the most attractive mountain destinations for trekking tours in Iran. The mountain attracts thousands of tourists each year. That is all because Damavand's height, 5670 meters above the sea level, makes it an ideal destination for challenging hiking trekking tours. The Damavand Summit! Do you want to stand on top of all other peaks? You can do it, if you are strong enough to climb the highest peak in Iran and indeed in the world, Mt. Damavand. This tour is for those who want to conquer the mountain and reach its highest peak. Damavand Mountain tours are trekking and hiking tour in Iran that offers an exciting opportunity to explore one of the highest peaks in Iran. The mountains are beautiful and clean, with amazing views of the surrounding valleys. The climb is challenging, but achievable for experienced hikers with good fitness levels.
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Find More Info for Damavand Ski Touring
In a snowy year and good snow condition, Mount Damavand is covered in snow and it is possible to ski downhill about 12 Km on mild ski able slopes from Damavand summit to the bottom. Skiers must ascend on feet or on ski to the peak because there is not any mechanical lifts such as cable car, lift chair, gondola or tele cabin in this ski resort.

Damavand South Route is the safest, the best side and a popular target for winter climbing, ski mountaineering, off-piste ski tour, Alpine style ski, snowboard and snowshoes tours. Winter sport activities are much more difficult and risky on the other faces of the mountain. Sometimes it is possible to ski Damavand in winter and spring. Remember that The amount of snowfall changes each year.

Damavand Ski Season

Damavand Mountain Ski Season
Damavand ski and snowboard season is mainly depended on the amount of snowfall in the area. The quantity of snow is different each year and it rely on the weather forecast and climate change. Damavand ski season may start from mid-November and last until mid-May. Damavand Ski Tours generally go in March & April. It is recommended to check the snow condition in Damavand ski fields in advance before you fix your program and travelling to the area. Due of its vicinity to the Caspian Sea, Damavand ski resort absorbs a great amount of snow in its snow field in autumn, winter and spring.

Damavand Mountain, Iran
Ski Touring to Summit of Mt. Damavand
Photo by Damavand Info

Mt. Damavand Ski Touring Difficulty

Mount Damavand ski touring and winter climbing is completely different story compared to summer trekking. Ski mountaineering and winter climbing are very difficult. Despite its mild climbing ridges and without technical difficulties, freezing temperature and strong winds makes Damavand ski mountaineering troublesome.

Mythology of Mount Damavand Iran

Mount Damavand is a great peak in Iran and is located in the center of the country. It has been believed to be one of the mythical mountains. Damavand is an important symbol of Iran, as it has been regarded by all cultures that have inhabited the country, both past and present. The mythological significance of Damavand Iran goes back to the Epic of the Kings. Damavand Mountain is thought to be in the center of Iranian myths. It is the holy mountain and has several names, including “the roof of Iran”. The mythological character Mount Damavand Iran, shines in personality and he symbolizes bravery and intelligence. Damavand is the highest peak in Iran and is one of the most important symbols of the country. It’s considered as a supreme place which connected Iranians to religion, culture, spirituality and nature.

Damavand is a mighty mountain in the middle of Iran that is both majestic and mysterious. Its base is home to forests, lakes, rivers and waterfalls making it an ideal place to hike or camp. The fact that ancient superstitions link it to Zoroastrianism and other mystical religions make it even more intriguing. Here are a few of the myths surrounding this beloved peak. Damavand Mountain Iran is in the center of Iranian myths. According to ancient Iranians, this mountain was on fire and as long as it was on fire Iran would be prosperous. Not until it went out, would civil wars occur which would lead to Iran’s destruction. Thousands of years' old myths tell us that it is the place where fire is kept and it is one of the four pillars holding up the sky.

The myth of Mount Damavand, Iran is one of the most fascinating Iranian myths. It has been used in Persian literature and poetry since the ancient times. Damavand is one of Iran's most famous mountains, with its pointed peak visible from many parts of central and northern Iran. It is said to play a part in many local myths and legends, which seek to explain the origins of this majestic mountain which dominates the skyline in central Iran, rising to 5670 meters above sea level. The Damavand Myth is a series of stories about the origin and history of Mt Damavand. The stories are told to tourists on the mountain, but you can find them in any book about Iranian myths.
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Damavand Volcano, Iran

Once upon a time volcanoes shaped our planet, but today many of the world's magnificent volcanoes become extinct. Volcanos are home of rare animals and plants, some of the living species on the slopes of the volcanic mountains are not found anywhere else on earth. Damavand volcano is one of the most beautiful peaks in Iran, which is located near Tehran. This gigantic volcano is one of the Volcanic Seven Summits in the world. Although it appears from some angles to be perfectly symmetrical, it is actually a double volcano, with a smaller cone sitting on top of a larger one. Volcano Damavand is a large volcanic-shaped mountain with almost all its slopes covered by snow in winter. Snow-cap and cloud covers the summit occasionally. Damavand is surrounded by many good looking peaks of the Alborz Chain.

Damavand is a perfect cone-shape stratovolcano located in the central part of Alborz Mountains Iran on the southern coast of the Caspian Sea. It’s the highest volcano in Asia as well as Asia's 14th tallest summit. Damavand Iran is the third highest volcano in the world in the Volcanic Seven Summits (V7S) list. There has been no eruption in historical times and records. There are some hot springs on its lower slopes like Larijan village. At Damavand summit there is a crater about 150-200 meters across, with a lot of yellow sulfurous rocks and pumice stones. Above altitude 5400 meters there are some sulfuric gas making a little problem for climbers. Damavand Volcano, Iran is the earth's 12th highest prominence (the scale is Mt Everest in Himalayan) in the world. It’s a massive isolated stratovolcano withe topographic prominence of over 4,600 m. It is the highest volcanic mountain in northern hemisphere.

It is quite popular to climb the highest mountains on each continent, called the Seven Summits (7S). An easier option is to climb the volcanic seven summits (V7S) and keep away from 8000m peaks like Mt Everest! When climbing the volcanic seven summits is concerned it is not difficult to find where to go! Volcano Damavand Iran is a popular target for climbers, they like to trek volcanoes because they like the beautiful conical shape, the prominence and the isolation of a volcano (not attached to another mountain), also because of less difficulty.

Volcanic Seven Summits (V7S)
Volcanic Seven Summits (sorted by elevation) The highest volcanoes on each of the seven continents is concerned.
1 - Ojos del Salado 6,893m - South America
2 - Kilimanjaro 5,895m – Africa
3 - Damavand 5,670m - Asia
4 - Elbrus 5,642m - Europe
5 - Pico de Orizaba 5,636m - North America
6 - Giluwe 4,368m - Australia
7 - Sidley 4,285m - Antarctica

Damavand Volcano MDIC22JUN29B

Mount Damavand Peak Weather

Regardless of the season, for a safe and a successful climb to Damavand summit in Iran you need a suitable weather forecast. Always reserve an extra day (or more) in your program for bad weather condition and don’t forget to bring enough warm clothing even in the middle of summer season.

Damavand Winter Warning

Damavand weather in winter could change to disastrous with very strong winds, reaching more than 130 Kilometers per hour (80 miles per hour) and freezing temp dropping down to below -70°C Celsius (-94° Fahrenheit) at the top. Therefore, Damavand winter climb and ski touring is very difficult and you should be well-equipped and well-experienced for harsh weather mountaineering.

Beacuse of high wind speed, very low temperature, stormy weather, snowfall and foggy condition, icy trails and other risks Damavand winter activity is tough and very risky. Winter sports such as winter climb, ski tour, snowboard and snowshoes are graded as very difficult on this mountain.

Also reminding that rescue team and medical facilities are not available in the area in winter. In case of emergency and any injury you must only rely on your team and you need a good luck for surviving! Extra care should be taken for winter climbing and ski touring. All Damavand winter sport activities is done by your own risk!

Weather Forecast Mount Damavand, Iran
Damavand Winter Temperature, 4 February 2012
Damavand Freezing Winter Temprature -71° Celsius (-95° Fahrenheit)

Find detailed info in this page: FAQ Damavand Iran
and also in our Forum: Damavand Fourm
Q- What is the best day to start Damavand hiking to have no crowd problem?
A- Start you Damavand tour on Saturday or Sunday. The best days to be away from the crowds in summer season are Iranian midweek days. (Iranian weekend are Thursday and Friday). There are also some major holidays and long weekends in Iran which are not suitable for any trip to Damavand in any route, because all sides of the mountain and the roads to the area could be very crowded.

Which mountain has the highest peak in West Asia?
Damavand Mountain in Iran, Damavand at 5,670 meters above sea level (18,600 ft.) is the highest summit in West-Asia and especially desirable summit for hiking, trekking and mountaineering tours.

Is Damavand Mountain the largest in Iran?
Damavand (5670 m - 18600 ft.) is the highest peak in Persian plateau and the middle-east; also the highest volcanic mountain in Asia. It's the 12th prominence summit in the world and the second most prominent in Asia after Mount Everest. Mount Damavand is also well-known as the roof of Iran.

Is Damavand visible from Tehran?
Yes Damavand is visible from Tehran.On most days of the year and in a clear sky Damavand peak is not only visible from Tehran, but also as far as 250 km away, from Kasahn to the south of the great salt desert. This giant perfect cone-shape volcano is also visible from Varamin, Qom and the Caspian Sea beach, given the weather is not foggy or polluted.

Where is Damavand?
Where is the Damavand Mountain?
Where exactly is Mount Damavand located?
Damavand is nestled in the middle of Alborz Mountain Range in the heart of Iran. It is situated 80 Km (by road) North East of Tehran and 70 km south of the Caspian Sea. Damavand summit GPS landmark is: Latitude 35-57-19 N, Longitude 52-06-37 E.

What country owns Mount Damavand?
Iran owns Mount Damavand! Damavand, its located between capital city Tehran and Amol city in Māzandarān province, in the central part of the Alborz Mountain Range, Iran. Damavand can be reached via Haraz Road from Tehran. The closest airport to Damavand mountain are IKA International Airport and MehrAbad Airport. IKA Airport is about 146 km far from Polour campsite, the favorite starting point to the south route .

What is special about Damavand?
What is Mount Damavand known for?
Damavand Mountain is the tallest summit in Iran and the highest volcanic mountain in the West-Asia. Mount Damavand and its surrounding areas are popular for hiking & trekking tour, climbing tours, also ski touring. Damavand mountain is a tourist attraction of Iran. Damavand (5670 m) is in the list of 7 volcanic summits of the world. Damavand is the highest summit in Iran and the Middle East and the highest volcano in Asia. It's the 12th prominence summit in the world and the second most prominent in Asia after Mount Everest. Mount Damavand is well-known as the roof of Iran.

When was the first climb of Damavand?
Who was the first person to climb Mount Damavand?
We believe there has been many unrecorded climbs in ancient years by local people. But first recorded climb is done in 1837 by a British diplomat called William Taylor Thomson. At the present time, Damavand is a tourist attraction of Iran and a popular summit for hiking trekking and ski touring.

Why is Damavand famous?
Why is Mount Damavand important?
Damavand is famous for its gigantic height, its mild trekking slopes and moderate ascending grade. Mount Damavand Iran is an international climbing target and one of the world's popular peaks for hiking trekking and ski touring. Damavand peak is usually covered in a halo of clouds and plays an important role in Iranian folklore and myths. Damavand is more than one of the amazing natural, it is a symbol of resistance and strength in Iranian folk stories.

What is the meaning of Damavand?
Damavand has various meanings derived from local tale, myth, fable; legend or stories. But its basic significance is mentioned events of the past and old books include: Damavand is formed in two different words, "Dam," meaning smoke or cloud, and "Avand," meaning magical place. So Damavand means a magical place, that is covered by cloud of smoke (possibly sulfur gas).

Is Damavand known for Hiking Trekking?
Damavand is well-known as the roof of Iran and it’s a tourist attraction of the country. It is a popular target for hiking & trekking tour, climbing and ski touring. Damavand summit is an easy accessible +5000m mountain that you can trek it just in 2-3 days.

What is significant about Damavand?
Damavand has a natural attraction and a unique ecosystems, beautiful landscape with special fauna and flora especially in spring. Mount Damavand is registered in the list of UNESCO national world heritage as the first natural monument of Iran. Damavand peak is visible from the southern cost of the Caspian Sea and central desert of Iran.
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Best Source of Information for Mt. Damavand Iran

Mt. Damavand Iran
Damavand Climbing Route Map
Mount Damavand Trekking Route Map