Mount Damavand Best Trekking Info 2021

Damavand Volcano, Iran

The giant perfect cone-shape volcano in Iran is called Mount Damavand! It is located in the middle of Alborz Mountain Range in north of Iran on the southern coast of the Caspian Sea.

Trek Mount Damavand Iran 2021

Damavand height is 5671 meters above sea level. It is the highest volcano in Asia, the highest peak in the Middle East 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 Lenticular Cloud Cap is the most beautiful sight of Iran. Damavand 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.

Trek Damavand Iran 2021

Hiking & Trekking Information for Mount Damavand Iran
Trekking Damavand the highest and the most prominent summit of Iran is a life time memory. The experience of ascending to this peak with a group of mountaineers from around the world is very rewarding. Before attempting Damavand itis recommended to read all the necessary information for ascending this huge mountain. In our Damavand Forum you can find the most Frequently Asked Questions and the most common answers about climbing this mountain.

How to Climb Damavand?

How to trek to Mount Damavand Summit?
A practical guidance for trekking Damavand Mountain in Iran. Trekking to the “roof of Iran” is a memorable and a unique mountain climbing experience. Among the 4 major routes up Damavand, most mountaineers prefer the classic southern route. Technically speaking, trekking Mt Damavand in summer season is a basic walk-up. Most first-time climbers need a mountain guide for three-day tour from Tehran.


Damavand best trekking program is a three days itinerary starting from C1, Polour mountain resort, and going by road to summer basecamp C2, (Goosfand-Sara or Mosque), then trekking from there to C3, Bargah Sevom. Before making the climb; www.damawand.de has maps and details of the various trekking routes HERE. Remember on the summit day and after leaving the high camp, there’s no water on the trail.


There is no proper way of booking the Damawand huts; therefore it is a good idea to bring tent, mattress, sleeping bag and maybe a cooking stove, you may leave all heavy stuff in high camp on the summit day, (if you take part in a Damavand Tour, your tour organizer will provide all the necessry gears). Remember, even in the middle of summer season, nights are freezing, and it could be less than -10°C at the peak. Fill your water bottles during the day because the running water may freeze at night.

In July and August the summit push doesn’t require any technical gear and it is possible to climb without special equipment. But it does require good physical fitness, warm clothes and good trekking boots. Remember that the weather can change unexpectedly without any warning and snowfall is possible in summer season. Although it is not recommended, many mountaineers return from the summit to Tehran in one day.

Damavand 1st Camp - Polour Resort

The best starting point for climbing Damavand Mountain is Camp 1 Polour. This mountain hut is the best place for accommodation and acclimatization in the area and the best starting point for climbing either from the south face or the west route of the mountain. Polour Resort is made and is administered byIran Mountaineering & Climbing Sport Federation. More in Damavand 1st Camp - Polour Hut.

Damavand 2nd Camp - Basecamp

This camping site is also called Damavand BaseCamp, Goosfand-Sara (sheepfold) or Saheb Zaman Mosque. Mount Damavand 2nd campsite or Basecamp is a mountain shelter situated at 3050 meters above sea level, practically it is the starting point for hiking trekking to Damavand peak in summer season. In this campsite you may find a small mountain refuge/shelter, a mosque called Saheb Zaman (or Saheb-al-Zaman) and a sheepfold!

During summer, off-road and 4X4wd cars such as Jeeps and land rovers transfer mountaineers and their gears from C1 to this place. In this area you may find drinking bottleld water, some simple food and drink. But it is advised to bring and use your own staff. Also you may find mule and porter to carry your equipment to the last campsite called 3rd Camp Bargah Sevom.
Read more in Damavand 2nd Camp - Goosfand-Sara.

Damavand 3rd Camp - Bargah Sevom

The highest campsite on the classic south route of Mount Damavand Iran is called "the Advanced camp Bargah-Sevom or the 3rd Camp". This advanced camp is located at (4250m - 13,845 ft) and is the highest campsite on the southern trail. Ferthermore Bargah is the last resort of the south side.

In this camping site there are two safe places for accomaodation, in fact the best resting place for hiking & trekking to Damavand peak. In the 3rd camp and in the altitude of more than 4000 meter above sea level you may use the Old Shelter/Refuge (at 4200 masl), the New Hut (at 4250 m) or the Old shelter/refuge and also tenting and camping place in the area.
Find more details for Damavand Cam3p - Bargah Sevom, the Old Shelter and the New Hut.

Notes

. Damavand 3rd Camp - Bargah Sevom new hut (at 4250m- 13,845 ft.) is the highest and the last resort on the south face.
. From 2nd camp (Goosfand-Sara or Basecamp 2050 masl), it takes about 4 hrs. uphill hiking to camp 3.
. In winter condition porter, but in summer season horse/mule may carry your extra load/luggage from c2 to c3.
. For the best acclimatization for the summit push it is necessary to stay at least one at camp 3.
. By 6 to 8 hours trekking from camp3 you may reach Damavand summit.

Damavand Equipment List

Essential equipment for trekking Mount Damavand Iran.
It is necessary to have proper equipment for a safe trek to Damawand summit. Suitable gears to protect you in case of bad weather. Depending to the weather forecast for the summit day, you may decide which equipment you need to take with you and which unnecessary gears to leave behind at the advanced camp.

This trekking equipment check list helps you learn about the gears you need for a Damavand hiking program. Remember that you should travel as light as possible. Therefore, it is necessary to bring a reasonable list of the hiking gears for your trip. For detailed trekking gear list and tips visit Damavand Full Equipment List.

Damavand Equipment Check List

For trekking Damavand in summer season you do not need technical gears!
But remember the weather may change suddenly, with strong winds and cold temperatures even in the middle of summer season. Therefore, it’s important to have warm clothing.
A short check list of the equipment you need, some of which your tour guide may provide.

Brief gear list for trekking Damavand Iran & most essential personal gears for hiking Damavand.

Damavand Brief Gear List

. Earplug, to block undesirable noises which may disrupt your sleep in shelter/hut
. Good trekking shoes/boots (-10 to -20 degree Celsius), gaiters, socks
. Warm Jacket and pants
. Main backpack + summit backpack
. Trekking poles (sticks)
. Warm gloves, hat, balaclava, baseball cap, scarf
. Sun glasses (with side covers)
. Sunscreen cream and lip balm
. Small personal first-aid kit
. Water Bottles
. Headlamp
. Swiss army knife

Your tour operator may provide
. Food, drinking mineral bottled water, cooking gear
. Sleeping bag (-10 to -20 °C), mattress, tent

Damavand Trekking Season

Damavand climbing season starts from mid June and it last to mid September. The best Time for summer trekking is in July and August. In this period the footpaths are generally free of snow, Damavand Weather is generally good and Damavand Temperature is usually moderate and approach by public transportation to the base camp is easy. More details in Damavand Timing. Although Damavand resort are crowded in summer, but the beginners with little experience are strongly recommended to tackle the mountain during this climbing season only. Best starting day is Saturday. Note: Weekend in Iran is Thursday/Friday.

Damavand Difficulty

Damavand Mountain is well-known for its mild slops. Climbing this 18,605 feet giant volcano is technically moderate but physically a tough challenge and requires a good physical fitness. The main challenge of ascend is acclimatization and the weather. Damavand Difficulty for summer trekking is comparable to Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Mount Everest Base Camp. But winter climbing is a quite different story and may be compared to a 7000 masl peak or more.

Damavand Climbing Routes

Routes and Tracks to the Damavand Summit
Find helpful information for Damavand trekking routes. The route map shows the footpaths and trails of the mountain, from starting points to the campsites and to the peak. You may also Download full size Damavand trekking route map in jpg format. Because the Damavand is conical shape, therefore trekking is possible from all sides, but well-known paths are sixteen. Four of these routes are popular for trekking.

The popular routes are Classic South Route, West Route, North Route and the North-East Route. Each route has a different starting point and require a transportation to the beginning of the trail. The easiest route is the southern path. On all faces, there are a shelter/refuge at about 4000 meters altitude. The Northen side has an extra shelter at about 5000m. The classic South route is the most favorite side of the mountain for trekking and climbing.
Read more in Damavand Routes.

All Trails Damavand Itinerary

Relaxing 3-Day Itinerary for All Routes & Trails to Damavand Summit!
This itinerary is a popular program for all Damavand routes, ie, it is suitable for the major routes such as south route, west route, north-east route and north route of the mountain. You may add extra days for better acclimatization or bad weather to this program to best suit your plan. The recommended starting day is Saturday. Due to mountain crowd, avoid travelling to Mt Damawand in Iranian weekends and holidays. Read more in Crowd and Iran Holidays.

Day1: Starting Day
Early morning drive from Tehran to 1st campsite. Then drive by 4x4 WD car to the starting point. Trek 4 to 6 hours to advanced/high camp. Overnight at advanced campsite.

Day2: Summit Day
Start climbing early morning towards the summit. After reaching the peak, descend back to the advanced/high camp. O/N at high camp.

Day3: Return Day
Descend down to the starting point and then drive back to Tehran.
See also detailed info in Damavand Itinerary.

Damavand Starting Points for Different Routes

All Damavand First Camps, Starting Points and High Camps

South Route
First Camp: Polour Village (2270m) or Reyneh Town (2070m).
Starting Points: Gosfand-Sara, Basecamp (Mosque) 3040m.
Advanced/High Camp: Camp 3 Panagah Bargah Sevom, Old Refuge 4220m, New Hut 4250m.

West Route
First Camp: Polour Village 2270m.
Starting Points: Vararo Parking Area 3400m.
Advanced/High Camp: Panagah Simorgh 4200m.

North-East Route
First Camp: Nandal 2350m.
Starting Points: Gardaneh-Sar Gosfand-Sara (2850m)
Advanced/High Camp: Panagah Takht-e Fereydoon 4350m.

North Route
First Camp: Nandal 2350m.
Starting Points: Dasht-e ChamBon (Sang Estrahat) 2950m.
Advanced/High Camp: Panagah 4000 (3850m) or Panagah 5000 (4800m).

Vocabulary:
Panagah = Shelter, Refuge
Gosfand-Sara = Sheepfold

Damavand Location

Damawand Volcano is located in Larijan district in Mazandaran Province in northern Iran. It is standing on the south coast of the Caspian Sea in the middle of the Alborz Mountains about 80 Km North-East of the capital city Tehran. The coordinates and the GPS landmark of Mount Damavand south peak is: Latitude 35-57-19 N, Longitude 52-06-37 E. Visit also Damavand Trekking Facts.

Damavand Winter Climb

Damavand is a popular peak for trekking in summer. Damavand Winter Climbing is one of the most difficult ones. Although it has mild climbing slopes but freezing temperature and strong winds makes ascend very difficult. South route is the best side for winter sports, other faces are more difficult. For a safe expedition you should be very experinced, physically very fit and well-equipped. You need a high skilled experienced guide. You need a good timing and good weather. You must be well-supported and be ready for any risk.

Damavand Winter Season

Damavand Mountain is located near the Caspian Sea and it receives heavy snowfalls in autumn, winter and spring. Damavand Winter Season may start from mid October and last to mid April. In winter condition the wind speed may reach above 100km/h and windchill temprature to -70°C. Find more details in Damavand Winter Climb.

Damavand Ski Touring 2022

Damavand Ski, Snowboard, Snowshoes & Ski Mountaineering 2020

Damawand Ski Resort is the highest skiing place in Iran and the middle-east and one of the world's best off-piste ski resorts. This volcano is a popular target for climbing, ski mountaineering, off-piste skitour, Alpine style ski, snowboard and snowshoes tours. Visit Also Damavand Ski Resort.


Damavand South face has a mild slope for climbing and is the best route for Ski Mountaineering too. It is more difficult to ski on the other routes. 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 telecabin in this ski resort. More in Damavand Ski Touring.

Damavand Ski Season

Damavand Ski Season is from November till mid May. It is possible to ski in winter and spring. The amount of snowfall changes each year. Because of its proximity to the Caspian Sea, Damawand Resort absorbs a great amount of snow in its snow field in autumn, winter and spring. In a good snow season it is possible to ski downhill about 12 Km on mild ski able slopes.

Damavand Trekking Tour 2021

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 organize different tours extending from a simple summer hiking ideal for beginner, up to advanced Alpine style mountaineering tour in winter suitable for experienced climbers. Many individual climbers, mountaineering groups and tour agencies use our guiding support each year. We support incoming groups with the best possible Services. See also Mr Damavand.

Mount Damavand Volcanic Activity

The recent volcanic activity of Volcano Damavand, Iran is much greater than usual, it started on April 2007 and emits sulfur gas till now (August 2021). This video clip shows the new volcanic vent and the most active part which is very closed to Damavand summit on the south route. Read more in Damavand Volcanic Activity.

Damavand Weather

In general terms and as far as climbing is concerned Damavand Mountain has only two seasons, summer and winter! Autumn and spring are too short and considered as cold weather for trekking. In summer season, mid-June to September, Damavand weather is ideal for trekking. The weather in other seasons is tough and regarded as off-season for trekking.


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. More details in Damavand Weather.

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! Read more in Damavand Winter Warning.

Alborz Mountains

The Alborz Mountain Range in north of Iran is stretching from the west to east, it runs along the south shore of the Caspian Sea. On a clear day you can see the Alborz Mountains rising north of Tehran, a great natural wall towering 4000 meters near the city. Elburz mountain chain forms a big natural barrier between the Caspian Sea and the central plateau of Iran. Elborz chain is divided into the Western, Central, and Eastern Alborz Mountains.
Read more details in Alborz Mountains.

Alborz Chain is about 1000 km long and its width varies from 30 to 130 km in different parts, its average height is about 3000m, it has several peaks over 4000m. The elevation of many of its peaks are still in dispute. The tallest peak in the Alborz chain is called Mount Damavand, which is also Iran’s highest point. The height of Damāvand Mountain is generally given as 5,671 meters, 18,605 feet. Damawand is situated in the central part of Elburz mountain range.
The Alborz mountain range is also written as Alburz, Elburz or Elborz, (رشته کوه البرز - سلسله جبال البرز - البرز in Farsi).

The artificial images from northern Iran in this topic are made by Views of the Earth by using computer rendering techniques.

Important: Iran Visa News & Warning 2021

Regarding the continuous situation of the COVID-19 pandemic find the latest news about Iran visa support 2021 in Iran Visa.

Best Source of Information for Mount Damavand Iran

Recommended by Lonelyplanet - Iran (printed English guide book 6th edtion 2012 - page 73):
Tow excellent source of information on all things Damavand:
Damavand Info: (our website) and Mount Damavand Guide: (our weblog).

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