Damavand

Mount Damavand Iran

Damavand is a perfect cone-shape volcano located in the central part of Alborz Mountain Range in north of Iran on the southern coast of the Caspian Sea. Damawand Volcano is 5671 meters high. It is the highest volcano in Asia, the highest summit 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 has a narrow summit crater usually covered with snow-cap and cloud. The snowy white peak with its regular Lenticular Cap Cloud 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.

Trekking Damavand

Trekking, Climbing and Mountaineering

Trekking Mount 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 Damawand you should know all the necessary Information for ascending this mountain.

Camp 1 Polour

The best starting point for trekking 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 by Iran Mountain Climbing Federation and it is administered by this organization.

Climbing 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, the weather is usually moderate and approach by public transportation to the base camp is easy. More detail Timing. Although Damawand resorts 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. Remember Iranian weekend is Thursday and Friday.

Difficulty

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

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.

Winter Climb

Damawand is a popular peak for trekking in summer. It is one of the most difficult peaks for Winter Climbing. 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.

Winter Season

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

Ski Mountaineering Damavand

Ski, Snowboard, Snowshoes & Ski Touring

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.

Damawand 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.

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.

Winter Warning

Beacuse of high wind speed, very low temperature, stormy weather, snowfall and foggy condition, icy trails and other risks Damawand 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. Read more Winter Warning.

Damavand Tours

We are the leading Damavand Tour Operator in Iran. Our guides are the most experienced mountain guides. Based in Tehran, 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. Visit also our Guestbook.