Climb Damavand

Climbing Damavand

This page is a comprehensive Damavand Climbing Guidebook and you will find all the necessary information about Damavand facts & info, routes, best guidance for climbing Damavand Iran, how to climb Damavand peak and hiking trekking Damavand Mountain. The Mount Damavand Iran Guidebook is an accurate, detailed and easy-to-use guide to hiking up the highest peak in Iran. It offers you the chance to hike alongside inspiring people who have not just done but lived the experience of trekking Damavand summit more than one hundred times. The people that live in the surrounding regions have been known for their hospitality, if you are lucky enough to meet any pro Damavand Guides during your stay in Iran.

Mount Damavand Climbing Tour
Summer View from Haraz Road
Photo by A. Soltani

Trekking Mt. Damavand Iran is common and popular among all ages in Iran. It is a long-standing tradition to hike Damavand, and it's not just the adults but also young people that want to experience the thrill of hiking this mountain. Trek Damavand and see an expanse of wild nature, rare plants and the least populated region of Iran. Mountaineering Mt Damavand is one of the most popular mountain climbing tours in Iran. It takes two to four days to reach the peak, using a combination of hiking, trekking and climbing. On the top of Damavand Mountain Iran, there is a very interesting place. Also, this place is called the roof of Iran. From here, you will see many beautiful villages, cities and roads which are far from your sight.

The beginners are highly advised to Trek Damavand in summer season and suitable weather condition, ie after mid June up to mid September, where there is little snow on the mountain and the weather is relatively mild.
Damavand Info is the recommended page you might like for more data.

After one night rest at Simorgh camping site, then continue your trek on the western ridge where you will pass the glacier and continue your way among the rocks and sulfur soils. Remember that the slope to reach Damavand Crater from the western front is quite high, it has sharp slopes, but this may make the route shorter. To reach the summit, you need to ascend towards the peak from this steep slope, which is also rocky. The trail from Parking area takes about 2-3 hours to reach the Simorgh shelter, and after that it is different due to the slope and according to your physical strength, breath, readiness, it may take 5-7 hours to reach the Damavand West peak.

It takes about 45 minutes by 4WD car to reached the base of the ascent, which is known as the sheepfold and has a height of about 2870 meters above sea level. If you go from n Gazaneh Village, this route passes along the bitter river and passes through different farms to reach the spring of Espe. You then have to reach the sheepfold from to the top of a hill below of the Minaret Peak. Then, after crossing a steep slope, you will reach Takht Fereydoun Shelter. The continuation of this route will reach the north route somewhere and they will reach the summit together.

Northeast Side of Damavand Mountain Iran
Access route to Nandel village (northeast side of Damavand)
If you intend to use your own car, you should go from Tehran to Amol via Haraz Road. The Nandal village exit is located on the left side of the road. After passing Gaznak, Vana tunnel, Baijan and Pasgah. After the Baijan and passing through tunnel number 8, there is a sign on the left side of the road at the beginning of the path that says to Nandel Mountaineer's House. Then drive 16 km to Haji Dela village, 18 km to Mian Deh and 19 km to Nandel. Follow the route at a safe speed and finally reach the very beautiful Nandel village at an altitude of about 2300 meters. At the beginning of Nandel village, there is a two-story house for climbers, which includes a yard for car parking, two rooms (one big and one small), bathroom and toilet. The capacity of Nandel mountaineer's house (in the best case) is about twenty people. Visit also Damavand Hiking Trekking Guide.

If you don't have a tight schedule, we suggest staying in Nandel village one day before the start of the climb, because you can enjoy the beauty of the village and the surrounding plains, and considering the height of Nandel, which is about 2300 meters, your body will have more time to acclimatize and adapt to the high altitude conditions. Nandel village is also the destination of climbers who want to climb the roof of Iran from the northern side! To reach the sheepfold of Gardaneh Sar, i.e. the beginning of the northeast route (from Nandel), you can use a 4WD car to take you to Gardaneh-Sar sheepfold. Of course, you can hike the route on foot with a heavy backpack and reach Gosfandsera and then leave for Takht Fereydoun shelter, and of course one day will be added to the duration of your plan.Gardane Sar sheepfold at an altitude of 2870 meters

This is the last point where you have access to clean drinking water during the entire ascent. Therefore, we suggest that you take enough water with you for the entire time of your ascent to Damavand peak (usually three days). You can coordinate with the guy in charge of the sheepfold and rent a mule according to the number of people in your team to take your extra heavy luggage to the Takht-Fereydoun refuge. Each mule carries only three backpacks, therefore, to reduce costs, it is suggested to collect the heavy equipment of the team members (such as water bottles, etc.) in backpacks and leave them to the mules, and therefore the team members with their almost light weight backpacks ascend to shelter (have enough water with you for the trek to the shelter).

After passing through the Gardaneh Sar and the beginning of the northeast ridge, most of the route has clear foot print and you have to hike for about 6 hours to reach Takht Fereydoun shelter. There are two points along the route where you can use the water from the melting of the glaciers. However, if you are not used to drinking the glacier water, it is better not to use this water for drinking. Takht Fereydoun shelter is located at an altitude of 4388 meters on the edge of Yekhar glacier and can accommodate about 20 people. The area around the shelter is suitable for tenting. It is better to rest a little after reaching the shelter and leave your belongings in the shelter and continue the route towards Yachar Ridge and reach the height of about 4800 meters and stay at that height for an hour until your body adapts to the conditions of the altitude, then return to the shelter and have a light dinner and prepare for tomorrow's summit push!

It is better to pack and prepare your one-day bag (attack bag pack) the night before climbing, which will save you time. Continue the path above the shelter and ride on the edge of the Yakhar Glacier. The trail passes through loose rocks and falling stones and this issue has caused damage to climbers many times, so do not stay away from the footprints as much as possible and be careful of that part of the ridge path overlooking Yekhar Glacier. After crossing the Yakhar ridge, you will reach to a place called Bam-Barfi (snowy roof). The path gradually becomes steeper. If the wind blows in your direction, it will bring sulfur gas with it, so be sure to wear a handkerchief or a mask on your face. When you reach the snowy roof, the path of the two northern and northeastern fronts will meet and the clear path will take you to the Damavand summit (also called the roof of Iran).

In altitude above 5000 meters, pay attention to your heart rate, try to have a rhythm of your breathing and keep the rhythm artificially. You may have to breathe once every half step, but it is worth it, because with this method, you will get headache and confusion. Of course, before climbing Damavand peak, you should work on the volume of your lungs to have a comfortable climb. Go slowly along the steep path of the snowy roof and reach Damavand peak. Try to stay away from Damavand sulfur crater. It is better not to stay on the summit for more than 30 minutes, because both the condition of 5700 meters altitude will tire your team members and the Sulphur gas of the crater can cause poisoning.

The northeastern front is famous for its narrow ridge, falling rocks, and loose track. Justify the team members to maintain their distance from the person in front of them during the queue, it is better that the distance between people is less than one meter. Consider altitude, fatigue and cold, these three factors can drain your energy, so when you return, try to maintain your concentration and take steady steps. Better to spend another night in the shelter but the decision is yours. It is 400 meters below the small and green plain shelter where some mountaineers camp on the second night among the beautiful grasses of this plain.

Natural Resources
The north-eastern ridge has beautiful and pristine natural landscapes due to its remoteness. Dense vegetation, sufficient water resources have allowed rare animal species to grow and develop, so if you climb when the path is deserted, you will have a chance to meet them. As a hiking friend or nature lover, you are expected to be diligent in preserving the natural resources of the area, prepare plastic bags with you before the program, and do not leave any garbage when you return from the shelter, and give nature the gift of your footprints. 2 PM Law in Mountaineering!
If you have managed to reach the peak, it is better to leave before 14:00, and if it is 14:00 and you have not yet managed to climb to the peak, it is better to stop climbing and return. You have a long way ahead of you on the glacier and the ridge of the ice fall, so you must save your energy. Mobile Network in northeast front of Damavand
From Gardneh Sar sheepfold to Takht Fereydoun shelter, there are Mobile Network services (Irancell and the Hamrah-Avval).
You can inform Mr. Salehi (in charge of Nandel mountaineer house) at what time to come after you with a 4WD car and take you back to Nandal. Helpful People in the area:
Nandel mountaineer's house (Mr. Salehi's house)
Hoshang Salehi (responsible for mountaineer house)
Ismail Ramezani (4WD car (Nissan) driver)
Ali Qanbari (owner of the mule)

Damavand peak can be climbed from different routes. The length of the trekking trail, the amount of height increase from the base, the presence of facilities such as vehicles and mule, as well as the presence of shelters, springs and running water along the route determine the degree of difficulty of Damavand climbing.


Difficulty of mountaineering Damavand North Face
The northern route is the steepest and most difficult route among the four main routes of Damavand Iran. It has a steep slope in the final parts, which leads to the difficulty of climbing due to weight of the heavy backpacks. Scrambling with rock and the absence of a springs and clean drinking water on the entire route encourages only strong climbers to experience one of the most difficult routes of Damavand mountain.

The rocks of the north path are very loose and slippery, so the necessary precautions must be taken during the ascent or descent of such routes. The distance between climbers should be smaller to reduce the risks of falling stones. Mountaineering Damavand northern route passes through two important and permanent glaciers, Siuleh (right side) and Dobisel (left side).

Therefore, the degree of difficulty of the climbing Damavand from the northern route is classified as very difficult. Damavand climb from the northern route is suitable for mountaineers with the ability to climb in rough nature with about 22 kilometers on uneven paths, high altitudes such and steep foot paths.

Popularity of trekking Damavand North Rout
The northern base and starting point in summer season is from a big rock located in the southwest of Nandel Village. The transportation service to the base campsite Big Stone or Resting Stone at the beginning of the trekking, carrying cargo by mule to the first refuge at an altitude of 4000 meters, and accommodation facilities in Nandel village have made the climb from the northern route popular.

Access to the water
Damavand North route does not have clean drinking water except at the beginning. The last access to the drinking water on the northern route of Damavand is either in Nandal Village or in Goosfand-Sara area, which is located about three kilometers before the Big Rock which you can collect water. Of course, according to the conditions, it may be possible to collect some water from above 5000 shelter and from the glacier.

Winter Climbing Damavand North Face
Although the white scenery of the mountain makes the winter or spring ascent to Damavand very attractive,but there are many dangers in winter for less experienced climbers. The weather temperature at altitudes above 4000 meters of Damavand sometimes drops between 40 to 60 degrees below zero (in winter) and may drop to 5 degrees below zero (in summer). The wind speed in Damavand often exceeds 100 kilometers per hour. Precipitation in Damavand heights is usually heavy and occurs in the form of snow and rain.

Remember that in winter season due to heavy ice and snowfall access by car from Nandal through dirt road to the starting point (Big Rock) is not possible and you have to start your trek from Nandal village. This will increase the length of the route. Climbing in winter or challenging Damavand in unstable weather can make climbing on the northern route very tiring and you may even need to trek more than 30 kilometers. Therefore, climbing on the northern route is recommended only in summer season.

Nandal Village

Nandal village is the starting point for mountaineers. Nandel is a good-looking village with an altitude of 2,350 masl and is located in northern face of Mt. Damavand Iran. Nandel is a small summer resort village where people go during the summer vacation located about 15 Km off Haraz road. The distance of Nandel village from Tehran is about140 km.

Due to its proximity to Damavand Iran, Nandel is one of the main routes to climb Damavand peak, and mountaineers come to Nandel village to trek Damavand either from north-east or north face of the mountain. Many ordinary tourists also visit this village for the summer holiday.

Nandel area has a very beautiful nature. It has rich water resources and dense vegetation. In addition, it is less accessible than other parts of Damavand Mountain. Therefore, rare animals live in these areas, to shelter from hunters. All these wonders together have turned the protected wild life zone of Damavand into a pristine and alive land. Nandel village is one of the starting points for climbers who want to hike Damavand peak from the north or northeast sides. To climb Damavand summit through these two face, you must first reach Nandel. In fact, it is considered one of the best and most beautiful routes for experienced mountaineers.
Nandal Village MDIC22JUL07D

Damavand North Face Timing

The best time and season to climb Damavand north front is in August. In this month most of the trail is free of snow, the temperature increases and the winds speed decreases around the Damavand peak. But during Iranian holidays and the weekends throughout the month of August, especially the main routes of Damavand, are at their climbing peak unless the weather condition is unstable. The reason for this crowding is the presence of climbing groups and less experienced people with the aim of increasing the chances of a successful climb to Damavand summit. July and September are also suitable months for trekking Damavand Iran, however, you should carefully monitor the Damavand meteo.

Damavand Weather Forecast

Damavand weather is very cold in spring, autumn and winter and difficult for mountaineering. In the spring, the Damavand weather is very unstable. As soon as the weather warms up, the danger of avalanches and falling rocks is serious on all fronts, especially in the north and northeast sides. From the middle of June and in snowy years even sometimes in July, the conditions for normal summer ascents are uncertain.
Damavand Season & Weather MDIC22JUL09C

Damavand Summer Season Equipment List

Tent, two-day & single-day backpack, suitable hiking shoes, sleeping bag, mattress, cooking and lighting equipment, clothing, trekking pants, gortex and polar jacket, down jacket, polar hat and gloves, gortex gloves, first aid kit , trekking poles, individual rope, carabineer, anti-UV glasses, sunscreen, sun hat.
For detailed gear list visit This Page.
Damavand Equipment List MDIC22JUL10C

Who Can climb Mount Damavand Iran?
Generally speaking, the chance of success to trek to Damavand summit is dependent on some factors such as acclimatization, timing, weather, your physical fitness, your itinerary and your Damavand Guide.  Hiking Damavand gets more difficult as we go towards winter and cold weather, for example, July and August are preferred to October and November.

Because of topographical area also, somewhat high height, winter climbing and ski touring to Mount Damavand Iran is a genuinely difficult climb. Despite the couple of meters contrast in genuine tallness of Damavand, this is an alone and immense mountain with uncommon climate conditions and in excess of 5670 meters elevation.

How long does it take to climb Damavand?
What is the best program for mount Damavand climb?
You may climb Damavand in 2 to 5 days program. It mainly dependents on your acclimatization, timing, weather, your physical fitness, your itinerary and your guide.  5-day itinerary is the most favorite and relaxing programs for Damavand Trekking Tour recommended for foreign climbers and incoming tours. Damavand climbing in winter may take up to 7 days.
See also Damavand Itinerary.

Is Damavand hard climbing?
What is the difficulty of climbing Damavand Iran?
In summer season the difficulty of Damavand, 5670 m, is almost the same as Mt Kilimanjaro, 5892, m in Tanzania and Mount Everest Base Camp 5380 m in the Himalayans Range. But in winter and cold condition it is very difficult and it is quite different story and it should be compared to 7000 meters peaks or more.

Every mountain lover wants to climb Mount Damavand. If you are planning for Mount Damavand mountaineering and if you do not have previous experience for summer hiking or winter climbing, then choose experienced Damavand guides and make sure that you have sufficient equipment needed for this trip because there is always a chance of accident in the mountains in any season. Climbing Mount Damavand is an unforgettable experience and an incredible achievement. Damavand climb is challenging, but not impossible. It requires a good level of fitness, determination and self-motivation.
Visit also Damavand Difficulty & Climbing Grade.

When should we climb Damavand?
What is the best season for trekking Damavand Mountain?
The best time for Trekking Damavand is mid-June to mid-September. Generally, in this season the hiking trails are free of snow and the weather is mild. During this period, daytime lasts longer than 12 hours so on the summit day you have enough time to reach Damavand peak and return back in daylight. Read More in Damavand Timing.

what is Damawand easiest hikking route?
The southern route.

What is the hardest Damavand trekking route?
The northern route.

How to prepare for Climbing Damavand?
Visit this page.

What is the most popular Damavand Route?
The most popular trail South face.

It is possible to climb Damavand Mountain with different itineraries.
Climbing Damavand mainly depends to your acclimatization, physical fitness and exercises. Where is the nearest train station to Mount Damavand?
It is in Tehran.