Mount Damavand Crowd

Mount Damavand Popularity and Crowd

Lots of people love to trek Mount Damavand Iran. But, because it's so popular, it gets really crowded in the summer. When there are too many people, it causes problems. The campsites and tenting places where climbers sleep get full. The paths get jammed, so it's hard to organize a proper Damavand trekking tour program. And sadly, more people means more chances for someone to get hurt.

Based on our experience on our years of Guiding Mount Damavand Iran, we've found the summer season's peak crowds occur on Thursdays and Fridays (the Iranian weekend), leading to limited availability of huts, shelters, and tent space at the Damavand southern route camps. To avoid these peak crowds, we highly recommend starting your summit push on Saturday or Sunday. Be aware that similar crowding can occur at shelters on other Damavand routes, particularly during Iranian Public Holidays.


In technical terms, Damavand Mountain is favorite due to its impressive height, gentle climbing slopes, moderate grade, intermediate difficulty, well-equipped huts, and easy access from Tehran. For up-to-date information, check the Damavand Info webpage.

Today, Damavand Mountain is an international mountaineering destination, counted among the world's finest peaks. While the exact number of climbers annually is unclear, around 10% are estimated to be foreign climbers, emphasizing its global appeal. Due to the following mentioned reasons Mount Damavand, the massive volcano it is a favored destination for Iranian mountaineers. It also has rapidly gained popularity among international mountain tourists, with the Damavand south route being particularly favored.

Mount Damavand is a symbol of resilience and the majestic beauty of Iranian nature. It is the peak of Persia and lord of the Alborz Mountains! It holds significance as the highest peak in the country and is symbolically tied to freedom in Persian myths, echoing through literature and folk poems.


Due to its stunning beauty, Mount Damavand attracts many trekkers, especially in the summer. However, this popularity leads to overcrowding during the summer season, which creates several challenges.

• Full and Jam-packed Campsites: Finding a comfortable and safe Damavand camp can be difficult with the rise of climbers.
• Crowded and Packed Trails: Damavand trails become crowded and packed, making navigation and adherence to schedules challenging.
• Increased Safety Risks: Large crowds can increase the risk of accidents for both experienced and novice climbers.

Additionally, the environmental impact of too many people also needs consideration. The chosen options emphasize the difficulty in navigating the trails due to the large number of people.

How to Avoid Damavand Crowd

Beat the Crowds on Mount Damavand

Peak Season: Mount Damavand experiences its busiest period between June 20th and September 23rd, coinciding with school vacations. The peak of the crowds falls between August 4th and 6th.

Planning your Climb: To avoid the worst of the crowds, consider the following:

Schedule your climb for Iranian weekdays: 
In Iran, the first day of the week (workweek) starts on Saturday, while the official weekend falls on Thursday and Friday.

Choose the Saturday or Sunday departures, starting your program on a Saturday or Sunday, (the starting days of the week in Iran) and finishing your Damavand program before the Iranian weekend (Thursday-Friday). This strategy minimizes overlap with peak periods.

Avoid Iranian Public holidays: 
In addition to avoiding weekends, it is advisable to schedule your climb outside of Iranian Public Holidays to minimize the potential for encountering large crowds.

Consider alternative accommodation: During crowded periods, Camp 3 Bargah-Sevom Old Shelter can be congested. Opt for your own tent or if possible book a private room at the Camp 3 New Hut for a more comfortable experience.

Beware of traffic on Haraz Road:Tthe Haraz Road is the sole access route to Damavand mountain, experiences significant traffic jams during Iranian weekends and holidays. Be prepared for delays.

Additional Tips:

• Research and book accommodations well in advance, especially during peak season.
• Familiarize yourself with safety regulations and Leave No Trace on the mountain.
• Pack appropriate Damavand gear and clothing suitable for the weather conditions.
• Be mindful of your physical fitness level and choose a suitable Damavand climbing route.

By following these tips, you can significantly increase your chances of enjoying a safe and enjoyable climb on Mount Damavand, even during the popular summer months.

About Damavand Camp 2 - Base Camp

Avoid Camp 2: Opt for a More Pleasant Acclimatization Experience

While Mount Damavand offers various campsites for acclimatization, Damavand Camp 2 Base is not recommended. Here's why:

• Limited Suitability: Camp 2 is generally considered the least desirable option for acclimatization compared to Camp 1 Polour and Camp 3 New Hut.
  
  
• Crowded and Below standard: The campsite struggles with overcrowding and cleanliness issues, potentially impacting your comfort and experience.
  
  
• Summer Disruptions: During summer, the area experiences high volumes of cars, mountaineers, local residents, and animals, leading to noise and potential congestion.
  
  
• Unpredictable Traffic: Cars frequently arrive and depart throughout the day and night, causing noise and disruption.

For a more comfortable and focused acclimatization experience, consider using Camp 1 Polour or Camp 3 New Hut instead. These alternatives offer a better environment for preparing for your climb on Mount Damavand. For specific advice on the best times to climb and periods to avoid, check out the "When to Climb" and "When Not to Climb" sections under Damavand Best Trekking Season.

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Beat the Rush on Damavand

Summer's allure on Damavand comes with crowds, especially holidays/weekends, and unpredictable weather. This ensures a smoother climb, ideal for both trekkers and expedition teams. Plan your adventure: Research reliable Damavand tour operators in Tehran for trekking or mountaineering tours. Consider your budget and explore options that include cultural experiences with Persian culture tour organizers. Use online resources like Damavand maps to plan your route. By focusing on timing and selecting the right tour operator, you can experience the majesty of Damavand without the summer crowds.

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