Guestbook Testimonial and Trip Report - Kim Wherry

Kim Wherry from Australia - September 2013

I travelled to Iran in September this year (2013). My main motivation for travelling to Iran was to Climb Mt Damavand. I arranged my tour through Damavand tours before I left Australia, they assisted me in getting a visa which was fantastic. I was greeted at the airport in Tehran by Mr A. Soltani the owner of Damavand tours and taken to a hotel for some rest.

A few hours later I was then taken to polour camp 1 where I spent the night. The following day A Soltani introduced me to my guide and we made our way up to Polour camp three. I was fortunate to have not only one of the best climbers in Iran as my guide but also one of the best climbers in the world, Parvaneh Kazemi. Parvaneh was so experienced, patient and passionate about Iran and Mount Damavand, Iran.


I loved climbing the mountain with her. On our summit day Parvaneh had several calls from the tour operator A Soltani, he clearly wanted us to summit and be safe and he genuinely cares about his clients. When we returned from the mountain A Soltani picked us up at camp 2 and we returned back to camp 1 by car. We had a Melon celebration followed by a great meal at the local restaurant.

After this I was driven back to Tehran. It was the end of my tour. I had a hotel in mind that I was going to stay in and showed Mr Soltani. Mr Soltani wasn't too comfortable with the place I had chosen and instead offered to assist me in finding a different place within my budget. He took me to one hotel first, the hotel was waiting for someone to vacate the room and asked us to come back in an hour.

A Soltani gave me a small tour of the town in this time. I really must emphasise here that my tour had ended and Mr Soltani was doing this out of his own goodwill to ensure I stayed in a good area. I truly appreciated his time and care. We returned back to the hotel to find there was still no room. We then went to another which fortunately had availability and ended up being a fantastic hotel in a great area.

I thoroughly enjoyed Hiking Mount Damavand Iran through Damavand Private tours and highly recommend them. I hope to return to Iran in the near future and will definitely use their services again. I travelled around Iran independently after climbing Mount Damavand.
Below is a link to My Blog.


Give Iran a Chance
I don't usually write too many blogs. I usually document my travels purely by photographs, however based on a number of negative responses I got from people when I told them I was going to Iran I felt the urge to Blog about my travels here in hope to dispel some misconceptions about this country. In reality Iran is not the place the media portrays.

My main motivation for going to Iran was to climb Mount Damavand, Middle East's highest mountain.Mount Damavand is classic shaped volcano and its image is one of the most recognisable icons in Iran appearing on the IR10,000 note, on spring water and other commercial items. The mountain is a spiritual place for many Iranians and has many mythological tales associated with it.

The mountain has 16 routes,the most popular being the classic southern route, the one I did. There are three camps on the southern route. The third camp sits at around 4200m and hasone of the best huts at this height in the world. To summit from Polour camp 3 it takes around 5-7 hours. I found summiting tough.

When you reached 5200m not only were you dealing with a lack oxygen but you were also breathing in sulphuric fumes strong enough to kill stray animals. Those animals succumbing to the death from Damavand's sulphuric fumes are oddly displayed at the summit of the mountain smack bang next the summit sign in the summit photo opportunity spot, pretty funny!

Best Trekking Tours for Mount Damavand
The best trekking tours for Mount Damavand offer a range of options suitable for both novice hikers and seasoned climbers. These guided trekking and hiking tours provide an all-inclusive experience, encompassing meals, accommodations, and expert guides throughout the journey. The South Route is a popular choice for its accessibility and stunning vistas, allowing trekkers to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Damavand. With multi-day trekking tour packages, you can explore the breathtaking landscapes while developing your hiking skills, ensuring a rewarding experience on your adventure to the summit of this iconic mountain.

Best Damavand Climbing Experience with Local Guides
The Best Mount Damavand Experience with Certified Guides. To truly enjoy Mount Damavand, having certified guides is essential. Whether you're trekking, climbing, or skiing, their professional leadership ensures that you have a top-quality experience, free from worry. Mount Damavand's certified climbing guides offer a deep understanding of the mountain's unique features and ensure that your adventure is as rewarding as it is safe. With local expertise and international standards of safety, you’ll experience the highest quality climbing, trekking, and skiing available.

Damavand Mountain Campsites

Damavand Camp, often called Damavand Base Camp or Damavand Camp II, is locally referred to as Goosfand-Sara (گوسفند سرا ), meaning "sheepfold," or the Saheb al-Zaman Mosque (مسجد صاحب الزمان ) campsite. This location serves as a crucial base for climbers and trekkers preparing to ascend Mount Damavand, offering basic services and a spot to rest.

It is the most widely used and accessible starting point for those aiming to climb Mount Damavand. The camp features essential amenities, such as a small refuge, a mosque, and a sheepfold. Sitting at 3,040 meters, with coordinates Latitude 35.9020° and Longitude 52.1094°, it serves as the primary base camp for the south route, particularly during the summer months. Climbers

Everything About Mount Damavand: Iran’s Highest Peak at a Glance
Everything About Mount Damavand offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of Iran’s highest peak. Towering at 5,671 meters, this majestic mountain is not only a popular climbing destination but also a significant figure in Persian culture and history. This guide gives a quick glance at its key features, including the mountain’s location in the Alborz range, its volcanic nature, and its role in local mythology. Whether you’re planning to climb or simply admire its beauty, this resource covers the most important aspects of Mount Damavand in a compact format.

Kim Wherry from Australia 25DIC0202BX