Damavand Base Camp

Mount Damavand Base Camp

This campsite is also called Damavand Camp II, GoosfandSara or the Mosque

The Damavand Base Camp, commonly known as Goosfand Sara Campsite, is the most straightforward, famous, and easily accessible starting point for trekking adventures on this iconic peak in Iran. This base camping site features a small mountain refuge, a mosque named Saheb al-Zaman, and a sheepfold. Base Camp is a key starting point for Mount Damavand trekking tour on the south route in summer season. This camp at the foot of Damavand is the main starting point of the Damavand climb. It is located at an elevation of 3,040 meters and sits at coordinates Latitude 35.9020° and Longitude 52.1094°. It is the primary base camp for the mountain.

During the summer climbing season, climbers and their gear are transported to Damavand Base using off-road vehicles. Although some basic supplies such as water, food, and drinks may be available at Goosfand Sara Base Camp, it’s best to bring your own provisions. Mules and porters are available to transport equipment from Damavand BaseCamp 2 - Goosfand Sara to the high campsite, Camp 3 Bargah Sevom. However, Basecamp, at Damavand foothills can be quite crowded, noisy, and less than clean, making it less suitable for resting or acclimatizing.

At Base Camp of Damavand, accommodation options include an old shelter with two rooms, a mosque, and a tenting area. If you intend to use this base camp site, to avoid the issues at Goosfand Sara, for greater comfort and privacy, it’s recommended to bring your own tent and set it up a few hundred meters away from the main area of base camping site. Additionally, to bypass the challenges of Goosfand Sara campsite, you might also consider alternative campsites like Damavand Camp 1 Polour Hut or Camp 3 New Hut.

Winter Conditions:
In winter, the gravel road leading to Damavand Goosfand Sara Camp is frequently blocked by heavy snowfall, making car access difficult. The winter starting point is typically at the gravel road junction (GPS Landmark No. 5) or nearby. The Damavand Base Camp area is generally remote and less crowded during this season, and you may use the shelter or mosque for accommodation if needed.

The base camp for Damavand is also named Damavand Camp 2 - Gosfand Sara. In Farsi it is called گوسفند سرا .

Accommodation in Mt. Damavand Camp 2 Base (Goosfand Sara)

As mentioned earlier, Goosfand Sara is not ideal for accommodation or acclimatization during the summer season due to overcrowding, noise, and dirt. For a better experience while trekking Mount Damavand, consider using Camp 1 Polour or Camp 3 New Hut. However, if you decide to stay at Goosfand Sara, it is advisable to bring your own tent and set it up a few hundred meters away from the main area for more comfort and privacy.

A - Shelter or Refuge: The shelter has two old rooms, but they are currently unsuitable for use as the doors and windows are damaged.

B - Mosque: The mosque has a vacant room, but it tends to be crowded during the summer.

C - Tenting: For better comfort and privacy, bring and use your own tent, setting it up at a distance from the main area.

Please note: It is recommended to plan your accommodations carefully and consider alternative campsites to avoid the issues at Goosfand Sara.

Facilities and Advantages
Primarily for the summer season:

• Starting point of the South route for Damavand Climbing Tours.
• Accessible by car.
• Mule and porter services available.
• Some food, drinks, and water available.
• Mobile network coverage.

Disadvantages
Primarily in summer:

• Not a good campsite for Mount Damavand; it needs major reconstruction.
• Old shelter/refuge with no facilities.
• Unsuitable for acclimatization and accommodation.
• Often lacks running water.
• Noisy, crowded, and dirty.
• Not suitable for foreign travelers.
• Overrun by people and cars.
• No proper toilets.
• Lack of management.
  
  
  
  Mount Damavand Base Camp (Tenting)
  
  
  

Location
Gosfandsara Shelter (lat: 35.9020°, lon: 52.1094°, alt: 3,025 m)

• Altitude: 3,025 m
• Latitude: 35°54'10" N
• Longitude: 52°06'34" E

Camp 1 Polour to Camp 2 Base

• Transfer via gravel road, by car in summer or by foot in winter.
• Distance from Camp 1 Polour: Approximately one hour by car (mostly gravel road).
• Ascent to Camp 3 Bargah-e Sevom: 4 to 6 hours by slow walk.
• Descent from Camp 3 Bargah-e Sevom: 2 to 3 hours.

Other Names

• Farsi Name: Gosfand Sara, Goosfand Sara ye Ehsan, Masjed, Masjed Saheb al Zaman.
• Old Name: Alaf Chin.
• English Name: Base Camp, Mosque, Base shelter/refuge, Sheepfold. Gosfand Sara means sheepfold.

Please note: It is advisable to plan your accommodations carefully and consider alternative campsites to avoid the issues at Goosfand Sara.

How to Get to Camp 2 Base
To reach Camp 2 Base (Goosfand Sara) from Camp 1 (either Polour or Reyneh):

1. Book a suitable Car in Advance: If you plan to leave Camp 1 early in the morning, it is recommended to book a good car the day before. The drive to Camp 2 Base typically takes about one hour.
   
   
2. Transfer by Car: Request for a good car (not any car) to take you from Camp 1 Polour or Reyneh to Base Camp (Goosfand Sara). Be aware that most of the road is gravel, which may be impassable in spring and winter. Cars may not be able to reach the base camp, so consider traveling "as far as the car can go."
   
   
3. Vehicle Recommendation: For this part of the journey, use strong 4WD vehicles such as Land Rovers, Jeeps, or patrol cars. Avoid using mini trucks.
   
   

Note:

• Use Land Rovers, Jeeps, and 4WD patrol cars.
• Do not use mini trucks.

Damavand Camp 1 to Camp 2 Map

Gravel Road, by car in summer or walk in winter.

Mount Damavand Campsites

Mount Damavand features ten camps and shelters that offer hikers and mountaineers essential resting places with basic amenities. Strategically located along the four main routes to the summit, these Damavand campsites provide trekkers with opportunities to relax, acclimate to the high altitude, and plan safe overnight stays. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Damavand's camps, including mountain huts, shelters, and tenting spots, detailing their locations and safety information. It is an invaluable resource for hikers planning and executing treks on the various routes to the peak.

Key Campsites and Their Importance

Among the notable campsites are Camp 1 Polour and Camp 3 Bargah-e Sevom, which serve as crucial acclimatization points and staging areas for summit attempts. Camp 2 Base (Goosfand Sara) is a popular but often crowded spot, offering basic services and transportation access. Despite the popularity of this Damavand Camp, it is recommended to consider alternative sites for a quieter and cleaner environment. Additionally, specialized campsites on the northern, southern, eastern, and western routes each offer unique perspectives and challenges, catering to different levels of experience and preferences. Proper planning and familiarity with these campsites are essential for a safe and successful ascent to the summit of Mount Damavand.

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Mount Damavand Iran Road and Route Map
By A. Soltani

Mount Damavand Base Camp (Crowd)

Damavand Base Camp 24DIC0813A