How to Climb Damavand

Damavand Camp 1 - Polour Hut

Mt. Damavand Camp 1 Polour Hut - Quick Overview

Polour Complex Camp, built in 2001 by the Iran Climbing Federation, is a well-known mountaineering base near Haraz Road in Polour Village. It is the main starting point for climbers heading to Mount Damavand via the classic south route or west route.

Damavand Polour Camp is located about 80 kilometers northeast of Tehran. The drive usually takes between one and a half to two hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

From Polour Village, it takes roughly one hour to reach Damavand Camp 2 – Goosfand-Sara (Base Camp). The road leading there covers a total distance of just under 18 kilometers, with about 11.3 kilometers on asphalt and another 6.4 kilometers on gravel.

Mount Damavand Camp 1 – Polour Resort at 2270 meters altitude — Mount Damavand Camp 1 – Polour Resort (Altitude 2270 m)

These times are approximate and can vary with the season, weather, or the type of vehicle used. For the gravel section, especially if the road is wet or in poor condition, using a 4×4 vehicle is recommended.

Haraz Road is one of the main highways connecting Tehran, the capital city, to the Caspian Sea in northern Iran’s Mazandaran province. This route passes by Damavand through the scenic Haraz Valley, close to the Haraz River.

Located on the scenic Haraz Road, which links Tehran to the Caspian Sea in Mazandaran Province, the camp provides easy access to Damavand through the beautiful Haraz Valley along the Haraz River. Polour Camp (Damavand Camp I) is located at an altitude of 2,270 meters above sea level. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 35°50′50″ North latitudeand 52°03′36″ East longitude.

Accommodation

Polur Resort is a resting place for acclimatization in the area. It features a hostel with a few private rooms and shared dormitories with bunk beds, along with toilets, hot water, showers, a kitchen, and cooking equipment.

Private Rooms

The common way is to do the reservation by tour organizers (and not by individuals). To make sure about your place you may pay deposit in advance to your tour agency few months before starting the trek and they do the reservation (if available). In none crowded season they work on the base of first come first served!

Public Rooms (Dorm)

There is no booking system for public rooms (dorms) in Camp 1 Polour Resort and also for Camp 3 New Hut. They work all season simply on the base of first come first served!

Camp 1 Polour Hut Bedrooms for Mount Damavand Climbers on South and West Routes — Mount Damavand Camp 1 – Polour Hut Bedrooms

Facilities

Advantages

- Open throughout the year. Working hours from 6 AM to 11 PM.
- A shortcut to Damavand Base Camp.
- Suggested starting point for Mt Damavand south and the west routes.
- Best place in the area for acclimatization and accommodation.
- Private rooms and public dorms with bunk beds.
- Cooking equipment and kitchen.
- Tap water and electricity.
- Telephone line, ADSL and WIFI.
- Good toilet and showers. Cold & hot water taps.
- 2 mobile networks coverage available in the area.
- Central heating, it is quite warm and comfortable in cold weather.
- Water, some food and soft drink and mountain gear avalable.
- Good management.

Disadvantages

This mountain resort has few drawbacks. However, due to its growing popularity, it becomes very crowded during the peak Damavand climbing season. Additionally, the booking system is not convenient, so it’s important to plan and reserve your room well in advance.

Note
Haraz Road is one of the main roads which passes through Alborz Mountains and connects capital Tehran to north of Iran and the Caspian Sea in Mazandaran province, this road passes by Mt.Damavand through beautiful Haraz Valley closed to Haraz River.

Other Names and Spellings

Panagah polor, Polur resort, poolor hostel, poolour lodge.

Important Note
Please note, it is not recommended to use any unidentified place as your accommodation either in the towns, villages and the open areas near the mountain.

Lobby of Camp 1 Polour Hut – Base Accommodation for Mount Damavand South and West Routes — Mount Damavand Camp 1 – Polour Hut Lobby

GPS Tracks IKA Airport Tehran to Camp1 Polour Hut

GPS Track File IKA Airport to Camp1 Polour: Download.

How to go to Camp1 Polour

On the first day of travel to Iran you can go directly from IKA Airport or a hotel in Tehran to Polour Resort in Polour Village.

Tehran> Haraz Road> Polour Village Junction> Camp1 Polor Resort
There is a good sign on the Haraz Road at the Polour Village Junction, statue of a mountaineer showes the correct location and your direction!

By Taxi
You can get a taxi to take you to Polour Village either from airport or any hotel in Tehran. Remember most taxi drivers do not know about the exact location of this mountain campsite.

By Bus
A cheap way is to go by bus, but there is no direct bus from airport or Tehran to this village. There is a major bus terminal in eastern Tehran called Terminal Shargh in Tehranpars area, at this terminal most buses go to the north of Iran through Haraz Road, you should leave the bus at Polour Village Junction and then get a local taxi to Camp1 Polour.

Our Services

You may use our Services.

Mount Damavand Road and Route Map in Iran – Access Routes to South, West, North, and Northeast — Mount Damavand – Iran Road and Route Map
*By Ardeshir Soltani*
Download and View the **Original Size Image**

Booking Damavand Camps

Update: June 8, 2017

Currently, there is no clear process for foreign mountaineers to book Damavand camps. The Iran Mountain Federation has discontinued the previous reservation system and plans to implement an online registration system for Damavand Camps. However, the specifics of how and when this system will be accessible to foreigners remain uncertain.

Booking Damavand Camps

Update: July 4, 2016

During the crowded season, booking a private room at Damavand campsites, particularly at Camp 3 New Hut, can be very challenging. Currently, there is no designated contact for booking these camps directly. Generally, Damavand tour operators handle reservations by contacting Camp 1 Polour directly. If you do not have an Iranian tour operator, you may need to visit the Polour resort in person to make a reservation, subject to availability.

Polour Resort - Camp 1 for Mount Damavand Climbers at 2270 meters — Damavand Camp 1 – Polour Resort (Altitude 2270 m) – Starting point for the South and West Climbing Routes

Polour Village Weather Forecast

There is not any specific weather station for Polour Village weather forecast. The closest forecast for Polour village is the following meteo data for Mount Damavand at 4909 m altitude which is the nearest weather table for Polour village! This table gives the forecast for Damavand at the elevation of 4900 meter above sea level which is quite colder compared to Polour Village Weather at 2250 masl but it is helpful data! Damavand Weather.

View detailed snow forecast for Mount Damavand at:
snow-forecast.com

Sightseeing Near Polour Village

Polour Village, located at the foot of Mount Damavand, offers stunning natural scenery and a peaceful mountain atmosphere. Visitors can explore the surrounding Haraz Valley, enjoy views of the Haraz River, and visit nearby traditional villages to experience local culture. The area is ideal for hiking, photography, and nature walks, making it a perfect starting point for climbers as well as travelers seeking a scenic and relaxing retreat.

Lar National Park (Dash-e Lar)

The greatest natural tourist attraction of Iran is Mount Damavand, the highest mountain in Asia which is situated in the central part of the Elborz Mountains. The other great natural attraction of Iran is the Lar national park (Dash-e Lar) with beautiful lake and a dam located at the western slope of Damavand.

Various birds, wild goat, jackal, wild pig, wolf, bear and leopard can be found in this protected wild life zone. Entrance to the Lar national park is about 15 kilometers after the Village Polour. View of Mount Damavand from the entrance to the park is one of the most beautiful one.

Road Map from Tehran to Polour Village – Access to Mount Damavand Base Camp — *Tehran to Polour Village Road Map*
Download and View the **Original Size Image**

Lar Lake and Lar Dam

At the point of entry to the Lar national park you will have a view of Lar Lake and Lar Dam, you may take a short walk with views of both the lake and mount Damavand free of charge free.

If you have enough time to hike and explore this area, it is a good idea to pay an entrance fee and drive around the lake with an 4x4 off-road vehicle and enjoy the beauty of the natural and local countryside.

For sure the best idea is to hike and walk the Lar protected wild life zone in 2–3-days trek, when you can also walk through the side valleys and the peaks at the slop of Mt Damavand which is the most beautiful from this northwestern view. Walk around the Lar protected wild life. Representative landscape around Lar Lake mainly 3 thousand meter above sea level high ridges everywhere you look.

Honey Hives

The famous scenery is an incredible number of honey hives scattered all over the Lar protected wild life in Elborz Mountains. Local honey is very famous. Dash-e Lar during sunset is beautiful. If you go to Dash-e Lar for a quick visit only, you should to say goodbye to the lake with the last rays of the sun and go back during sunset.

Map showing road route from Tehran to Polour Resort, the first camp for Damavand climbers — **Road Map: Tehran to Polour Village (Camp 1)**
**Trekking and Climbing Mount Damavand**

Local Guesthouses & Lodging Near Damavand

Damavand Campsites – 2025 Update

This information is part of the 2025 update regarding Mount Damavand’s campsites.
Due to paperwork, uncertain long booking processes, and complicated rules at the federation-run camps, which are also often crowded and lack comfort, it is usually better for climbers to avoid staying at the lower official camps such as Camp 1 Polour, Camp 1 Reineh, and Camp 2 Base Camp. With proper planning, a solid itinerary, and reliable logistics, it is possible to skip these lower camps entirely and head directly to the higher camps, which offer better conditions for acclimatization and a smoother approach to the summit.

Charming local houses and guesthouses near Mount Damavand offering warm hospitality to hikers and nature lovers — Charming local houses and guesthouses near Mount Damavand, offering a warm welcome to hikers and nature lovers. Instead of camps, you may use this accommodation for the Damavand South Route.

However, if you do need to rest at a lower elevation, it's better to stay in private local accommodations rather than federation-run camps. Guesthouses, hostels, small hotels, motels, local houses, and private homes in the surrounding villages usually offer cleaner spaces, hot showers, access to thermal springs, home-cooked meals, and a much more comfortable and restful experience.

Damavand Adventures – As one of the oldest and most experienced organizer of Mount Damavand climbing tours, we have frequently chosen Arses Motel among the many private accommodations in the area. Both our Damavand Guiding Team and our international climbers have always been highly satisfied with their hospitality, cleanliness, and overall quality of service.

Affordable and comfortable lodging options near Mount Damavand, from family-run guesthouses to rustic mountain motels. A practical alternative to camping on the Damavand South Route.

Updated Information for Damavand Campsites (2025)

Itinerary
Below is a practical 3- or 4-day itinerary that allows you to bypass the lower camps while still ensuring a safe and effective ascent:

Efficient3 to 4-Day Mount Damavand Trekking Itinerary - No Need for Lower Camps
Day 1: Early morning drive from your hotel in Tehran to Polour village near Mount Damavand. From there, continue by 4WD vehicle to Camp II Base. Begin a 4-hour trek to Camp 3 (Bargah-e Sevom, 4250 m). Overnight stay in the mountain hut, shelter, igloo or tent (recommended).

Day 2: (Optional but recommended) Acclimatization hike to a higher elevation above Camp 3, then return and rest. Overnight stay at Camp 3.

Day 3: Early summit attempt (5671 m) and return to Camp 3. Overnight stay at Camp 3.

Day 4: Descend to base and transfer back to Tehran.

This approach helps you skip unnecessary overnight stops at lower federation camps while maximizing comfort and safety.

Arses Motel — Location: Lat 35.8920°, Lon 52.1803°
Peaceful village accommodations with scenic views of Mount Damavand, perfect for a relaxing stay close to nature.
A great alternative to traditional and basic campsites along the Damavand South Route.

Comfortable Accommodation Near Damavand – A Better Alternative to Official Camp
For climbers and nature lovers heading to Mount Damavand, choosing the right place to stay can make a big difference. Instead of relying on the basic and often overcrowded lower camps managed by the Iran Mountaineering Federation, many visitors now prefer staying in nearby motels, hotels, guesthouses, and local houses and local homes that offer a much higher level of comfort, hospitality, and convenience.

A Peaceful Setting with Fresh Mountain Air
These locally run accommodations are often located in peaceful mountain villages near Damavand, surrounded by clean air and beautiful natural scenery. They offer a far more relaxing atmosphere compared to the noisy and crowded federation camps, making them ideal for rest before or after your climb.

Charming hotels, cozy homes, and welcoming guesthouses in villages around Mount Damavand — Stay local — experience Damavand’s surrounding villages with charming hotels, cozy homes, and welcoming guesthouses. An ideal option instead of the standard Damavand camps when trekking the South Route.

Access to Damavand Natural Hot Springs and Larijan Spa Facilities
Several guesthouses and motels in the Damavand region are located close to the famous Larijan hot spring. This makes it easy for guests to enjoy a rejuvenating bath in natural mineral-rich waters with healing properties, a perfect way to recover after a long day of trekking.

Breakfast and Local Cuisine
Many Damavand accommodations serve buffet-style breakfasts and homemade meals prepared by local hosts. This personalized service adds a warm and authentic touch that you won't find in standard mountain shelters.

Motels, guesthouses, and traditional homes near Mount Damavand’s southern route, a great base for climbers — Motels, guesthouses, and traditional homes with easy access to Mount Damavand’s southern route — a great base for climbers. A superior choice compared to the usual basic camps on the Damavand South Route.

Reliable Mobile Coverage
Although these lodges are located in mountainous terrain, most of them have stable mobile network coverage. Unlike many official base camps where connectivity is limited, you can stay connected without any interruption.

Why Choose Local Over Federation Camps?
Official lower camps such as Reineh, Polour and Goosfandsara are often outdated, with shared rooms, limited facilities, and minimal comfort. In contrast, Mount Damavand’s local guesthouses and private motels offer cleaner rooms, private bathrooms, hot showers, better meals, and a quieter environment. For solo travelers and groups alike, these NGO-supported or privately run facilities provide a much more enjoyable and efficient base for your Damavand adventure.

In short, if you value comfort, privacy, and authentic mountain hospitality, the local hotels, guesthouses, and houses near Mount Damavand are far superior to the federation’s lower campsites. With smart planning, you can skip the basic shelters and enjoy a much more pleasant start to your climb.

Mount Damavand lodging options for every traveler, from rustic cabins and guesthouses to stylish small hotels — Mount Damavand lodging options for every traveler — from rustic cabins and guesthouses to stylish small hotels. A wonderful alternative to the typical simple campsites along Damavand’s South Route.

A mix of cozy motels, small hotels, and private homes at the foot of Mount Damavand — ideal for climbers and travelers. An excellent alternative to camping along the Damavand South Route.

Damavand Camp 1 – Polour Hut FAQs

Polour Hut is located in Polour Village on Haraz Road, about 80 kilometers northeast of Tehran. It lies at 2,270 meters above sea level and is the main starting point for climbers heading to Mount Damavand via the south and west routes.

The drive from Tehran to Polour Hut usually takes between 1.5 to 2 hours. Travel time depends on traffic and weather conditions along Haraz Road, which connects Tehran to the Caspian Sea.

Facilities at Camp 1 include private rooms, shared dormitories with bunk beds, toilets, hot showers, a kitchen with cooking equipment, electricity, Wi-Fi, central heating, and mobile network coverage. Some basic food, drinks, and mountain gear are also available for purchase on-site.

Private rooms are often reserved through tour operators who handle the process with a deposit paid in advance. Public dorms cannot be booked and operate on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the season.

Yes. Damavand Camp 1 Polour Hut is open year-round, with working hours from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily. It is one of the most reliable camps in the Damavand region regardless of season.

It takes about one hour by vehicle to reach Camp 2 Goosfand-Sara, covering 18 kilometers (11.3 km paved road + 6.4 km gravel road). A 4×4 vehicle is strongly recommended for the gravel section, especially in wet or snowy conditions.

Polour Hut offers excellent acclimatization at 2,270 meters, year-round access, reliable facilities, and a quick shortcut to Damavand’s Base Camp. It is the suggested starting point for both the south and west climbing routes.

Polour Camp can be very crowded during the peak climbing season, and the booking system for private rooms is inconvenient. Some climbers prefer nearby guesthouses or motels for more comfort and privacy.

The most convenient way is by taxi from Tehran or Imam Khomeini Airport. There are also buses from Terminal Shargh in Tehran to Polour Village Junction, but you must continue by local taxi to reach the hut. A statue of a mountaineer marks the entrance on Haraz Road.

Yes. Many climbers now prefer local guesthouses, motels, and traditional homes around Polour and nearby villages. These private accommodations often provide cleaner rooms, hot showers, home-cooked meals, and access to natural hot springs, making them a comfortable alternative to federation-run camps.

Road Map from Polour Village Junction to Polour Resort – Access Route to Damavand Camp 1 — **Polour Village Junction to Polour Resort – Road Map**
Download and View the **Original Size Image**

Damavand Mountain Guided Adventure Tour
A guided adventure tour on Mount Damavand is the perfect way to explore one of Iran’s most iconic peaks. These tours are led by experienced local guides who know the mountain well, ensuring your safety while allowing you to fully enjoy the natural beauty of the area. With options for both trekking and climbing, these tours cater to various skill levels, making them perfect for anyone looking to challenge themselves and explore the great outdoors. Experience the excitement of ascending Damavand while learning about the region's unique ecology and culture from knowledgeable guides who share their expertise.

Certified Iranian Mountain Climbing Guide
Choosing certified Iranian mountain climbing guides guarantees that you are in the hands of professionals who possess extensive knowledge of Mount Damavand’s terrain and weather conditions. These guides undergo rigorous training to handle all aspects of the climb, from altitude acclimatization to managing the risks of sudden weather changes. They offer international quality trekking tours that adhere to global safety standards, ensuring that climbers have a safe, organized, and enjoyable experience. Their expertise helps climbers focus on their journey, knowing that their safety is being taken care of by the best in the business.

Damavand Camp 1 - Polour 25DIC0903MB