| Duration: | 15 Day(s) - 14 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Mountaineering |
Damavand is the highest peak in Iran and the highest volcanic peak in Asia. Different levels of climbing can be undertaken in all seasons. It has four main ridges for climbing and three major glaciers. The normal climbing route is from the south ridge, and many mountaineers come here for climbing or skiing.
The South Ridge has two shelters: one at approximately 3000m, used as a base camp, and another at 4150m. In winter, these shelters are usually not full and can be used, but carrying a tent for emergencies is recommended.
The Alamkouh region is one of the most important mountain climbing areas, with national as well as international significance. It is located between the northern region of Iran and the Tehran–Qazvin mountain range. There are more than 400 peaks higher than 4000m in this area.
There are also two high walls in the north, rising 800 meters from the bottom of the glacier. The framework of the main wall measures approximately 500–600m.
Trip Highlights:
• Skiing in the Takht-e Soleyman region
• Ascent & descent of Mt. Damavand (5671m)
• 3 days sightseeing in Tehran & Isfahan
Day by Day Detailed Itinerary:
Day 01: Tehran / Iran Capital City (Arrival)
After welcoming you at Tehran Imam Khomeini Airport, our guide will transfer you to a hotel in the city center. The rest of the day is free for leisure in Tehran. Bed & Breakfast.
Day 02: Tehran (Sightseeing)
After a good breakfast at the hotel, transfer with an expert foreign-language-speaking guide for a full-day sightseeing tour in Tehran, including the Traditional Bazaar, Archaeological Museum, Glassware & Ceramic Museum, and Niavaran Palace. Overnight at Hotel 3*. Bed & Breakfast.
Day 03: Driving to the North of Tehran (Roudbarak)
Today begins with an approximately 5-hour drive via Chalous Road toward the mountain village of Roudbarak (Alamkouh zone). We will reach the Mountaineering Federation Guesthouse. You will have time to relax, explore the surroundings with amazing views, or enjoy a very light hike. Overnight at the guesthouse. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.
Day 04: Sardchal Shelter (3950m)
Today is the beginning of mountaineering. After packing our equipment to be transported by mules, we will have a good breakfast. With attack backpacks and lunch boxes, we go by car to Vandarbon. From there, we start skiing or trekking from Vandarbon to Sardchal Shelter (approximately 3950m). Overnight at the shelter. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.
Alternative Route for Day 04:
If we encounter problems such as avalanches or difficulty carrying loads to Sardchal Shelter, we will choose the Hesarchal area for skiing. For this reason, we go to Tang-e Galo, which is surrounded by peaks higher than 4000m. Overnight in a local house or tent. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.
Day 05: Sardchal Shelter (3950m) & Skiing Around
Today we will wake up at the 3950m-high shelter, surrounded by peaks over 4000m. The group will enjoy hot tea and coffee with breakfast and then begin a full day of mountain skiing around the shelter with lunch boxes. Overnight at the shelter. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.
Day 06: Sardchal Shelter (3950m) & Descent by Ski
Today, the group will continue skiing around the area and then descend by ski or trek back to Roudbarak, where we will return to the Mountaineering Federation Guesthouse. Overnight at the guesthouse. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.
Day 07: Caspian Sea / Raineh / Damavand Base Camp (South Face)
Drive toward the Caspian Sea and continue to Raineh. Overnight at the Mountaineering Federation Guesthouse or at Goosfandsara campsite in tents. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.
Day 08: Damavand Base Camp (South Face) – Goosfandsara to Bargah Refuge
We wake up early in the morning, and after breakfast, begin climbing with lunch boxes. If the weather conditions are favorable, it will take approximately 4 hours to reach the second shelter at around 4150m. Overnight at Bargah Refuge. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.
Day 09: Damavand Summit Day (South Face)
We wake up at 5:00 AM, have breakfast, put on our skis, prepare our attack backpacks, and begin the ascent. If the group is in good condition, we will reach the summit in approximately 6 hours. From the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. After taking photographs, we descend. In around 3 hours, we return to the shelter. After dinner, we rest after a challenging day. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.
Day 10: Damavand Reserve Day (South Face)
Reserve a day for bad weather conditions. Stay overnight at the refuge. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.
Day 11: Damavand Base Camp (South Face)
Today we are not in a hurry. After breakfast, we pack our belongings and descend. In approximately 2 hours, we reach the first shelter, rest for a few minutes, and continue toward the main road. The driver will already be waiting for us, and we will return to the local guesthouse.
After lunch and some rest, we visit the Mineral Hot Springs (spa). After relaxing in the hot springs, we drive back to Tehran and stay overnight at a hotel. Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner.
Day 12: Half Day in Tehran at Leisure
Half a day in Tehran is free for your own exploration, shopping, or sightseeing around the hotel area. After lunch, transfer to the domestic airport for a flight to Isfahan and check in to the hotel.
In the evening, walk through Chahar Bagh Street along the Zayandeh Rud River and visit the Si-o-se-pol (33 Arches Bridge) and Khaju Bridge. Overnight at Hotel 3*. Bed & Breakfast.
Day 13: Isfahan Sightseeing (Isfahan – Half of the World)
Full-day sightseeing tour of Isfahan’s 16th- and 17th-century Safavid monuments, including Chehel Sotoun Palace (Forty Columns Palace), Ali Qapu Palace, Meidan-e Naghsh-e Jahan (Imam Square), Jameh Mosque, Imam Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. Overnight at a 3* in Isfahan. Bed & Breakfast.
Day 14: Kashan & Abyaneh Sightseeing
Very early in the morning, drive toward Tehran while visiting Abyaneh, a historical village, and then Kashan. Visit Fin Garden, Borujerdi House (a typical bioclimatic traditional dwelling), and Sialk Hill (dating back to 8000 B.C.). Overnight at a 3* in Tehran. Bed & Breakfast.
Day 15: Departure
The group will be transferred to the international airport for the return flight home.
