| Duration: | 13 Day(s) - 12 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Mountaineering |
Description:
The Doberar–Garehdagh Range is one of the most famous mountain traverses in Iran and a dream route for many mountaineers. While climbing Mt. Damavand, you can see this magnificent ridge stretching to the south. The traverse is approximately 60 km long and includes 23 main peaks higher than 3,500 meters. The highest summit is Doberar (4,250 m).
During this expedition, you will climb a series of peaks with varying terrain and conditions, while enjoying spectacular views on both sides of the ridge. In the Garehdagh section, you will cross a sharp 6 km ridge scramble, where some sections are only 10 cm wide.
Depending on your climbing skills, it is possible to bypass some of the more difficult and exposed sections.
The best times to complete this traverse are April, May, and October, when hard snow remains on the ridge, and water is more readily available.
Notice 1: Each participant must carry his or her own backpack.
Notice 2: Before the trek begins, the group's main food supplies and essential equipment will be placed at three designated points along the route.
Notice 3: In alpine style, this range can be completed in three days.
Hunting is prohibited throughout this range, and during the trek, you may see Caucasian partridges and ibex. Toward the end of the traverse, you will also encounter a wide variety of alpine flora.
The approach begins via Haraz Road, a scenic mountain road northeast of Tehran that connects the capital to the Caspian Sea. The return journey is via Firouzkouh Road to the southeast.
Day 01: Tehran, Iran, Capital City (Arrival)
After welcoming you at Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport, our guide will transfer you to your hotel in the city center. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and explore Tehran at your leisure. Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast (B&B).
Day 02: Tehran Sightseeing
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be accompanied by an expert foreign language-speaking guide for a full-day sightseeing tour of Tehran. Highlights include the Traditional Bazaar, the National Museum of Iran, the Glassware and Ceramic Museum, and Niavaran Palace. Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast (B&B).
Day 03: Transfer to the Starting Point
The morning is free in Tehran. After lunch, we drive via Haraz Road to the starting point of the trek. Upon arrival, we set up camp in a beautiful valley at approximately 2,500 meters. Overnight in tents.
Day 04: Climbing Day
We wake up at 7:00 AM and, after breakfast, begin climbing northward. After approximately three hours, we reach the beginning of the ridge.
Our first summit is Bazmchal (3,550 m). After lunch, we continue eastward along the ridge.
In about two hours, we pass Mianroud (3,500 m), Nour (3,500 m), and Lasem Peak (3,600 m). We establish camp in a green area beside a snow cornice, which provides a reliable source of water. Overnight in tents.
Today's trekking time is approximately 6 hours.
Day 05: Climbing Day
We wake up at 6:00 AM, have breakfast, pack our tents, and begin climbing Changizchal 1 (3,750 m), Changizchal 2 (3,700 m), and Changizchal 3 (3,800 m).
These peaks are connected by small passes, making the route less physically demanding than the elevation suggests.
After climbing Parvaneh (3,850 m), we pitch our tents on firm snow and spend the night there. Strong winds are possible, so the tents must be secured carefully.
One of the advantages of this traverse is the gradual gain in altitude, which allows for excellent acclimatization.
Today's trekking time is approximately 7 hours.
Day 06: Climbing Day
We wake up at 7:00 AM, have breakfast, and begin ascending Engmar 1 (3,900 m).
Today includes several technical ridge sections and traverses across northern glaciers, making for an exciting and demanding day.
After summiting Engmar 2 (3,950 m), we tackle the technical ridge and climb Doberar-e Gharbi (4,100 m), the first 4,000-meter summit of the traverse.
From the summit, you can admire the beautiful Tar and Havir Lakes to the south, where trout fishing and mountain biking are popular activities.
After lunch, we continue to Doberar-e Sharghi (4,250 m), the highest peak of the range. Reaching the summit requires some scrambling.
We camp near the summit and prepare for what may be a cold and windy night.
Today's trekking time is approximately 7 hours.
Day 07: Camping and Climbing
Since the camp is at the highest elevation, the morning is very cold. We wake up around 9:00 AM, once the sun has warmed the surroundings.
After breakfast, we begin climbing Sozchal (4,150 m), one of the most technical and scenic peaks of the traverse. If you are lucky, you may spot an Alborz ibex on the cliffs.
We then continue to Rakhsh 2 (4,100 m), descend a major pass, and climb Rakhsh 1 (4,150 m) and Kamarposht (4,100 m).
Millions of years ago, this area lay beneath the sea, and fossils can still be found throughout the region.
We camp in a flat green area beside a reliable water source.
Today's trekking time is approximately 7 hours.
Day 08: Garehdagh Traverse
Today we cross one of the most spectacular sections of the route: a sharp and technical 6 km ridge.
Wearing helmets and harnesses, we climb Garehdagh 1 (4,150 m) and Garehdagh 2 (4,150 m). In some sections, we traverse glaciers on the northern side using rope belays.
We bypass the Shahvers Tower (4,200 m) from the southern side and then climb Garehdagh 3 (4,100 m).
After summiting Asbgiroun (4,000 m), the technical section ends, and we reach a broad, green plateau.
We camp beside a water source and enjoy a well-earned rest after a challenging day.
Today's trekking time is approximately 7 hours.
Day 09: Hike to Kahanak Village
We wake up at 10:00 AM and enjoy breakfast in this peaceful green area.
We hike across Shahtapeh (3,900 m), Kolahoun (3,650 m), and Chehelcheshmeh (3,400 m). In this region, we may encounter nomadic families who migrate here at the end of spring.
Descending southeast, we pass ancient juniper trees and a wide variety of native herbs.
After lunch beside a spring in the shade of trees, we continue to Kahanak Village.
Kahanak is a charming village known for its walnut and cherry orchards. Many younger residents have moved to cities, leaving an older population behind.
Our vehicle will be waiting in Kahanak, and we will return to Tehran via Firouzkouh Road. Overnight at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast (B&B).
Day 10: Tehran to Isfahan
The morning is free in Tehran for shopping or exploring around your hotel.
After lunch, transfer to the domestic airport for your flight to Isfahan.
In the evening, enjoy a walk along Chahar Bagh Street and the Zayandeh Rood River, visiting Si-o-se-pol (33 Arches Bridge) and Khaju Bridge.
Overnight at the hotel in Isfahan. Bed & Breakfast (B&B).
Day 11: Isfahan Sightseeing – The Image of Half the World
Enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour of Isfahan's magnificent Safavid-era monuments, including Chehel Sotoun Palace, Ali Qapu Palace, Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Jameh Mosque, Imam Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar.
Overnight at the hotel in Isfahan. Bed & Breakfast (B&B).
Day 12: Kashan and Abiyaneh Sightseeing
Early in the morning, drive toward Tehran with visits to Abiyaneh, one of Iran's most historic villages, and Kashan.
In Kashan, visit Fin Garden, the Borujerdi House, and Tepe Sialk, an archaeological site dating back to around 8,000 BC.
Return to Tehran for overnight accommodation at the hotel. Bed & Breakfast (B&B).
Day 13: Departure
At the scheduled time, the group will be transferred to Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport for your return flight home.
