Birthday Climb
On the day of my 41st Birthday – the 16th of September at 12.53 pm I summited the Mt Damavand @ 5,609 m. This was my third volcano out of the seven volcanic summits.
This graceful volcano, with its near-symmetrical lines is the highest natural point in the Middle East and the highest volcanic peak in Asia; located north of Tehran in the Alborz mountain range, close to the Caspian Sea. As you all know by now, it is one of the Volcanic Seven Summits – the highest volcanic peaks on the Earth’s seven continents. Damavand is a little known outside of Iran, but for Iranian people is has a special meaning and it has a special place in Persian mythology and folklore.
On the 3rd of July Iranians are celebrating a National Damavand day and Tirgan Celebration, it is related to Damavand mythology – man named Arash saved Iran from a war with Touran; both sides agreed to peace if an arrow shot by an Iranian would settle the border between both countries. Arash climbed to the top of the Damavand mountain from where he released his arrow, apparently the arrow flew from dawn until the sunset, and the place where his arrow landed determined the border between Iran and Touran. The legend says that Arash rest his soul on this arrow and that’s why it flew so far. According to the legend he died in the moment his arrow was launched and that his body still rests in Damavand. I love legends and mythological stories,
In 2008, Mount Damavand was registered as the natural monument, in my previous post ‘Getting Ready … Mt Damavand’ I highlighted that Iran is the 10th country in the world with the most cultural heritage sites – 26 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, filled with ancient history and culture, and limitless amount of places for outdoor lovers and an adventure addicts.
First ascent of the Damavand?
The first successful climb to Mount Damavand dates back to 1837, by a British diplomat – William Taylor Thomson who became the first documented person who conquered Damavand peak. He also was the first person who spent the night on the peak. However, some research suggest that this wasn’t the first ascent of the peak and that in ancient times people were going to
Recent researches revealed that in ancient times, some people reached Damavand Peak in different ways. In Naser Khosrow‘s travelogue, it is stated that there is a well over Mt. Damavand from which ammonium chloride and sulfur, are taken. Damavand Expedition is another tourist attraction of Tehran. For the first time, Europeans climbed Damavand Peak in 1837, led by Tyler Thomson. Also, the first documented ascent of the Iranians to this peak dates back to 1857,
The climb requires a high level of physical fitness and proper acclimation. There are about 16 different routes that lead to the summit of Damavand. However, only four of these routes are most commonly climbed. I climbed Mt Damavand via the southern route from the Goosfandsera hut (The Mosque) – 3,000 metres, to the Base Camp at 4,250 m. Be prepared for the summit day, as it comprises a very long ascent of 1,400 vertical metres. The higher you get the more you will notice the overpowering odour of the sulphur and see many of the sulphur vents. I spent over an hour on the mountaintop, which unfortunately ended up with a massive headache on my way down., and when I reached the base camp the only thing that I could think about was my sleeping bag. There is a sense of magic when you reach the top of any mountain, feeling of the achievement, happiness, you are rewarded with incredible views … for the first time I reached the top of the mountain and I was surrounded by so many people, it was noisy and busy. People were pushing to take a photo on the peak. It was difficult to find a solitude that I usually experience, the moment of seclusion, peace, freedom, quietness, remoteness, here I was missing it. It was noisy and very busy. Even though I didn’t experience what I usually experience, Mt Damavand had a diffrent charm, and it is fine. Not always our imagination and expectations go in line with a reality, sometimes you have to look deeper to find something special about the certain moment, Zara carried all the way to the top a birthday cake for me. She surprised me with it and some ballons, candles, saddenly the top of Damavand become a birtday celebration place, people ere singing, there were two other people celebrating their bday, we shared this experiace. I celebrated my 41st birthday on the top of Damavand.
Returning to the hut was a four hour effort, and whilst I suffered a slight headache due to the altitude, the experience was invigorating and, best of all, we were on our own, with no other climbers in sight, despite being in peak climbing season.
Thank you to everyone who made this trip and my Bday celebration so special!!
Nestled into the heart of northern Iran’s Alborz Mountains, Mount Damavand is the highest mountain in Iran and the twelfth most prominent peak on Earth.
Situated not far north of the capital Iran, Damavand boasts relatively easy access along with stunning views over the rest of the range and all the way out to the Caspian Sea.
With 4,667 metres (15,312 feet) separating the base of the peak from its summit, Damavand is also the second most prominent mountain in Asia. It is an excellent mountaineering destination for intermediate climbers seeking out experience at high elevations.
The potentially active volcano requires no technical difficulty to climb, making it a popular ski mountaineering and ski tourist destination.
Challenges of climbing Mount Damavand
While climbing Mount Damavand requires no technical abilities, there are plenty of other challenges to overcome en route to the summit.
As the spring is the best time to climb (due to scorching summertime temperatures), the mountain is usually covered in snow. Depending on conditions, crampons and ice axes may be needed. Though, all the necessary skills can generally be taught at the start of the trip.
The climb also requires a very high level of physical fitness and proper acclimation. Climbers arriving at the peak from Tehran are advised to spend some time near base camp adjusting to the altitude.
Summit day comprises a very long ascent of 1,400 vertical meters. The route is quite steep and due to the exposed nature of the mountain at this elevation, there are few places to stop and rest along the way.
Conditions can also be cold and windy during the spring. Bringing the necessary layers of clothing can be the difference between a comfortable climb and freezing failure.
r. You can also enjoy the pleasant freshness of the region and the abundant water in Gousfand Sara and Bargah-e Sevom basecamps.
From the end of July to the first of October, Damavand enjoys a relatively stable weather and less snow, and the glacier zones get more stable. Also, there is a lack of water in the slopes. From the beginning of October to the end of March, Damavand Mountain has unstable and stormy weather, with heavy volume of snow on the slopes. No running water can be found in the mountains during these months.
It is interesting to know that the speed of wind and storm in Mount Damavand is usually more than 150 Km per hour, which decreases to 70 Km per hour in the foothills.
One of the most important things about any of the world’s highest peaks is the temperature at different times of the year. This important point can have a huge impact on the performance of climbers. The minimum and maximum air temperature in Damavand heights will be up to -60 °C (in winter) and up to -2 °C (in summer).
Damavand Permit
Hiking Trekking and Climbing Permit for Damavand Iran
All foreigners who intend to climb Mt Damavand (and also Mt Alam Koh) in Iran either for trekking, mountaineering, ski touring or snowboarding, from any route and in any season, must obtain a climbing permit from Iran Mountain Climbing Federation in advance. The price of Damawand climbing permit is 50 USD per person. See also Permit.
Camping Sites
Mount Damavand Camping sites on South Trail
Camp 1 Polour: The main starting point for trekking Damavand Mountain is Camp 1 Polour. This mountain hut is the best place for accommodation and acclimatization in the area and the best starting point for climbing either from the south face or the west route of the mountain. Polour Resort is made by Iran Mountain Climbing Federation and it is administered by this organization.
Camp 2 Base: The second camp (or the base camp) of Mount Damawand is called Goosfand Sara (also called the Mosque). The Base Camp is located at altitude 3040 masl and it is the summer starting point of the south face. There is a small shelter, a mosque and a sheepfold in this campsite. Goosfand Sara is not a suitable place for camping and tenting in summer and the crowded climbing season because it is too crowded, very noisy and too dirty.
Camp 3 Bargah: The high camp (or the third camp) of Mt Damavand on the south trail is called Bargah Sevom. There are two safe havens and some tenting and camping places on this campsite at 4200 meters above the sea level. The Old Shelter, 4220 masl, is the oldest refuge and the New Hut, 4250 masl, is the newest mountain resort in the area
Quick facts:
- Continent: Asia
- Location: Iran
- Elevation: 5,610 m (18,406 ft)
- Duration: 1 week
- Climbing season: the best time – June to the end of September, but Mt Damavand is considered as an all-year mountain
- Permit: Yes
- How to get to Damavand: Tehran – Haraz Road – Polour Village Junction – Camp 1 Polour
- Weather: Mountain Weather Forecast
- Guide Recommendation: Iran Exploration
- Tehran Hostel Recommendation: Hi Tehran Hostel
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