Mount Damavand

Mount Damavand


Altitude 5,610m Grade: 2A

Mount Damavand may be little known outside its home nation of Iran but it is Asia’s highest volcano and provides a delightful challenge for mountaineers.

Mount Damavand may be little known outside its home nation of Iran but it is Asia's highest volcanoe and therefore one of the Volcanic Seven Summits. It is a delightful challenge for mountaineers and is located north of Tehran, close to the Caspian Sea and dominates the Alborz mountain range. Damavand is with its near-symmetrical lines a beautiful and graceful volcanic peak that has lain dormant for 10,000 years. On reaching the crater rim you walk around it to the true summit and it is possible to walk into the crater. It is technically easy but demands a good level of fitness. Adventure Peaks has operated four previously successful expeditions to Mount Damavand.

Departure from the UK is now on a late Friday evening flight from London or Manchester.

BOOK AT LEAST THREE MONTHS AHEAD TO ENSURE YOU HAVE TIME TO OBTAIN A VISA

Dates & Prices

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All prices in Euros are guide rates, not live rates
All prices in US Dollars are guide rates, not live rates

Availability

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There are currently no available dates for this trip. Please contact us if you are interested in this trip.

Extras

Extras can be added per-person when you book onto a date

ItemPrice
Tehran 1-day extension £150

* A deposit of £200 (or the full extra price, whichever is lower) will be required at checkout for each extra added per-person on this trip

What's Included

  • International flights from London (Flight inclusive package)
  • A British expedition team leader. Small groups may use a local leader. 
  • Permits, charges, importation taxes and levies payable to the Local Authorities in connection with the expedition. 
  • Food, fuel and cooking equipment whilst on the mountain.
  • Hotel and other valley/town accommodation on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
  • All tents and other communal equipment necessary for the climb. 
  • Medical safety equipment and supplies
  • 90-120 litre kit bag for expedition members for UK based clients. A logoed top will be substituted for all clients residing outside of the UK and for returning clients
  • 24 hour back up and support from UK staff
  • 15% off the RRP on clothing and equipment purchases from Adventure Peaks shop

What's Excluded

  • Travel to and from UK airport
  • Personal climbing clothes and equipment
  • Personal insurance, visas, visa authorisation code, departure tax and inoculations
  • Drinks and hotel or guest house meals, unless specified
  • Personal medical supplies 
  • Personal use of communication equipment
  • Excess baggage
  • Tips for porters and local guides.
  • Costs associated with an expedition finishing early
  • Costs associated with you leaving an expedition early
  • Costs associated with extending a trip due to bad weather or other circumstances

Itinerary

Day 1

Depart UK on an evening flight.

Day 2

Arrive Tehran. Transfer to a comfortable hotel. In the evening your guide will brief you about the plans for the next few days.

Day 3

Mount Touchal [3965m] is the peak sitting above the northern part of Tehran. There is a long cable car to the ski slopes up near the top of the mountain, but we will use Touchal as an acclimatisation peak before going across to Damavand. It is likely to be busy on the walk today as it is popular with the locals. We start from Darband in the very north of the city. The trail goes through a "village" known as Pase Ghale and follows a tree-lined stream the Darband Valley where there are many streamside cafes. At around 2400m we reach a steep rocky area where steel ladders and cables assist progress alongside several waterfalls. Once above the steep section we soon arrive at the Shir Pala shelter. Most day hikers return back to Tehran, so the evening can be peaceful and pleasant looking across the 'haze' over Tehran. There is no porterage on Touchal so you will be carrying your own day sack. (Bedding is included in the shelter so you will not need to carry your sleeping bag). 2 to 3 hours walking

Day 4

Today the trail heads west away from the stream and the trees, climbing up to the top of a ridge at 2950m - the half way point to the summit. We now follow the ridge, steep in places, all the way to the summit. At around 3480m we pass the Amiri shelter which was built in the early 1990s in memory of a climber who died of exposure here. There is also a small shelter on the summit. The view from the summit may be hazy due to city smog, but on a clear day you can see the vast metropolis of Tehran to the south with the desert plains beyond. Mt. Damavand rises far above the rest of the mountains to the east. We return to Shir Pala for a second night. 6 to 7 hours walking

Day 5

We trek back down to Darband and transfer to Pooloor village. Here we change into a 4x4 vehicle for the last 45 mins drive on along rough dirt roads to Goosfand Sara where we set up our base camp for the ascent of Damavand. 2 to 3 hours walking, 2 to 3 hours drive

Day 6

A well trodden rocky trail winds its way up the mountain. As we gain in altitude the vegetation gets more and more sparse. We arrive eventually at Barghah Sevom, the site of the oldest refuge and camping site on Damavand, now served with a new hut since 2009. 4 to 5 hours walking

Day 7

An acclimatisation walk today takes us up to about 5000m before returning to the shelter for a second night. 3 hours walking

Day 8

Ascent of Damavand [5610m]. This is a long day so an early start is needed to ensure that there is no need to rush.  The weather can be fickle on Damavand and snow and ice can lie on the top all year round. We crunch our way up and over the volcanic rubble and snow, finally reaching the summit after 5 or 6 hours if all goes well. Once we reach the top which is scattered with sulphur-yellowed stones, we will be able to smell the air emitted from the fumaroles within the snow-covered crater and be able to enjoy our sense of achievement. After we have taken our photos, we head back down to thicker air. 8 - 11 hours walking

Day 9

We trek back down to base camp and transfer back to Tehran to celebrate in the comfort of the hotel. A farewell dinner is provided this evening. 2 to 3 hours walking.

Day 10

A transfer is provided to the airport to connect with your flight back home. Alternatively why not or stay another night and enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Tehran.

Insurance

It is essential for a trip of this type that you are adequately insured. When researching insurance options, please ensure the policy covers you for the following:

  • Cancellation or curtailment
  • Helicopter rescue (most insurance companies will no longer cover for ‘search and rescue’ but providing you stay with the group, they will assist with ‘rescue’)
  • Repatriation
  • The altitude that you are expected to attain
  • The location especially when travelling to Antarctica
  • Grade of trek/climb/expedition
  • Medical cover

Adventure Peaks partners with Global Rescue to offer the world’s leading travel protection services. Medical and security emergencies happen. When they do, we rely on Global Rescue to provide our clients with medical, security, travel risk and crisis response services. Without a membership, an emergency evacuation could cost over $100,000. More than one million members trust Global Rescue to get them home safely when the unexpected happens. We highly recommend our clients enroll with Global Rescue, in particular for peaks over 7000m:
https://partner.globalrescue.com/adventurepeaks/



We are aware the following provide insurance:

For UK based clients:

Expeditions and Treks under 7000m - Campbell Irvine Direct : https://microsite.campbellirvinedirect.com/adventurepeaks/

HCC Medical Insurance Services: LLC sales@hccmis.com Tel: 1-800-605-2282
Travelex Ins. Services: www.travelexinsurance.com Tel: 1-800 228 9792
True Traveller Ins: www.truetraveller.com Tel: 0333 999 3140 for treks including over 4500m
Austrian Alpine Club (UK) www.aacuk.org.uk Tel: +44 (0)1929 556870
Rothwell & Towler: www.world-first.co.uk Tel: 0345 908 0161 (under 6400m)
J S Insurance: www.jsinsurance.co.uk Tel: 0844 848 1500
Snowcard: www.snowcard.co.uk Tel: 01295 660836
The B.M.C.: www.thebmc.co.uk Tel: 0161 445 6111 (call and speak to Jim. Please note the BMC cannot cover Mt Damavand)
Dogtag: www.dogtag.co.uk Tel: 0800 036 4824 (Check excess etc)

For non-UK based clients:

HCC Medical Insurance Services: LLC sales@hccmis.com Tel: 1-800-605-2282
Travelex Ins. Services: www.travelexinsurance.com Tel: 1-800 228 9792
True Traveller Ins: www.truetraveller.com Tel: 0333 999 3140 for treks including over 4500m
Austrian Alpine Club (UK): www.aacuk.org.uk Tel: +44 (0)1929 556870
AXA Worldwide Travel Ins: www.axainsurance.com Tel: +44 (0)844 874 0360
Ingle International: www.ingleinternational.com Tel: (USA) 1.800.360.3234
Insure for Less: www.insure4less.com.au (Australian clients)

You do not have to use any of the above, but if you make your own insurance arrangements documentary evidence of your own policy is required.

Please forward the details of your Insurance as soon as you have it: we need the insurance company’s name, their 24 hour emergency telephone number and your insurance policy number – admin@adventurepeaks.com

Reviews

Jo · 5 years ago ·

Very well organised. Exceptional guide... Mojtaba was the most knowledgeable and professional guide I have encountered and I was impressed with his knowledge and commitment. He had genuine enthusiasm for the mountains and everything Iranian and never tired of our questions about everything from politics to geology! His passion for and understanding of the mountains is evident and I would not hesitate to ask him to be my guide in the future. The ascent of Mount Touchal was superb. A manageable introduction to the mountains of Iran and the views of Tehran provided an unusual juxtaposition. The Ferdxowsi Hotel was an excellent location. Staff and facilities were all first rate.

Andrew · 8 years ago ·

Probably not the first place that springs to mind for an early summer expedition but despite the lengthy and expensive visa process, the destination is definitely worth the effort. In a little over a week, we had a taste of Tehran, a quick ascent of a 4000m peak within sight of the capital, summitted the highest volcano in Asia and even managed to squeeze in a road trip to the Caspian. The Iranian hospitality lived up to its reputation and our local hosts were superb. Overall, a great trip which will undoubtedly increase in popularity.


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