A Guide to Hiking Up Mount Damavand in Iran

Because there haven’t been any eruptions on record, Damavand is thought of as a dormant volcano, although it is sometimes considered potentially active due to the sulfurous gases emitted from near the crater.

Damavand is one of the most accessible 5,000-meter peaks in the world, and there are 16 routes of varying difficulty. Some are better suited towards more experienced climbers with access to technical equipment. On the other hand, a route like Yakhar Valley, which is home to one of the largest glaciers, is considered nearly impossible to ascend. Hot springs flank the southern face, making it the most popular route, with a midway camp at 4,250 meters (13,943.5 feet), while the western path is known for its breathtaking view of the sunset. The recommended season is between June and September, with winter months recommended only for seasoned mountaineers.

An ideal hiking itinerary to Damavand would take about four to five days, though accomplished and physically fit hikers may be able to reach the summit in the better part of two days. Culture Trip photographer Sina Abasnejad trekked Damavand on a four-day tour with Alibabatrek, a team of experts who lead both culture and nature tours. “We had to go through acclimatization climbs to avoid any altitude sickness, which means we would climb higher than our rest stops then come back down in order for us to get used to the altitude,” he says of the experience. As the must-hike mountain in Iran, shelters, camps, and guest houses are available along the way, one of the best of which is Polur Complex (named after the village), built by the Iran Mountaineering Federation.

A trek to the “roof of Iran” is sure to be one of the most memorable and unique experiences you’ll have while visiting. You’ll not only have an unbeatable sense of accomplishment, but you will have also earned the utmost respect of any Iranian you meet thereafter, which is perhaps even more satisfying.