Climb Mount Damavand

Overview

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Summit the highest volcano in Asia after acclimatising on Iran's second highest peak

Introduction

Most of us fail to recognise that Iran is one of the world’s most mountainous countries. Slightly larger than Alaska, it is located in the Middle East, bordering the Gulf of Oman the Persian Gulf is to the south and the Caspian Sea to the north.

Iran consists of a large interior plateau between 1,000m to 1,500m above sea level, which is ringed on almost all sides by mountains. The Alborz range surrounds the Iranian capital, Tehran, and just 66km away features the country's highest peak, the snowcapped volcanic cone of Mount Damavand, 5,671m. Mount Damavand boasts that it is Asia’s highest volcano and considered to be one of the 'Volcanic Seven Summits' and although there are no recorded eruptions in history, the active fumaroles close to the summit indicate its potential activity.

Mount Tochal (3,964m) is even closer to Tehran and has its own ski resort and Telecabin. An ascent of Mount Tochal and a gondola ride down is the perfect way to acclimatise for an ascent of Damavand. In under two weeks this expedition climbs Mount Tochal and Mount Damavand, as well as plenty of time to explore the wondrous city of Tehran. A trip to Iran is not just about the mountains but also to embrace the culture, the local hospitality and the history of this fascinating country.

Join us on Mount Damavand

• Trip designed by Jagged Globe leader, Adele Pennington, then our first expedition was successful in 2017.
• The trip has been scheduled to visit Damavand at the quietest time of the season.
• A carefully designed itinerary with acclimatisation on Mount Tochal
• Prices include all permits

Experience Required

This is a tough and arduous trek. It is meant to be challenging. You must be a fit, regular hillwalker to take part, used to long, consecutive days walking in the British Mountains, preferably in Scotland in Winter. You should have experience of walking steep, boulder-strewn paths where the use of hands has been essential to scramble upwards over rocky steps. Previous experience of high-altitude trekking is preferable, but not essential as long as you are a very regular and committed hillwalker.

Additional Information

If you wish to discuss any aspect of the trek or your suitability for it, please phone +44 (0)114 276 3322 or contact us.

Know Before You Go

Jagged Globe supports the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign. We recommend that you read the FCO Travel Advice for Iran on the FCO Website.

What the price includes

• Economy class return airfares from the UK to Tehran (unless 'Land Only').
• UK airport taxes.
• Group airport transfers (unless 'Land Only').
• Visa support: Iran Visa Authorisation Code
• Mount Damavand Climbing Permit.
• 4 nights' hotel accommodation in Tehran (2-3 star) on a twin or triple sharing, bed and breakfast basis.
• All road transport by private vehicles.
• Accommodation in refuges (dorm style) and tents whilst on trek and in the mountains.
• All food whilst on trek and in the mountains.
• Porterage of 10Kg personal gear on Damavand.
• All costs for Jagged Globe leader, local guides and local helpers detailed under 'Team Composition'.
• Jagged Globe kitbag or fleece.

What the price does not include

• Visa fees.
• Lunch and evening meals in Tehran.
• Bar bills and laundry.
• Travel insurance.
• Optional Shiraz and Esfahan extension.
• Any costs associated with arriving back in Tehran early, or having left the expedition early.
• Tips.

Tailor Made Trips

We can organise this trek on a ‘tailor-made’ private basis for groups of friends, families, clubs, charities or any other group. The cost of going private can be surprisingly reasonable. Please contact us to discuss the itinerary and your preferred dates. We will then send you a quote, with no obligation.

Insurance

You will need a travel insurance policy that caters for the activities you will undertake on your trip with Jagged Globe. It is a requirement of our booking conditions that you have such a policy. For a list of insurers who specialise in mountaineering, trekking and skiing, please see our Travel Insurance page »

Itinerary

Here is an outline itinerary for this trip. A more detailed day-to-day itinerary is available as a downloadable PDF »

Outline Itinerary

Day 1 - 2:	Fly London to Tehran International Airport On arrival at Tehran’s International Airport you will be met by our in country agent and transported to our hotel an hour's drive away. Here you will have time to freshen up before an expedition briefing and be taken to a local restaurant to have your first taste of Iranian cuisine and hospitality. Overnight hotel.
Day 3:	City tour Overnight hotel.
Day 4:	Trek to Shirpala Refuge (2,750m)
Day 5:	Acclimatisation day
Day 6:	Mount Tochal summit day (3,964m) Return to Tehran. Overnight hotel.
Day 7:	Travel to Polur Resort (2,250m)
Day 8:	Trek to Baragh (4,200m)
Day 9:	Acclimatisation day
Day 10:	Mount Damavand summit day (5,671m) Now well acclimatised you will leave camp early and retrace oyur steps from yesterday. Very easy scrambling on the ridge allows you to gains altitude seemingly quickly. As you top out on the ridge you reach the upper part of the mountain known as Doud Kouh (Smoke Mountain) or Sulphuric Hill, where steaming sulphuric gas out of fumeroles is visible. Our experienced guides will ensure the team takes the best route around these, but making sure you have a buff or mask to cover your mouth you will move as quickly as you can through this area to top out on the crater rim. If the weather is good you will get extensive views to the jungle north of Iran, the Caspian Sea, the city of Tehran,and the vast plain of Varamin to the south. This whole experience can be overwhelming and after summit photos you will return back via easy slopes to the refuge where the team will celebrate their success. (9-11 hours).
Day 11:	Return to Tehran Overnight hotel.
Day 12:	Fly home Or optional Shiraz and Esfahan extension.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, but as this is Adventure Travel in a remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it. Weather conditions, road conditions, vehicle breakdowns and the health of participants can all contribute to changes. The Trek Leader and our local agent will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but an easy going nature will be an asset!

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Reports & Reviews

First Trek: August 2017
Total: 1 trip

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