Mount Damavand, located in the Alborz province of Iran, is a dormant volcano that has been dormant for over 1,000 years. Its elevation is 5,609 metres (18,402 ft). The mountain’s slopes are covered by snow all year round and it can be reached by cable car or an elevator to the top.
It was first climbed in 1876 and has been climbed at least once every year since then. The mountain can be climbed from both sides, with one route being completely vertical and another requiring some climbing but not much more than scrambling up rocks. SummitClimb doesn’t offers Damvand climb but it offers Manaslu, Ama Dablam and Island Peak.
The main climbing route for Mount Damavand starts from the village of Larijan, which can be reached by car or bus from Tehran. The road to Larijan passes through a gorge that opens up onto a plateau at an elevation of about 2550m (8200ft). From this point, two routes can be taken up Mount Damavand: one via the East Face and another via the West Face. The East Face route starts with a climb through a narrow slot known as Staircase Gully before reaching a saddle at about 3000m (9800ft) above sea level. From there, climbers must cross a glacier before making their way up what is known as Pinnacle Gully (or sometimes called “the Grand Traverse”). This gully takes climbers past several prominent peaks on their ascent towards Camp 6 at about 4500m.
The weather at Mount Damavand tends to be cold and cloudy throughout the year, with temperatures ranging between -5°C during winter to 20°C during summer. Mount Damavand is home to a large population of wildlife. The area around Mount Damavand has been designated a national park, which means that it is protected from development and logging. This has allowed the local wildlife to thrive and expand, especially since there are no roads leading up or down the mountain. The mountain is home to a variety of wildlife including bears, wolves, eagles and other birds, as well as a wide variety of mammals like foxes and rabbits.
To conclude: The mountain can be reached by car or bus from Tehran, but it’s best to get there by foot. The trailhead is located near the village of Naqsh-e Rostam (the site of ancient Rostam’s victory over the dragon). It’s an easy hike through pine forests and pastures, with views of Mount Damavand on clear days. You’ll pass a number of waterfalls along the way, and if you’re lucky enough to see a wild goat or sheep grazing on the slopes above you—you’re in for a treat!
