Did you know: Damavand is the highest peak in the Middle East and the second highest volcano in Asia
Damavand is a majestic stratovolcano located 70 km North East of Tehran and 70 km south of the Caspian Sea. Damavand is the highest peak in the Middle East and the second highest volcano in Asia (after Kunlun volcano in Tibet).
Did you know: Damavand is one of the Seven Wonders of Asia
Damavand is named one of the Seven Wonders of Asia, due to its beauty and prominence in local folklore, as well as its interesting shape. The mountain was first scaled in 1837 by W. Thaylor Thomson and has been popular attraction ever since. The most popular months for climbing the mountain are late July through to September, when conditions are perfect for the best panoramas of the area.
Did you know: Damavand volcano is still alive
Damavand last erupted about 7,300 years ago. There are no historical eruptions, but fumaroles at the summit crater suggest that the volcano is still active. Ain’t this really exciting – climbing an alive volcano!
Did you know: Damavand is featured on the banknotes of Iran
Damavand is a popular and much loved mountain amongst local people, and features heavily in ancient and modern poetry and culture, songs, and also the banknotes of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This has been the case throughout the history of the country, and the mountain is perceived amongst locals as having more significance to national heritage than the ancient city of Persepolis.
Did you know: Damavand’s hot springs heal many common illnesses
The mountain holds some very popular hot springs, which are famous for their healing properties and frequented by locals in a bid to alleviate many symptoms of common illnesses.
Did you know: Damavand has permanent white snowy cap
Mount Damavand is particularly picturesque, with a permanent white snowy cap visible throughout the year. Those climbing to the summit will benefit from beautiful views over the other peaks in the Alborz region, as well as the countryside beyond to the Caspian Sea.
Did you know: Damavand offers both Winter and Summer sports
Skiing is of course, possible on the slopes of Damavand, as are other winter sports, including snow boarding. Summer walks are popular, as are hikes, and Iranian families enjoy picnicking on the lower slopes of the mountain as early as Nowruz, the Persian New Year, as well as attempting more extreme sports such as paragliding and rock climbing.
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My recent trip in Iraq organized by Penguin was excellent from start to end. Both Penguin tour guide (Nessi) and the local guide (Fahad) managed all topics efficiently and facilitated an amazing experience for the group. Now I dream about visiting the Northern part of the country, too.
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Thanks for everything in terms of your work and help with this trip to Yemen. It was an amazing experience - one I would recommend to almost anyone. By the numbers of people who travelled to the island, it is only going to get more exposure. The local company was very good - so you can have no problems with them at all. I was really lucky though - there were only 2 of us on the trip - and it was a really nice experience. I will continue to work with Penguin in getting ideas for great places to travel.
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