Damavand - The Giant Volcano (Iran)

With this tour, we offer you not just any volcano, but an emblematic volcano - perfectly cone shaped, beautiful, mighty, majestic. With its 5,670 m. it is not only the highest peak in the Middle East, but also the highest volcano in Asia. Shrouded in myths and legends, Mt Damavand is a national heritage site and has a significant place in Persian mythology. Climbing a volcano is very different from climbing a mountain. You get to experience the steep lava slopes, while making your way through the sulphureous fumes and mineral springs, glaciers and iced waterfalls. All this while climbing the gurgling crater, which gives out heavy clouds of smoke. It’s like entering the territory of the gods and nature’s elements and their devastating might.

Highlights:
♦ Mt Damavand (5,609 m) with its beautiful conical shape and a volcanic crater
♦ The glacier Abshar-e-Yakhi on about 4,800 masl on the southern face.
♦ Tour around Teheran (depending on the time of arrival)
♦ Vising the hot springs when you return from Mt Damavand

Itinerary:

Day 1. Arriving
Depending on the time of arrival we can do a sightseeing tour of Teheran. In the afternoon - transport to Rineh village (2400 m) and Damavand hostel.
Note: If you arrive late at night we can consider that as Day 0. We can book you an extra night in the hotel for an additional charge and take you on a Teheran tour at 10 am on the next day. Then we take off to Rineh village .
(B - depends on arrangement)/-/D)

Day 2. Gosfandsara camp (3000 m)
After breakfast you will be transported by car to the end of the asphalt road, there we will start trekking to the Gosfandsara camp (3000 m). The 4WD will bring the luggage to the camp. After about 2 hours of trekking with lightweight backpacks surrounded by the beautiful mountain flowers, we'll reach the camp site. There we'll set up our tents and we will have enough time to hike around and enjoy the nature and the landscapes. Depending on your guide choice, you may trek to Gosfandsara camp or any other ridges of Damavand to nearly 3000 m. O/N Damavand Hostel sharing rooms – or in some cases in a tent camp at Goosfandsara camp. Overnight at 2-person tent. B/L/D

Day 3. Trekking to Bargahe Sevom hut (Bargah 3 - 4200 m)
After breakfast in the early morning we'll gather our luggage and pack the Mules. We will start trekking with lightweight backpack to the Bargahe Sevom hut at about 4200 m. After about 5 hours we'll reach the hut and will have enough time for a walk, take photos and rest. Overnight at 2-person tent. B/L/D

Day 4. Acclimatization day (or bad weather reservation day to summit Damavand)
Today we will have enough time for acclimatization and to enjoy the scenery. After breakfast we'll start climbing slowly to about 4800 m altitude for better acclimatization. We will spend some time there, then descend back to the hut. Overnight at 2-person tent. B/L/D

Day 5. Summit Day
In the early morning, we'll start the ascend to the top of Iran - Damavand summit (5671 m). Usually it takes about 6 hours to reach the summit. After that we can see the crater of the volcano and enjoy the magnificent views. Then we will descend back to the camp (about 3 hours). Overnight at 2-person tent. B/L/D

Day 6. Polour and Hot Spring
After breakfast we will pack our luggage and start descending to Gosfandsara. Our 4WD will be waiting to take us back to Polour for a shower. Then it's time to relax at the hot springs in Larijan. The water is known for its healing powers. In the afternoon we'll take you to the hotel in Tehran. Overnight in a hotel. B/L/-

Day 7. Fly back home
Depending on your flight time, we'll transport the group to I.K Airport and you'll fly back home. B/-/-

Tour is available every Friday, starting on May 2nd until the end of November.

Travel info / clothing:

- Men should wear short or long-sleeved shirts and long trousers.

- Women should not draw attention to the shape of thier body or any skin showing, except for the face and hands. A headscarf is compulsory - take lots, the more colourful and cheerful the better. The perfect outfit would be a loose, long-sleeved shirt worn over jeans/cotton trousers.

- It is forbidden to import alcohol drinks and pork meat in Iran.

- Bring cash in EUR or USD as credit cards cannot be used.

Visa: Citizens of many countries may receive a 15-day tourist visa upon arrival at the airport (price: about 80-90 EUR) - please, check in advance if you are eligible for a visa on arrival. If not, we will provide the necessary documents, so you can obtain Iranian visa in your local Consular Office. Important: No Israeli stamps or visa are allowed in your passport!

Necessary equipment: Personal climbing gear such as sleeping bag, mattress, etc. Warm jacket, rain gear, trekking boots, poles, trainers and slippers, track-suit and warm hat, 2-3 T-shirts, 4 pairs of simple socks and 2 pairs of warm ones, cap and sun-glasses, flashlight, knife, matches, electric batteries, personal tableware, personal hygiene utensils, battery charging station for cameras or personal electronics, solar charger for batteries, travel adapter (UK to EU), Antibacterial wet wipes.

Note: Rental services are available for all equipment and needed gear.

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