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alibabatrek 20 Tips for Climbing Damavand Mount Damavand iran blog -Iran trekking Tour

20 Tips for Climbing Damavand Mount Part 1

Mount Damavand the highest mountain in Iran and the tallest volcano in the Middle East. This mountain is in the central part of the Alborz mountain range (Central Alborz). In the south of the Caspian Sea and the Larijan district of Amol city.

In this article, we will answer questions that may lead to climbing Damavand summit.

  • Familiarity with the route
  • Food program
  • Carrying backpack and equipment
  • The air and its problems
  • Drinking water
  • The essential stuff that you should provide
  • The physical and environmental hazards
  • physical readiness
  • Which months of the year to climb
  • What days of the week to climb
  • What time of the day we should start

These are the questions we will answer.

Alibabatrek Damavand guides have observed All that we mentioned in the list. Hikers can experience a safe and enjoyable Damavand climbing tour along with a much Damavand climbing guidance.

alibabatrek 20 Tips for Climbing Damavand Mount - Damavand trekking alibabatrek  - Iran blog

Mt.Damavand (5671m)

1) Do we have access to mobile and electricity networks in Damavand?

Climbers can use telecommunication facilities and the Internet on the southern route, at shelters and even at Damavand Summit. Also, in Damavand Camp III (Bargah-e Sevom), with a height of 4200 meters, it is possible to recharge electronics. However, we recommend that climbers bring a power bank. Mountaineers and tourists can take advantage of their mobile modem equipment on their trips with Alibabatrek.

2) What types of cameras can we use during hiking up Mount Damavand?

Due to the possibility of transferring cargo to the third camp, you can easily use most of the cameras. Maybe it’s better to use small cameras on the climbing day to the peak to lower the weight. But with professional fitness and decreasing the peak level, you can use professional cameras as well.

3) Is there any possibility of bathing in Damavand camps?

Get ready to climb Damavand for 3-4 days. Although there is no problem in providing water for washing, due to cold weather and the environment, there is no place for bathing. But after returning from Mount Damavand, you can enjoy swimming in the Larijan spring.

4) Are there adequate sanitary facilities in Damavand area?

In Damavand camps, especially in the South, climbers can use adequate sanitary facilities.

5) What outfits are suitable for climbing Damavand and what equipment should we have?

In different seasons, climbing Damavand requires different clothes. But the apparel needed in the regular climb season is the following:

  • A large backpack or bag for carrying your stuff with a mule
  • A small backpack for climbing equipment
  • Cover
  • A sleeping bag with a Comfort -5 temperature
  • A whistle
  • A climbing baton
  • Cortex jacket and pants
  • Polar coat and pants
  • First and second layer shirts and trousers
  • Suitable climbing shoes for the season
  • Gait
  • Two pairs of Woolen socks
  • Anti-storm hats
  • Suitable gloves for the season
  • Sunglasses
  • Cap
  • Headlamp
  • Batteries
  • The necessary dishes (knives, glasses, spoons, flakes, forks)
  • A thermos or bottles of water
  • A camera
  • A mobile phone and a power bank a toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Tissue
  • Notepads and pens
  • Yarn and needles
  • personalized first aid
  • Sunscreen
  • authentic identification cards
  • personalized medicines.

6) What medicine should we take while we are climbing?

Having high-healing drugs can be a good help in emergencies. But their use is not recommended without consulting the expert and mountain guide. However, the elevation of the eclipse is one of the most common diseases in the mountains. Alibabatrek Damavand guides will guide you in emergency cases. They have a good experience and have passed mountain medical courses. If you are under specific treatment, take your medication with you and tell your guide and our agency about it.

7) How much preparation is required to climb Mount Damavand?

Sufficient physical fitness is the first requirement for climbing Mount Damavand. Hiking to the summit of Damavand from the southern route, it is not difficult for those who regularly go birding and have enough physical fitness. Of course, the sulfur gas near the summit may bring the end of the climb a little bit more effortlessly.

8) What months of the year should we climb?

Mount Damavand’s weather in April and May is volatile and accompanied by severe storms. These can disrupt climbing programs and increase the likelihood of accidents. The best time to climb Mount Damavand is in July and August.

9) What days of the week should we climb?

We can refer this part to the southern route. Because the southern aspect of Damavand is the easiest way to climb, The presence of countless climbers along this path brings a lot of crowdedness and a lot of noise. This will prevent resting and easy climbing. The crowdedness is visible at the weekends.  Therefore, we suggest that the climbing programs for this route take time in the first days of the week.

10) What time should we climb the day?

According to most climbers, it is better to climb in the night due to the warmth of the sunlight and the smell of sulfur. Sunshine may not cause many problems. Having a good rest at night and climb with more energy is our priority. The Damavand mountaineering tour that we have organized has a daily program till 7:00 pm. You can have time for personal activities or rest.

Read more: 20 Tips for Climbing Damavand Mount Part 2

alibabatrek Volcanic Seven Summits Conquest Damavand iran blog -Iran-Tour

Volcanic Seven Summits Conquest

alibabatrek Volcanic Seven Summits Conquest iran blog

Volcanic Seven Summits

Mountaineering Challenges

Mountaineers need to have skills and know techniques for mountaineering. Also, they normally face with financing issues. Of course, the challenge of conquering various peaks is an inseparable part of this sport. Every mountaineer has always demanded climbing and conquering peaks.

There are so many challenges in the world for mountaineering such as:

  • Climbing fourteen 8000 meters peaks
  • Climbing the highest peaks in the seven continents
  • The Snow Leopard prize for climbing five 7000 meters peaks in the Pamirs and Tian Shan mountains
  • Mountaineering Grand Slam
  • Climbing the second highest peak in each continent
  • Climbing the seven volcanic peaks in the seven continents

Between all these challenges, conquering the volcanic seven summits in the seven continents seems to be more accessible. It seems like both financial issues, and difficulties of climbing are less in this challenge. Of course, climbing these peaks needs skills in climbing as well. The so-called “Volcanic seven summits” are the seven highest volcanic peaks in the seven continents. For doing this challenge, the Mountaineers need to travel seven points in the seven continents. Although this challenge is easier than the other mountaineering challenges; traveling around can make it harder. Also, conquering the less known peaks can be an issue, but that’s what makes it more attractive. Contractually, the volcanic seven summits include the following summits:

  • Asia; Mount Damavand
  • Africa; Mount Kilimanjaro
  • North America; Mount Orizaba
  • South America; Mount Ojos del Salado
  • Antarctica; Mount Sidley
  • Europe; Mount Elbrus
  • Australia and Oceania; Mount Giluwe

Mount Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro is one of the seven volcanic summits. It has three volcanic cones named Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. It is the highest mountain in Africa and is 5895 meters above sea level. Also, it is a half-active volcano in Tanzania on its borders with Kenya. This mount also counts as one of the Seven Summits (the highest summits in the seven continents). Kibo is the highest peak in Kilimanjaro. Mawenzi cone is 5149 meters above the sea located near Kibo. Also, it is the third highest peak in Africa. Shira has 4005 meters height and is the third highest peak in Kilimanjaro.

Mt Kilimanjaronm alibabatrek Volcanic Seven Summits Conquest Iran blog

Mt. Kilimanjaro

Mount Orizaba

Pico de Orizaba is a stratovolcano and also the highest peak in Mexico. Also, it is the third highest summit in North America. This summit has 5636 meters height and is 1287 kilometers away from the borders of the United States. Conquering this summit is on the list of most attractive summit conquerings in Mexico.

alibabatrek Volcanic Seven Summits Conquest Iran blog mount orizaba

Mt. Orizaba

Mount Ojos del Salado

One of the other seven volcanic summits is Ojos del Salado. Nevado Ojos del Salado is on the borders of Argentina and Chile. Also, it is the highest active volcano in the world. This volcano is 20 kilometers away from the San Francisco Pass. This summit is in the middle of a volcanic mountain chain that is more than 80 kilometers long.  Furthermore, Ojos del Salado is the second highest summit in the Andes mountain range in South America. The height of this mount is 6893 meters.

ojos-del-saldo alibabatrek Volcanic Seven Summits Conquest Iran blog

Mt. Ojos del Salado

Mount Sidley

This summit is located in Marie Byrd Land in Antarctica and is the highest volcanic mount in this continent. It is also the seventh mount on the list of volcanic seven summits. Mount Sidley is between 4181-4285 meters high and is a possibly dormant volcano in the south of Antarctica. Bill Atkinson from New Zealand was the first person who conquered this mount in 1990.

Sidley alibabatrek Volcanic Seven Summits Conquest Iran blog

Mt. Sidley

Mount Elbrus

Mount Elbrus is a summit on the east of Caucasus Mountain in the Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay- Cherkessia. Also, this mount is on the north of Iran plateau and is near Georgia. This summit is the highest point in Europe. The names of this mount and Alborz mountains derive from the same root. So, both of these names are Iranian words. This mount has two summits on its west and east. The west summit is 5642 meters and is the highest peak in Europe. Its east summit is only 21 meters shorter than its west summit.

alibabatrek Volcanic Seven Summits Conquest Elbrus-Russia-Iran blog

Mt. Elbrus

Mount Giluwe

This mount is the second highest mount in Papua New Guinea with 4367 meters height. Giluweh is the highest volcano in Oceana. Therefore, it counts as one of the volcanic seven summits. The Australian migrants were the first ones who conquered this summit. But, there are some disagreements about who conquered it first. Due to its location, this mount has a very beautiful and unique flora.

Mt Giluwe alibabatrek Volcanic Seven Summits Conquest Iran blog

Mt. Giluwe

Mount Damavand

Damavand is a mount in the north of Iran and is the highest peak in Iran. Also, it is the highest volcano in Asia and the Middle East. Damavand peak is on the center of Alborz mountains on the south of the Caspian Sea. The location of this peak is in the Larijan district in Mazandaran province. This peak is visible from Tehran, Varamin, Qom, and the Caspian Sea southern shores on days with smooth weather. Mount Damavand was registered as the first National Iranian Natural Phenomena on the 3rd of July 2008. Furthermore, the Iranian literature and mythology have mentioned the name of this mount many times.

alibabatrek Volcanic Seven Summits Conquest Damavand trek iran blog -Iran-Tour

Mt.Damavand

Damavand Mount Altitude

There are various opinions about mount Damavand’s altitude. The National Statistical Federation of Iran stated that Damavand is 5610 meters. On the other hand, NASA states it is 5670 meters. Also, Damavand’s relative height from the lowest valley is 4667 meters. Therefore, Damavand is the 12th on the list of most prominent peaks in the world. Mount Everest, Aconcagua in Argentina, Denali in the USA and Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania are other mounts on this list. Also, its relative height is more than K2, Kanchenjunga and, many other mounts. The rank of Damavand on this list shows the prominence of this volcanic mass compared to its surroundings. The main reason why Damavand is visible from far distances is its high relative prominence.

Damavand Volcano

Damavand is a potentially active volcano formed during the Quaternary. Its first eruption was almost 1.78 million years ago. Its last eruption was between six hundred thousand and two hundred eighty thousand years ago. Estimations by using the carbon method say that Damavand mount dates back to at least 38500 years ago. The sulfur and hot water springs on this mount are the evidence of the activity of this volcano. Also, there are some active fumaroles on this mount which makes the experience of climbing it very attractive. Because of these active fumaroles, a huge smoke constantly comes out of Damavand.

The diameter of this volcano’s crater in almost 400 meters and an icy lake covers it.

Damavand Sulfuric Hills alibabatrek Volcanic Seven Summits Conquest Damavand Volcano iran blog -Iran-Tour

Damavand Sulfuric Hills

Isn’t climbing Damavand hard?

Iran is a mountainous country with more than 100 summits higher than 4000 meters in its mountain ranges. Iran’s location is on down of the north temperate zone. Therefore, there won’t be any problem for conquering this mount in the summer. If you want to climb Damavand, all you need is physical readiness and appropriate weather. Needing just appropriate physical readiness is one of the appealing features of Damavand tours. So, you can easily hike Damavand and climb 5671 meters with an appropriate acclimatization schedule.

The amenities of Damavand mount are very suitable and make conquering it enjoyable and easier. Having shelter, rooms with beds, bathrooms, and access to the internet in the 4200 meters altitude, are some examples of its amenities. Also, the Mountaineers can transfer their extra and heavy stuff to the 4200 meters camp by a mule.

There are some hot water springs on the hillside of Damavand which can be a place for Mountaineers to relax. The water of these springs has sulfur and other minerals that are very beneficial for your skin. Also, the hot water of these springs helps with the elimination of cramps and recovering. Therefore, we highly recommend it after conquering.

Damavand Summit alibabatrek Volcanic Seven Summits Conquest Damavand iran blog -Iran-Tour

Damavand Summit (5671m)

Am I going to be safe during climbing?

There is no possibility for avalanche even during the winter in Damavand. Also, the conquering route is completely safe. Damavand has some natural glaciers and, they have a unique, spectacular view on the conquering route during summer. The route of Damavand is secure during the summer. You can stand over Damavand without needing technical ascending or any involvement with the glaciers.

Damavand is safe alibabatrek Volcanic Seven Summits Conquest Damavand Iran blog -Iran-Tour

Mt.Damavand

Easy Access to Damavand Region

The access route for a mount with more than 5000 meters height might seem very hard and long. But, you will only need a 3-hour drive from Tehran to be able to settle in the main camp of this mount. In smooth weather, you can see the sulfur smoke coming out of Damavand with the naked eye.

Security of Iran and Damavand

What does the news say?

  • The Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization has declared that Iran is very safe for tourism.
  • An Australian media published a report saying when it comes to the travel risks, Iran is as safe as Australia.

Iran has a high level of security. It might be in contrast with what the political reports in the western media might say. But, according to what tourists who have traveled Iran say, Iran’s security level is higher than many western countries. So, Iran tours are among the safest tours in the world. Those who want to travel Iran destinations can be assured.

Also, Damavand mount is very safe according to the reviews submitted in websites and journals such as Tripadvisor. The tourists can enjoy a wonderful Damavand trek and conquer the highest mount in Iran and the Middle East with Damavand guided tours.

Damavand summit alibabatrek Volcanic Seven Summits Conquest Damavand Volcano Iran blog -Iran-Tour

Damavand Summit (5671m)

How Many Days You Will Need for Damavand Trip?

With the favorable weather of summer, an acclimatization schedule and, physical readiness even amateur mountaineers can conquer Damavand. The days you will need for conquering Damavand can vary between 2-6 days according to your physical readiness. Also, the height of the place you live and your compatibility with the high altitudes are important factors. Professional mountaineers who have high physical readiness can conquer Damavand in one day. Also, you should have felt more than 4500 meters height in the past few days for doing it.

A Reasonable and Affordable Trekking Tour

The costs of Damavand trips are more affordable than other similar summits. The tourists can begin climbing by paying just 50 dollars (till the end of 2019) for a license. Of course, there will be additional costs for having food, a Mount Damavand guide and carrying cargo. These expenses do not include transportation to Damavand.

Alibabatrek offers one of the most affordable Iran tour packages for conquering Damavand “Optimized Damavand Tour” costing only 399 euros.

Volcanic Seven Summits Comparison

Alibabatrek volcanic seven summits comparison

Volcanic Seven Summits Comparison