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- Mount Damavand
18,402 ft · Alborz, Iran
Mount Damavand
Mount Damavand is an 18,402 ft peak in the Alborz, Iran. The standard route is the Southern Route: 10 mi, 8,560 ft of gain, Class 2.
Mount Damavand at a glance
- Elevation18,402 ft5,608 m
- RouteSouthern RouteClass 2
- Distance10 mi8,560 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeAlborzIran
Climbing the Southern Route
Fly to Tehran, Iran, then drive about 4 hours to Polour or Reineh village at the base. The south face route from the Bargah Sevom hut (at 4,200m) is the standard approach. Non-technical climbing but sustained at high altitude with loose volcanic scree making for tiring progress. Sulfur fumes near the summit can be intense and require face covering. Weather can change quickly with afternoon storms. Carry extra water as sources are limited. Permits required through Iranian mountaineering federation. Best climbed June through September. The highest volcano in Asia.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (40–55 L)
Hiking Boots
Base Layer
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
Sleeping Bag (0°F to 15°F)
Sleeping Pad
Water
First-Aid Kit
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
What to watch for
- Loose rock
- Remote location
- Storms
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- High winds
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Extreme cold
Quests with Mount Damavand
Volcanoes of the WorldFrequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Damavand?
Mount Damavand is 18,402 feet (5,608 m) tall. It is in the Alborz, Iran.
How hard is it to climb Mount Damavand?
The Southern Route is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 10 miles with 8,560 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Damavand?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Southern Route, with days set aside to acclimatize.
Can a beginner climb Mount Damavand?
Not as a first peak. The Southern Route needs no technical climbing, but the altitude and 2 – 3 days on the mountain make it a serious undertaking. Most climbers build experience at altitude first, and many go with a guide.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Mount Damavand?
Yes. At 18,402 feet, Mount Damavand is high enough for serious altitude illness. Climbers acclimatize over days or weeks, climbing high and sleeping low, and descend at the first signs of trouble.
When is the best time to climb Mount Damavand?
The usual climbing window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Mount Damavand with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list