One of the most accessible 5000 meter mountains on the planet nested in a distinctive cultural milieu. Superb trekking, unique cultural experience in a short, 8 days!

You're looking at a big mountain that's probably the fastest and easiest to climb 5000er in the world. With a basecamp just a couple hours from the international airport of Tehran, Mt. Damavand is a lesser known destination, but certainly rapidly growing in popularity.

In this short and intensive 7 day adventure, you scale the highest peak of Persia (Iran) and get a taste of the craziest city in Iran. If you're interested in Iran's cultural radiation and would like to wander throughout the country after your climb, let us know. 

 

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Day 1: Arrive in Tehran and Get a Taste of This Funky Metropolis

Your guide is waiting for you at the airport. After being escorted to your hotel, you hit the streets of this exciting, huge and crowded city. Have a nice meal or two, sip some hot Persian tea and go to bed early!

Day 2: Approach the Mountain and Hike to Camp 1

This is the day you set out for the big peak. A bus takes you to Reyneh, 90 km from Tehran. From here, a 2-3 hour long walk will make your day, after which you arrive at a picturesque mosque with a golden dome, right next to which you'll see an ugly concrete house, which will be your shelter for the evening. The elevation is 3200 meters, so you may experience some fatigue, light headaches. Take a nice big stroll in the afternoon and drink lots of water!

Local sheperds will be around, from whom you can buy excellent goat-cheese. With other trekkers around at the refuge from all over the world, you're guaranteed to have a good time tonight.

Day 3: Camp 2, 4200 Meters

You wake up to a crispy morning and you're eyeing the target - the humongous, near-6000-metre dome up above your camp. You're taking it slow, as you have a 1000 meters to climb today and you want to save your energy for a few more days. No need to hurry now.

You're moving on a rocky trail that winds through the scarce vegetation which changes slowly, as you're pumping out the vertical meters.

The refuge at 4200 meters will be packed with mountaineers and that special and funny atmosphere that comes along with happy climbers. You can assist in cooking dinner, you can stroll a bit further up the mountain and get water for the following day. In the morning, the hose which brings glacier water to Camp 2 will be frozen. You can stay in the refuge which has bunk beds or you can stay in one of our tents, which is less crowded and less smelly :)

Day 4: Acclimatisation for the Big Damavand Climb Tomorrow

Interesting and fun day ahead! Your aim is to get to 5000 meters today. No need to start super early, but we will leave before 7 am to allow you plenty of rest afterward your hike. Today, as you're nearing the top third of the volcano, the trail gets steeper, snowier and colder. Nothing technically demanding, though. 

Again, the reggae mentality will take you the farthest: take it easy and slow. You're not here for any speed records, but for acclimatisation.

Day 5: Summit push: Climbing Damavand, 5671 Meters

It's wakey-wakey at 3 AM. And, as such, it's still rather dark. The sunrise compensates for the difficulty, though! Damavand is by far the tallest peak in the surroundings, so you'll be in for an exceptionally beautiful view.

It should take around 7-8 hours to summit Mount Damavand. Don't worry, if it's hard! It's just a sign to push some more, because sulfur escaping from the dormant volcano is irritating - and it's best to get away from. On the summit, it's euphoria! A memorable climb - truly unforgetable, no matter how many summits you climb. You deserve a 30 minute rest, but after that, it's time to return - there's a special treat waiting for you at the bottom of the hill... At the foot of the mountain, there is a natural thermal spa where you can soothe the pain in your tired legs.

For many people, descending is very tough on the knees, so a significant effort is required to get back to Camp 1.  A well deserved rest, big dinner and party time with fellow mountaineers is due.

Day 6: Getting Back to Tehran

Take some time in the morning. No need to hurry now, especially after yesterday's big hike and 3 AM rise. We get on the bus and head back to Tehran, where you can do whatever you please. 

Day 7: Tehran - or Fly Home

Depending on your flight schedule, take some time exploring the city with Daniel, your friendly guide - or on your own. If your flight is due to leave today, then we'll help you get to the airport.

Climate

Although Tehran can get really hot in the summer - up to 40-45 deg. Celsius, Damavand's elevation will come as a relief temperature-wise. Even a bit chilly. The temperature drops below freezing at 4200 at night and the climb above the last camp can be cold and windy. Be prepared for -10 to -15 deg Celsius on the morning of the summit climb.

Equipment

• Hiking boots (broken in) - sturdy and warm
• Hat, 2 pairs of gloves (thin and warm)
• Hiking pants
• Water resistant jacket and pants
• Hiking pole
• Flashlight
• 2 warm fleece sweaters
• Underclothing
• Sandals/sneakers
• Sunscreen, lip protection and sun-hat
• Flashlight

There is no need to bring shorts - you shouldn't wear them in this country. Bring a light, breezy pair of pants.

Local Customs which are Interesting and Should be Respected

You are visiting a country with a very special - and for Westerners, unusually strict - Islamic culture, conduct and customs. Here is what to keep in mind: long pants for gentlemen, scarf for ladies at all times, even on lower regions of the mountain. The scarf can be any color and material as long as it covers your hair. For you ladies, a long sleeve shirt is highly recommended to avoid ridiculed stares. Please respect these basic things.

Here are some other customs:

• Western women can talk to anyone and can shake hands with men as well. Wesetern gentlemen can only shake hands with Persian (Iranian) women, if she initiates. Men can flirt with women as long as they're in a smaller group. However, private conversations are forbidden. As a basic rule, men shouldn't touch Iranian women.
• It's customary to reject favors and invitations three times. If you're offered the favor for the fourth time, you should accept. Exceptions: tea and smaller favors.
• Money isn't everything! If you're shopping, do engage in the conversation with the shopkeeper about where you're coming from etc. It's rude to ask about the price right away.
• Iranians are very interested in the West, and in you. If you show them pics from home, give them postcards, and just chat with them, they'll be enormously happy. 
• When getting into a taxi, be sure to get crystal clear on the destination and the price. Otherwise, they'll rip you off in the end. 
• If you run into trouble, just start shouting. In no time, a crowd will form around you and they will take your side (and do justice to the other party) - Iranians love tourists. They are among the most hospitable people in the world.
• Bring a photocopy of your passport and visa with you to town. If a cop asks for your papers, give him the photocopy first - just in case they aren't entirely friendly and benign, it's better to keep the original passport on you and give him a photocopy instead.
• Alcohol and drugs are strictly forbidden in this country. Both are easy to obtain, but if you are found possessing or using them, you risk serious fines, jail and in extreme cases, a death penalty. We cannot take responsibility for you in this respect. Save the beers (and the joint) for celebrating your climb at home. 

Food-drinks

The most popular food on the street is the sandwitch. This can be kebab, falafel. If you're a hard core try-it-all, you have your pick of hot-dog, liver and brain-filled sandwitches. We haven't yet dared try the latter.

You won't be disappointed with local food. If your a veggie, it's a bit more difficult, but you can get along fine. Forget alcohol and go for fruit shakes, among which - in our opinion - watermelon ice-shakes are the peak of fine gastronomy. There are all the Coke imiations, too: Farsi-Cola, Zamzam-Cola, Mecca-Cola. You'll get to drink a bunch of tea, too. Bottled water can be purchased almost everywhere.

Hotel

We recommend a low-cost, simple but clean hotels in Tehran or a hostel. If you aim for a higher level of comfort, we'll get you a finer place! Just let us know.

Money, shopping

The currency here is the Rial. For a Euro, you can get about 14,300. Listen here: the Rial goes by a different name too: Toman. One Toman equals to 10 Rials, so one Euro goes for about 1430 Toman. Don' worry, you'll get the hang of it! :)

Bring Euros with you, rather than USD greenbacks. They like Euros better. Forget ATMs, as most of them only take Iranian-issued cards.