Climbing Volcano Damavand
This is a brief and basic introduction to climb Volcano damavand, to see detailed information follow related links. Climbing Volcano damavand ,5671 meters , Iran's highest and most prominent volcano, can make a lifelong memories .Volcano Damavand itself may look more attractive from afar than from close up, but the views on clear days and the experience of climbing damavand with a group of equally minded hikers from around the world are very rewarding. 
Photo By Anosh Soltani
When to climb Volcano Damavand ?
See also Timing for Volcano Damavand Climb
June, July and August are the best climbing season for damavand. During these three months, the damavand footpath is usually free of snow, the weather is relatively mild, access by public transportation is easy but the mountain shelters are crowded. Everybody without much hiking experience is strongly advised to tackle the mountain during this climbing season.
When not to climb Volcano Damavand!
See also Timing for Volcano Damavand Climb
Off Season
Mountain shelters are open for use in all climbing seasons in Iran. While there is usually little snow on Volcano Damavand , even during summer temperatures at the summit drops to far below zero eg down to -25C at night.Only experienced hikers with a strong urge to avoid the crowd, should consider the Off Season ascent to damavand .From October to around mid May climbing to the Damavand summit is highly perilous due to extreme wind and weather conditions, snow, ice and other risks.
Iranian new year holydays and Weekends
See also Timing for Volcano Damavand Climb
Iranian new year called Nowroz , 21 March to 2 April, is not recommended for damavand climbing , during this time you can not find public transport , and the roads are in the worst possible trafic condition.
How to climb Volcano Damavand ? Is it difficult ?
See also How To Climb Damavand in detail.
The ascent to the damavand summit does not require any major climbing skills. Only at some points, the terrain is steep and rocky. A few signs along the trail show the hikers the way. However, the main challenge of the climb is the fact that the air gets notably thinner as you gain altitude.
The Crowds
See also Timing for Volcano Damavand Climb
Climbing volcano damavand is very popular not only among the Iranians, but also among foreign tourists, who seem to make up less than a fifth of all hikers. The peak season for climbing volcano damavand is during the school vacations which last from around 20 June to 23 Sep. The peak of the peak is reached about 6 August, It is recommended to avoid climbing in this period .In order to encounter neither too large nor too small crowds, we suggest you to climb mt damavand on a weekday in the first half of July before the start of the crowd. The downside of a climb in early July is the weather, which tends to be somewhat more unstable than later in the season.
Routes
see also How To Climb Damavand , Damavand GPS Landmarks ,
Virtual Trip To Volcano Damavand by Google Earth
Volcano damavand has 16 routes , 4 of these routes ( south north east and west ) are popular, each with a shelter at about 4000m .The north face has an extra shelter at 5000m , the most popular side is the south face, most climber start their ascent to the damavand summit from south route.
South Route
It is easily accessible from Tehran or north of Iran , the short way from Tehran to the Damavand through Haraz main road make southern approach best Trail . This is by far the easiest and the best side, the ascent to the summit is also shorter .
Volcano Damavand Camp1 - Polour Camp
Altitude 2,270 m - 7,447 ft
Distance from Tehran 1.5-2 hour by car ( about 80 Km )
Polour Camp is a new established Iran Climbing Federation Complex Camp near Haraz Road in Polour village, it is the best resting place for Iranian and foreign climbers who intend to climb Volcano Damavand from classic south route or west route of damavand. Haraz Road is one of the main roads which connects Tehran to Caspian Sea in north of Iran in Mazandaran state , this main road passes by volcano damavand through beautiful Haraz Valley closed to Haraz River.
Volcano Damavand Camp2 - Base Camp
Altitude 3,040 m - 9,973 ft
Ascent to Bargah Sevom Camp: 3-5 hours
Descent from Bargah Sevom Camp: 2 -3 hours
Distance from Polour Complex Camp approx 1 hour by car
This is the most popular base for the climb to the Damavand summit, and the most easily accessible from Polour or Reyneh by car. The last part of the road to this camp is a rough gravel road , the Hraz Road , is a crowded road , which is used by private vehicles during the peak of the summer holidays (specially Iranian weekends Thursday and Friday).
Volcano Damavand Camp3 - Bargah Sevom Camp
Altitude 4,220 m - 13,845 ft
Ascent to damavand summit : 5-7 hours
Descent from Damavand summit : 2- 4 hours
The south Trail leads from the Bargah Sevom Camp to the summit. Lots of footpath shows this trail to the top , and there are separate trails for the ascent and descent.The South Trail meets the East Trail near the summit. Spend one night sleeping in Bargah Sevom and then continue to the summit early on the second day.
A wrong way is to start climbing the mountain during the night from the 3rd camp and hike through the night to reach the summit around sunrise. Obviously, this is a more tiring way of climbing the mountain and brings an increased risk of falling victim to altitude sickness .
Climbing Equipment
see also Volcano Damavand Equipment List
In order to enjoy a safe hike to the summit of Volcano Damavand, it is crucial to bring the proper equipment. Some of the most important things to bring are listed below:
Proper Shoes
The rocky, steep terrain in some sections and the potential of sudden, strong wind gusts are reasons to bring proper hiking shoes .
Proper Clothes
Bring proper protection against low temperatures and strong winds. It is usually below zero at the summit, and strong winds often make it seem even colder. Bring rain gear, as weather conditions can change very quickly in the mountains. Gloves are recommended both against the coldness and for hiking the steep, rocky passages.
Flashlight
Alothough I do not suggest you hike during nighttime, a flash light is highly recommended in any season and essential outside of the peak season . Most people choose head lamps, as they leave both of your hands free.
Food
Particularly on the trails where there are few mountain huts, it is important to bring enough water and food. Also, it is a good idea to carry down all your garbage although there are garbage bins on mount damavand.
Altitude Sickness
see also Mountain Sickness
The human body requires some time to adjust to a sudden increase of altitude, otherwise there is a risk of headache, dizziness and nausea. Quite a few people, who climb mount damavand, fall victim to altitude sickness. To avoid altitude sickness, you are advised to tackle the mountain at a slow pace and make frequent breaks. An overnight stay at Bargah Sevom Camp is recommended as opposed to a straight climb to the top. There are no bottles of oxygen, available at mountain hut, you may bring your own as an effective tool in preventing and fighting altitude sickness.
Good Luck
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Volcano Damavand view from Polour village