Trekking Damavand (Northeast Face)

The program includes ascending Damavand (5671) through its northeast face. Damavand is the highest mountain of Iran with a cultural significance. It is mentioned in Iranian mythology that the border of Iran was determined by an arrow that was thrown from this mountain. There are 16 routes to summit Damavand that three of them are the most popular: Northeast, South, North. Among these routes, the south face is the easiest one and the northeast the most beautiful one.

Physical Fitness:

If you are a mountaineer with background of ascending 4000 m. mountains then you have nothing to worry, but if you don’t then start working out. In case of Damavand, more than physical fitness the altitude might cause problems. So we highly suggest to at least challenge yourself by trying some hiking routes.

Camps:

• Tehran Hotel

We can arrange for any hotel or hostel in Tehran. We suggest 4* hotels that are economical and have good quality services, but based on your request, we can reserve any hotel you want.

• Kouhnavard Lodge

This Lodge is a building with numerous rooms and bunk beds, a dining section, kitchen and store. The kitchen is just for cooking and foods are not sold there, and the store has some basic stuff so don’t expect diversity.

• Takhte Fereydon Shelter

The lodge is in the altitude of 4400 m. It’s a flat without any beds, so you need sleeping bag, sleeping pads for yourself. And during the high season sometimes it is difficult to find fond a place for your accommodation, so you have to be prepared, in that case, you need to stay the night over in the tent. Mainly because there is no reservation available for the shelter since it is a local shelter and depending the time of your arrival to the shelter you can have the chance to find a place to sleep, otherwise you must set up a camp and stay at tent.

Roads:

• Tehran – Haraz- Nandal: Asphalted Road in good condition.
• Nandal – Gardanesahr: Dirt Road in good condition only with 4×4.

the Weather

• Spring:

Damavand: the temperature is unstable with frequent storms and wind, from the last month of spring, the weather gets stable and trekking is possible.

• Summer:

Damavand: the temperature goes down to -2 at its coldest, the precipitation is low, and it is the best season for trekking.

• Fall:

Damavand: the storms begin slowly, for the first month, the ascend is possible with simple winter gears, but as the end of season is approached full heavy winter gears is needed.

• Winter

Damavand: temperature goes down up to -50, there might be heavy precipitation, storm, and wind.

Remember That

Here in Atour, we attempt to consider all the possibilities that might affect the performing of a trip, however, there might be geographical, political or social unexpected incidents that might influence the program and require changes like bad weather.

We usually suggest Reserve Day for ascents in fall and winter because of the unstable weather. Naturally, the nonrefundable cost of the day is added to the total sum of the trip that if not used will not be returned to the travelers.

The Atour’s camp are summer camps and are taken down before the heavy snow of each destination begins, therefore, the accommodation might not be Atour Camp.

Based on your physical fitness and mountaineering history, you can request changes to program, like omitting the acclimatization day/s or cultural city tours. You may also ask for addition of such days.

The luggage’s would be carried by mules in both destinations up to the camp, after that you can leave your packages in camp and ascend with light backpacks.

What we suggest and offer

• Cultural tours (Tehran, Kashan, Isfahan, Shiraz, Yazd, Kerman, and …)
• Shopping Assistance (we can arrange for a shopping time and a person to help you)
• Domestic Flight

What You Need to have for This Trip

• Valid Passport – that has at least six months to its expiry date.
• Iran Visa – there are different ways of getting Iran Visa.
  • E-Visa: You can go to Eviza website, fill the form and when granted, obtain the visa from embassy or consulate. Iran doesn’t have embassy in some countries, if your country is one of that, then you have to go to one of the Iranian Interest Offices.
  • On Arrival: Next you can have an On Arrival visa that is obtained in airport, both with a reference code or without it.
    • Reference Code: The reference code is what agencies give you that speeds up the visa process. The reference code is also a guarantee that shows you will definitely get a visa. For the citizens of countries like USA, England, Canada, Iraq, Colombia, Jordan, Sumali, Pakistan and Srilanka, even with reference code, the visa should be obtained in the country of origin.
    • No Reference Code: this approach has more risk and take more time. The citizens of countries like USA, England, Canada, Iraq, Colombia, Jordan, Sumali, Pakistan and Srilanka, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh can’t use this approach.

• Rials (currency) – the rate of currency is not stable and therefore we can’t give a definit price here, but there is a very important point regarding Iran’s currency. The official currency is Rial, but people use Tooman which is one tenth of Rial. It’s mainly because the Rial has too many zeros. Each 10,000 Rials is 1000 toomans. People usually go with toomans so you need to omit a zero on all the cashes you You can also apply for a tourist card and transfer your money to the card (up to 5000 $). Whatever remains in the card can be retrieved in exchange shops.

• Hijab – all women that want to enter Iran should follow a dress code that includes head scarf, long sleeve shirt (preferably long enough to cover the backside), and pants or long skirt (up to ankles).

• Alcohol – Alcohol is banned in Iran, however, some hotels and restaurants serve non-alcoholic bears.

• A trusted local – a good agency to have your back in the country and help you with everything you might need is the final thing you need in your trip to Iran.

Equipment You Need to Bring

Shoes

• Sports Shoes / Sandals
• Trekking shoes category B
• Trekking socks + replacement

General equipment

• sunglasses
• towel
• sun cream
• Day and hiking backpack approx. 25 l
• Rain cover for backpack
• Telescopic hiking poles (who would like)
• Headlamp with spare batteries
• Sleeping bag up to – 5 ° in the comfort area
• Sleeping mat (Therm-a-rest self-inflatable)
• waterproof bag for documents
• Drinking bottle or hydration system at least 1 liter
• Insect repellent for skin and possibly for clothing
• First aid kit (including blister plaster, tape, disinfection)
• small travel pharmacy
• important personal medicines (hand luggage!)