Damavand Peak

The Roof of Iran

Mountain
Mazandaran, Amol
Altitude 5,610 m

Ability level Advanced
Routes 4 recorded routes

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Ability level: Advanced

Mount Damavand, the highest mountain in Iran and in Western Asia, and also the highest volcano in Asia and the Middle East, is located in northern Iran, in Mazandaran Province. It rises in the Alborz mountain range, south of the Caspian Sea. Damavand is known as the third-highest volcano in the Eastern Hemisphere (after Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Elbrus). The name Damavand is derived from two parts: "dam" (meaning steam or smoke) and "avand" (meaning having), that is, having steam and smoke, a reference to its volcanic nature.

Mount Damavand lies in the Larijan district of Amol County in Mazandaran Province. On 13 Tir 1387 (3 July 2008) it was registered as the first natural monument of Iran on the National Heritage list. Since 1381 (2002) it has also been listed as a national natural monument among the four categories of protected environmental areas. Damavand is not only a symbol of Iran's grandeur in the country's literature and history, but also holds a special place in Persian legends and stories.

On the summit of Damavand there is a wide area where the strong smell of sulfurous gases is unpleasant to breathe. In the middle of the summit there is a crater, around which climbers usually walk. The sulfur rocks in this area have a distinctive smell, and it is best to avoid touching them. On the southern face of Damavand there is a frozen waterfall that never melts naturally; even in summer, because of daily temperature changes, this frozen waterfall forms. There are several routes to the summit of Damavand, of which the southern face is the easiest and the northern face is considered the hardest. These routes usually include a section that is travelled by pickup truck (Nissan), and mules can be used to carry loads.

Written by زهرا لنگری Last updated 11 Mar 2025

Activities

What you can do here, and what it takes

Mountaineering

با توجه به توان بدنی حدود ۱۶ ساعت کوهنوردی در دو روز است.

Specifications

Introduction of the location and specifications of Damavand Peak

Oldness: 38,500 years

Location: Mazandaran, Amol, Larijan

Coordinates: 35.95433921, 52.11033763 Open in maps

Height above ground: 4667 meter

Height above mean sea: 5610 meter

Land Form: Volcanic, Volcanic Crater

Faunas: Presence of Predatory Animals, Presence of Allergenic Insects, Presence of Herbivorous Animals

Transports: Private car, Walking, Only with technical climbing equipment

Routes

ways to reach Damavand Peak

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1) North Face

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The ascent route on this face runs between two glaciers, Siyoleh (on the right) and Dobisel (on the left). The northern route starts from the large rock southwest of Nandal village. It has two mountain huts, at altitudes of 4,000 m (known as the 4000 Hut) and 4,700 m (known as the 5000 Hut). The route begins in the Nandal plain, and the sections before and after the 5000 Hut involve scrambling (using your hands on the rock). Apart from the sheepfold at the start, the route has no drinking water, and the final sections are very steep, which makes your pack feel heavier and the climb harder.

2) East Face

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This ridge lies on the eastern side of Damavand. The climb starts at the facilities of the first Mellar mine, two kilometres from the village of Mellar. The route is well defined, though the trail is faint, and runs between the two main eastern valleys of Damavand. There is also a good place to camp at an altitude of 4,100 metres. At around 5,000 metres, the route veers slightly north and traverses above the East Glacier toward the final section of the Mellar Blades route.

3) West Face

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The western route starts from the parking area at an altitude of about 3,400 meters. After about 3 hours of hiking it reaches the Simorgh Shelter, and then continues along the west ridge to the summit. Water is available at the Simorgh Shelter, and the final section of the western route is relatively steep.

4) South Face

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On the southeastern side of the mountain. Polur, Reyneh, Gusfand Sara and the Third Camp (Bargah-e Sevom) lie along this route. The South Route is the most common and busiest route up Damavand. The hike begins at a place known as Do Rahi (the fork), where the dirt road to the mosque branches off from the paved road linking Polur and Reyneh. After passing the mosque and Gusfand Sara, you reach the Third Camp. From there the route climbs the direct southern ridge, passes beside the ice waterfall, and continues to the sulphur hill and finally the summit. Because of the heavy traffic, the trail is very well worn and easy to follow, and there is no rock scrambling on this route.