Climbing Mount Sabalan

Taftan is Iran's most important semi-active volcano and the highest peak in the southeast of the country. The sulfur gas erupting from Taftan's volcanic craters is a fascinating sight for climbers. The peak has a shelter and suitable facilities along its ascent route, and as the highest peak in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, it is also on the Simorgh Project list. The volcano last erupted 6,900 years ago, and since then the mountain has continued to emit smoke and sulfur gas. The name "Taftan" comes from the local word "Tapt", meaning heat. The main summit of the Taftan massif is called "Madarkuh" (Mother Mountain), known for its proximity to the volcanic craters and sulfur gases. Madarkuh is about 3,920 meters high, and two other peaks, Sobh Peak and Ziyarat Peak (Chehel Tan), lie around it, with no great difference in height from Madarkuh. However, Ziyarat Peak, at about 3,930 to 3,940 meters, is considered the highest summit of Mount Taftan. Taftan has two branches, and Narkuh Peak, located on the northwestern branch, is another peak in the area that is climbed less often. The vegetation on the slopes of Mount Taftan includes mountain shrubs, wild almond (arzhan), mountain almond, tamarisk, and black wood (siyah-chub), as well as plants such as thyme, chicory, rhubarb, and mint. Wolves and jackals are among the animals of the area. The best time to climb Taftan is the first half of spring, when the weather and temperatures are moderate and suitable for climbing. Near the summit of Taftan are three lakes called Daryasar; the two northern lakes are shallow with fresh water, while the third lake is salty and deeper.

Sabalan, known in Azerbaijani Turkish as "Savalan", stands at 4,811 meters and is the third highest peak in Iran after Damavand and Alam-Kuh. Among the region's most important attractions are the natural hot springs on the mountain's slopes, its beautiful and unique scenery, and its glaciers and permanent snow, which led to the establishment of the Alvares ski resort. The summit of Sabalan, known in the Talysh language as "Salafon", is registered on Iran's National Natural Heritage list under number 19496/12. According to the belief of some local people, Mount Sabalan is the place where Zoroaster received his prophetic calling. Even in Thus Spoke Zarathustra, Nietzsche's famous work, there is a reference to Zarathustra descending from Mount Sabalan. For this reason, the site holds a special sanctity among the people of the region, especially the locals and nomads. Some even believe that the tomb of this ancient prophet is located in this same mountain range. Sabalan has three well-known peaks in total. The highest peak of Sabalan is known as "Soltan" (Sultan). The other two peaks are called "Heram" and "Kasra". Another attraction of this area, which can be considered something of a symbol of Sabalan, is a natural rock in the shape of an eagle. Also known as Gartal, this rock stands on the western face of the Sabalan summit, next to the mountain shelter. Another feature of Sabalan is an oval-shaped lake near the top of the summit, which is considered one of the region's major tourist attractions.