17-27th July (11days) 1450. So after two successful expedition in summer (August 2014 and September 2015) and an even more exciting winter ski expedition to Damavand in April 2015(for which we are made the film Damavand - an Iranian Dream with Hot Aches Productions), Persian Pursuits is going back but this time in July 2016.Iwill again personally accompany this trip along with my professional Iranian guides. Having grown up in Iran spending all my childhood and teens trekking Irans highest mountains on one hand, and then having spent the last 13 years abroad and actively engaged with the climbing community on the other, I am in a great position to bridge the gap between this most misunderstood country and the western climbers.So if you fancy experiencing a soul stirring journey with not just a climbing objective but a mission to change perceptions, get on board!At 5671m, Damavand is not only Irans; but also the Middle Easts highest peak. It is also the highest volcano in Asia. It is located in the heart of the Alborz range in the north of Iran which divides the Caspian Sea from the central desert plateaus. Its iconic and perfect shape, which can be seen from Tehran on a clear day, has a great place in the hearts of Iranians and in the country's mythology and folklore.A dormant volcano, this symbolic mountain is a trekking peak and due to its conical shape; can be climbed from all sides (with the North, North-East, South and West routes having shelters and refuges on route). However the easiest and most commonly used route is the South route.
This is our preferred route as it is probably the easiest in terms of the actual climb, and therefore offers the highest chance of a successful and comfortable ascent and summit experience. It also has the highest and most well-equipped mountain hut in Iran at 4200m. The climb is long, but not technical and therefore anyone who is fit and well acclimatised can successfully summit (weather permitting). Located 55 miles north east of Tehran, its base is only two hour drive away from thecapital.Day 1:Arrivals and sightseeingDay 2:Visiting the Sad Abad Palace in the north of Tehran. Starting the three hour hike up to Shirpala hut (2700m) in the afternoon, enjoying the lovely traditional tea houses on our way (Darband)Overnight at Shirpala.Day 3:Climbing up to Tochal (3960m) and taking cable cars down back to TehranDay 4:Visiting Golestan Palace, the Grand Bazaar and other museums in TehranDay 5:Sightseeing in the morning, Transfer to Polour in the evening. Overnight at Polour Mountaineering federation (2200m)Day 6:Team transfer to base camp by landrovers (an hours drive) and spend the night at Base camp (3040m) or slightly higher depending on the conditions and the crowd.Day 7:4-5 hour trek begins from base camp at 3040m and will take us up to the advanced camp (Bargah-e Sevvom) at 4200m.Day 8:Acclimatization day. After a good night rest and sleep and a relaxed breakfast, team will climb 400-600m for acclimatization; returning to camp later that day.Day 9:Summit day. Team leave in the morning (around 0500) for the summit. The trek takes between 6-8 hours depending on the pace.
Overnight stay at the advanced camp.Day 10:Team head back down to the basecamp (3 hours) from where theyd be transferred by the 4X4s to Polour and driven back to Tehran in the evening. Celebratory meal in the evening.Day 11:Sightseeing and DeparturesThe expedition fee will be reduced for a larger group. Price based on four people sharing twin accommodation. Maximum number 8Feel free to drop an email at info@persianpursuits.com or give me a call on 07882929786 if you had any questions regarding the trip.Go Far, Climb HighShirin ShabestariFounder, Director and Expedition Leader