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 madethefilm Damavand - an Iranian Dreamwith Hot Aches Productions), Persian Pursuits is going back but this time in July 2016.Iwill again personally accompany this trip along with myprofessional Iranian guides. Having grown up in Iran spending all mychildhood and teens trekkingIrans 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 ina 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 countrys 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 the capital. Itinerary Day 1:Early morning arrivals at Imam Khomeini airport. Sightseeing.Day 2:Sightseeing in Tehran. In the evening the team get transferred to Polour, a mountain village; approximately two hours away from Tehran on the famous Haraz Road (one of the two major roads connecting Tehran to Caspian sea). Here at 2200m, Iran's climbing and mountaineering federation owns a great building offering accommodation (shared and private rooms with bunk-beds). Facilities include a kitchen, toilets and showers with hot water, a small shop, indoor and outdoor climbing wall and a dining area. This is where we may stay overnight.Day 3:drive up to base camp at 3040m. Set up camp. Little acclimatisation hike up to 3400m Day 4:The 4-5 hour trek begins from base camp and takes us up to the advanced camp (Bargah-e Sevvom) at 4200m. Team stations at camp for acclimatisation either in tents or in the hut (This will be decided nearer the time as one might be a better option than the other depending on various factors such as crowd and weather)
Day 5: Acclimatisation day. After a good night rest and sleep and a relaxed breakfast, team will climb 400-600m for acclimatisation; returning to camp later that day.Day 6:Summit day. Team leave in the morning (around 05:00) for the summit. The trek takes between 6-8 hours depending on the pace. Overnight stay at the advanced camp.Day 7:Team head back down to the basecamp (3 hours) from where they'd be transferred by the 4X4s to Polour and driven back to Tehran in the evening. Celebratory meal in the evening.Day 8: Sightseeing and departures Cost: 1200. Includes all expenses from time of arrival to time of departure (All airport transfers, hotel accommodation, huts and camps, mule and porter costs, guides, meals, snacks in the city and on the mountain, permits and certificates, sightseeing, all transport, all camping facilities)Excludes: Flights, visa fee, travel insurance, rescue, medical treatment, optional trips (Isfahan-Shiraz addition), tips.
Visit the website:www.persianpursuits.com
shirin.shabestari@gmail.com