Damavand (5609 m), Iran. Climb the highest volcano of Asia. 7 Volcanoes Project.

PAYMENT POLICY
A deposit of $1,000 is due at time of registration to reserve a space on the expedition.
A full payment is due 60 days prior to the expedition start date.

CANCELATION POLICY
Refunds will not be issued for cancellations made less than 60 days prior to the scheduled date.

Iran, Damavand (5609m), Mountaineering

Trip overview

Tegeran (1500m) - Tochal Peak (3981m) - Polur Village (2200m) - Bargah Sevom Base Camp (4150m) - Damavand Summit (5609m) - Bargah Sevom Base Camp (4150m) - Polur Village (2200m) - Tegeran (1500m)

Why go there?

Mount Damavand, located in Iran, is the highest peak in the Middle East and the highest volcano in Asia, standing at 5,671 meters (18,606 feet). It is an iconic symbol of Iran and boasts unique features that make it a significant geological and cultural landmark.

Mount Damavand is not just a geographical feature but a cultural and natural treasure, celebrated for its beauty, mythological significance, and importance to mountaineering enthusiasts.

Main Highlights includes:

1. Geographic Significance

• Part of the Alborz Mountain Range, Damavand dominates the landscape and is visible from Tehran on clear days.
• It is the tallest volcano in Asia and a key feature in the volcanic Seven Summits challenge.

2. Dormant Stratovolcano

• Damavand is a dormant volcano with a prominent volcanic cone, and fumaroles near its summit release steam, especially in winter, hinting at its geological activity.

3. Mineral Springs and Hot Springs

• The mountain is surrounded by numerous mineral hot springs, known for their therapeutic properties, particularly in Larijan.

4. Mythological and Cultural Importance

• Damavand holds a prominent place in Persian mythology and literature, symbolizing resistance and strength. It is featured in Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh, where it is the site of the legendary imprisonment of the demon Zahhak.
• It is regarded as a sacred and symbolic mountain by Iranians.

5. Climbing Routes

• Damavand has several routes to the summit, with the South Route being the most popular and easiest for climbers. The mountain offers a challenging yet accessible climb for adventurers.

6. Snow-Capped Summit and Glaciers

• The summit remains snow-covered for most of the year and features small glaciers and a volcanic crater at the top.

7. Rich Flora and Fauna

• The lower slopes of Damavand are home to diverse flora and fauna, with fields of colorful wildflowers and grazing animals like sheep and goats in summer.

8. Symbol of Iranian Identity

• Often referred to as the "Roof of Iran," Damavand is a national symbol and is depicted on coins, stamps, and in Persian art and literature.

9. Adventure Destination

• Damavand attracts climbers, skiers, and hikers from around the world, offering a combination of challenging ascents and stunning views of the surrounding Alborz Range.

10. UNESCO Nomination

• The mountain has been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural, natural, and geological significance.

Tips guidelines (important information!)

You entrust your life, health, your time and money to the guides. And the guides take this responsibility for you and for the success of the whole trip. They are doing this 24 hours per day. 5-20 USD per day is expected as the normal amount of tips for the Guides and the staff of the program. If you liked everything about the trip, please don't forget to thank them. You can give the tips directly to the Main Guide and he will distribute it among the staff; additionally, you can thank specific staff members.

Necessary travel papers (documents)

- Passport with 6 months validity after the return flight.
- 2 digital copy of passport photos
- Medical and evacuation insurance
- Visa to entry Iran
- Climbing permit

Accommodation

- Hotel accommodations in Tegeran, Tochal and Polur Village
- Huts accommodations on the trek

Meals

- Breakfasts included
- All meals included 3 times per day while on the trek and summit day
- Welcome and farewell dinners included

Staff

- Experienced expedition leader from 7 Summits Club
- Guides services, including English speaking guide
- Cook for climbing period

Health and medical insurance

- We provide a full expedition First Aid kit with all necessary medicine, but we also highly recommend that you bring your own specific medicine
- All team members must have personal and medical evacuation insurance

Weather

From July to September, Mount Damavand experiences its most favorable weather conditions, making it the prime season for climbing. Here's what to expect:

TEMPERATURE:

- At lower altitudes, daytime temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F).
- At higher altitudes near the summit, temperatures can drop to -5°C to -10°C (23°F to 14°F), especially during early mornings or nights.

PRECIPITATION:
This period is part of the dry season, with minimal rainfall. The slopes are generally dry, though occasional light showers can occur.

WIND:
Winds can be moderate at lower elevations but become strong and chilly near the summit, sometimes exceeding 30-40 km/h (18-25 mph).

VISIBILITY:
Skies are mostly clear, offering stunning panoramic views of the Alborz Mountains and surrounding areas.

SNOW AND ICE:
Snow is mostly limited to the summit and upper slopes, while lower areas are snow-free.

This combination of milder temperatures, dry conditions, and clear skies makes the summer months ideal for a successful and enjoyable climb of Mount Damavand.

Personal gear

GEAR LIST
General Information

Each item on the list below is required unless specified to be optional
If seasonal fluctuations impact the requirement for an item on your list, it will be specified
All other items are required regardless of the forecast to ensure your well-being, as weather and conditions can change quickly in the mountains

TRAVEL ITEMS

- Backpack
Lightweight 35 - 45 L
This pack will be used as a carryon bag for the trip and then for the day hikes trekking to base camp and for summit days. It should be light weight and have both a waist belt and chest strap.

- Expedition Duffel Bag
An approximately 120-liter expedition-ready duffel bag used to transport all gear. All items need to fit securely into the duffel bag.

- Casual Travel Clothes
We recommend wearing clean clothing while traveling and before and after your trip. It's a good idea to pack a comfortable variety of outfits, including some t-shirts, swimsuits (optional).

TECHNICAL CLOTHING

- Baselayer Bottom
2 pairs of thermal bottoms: lightweight and medium weight. Fabric: wool, wool blend, synthetic or polyester. No cotton.

- Baselayer Tops
2 thermal long sleeved tops: one light weight and one medium weight. Fabric: wool or synthetic. No cotton.
1 sun hoodie, preferably light colored.

- Trekking Pants
A pair or two of lightweight trekking pants. Zippered pockets are good and thigh vents can be useful on hot days. We also recommend synthetic fabrics.

- Softshell Pants
Non-insulated, stretchy softshell pants that should fit comfortably with or without your baselayer bottoms.

- Hardshell Pants
These must fit over your thermal under layers and softshell pants. These must be non-insulated, lightweight, waterproof and have full zips on the side to get on and off over your climbing boots and crampons.

- Insulated Synthetic Pants
Fabric: Synthetic or Down. Medium weight is ideal. These should fit over both your thermal under layers and your climbing pants. These must have full zips on the sides to get them on and off over your climbing boots and crampons without taking your boots off.

- Midlayer Top
A midweight, lightweight fleece layer for use over baselayers. Hoods are optional but recommended. Very light down jackets can also suffice as a midlayer.


- Softshell Jacket
This breathable, wind-and-weather resistant jacket is a key part of a mountaineering layering system. A hooded model is highly recommended. This layer must fit well over your midlayer top and baselayer top.

- Hardshell Jacket
A non-insulated, fully waterproof shell jacket with a hood. This layer must fit comfortably over your baselayer, midlayer, softshell, and potentially a lightweight insulated layer. Helmet-compatible hoods are required.

- Insulated Jacket -20C
Down or synthetic insulation. Down is more packable and lighter weight, and synthetic insulation will retain warmth when wet.

HANDWEAR

- Lightweight Liner Gloves
Lightweight wool or synthetic liner gloves.

- Softshell Gloves
Midweight, lightly insulated gloves. Leather-palm construction is recommended.

- Insulated Shell Gloves
One pair of warm shell gloves with insulated removable liners. We recommend models with a durable leather palm.

- Expedition Mittens

- Hand Warmers and Foot Warmers (Optional)

HEADWEAR

- Buff Neck Gaiter
- Sunhat
- Wool or Synthetic Ski Hat
- Facemask
- Glacier Glasses
These must be the high quality darkest lenses you can buy (Cat 4) and have full coverage around the eyes to block all light.

- Sunglasses (Optional)
These must be high quality dark lenses.

- Ski Goggles
High-quality goggles for sun and wind protection at altitude.
These must be the darkest lenses you can buy (Cat 4). If your goggles accept multiple lenses, bring one super dark lense and one clear or high light transmission yellow for low-light/high wind conditions.

Note: If you need prescription Glacier Glasses contact the manufacturer for options well in advance of your trip.

- Headlamp
200-300 lumens and extra batteries.

FOOTWEAR

- Liner Socks
2-3 pairs of liner socks.

- Wool or Synthetic Socks
2 pairs of medium to heavy hiking socks. These must fit over your liner socks if you plan to wear liner socks.

- Light Hiking Boots or Trekking Shoes
For any approaches across dry trails. Light weight, high comfort, plenty of room in the toe box, and good ankle support.

- Hiking/ Mountaineering Boots
Waterproof mountaineering boots designed for cold conditions. Should be insulated and have good ankle support.

- Base Camp Boots or Crocs (optional, but recommended)

CLIMBING EQUIPMENT

- Alpine Ice Axe (can be rented)
- 12 Point Crampons (can be rented)
General mountaineering crampons. We recommend modern steel 12-point crampons with anti-balling plates.

- Trekking Poles

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

-10 C Down Sleeping Bag
- Inflatable Sleeping Pad
- Foam Pad
- Water Bottles
2 one-liter wide-mouth hard-sided water bottles.

- 1 Liter Stainless Steel Thermos
- One Insulated Mug
- 0.5 Nalgene Bottle (Optional)
- Pee Bottle (optional)
Collapsible or hard-sided 1 liter Nalgene models.

- Pee Funnel For Women
Optional. Practice is needed for the use of this item.

- Sunscreen
Should be with a high zinc content and sweat resistance. This must be 30 spf or higher.

- Lip Balm with SPF 30+
- Altitude Watch (Optional)
- Small Pocket Size Camera (Optional)
- Solar Panel (Optional); Power Bank
- Medical Kit
Should include: blister kit, low dose aspirin, Band-Aids, wound closure strips, triple antibiotic ointment, basic repair kit, scissors, Diamox (acetazolamide, 125mg) for AMS, nifedipine (for pulmonary edema, time release), dexamethasone (for cerebral edema, 4mg), antacids, NSAIDs such as aspirin or ibuprofen, anti-diarrheal, duct tape, ear plugs, Antibiotics (upper respiratory such as Azithromycin and a gastro-intestinal such as Ciprofloxacin), melatonin, Asthma medication if you use it (Advair), cold and flu medication. Prescription medications in consultation with your doctor.

- Toiletry Bag
Should Include: toilet paper, hand sanitizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, shampoo,
trek towel (compact and quick drying), and any personal medications or prescriptions. Choose a quantity appropriate for the length of your trip.

- Snacks
We recommend assortments of hard candies; chocolate; dried fruits; special athletic foods such as energy gels (Gu); electrolytes (Nuun); Clif Shot Bloks; energy bars; protein bars; trail mix nuts.

1. We have the biggest record of orginizing many commertial technical and altitude expeditions.
2. Our guides are highly experience with guide work on many serious climbs all over the world.
3. We offer the best accommodation and food conditions. Your personal needs any special kinds of food will be considered.
4. You can contact your personal advisor in the gear issue for free consultation. Plus free delivery of your personal rented gear to base camp.
5. We offer the scheme of discounts for loyal clients.