Iran, The Amazing Mountainous Land

More often than not, some travelers think of Iran as a country with plenty of deserts. But the fact is that Iran is a mountainous land. Generally, the Mountains of Iran include two main ranges namely; Alborz with an east-west direction and Zagros with a northwest-southeast extension, which covers most of the high Mountains in Iran. Many other high Mountains are also spread in other areas and specially around the central plateau of Iran.

Due to the extremely high altitude variation in Iran, ranging from 28 meters below the sea level up to 5671 meters on Damavand Mountain, very beautiful views and climatic variations can be seen all over the country. This saying is famous in Iran that one can have one's first half of the day enjoying winter sports like snow skiing, and the other half doing water sports like surfing in The Caspian Sea, or The Persian Gulf!

The beautiful Alborz Mountain range in the north, contains a collection of the highest Mountains in Iran. Damavand, the roof of Iran with a 5671meter altitude, is a volcanic cone. Alamkooh , 4850 meters on the other hand, and with forested slopes, has 850 meters of fine parapet excellent for rock-climbing. There are also many other peaks of over 4000 meters high throughout the country.

In the Zagros range, most of the Mountains are calcareous with deep valleys and meandering rocks. Famous Mountains such as Dena with several high peaks, the beautiful peak of San Bran, Gahar Lake on it's foot, Zardkooh and many other peaks with over 4000 meters, stand there straight under the blue sky. But there are other peaks of over 4000 meters in other areas as well. Among those; Taftan volcanic cone in Baloochestan with volcanic gases still erupting out, and the splendid Sabalan peak in Azerbaijan with slopes covered with wild flowers and a beautiful lake in the volcanic cone at it's peak frozen most part of the year.

There are Mountaineering facilities to most of these peaks, and also perfect climbers with wonderful capabilities for many mountain sports

Damavand:

Damavand has always been a point of attraction throughout the history of Iran. Damavand being the center of Alborz range, stands at 5611 meter height, and about 70 Km northeast of Tehran. The climb of Damavand which is said to be rather challenging, than being very technical. However, the climbing of any route of Mountain Damavand offers a unique chance of seeing the beautiful scenery and the mother nature. Mountain Damavand has 6 major routes and a number of side routes to climb. Here are the most prominent ones; North-east route, Northern route, Eastern route, and western route

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Damavand has also number of shelters that are currently used by the Mountaineers. At the altitude of 4500 m of the north-east route, there is a shelter called “Tak Fereidoon”, and at the altitude of 4100 m in the southern route, there is a shelter called “Bargah-e-Se”. There are also two shelters In the western and northern routs.

Alam Kooh:

Alam Kooh with 4650 m is known to be Iran’s Himalayas. Its North face is one of the most impressive in the world. Alam Kooh is the third highest peak in Iran and as most experts believe, is the one which brings more challenges to climbers. Alam Kooh has about 1000 meters of vertical granite which is suitable for cliff hanging. Alam Kooh range is famous for its wall and 14 peaks about 4000 m. Most climbers enjoy to climb Damavand and Alam Kooh in a combined package, and camping there