Mt Damavand Ascent

Day 1
Depart London.

Day 2
On arrival we transfer to our centrally located hotel, in Tehran. Those not on the group flights will meet us at breakfast. Just prior to our early morning arrival in Tehran it is occasionally possible to see the outline of Mt Damavand. At the hotel we will have a rest and eat something before we begin our drive north to Nandal village around late morning. It's about a 4 hour drive and the urban sprawl of Tehran gradually gives way to stark, rocky mountain scenery dotted with occasional trees. We will stop for a late lunch en route to break up the journey (not included). The last hour or so of our drive is on a windy mountain road with great views of the mountain. We arrive at Nandal, (2700m), at about 5pm. It is a seasonal village which the inhabitants abandon in winter because of heavy rain and snow. The accommodation here is basic and the group will sleep in 2 rooms to the side of a family's house. The facilities are very basic. You will need to use your sleeping mat and sleeping bag and there are no showers available. At the village we will meet the rest of the trekking crew who will accompany us on the trip. There will be a full trek briefing after dinner.

Day 3
After breakfast we begin this morning with a short drive (20 minutes) from Nandal to the little farming enclave of Gousfand-Sara. The drive is across wide trails and will be in the back of a pick-up truck so expect a bumpy ride. From here we begin our ascent of Damavand. We start on fairly obvious cattle tracks but these become gradually less well defined as we ascend and occasionally descend throughout the day. We will stop for lunch about half way through the day and we should reach our first camp (3800m) after approximately 5 hours of walking. The camp site is in a fairly sheltered location with beautiful views.

Day 4
We continue to our second camp at Takht-e-Fereydoun where we spend two nights for acclimatisation purposes. We walk alongside a stream in a rocky gully before ascending a grassy hump and arrive at a flat, green meadow. From here there is a good pony path that winds upwards towards the campsite. The camp at 4200m is situated in a spectacular setting overlooking both Damavand and the valley below; there is a mountaineering shelter a short but steep walk above us. We do not use it because of its cramped conditions and because it is not very clean. In the afternoon there will be time for the energetic to go for a walk to the ridge above the campsite.

Day 5
Today is an acclimatisation day so we will go on a trek in the morning. Usually the route taken for this will be part of the summit route we walk tomorrow. The afternoon should be spent relaxing before the early start tomorrow.

Day 6
We will begin today's climb soon after it gets light for the final ascent of Damavand. Hot drinks and a basic breakfast will be provided before we leave the campsite. You will also be given a packed lunch to carry in your daypack. It will be a long day so you should also take any other energy snacks that you have. The climb begins on a good rubble path, which may even be snow-covered, until we arrive at a ridge. From here we gain spectacular panoramic views. Staying to the right of the glacier valley with fine views of colourful rocky pinnacles, we ascend steeply through snow and soft rock. At times we walk across patches of yellow sulphurous volcanic scree, interspersed with snow and rock, to reach a large landmark rock ahead of us which signals we are very near the summit crater. You will need to take your walking sticks as the snow can be deep in places. As we approach the crater rim the smell of sulphur is quite strong. A short walk to our left brings us to the highest point of the volcano with spectacular views to the south and across the snow-filled crater. We then make our descent, which depending on snow conditions can vary in time considerably. The ascent takes approximately 6-7 hours and the descent a further 3-4 hours.

Day 7
After breakfast we will pack up the campsite. You will be expected to assist with dismantling your tent. We begin our descent to the village of Nandal using the outward route. We will make our way back to the village of Gousfand-Sara via the route we used to ascend. We lose altitude quickly so the walk should not take more than 4 hours. On arrival at the farming hamlet we will stop for a traditional Iranian lunch before continuing in vehicles back to Nandal. We will stop briefly in Nandal and then drive back to Tehran on the Haraz road in time for a hot shower and a bed! We should arrive in Tehran by 8pm but this will depend on the traffic. Usually the group will go out in Tehran for dinner. The leader will be able to suggest restaurants.

Day 8
Tehran is huge but as the whole day is free there will be plenty of time to explore the National Museum which contains a fantastic collection of prehistoric, ancient and Islamic artifacts. Nearby is the Glass and Ceramics Museum housed in a beautiful building which used to serve as the Egyptian Museum. The interior too is stunning and should not be missed. Other attractions include the National Jewels Museum, The Golestan Palace or The National Museum of Art. Or you may wish to simply take in the sights and sounds of Iran's capital. There is also an interesting bazaar and many shops selling Iranian artifacts as well as a wonderful selection of dried fruits, nuts and sweets. Your leader wills be able to offer advice on these options. This day will not be escorted.

Day 9
An early morning transfer to the airport for our return flight to London. The vehicle will arrive at the hotel very early. Your leader will provide you with exact details the day before. The trip ends after breakfast for those who have not booked the group flights.