Damavand Camp

Damavand Camp – Complete Guide to Damavand Base Camp

The Saheb al-Zaman Mosque at Damavand Camp II – Goosfand-Sara
part of the Damavand Camp trekking route
providing shelter and rest for climbers ascending Mount Damavand.

Damavand Camp, also known as the main Damavand Base Camp or Goosfand-Sara, serves as the starting point for most climbers heading up Mount Damavand via the southern route. Situated at approximately 3,040 meters (9,970 ft), this Damavand camping site is the central hub for trekkers and climbers preparing for the summit. Its strategic location, panoramic views, and traditional facilities make it one of the best Damavand Campsites for a safe and organised ascent. For full details, maps, and guide information, visit the Damavand Camp official guide.

Location and Accessibility

Damavand Camp is located along the popular southern route of Mount Damavand in Iran. Most climbers reach this Damavand camping ground via 4WD vehicles from nearby villages, including Polour and Reineh Town. At Goosfand-Sara, local mules and porters are available to transport backpacks, camping equipment, and supplies further up the route. This service is particularly helpful for international trekkers who want to conserve their energy for the steep climb ahead.

Facilities at Damavand Camp

Facilities at Damavand Camp are basic but functional. Climbers will find a small stone shelter with two rooms, the Saheb al-Zaman Mosque, a sheepfold, and designated tenting areas. Food and water may sometimes be available from local vendors, but it is highly recommended to bring your own high-energy snacks, purified water, and personal camping gear. For a quieter and more private experience, tents can be pitched a few hundred meters away from the main zone, offering peaceful surroundings and better acclimatisation at one of the most convenient Damavand Campsites. 

View of Damavand Camp - Tenting Area – Goosfand-Sara Base Camp,
part of the Damavand Camp trekking route, showing tents, shelter, and surrounding landscape.

Accommodation and Tenting at Damavand Camp

Tenting at Damavand Camp is the most practical and popular choice for climbers, providing open and flat grounds for personal tents. During the summer season, the main camp can be crowded, noisy, and dusty, especially around the mosque and shelter. For a more peaceful experience, many trekkers choose private Damavand camping spots slightly away from the central area, ensuring comfort, privacy, and better rest for acclimatisation.

Some tenting areas are managed by local hosts, such as Mr Akbar Mansouri, who provides well-maintained Damavand camping spaces a short distance from the busier zones of the camp. Visitors can rent these tents, which is convenient for those arriving late or preferring a ready setup. Camping in these designated areas ensures safety, comfort, and proper acclimatisation before continuing the ascent to higher camps, making it one of the best Damavand Campsites along the south route. More details are available here: https://www.damawand.de/How/Base.html.

Open tenting spots at Damavand Camp II – Goosfand-Sara Base Camp,
part of the Damavand Camp trekking route, ideal for climbers to rest and acclimatize.

Tips for Climbers at Damavand Camp

• Bring your own tent, food, and water to ensure comfort and safety at this Damavand camping site.
• Arrive early during the summer season to secure a spot at one of the popular Damavand Campsites.
• Consider hiring a local guide to assist with route advice, logistics, and arranging mules or porters.
• Pitch tents slightly away from the central area for a quieter and more private Damavand camping experience.
• Use Damavand Camp as a key acclimatisation stop before continuing to higher camps on the southern route. Learn more about facilities and planning your stay at the Damavand Camp official guide.

Adventure and Experience at Goosfand-Sara

Damavand Camp – Goosfand-Sara perfectly blends tradition with adventure. Its mosque, simple charm, and breathtaking panoramic views mark the true starting point for every Damavand Camp expedition. This Damavand camping ground serves as both the symbolic and logistical heart of climbing Mount Damavand, connecting trekkers with the region's long-standing mountaineering culture and offering one of the best Damavand camping experiences.

Mules, Porters, and Local Support at Damavand Camp

At Damavand Camp, hiring mules and local porters is a traditional and essential part of every trek. Climbers can easily arrange transportation for backpacks, camping equipment, and food to higher Damavand Campsites along the southern route. This service is especially helpful for international trekkers who want to conserve energy for the steep climb ahead.

These services are managed by local villagers, supporting both mountaineers and the livelihoods of families around Mount Damavand. The presence of mules and porters at Goosfand-Sara reflects the long-standing mountaineering culture, where human endurance and local knowledge work together to ensure a smoother, safer, and more enjoyable Damavand camping experience.

View of the southern route and the surrounding landscape from Damavand Camp II
Goosfand-Sara Base Camp,
part of the Damavand Camp trekking route, leads climbers toward higher camps.

Frequently Asked Questions About Damavand Camp

Damavand Camp is situated along the southern route of Mount Damavand at approximately 3,040 meters. It serves as the main hub for climbers and trekkers preparing for the summit, making it one of the key Damavand Campsites on the route.

Most climbers reach Damavand Camp via 4WD vehicles from nearby villages such as Polour or Reineh Town. From the base camp, local mules and porters are available to transport backpacks, camping gear, and supplies to higher Damavand camping sites, supporting a smoother ascent.

Damavand Camp offers basic shelters, a small mosque, sheepfolds, and designated tenting areas. It is recommended to bring personal food, water, and camping equipment for comfort and safety at this Damavand camping ground.

Overnight stays at Damavand Camp are possible and sometimes helpful for acclimatization. However, the camp can be crowded in summer. For a quieter experience, pitch tents slightly away from the main area or continue directly to higher camps.

Experienced climbers may bypass Damavand Camp, but doing so requires careful planning, proper acclimatisation, and sufficient supplies to ensure safety along the ascent.

The best time to climb Mount Damavand and use the Damavand Camp is during the summer months, from late June to early September, when conditions are safer and more comfortable for trekkers.

Hiring a local guide is not mandatory but highly recommended. Guides provide safety, route advice, and assistance with logistics, including arranging mules or porters, ensuring a smoother Damavand camping experience.

Climbers continue from Damavand Camp II – Goosfand-Sara Base Camp
to Camp III – Bargah-e Sevom, part of the Damavand Camp trekking route along the southern path.

Essential Tips for Climbers at Damavand Camp

Damavand Camp is one of the most important Damavand Campsites for climbers ascending Mount Damavand. It provides practical tenting areas, basic services, and a glimpse of local culture, while offering access to the southern route. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced mountaineer, using Damavand Camp as your main base ensures a safer, well-prepared, and memorable Damavand camping experience.

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