Cave-AliSadr

Ali Sadr Cave
Caves of Iran
The amazing Ali Sadr cave is a popular tourist destination and a beautiful natural attraction of Iran for foreign tourists, it is a Jurassic water cave with large deep lakes and walls up to 40 meters high, it has an internal river but the flowing of river is not visible and it looks like a silent lake with clear and calm water rather than a current river, most of the trip through the cave is done by pedal boats, it is 11.5 Km long and the second longest surveyed cave of iran.

AliSadr Cave Photo by Ali Majdfar

Iran has many excellent caves to offer for sightseeing, and this is not the only show cave in the country. Ali Sadr Cave is opened to public since 1975 and has several visitors each year and it is one of the most visited cave of the world, the astonishing beauty of this cave may explain the enormous number of visitors.

The main chamber of the cave is 100 meters by 50 meters and 40 meters high. In the summer of 2001, a German/British expedition surveyed the cave to be 11.5 km long. If you have a long term itinerary for Iran and Mount Damavand, not forget to include visiting this wonderful cave in your programme .

Cave AliSadr Photo by Ali Majdfar

Quick Facts and Info
Location: 80 km north of Hamedan city in Hamedan Province Iran,
Distance from Tehran: 350km E of Teheran.
Light: electricity.
Lengths: 11.5 km long.
The main chamber is 100m L X 50m W X 40 m H
Temperature = 11.5°C.
Guided tours by pedal boat: L=1,400m

Ali Sadr Cave Photo by A.Soltani

Ali Sadr Cave Photo by A.Soltani

Quick History
- A man made entrance tunnel to this cave was built in 521-485 B.C in the reign of King Dareios I in the Kingdom of the Achaemenids, later most knowledge about this cave was lost.
- One story tells the cave was rediscovered in 1960 by a local shepherd looking for his lost goat and the other story tells, it was rediscovered in 1978, after the water from the spring diminished, a local guy of Ali Sadr village in search for the water followed the tunnel and found the cave. But certainly the cave is known to the local people from a very long time ago, it was a water reservoir for the people in nearby village of Ali Sadr.

- 500 B.C. an artificial entrance tunnel was built into the cave.
- 1960 rediscovered by a shepherd.
- 1963 explored by mountaineers.
- 1994 new parts of the cave discovered but not surveyed.
- 2000 a German expedition team, Dr. Georg Kaufmann, Michael Laumanns, and Thilo Müller surveyed most of the cave.

Ali Sadr Cave Photo by A.Soltani

Ali Sadr Cave Photo by A.Soltani

Quick Geology
- It belongs to the second Jurassic period and it si about 130-190 million years old.
- The cave shows many formations, the growth of calcite crystals cover the walls about 5 to 10 cm under the water and about 3 m above water level.

Location and Coordinate
GPS Landmark for Ali Sadr cave entrance
Altitude: 2020m
Latitude: 35-18-22 N
Longitude: 48-18-04 E

Other Major Caves in Iran
Karafto Cave Kordestan Iran,
Katalekhor Cave Zanjan,
Moon Cave, Cave civilization
Quri Qaleh Cave Kermanshah
Sahoolan Cave Mahabad, pigeon cave, water cave
Shapour Cave Kazeroon, statue king shapour the great
Vara Cave Jahrom

Alternate names and spellings
Ali Sadr Cave, Ghar-e-Ali Sadr, Ghar Ali Sadr, Qar e Alisadr
In persian: غار علیصدر ایزان

How to go there
From Tehran go by bus or by air to Hamadan city and then go by bus or by car to Ali Sadr Cave.

Ali Sadr Cave Photo by A.Soltani

Ali Sadr Cave Photo by A.Soltani

Ali Sadr Cave Photo by A.Soltani

AliSadr Cave Photo Gallery by Ali Majdfar

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Cave civilization iran, alisadr cave formation geology, iran water caves , iran cave news, cave carving iran, iran cave tour from tehran, damavand tour, cave katalekhor, cave karafto iran, cave moon mazandaran, cave quriqaleh, cave sahoolan , cave shapour fars, qaar e shahbor/shahbour, cave vara fars, tour damavand 2010, iran cave tour 2010, cave photo.

Ali Sadr Cave MDG4JAN10B
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Cave-Moon

Moon Caves
Caves of Iran
At southern slopes of Mt Damavand there are a series of natural and man made caves, these beautiful small caves are located mainly in Larijan district around Haraz Road near Abask and Moon villages in Mazandaran Province Iran. These series of natural prehistoric period caves were used by man and later they have been changed to a better haven later after tool invention, these natural/artificial caves have narrow entrances and could have been used as stronghold palce against any enemy in the ancient years.

Mt Damavand Moon Caves

We have no idea of a reliable source of info for the mentioned caves and neither a reliable name, there might be evidence back to the stone age and there could be retrace of the steps of primitive men or an ancient tribe that lived once upon a time in the area, some locals believe that human skeletons belonging to cavemen have been found in these caves.

Poul e Moon Caves near Mount Damavand

Poul e Moon Caves are the most important ones in the area, located at Poul e Moon junction ( GPS Landmark No 3 ) on Haraz Road to Reyneh Town, these small caves are located in a big wall and connected manualy by hand together through tunnels, you may climb to the lower ones easyl, but it is almost impossible to reach the upper ones wihtout the use of technical equipments and goog skill and high degree of rock climbing .
If you have an extra day for acclimatization in your itinerary before attempting Damavand mountain, it is recommended to visit this fascinating caves.

Alternate names and spellings
pol moon cave, pol e moun Cave, Kafar Koli Cave, dast kan cave, qar dast kan, ghar e dastkan
Note, dast kan mean hand made

Location and Coordinate
Pol e Moon junction
Altitude: 1683 m
Latitude: 35-53-25 N
Longitude: 52-11-53 E

Other Major Caves in Iran
Ali Sadre Cave Hamedan Iran, water cave
Karafto Cave Kordestan Iran,
Katalekhor Cave Zanjan,
Quri Qaleh Cave Kermanshah
Sahoolan Cave Mahabad, pigeon cave, water cave
Shapour Cave Kazeroon, statue king shapour the great cave
Vara Cave Jahrom

Road Map Tehran To Mount Damavand

Photo Gallery Poul e Moon Caves Mt Damavand

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Cave civilization damavand, cave formation, water caves in iran, caves Iran, cave carving, cave tour, tour damavand, cave alisadr hamedan iran, cave katalekhor zanjan, cave karafto kordestan, cave pol e moon larijan, cave quriqaleh kermanshah iran, cave sahoolan mahabad iran, cave shapour kazeroon, cave vara jahrom fars, tour 2010 mt damavand iran, cave tour iran 2010, photo caves iran.

Moon Cave MDG4JAN10A
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New Hut

Camp 3 New Hut
Mt Damavand South Route Campsites
Bargah Sevom New Hut is located on the south trekking route, very closed to the Camp 3 Bargah old shelter/refuge, the construction of this new mountain resort was finished in 2009, although it is not quite complete yet, but you may reseve in advance and get the benefit of its very comfortable private rooms. This mount hut is made by Iran Mount Climbing Federation.

At altitude of 4250 meters above sea level, it is one of the highest in the word and the best place for acclimatization and accommodation in the area, it has private and shared rooms with bunk beds and a very safe haven in case of emergency and any bad weather, it is scheduled to be open through the entire year even in winter, but if you intend to use this hut, it is suggested to get the latest news and by booking in advance, make sure of your room before your travel to the area.

Mt Damavand Camp3 New Hut

Facilities and Advantages
- In case of emergency and any bad weather it is a very safe haven
- Best recommended for acclimatization and accommodation.
- 4 private rooms with bunk beds.
- A big shared saloon with bunk beds.
- Cooking equipments and kitchen.
- Mobile network avalable in some area.
- Solar electricity power and few hours light at night.
- some drink and water avalable in summer.
- Very good management.

Disadvantages
Very handsome campsite and it is an ideal place for mountain climbers despite some minor disadvantages.
- You should book a place in advance because it is crowded in summer.
- Food not avalable yet.
- No telepnone line, no permanent electricity yet.
- It is quite cold especially at night, no central heating.
- No cold & hot water taps.
- Outside toilet.

Quick Facts
Altitude 4250 m

Coordinate
Latitude 35-55-57 N
Longitude 52-06-32 E

Location
Distance from Base Camp 4 to 6 hours
Ascent to summit 5 to7 hours
Descent from summit 2 to 4 hours

Note:
- Remember that there is in no hut in other routes of Mt Damavand and you have to use shelter/refuge or tent in other sides only.
- bunk beds = two beds, one above the other, 2 stage beds

Accommodation in NewHut Damavand
Photo by Ali Najafi


Mt Damavand Hut
Remember this hut is under construction yet
and beds should look like this in near future!

Damavand South Route Map

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Mt Damavand acclimatization and accommodation, polour and bargah sevom campsites, iran mount federation camp, panagah, lodge, resort, hotel, hostel, suite, first camp , second camp, mid camp, third camp, goosfand sara base shelter and mosque, info damavand mount, tourism and travel to iran.

Camp 3 New Hut MDG3JAN10D
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Bargah

Camp 3 Bargah
Mt Damavand South Route Campsites
Bargah Sevom shelter is an old refuge located at altitude 4220 m, this small camp was the main safe haven and mountain resort on the south face for many years before the New Hut was made in 2009 in this area. This shelter is a good resting place for off season, but it is not suitable in summer because it is too crowded and dirty.

Bargah Sevom shelter/refuge is losing its popularity and usage to the new hut. In this campsite you can find some food, water, rent tent and sleeping bag in summer, but it is a good idea to bring your own stuff.

For more comfort and privacy in summer it is highly recommended to bring and use your private tent, or use the benefit of the new hut which has started to give services to climbers since 2009, you may book and use its very comfortable private rooms.

Damavand Camp3 Bargah Sevom Shelter (yellow)

Facilities and Advantages
- In a bad weatherit is a safe haven.
- For off-season it is a good place for acclimatization and accommodation .
- This refuge has some bunk beds.
- Running water is avalable in summer.
- Mobile network avalable.
- In summer some food, drink and water avalable.
- outside toilet.

Disadvantages
- Small old shelter with no facilities.
- Noisy, very crowded and too dirty in summer.
- Not a suitable plcae for acclimatization in summer.

Quick Facts
Altitude 4220 m

Coordinate
Latitude 35-55-54 N
Longitude 52-06-30 E

Location
Distance from Base Camp 4 to 6 hours
Ascent to summit 5-7 hours
Descent from summit 2- 4 hours
See also Damavand GPS Landmark.

Impotant Note
This is the last campsite of the south route, and there is no more hut or shelter above Bargah Sevom refuge and the new hut.

Mt Damavand Camp3 Bargah Sevom Old Refuge

Mt Damavand South Route Map

Damavand Camp 3 Bargah Sevom Camp 4220 m

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All mt damavand camps, iran mountain camps, iran mout federation camps and huts, base camp refuge, base camp shelter, mosque, goosfand sara, camp 3 hut, mount resort, panagah simorgh shelter, panagah takht feridon, hiking & trekking tour 2010 iran, tour damavand iran, gps landmark, route map, photo, picture and video, news, google earth image, hostel, hotel tehran, suite iran, weather and climate damavand دماوند ایران.

Camp 3 Bargah Sevom Shelter MDG3JAN10C
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Base

Camp 2 Base
Mt Damavand South Route Campsites
Base camp is a mountain camping site located at altitude 3040 m above sea level and is the starting point for summer trekking to Mt Damavand. In this area you may find a small mountain shelter or refuge, a mosque called Saheb Zaman (or Saheb al Zaman) and a sheepfold.

In summer and climbing season, strong cars like 4WD Jeeps and land rovers transfer climbers and their equipment to this campsite, it is possible to find some water, food and drink, but it is recommend to bring and use your own staff and also you may find mule and porter to carry your equipment to the last camp.

Remeber in other seasons, this area is almost remote and restricted and due to heavy snowfall the gravel road is blocked and cars may not be able to reach this place, the starting point in winter is gravel road junction (GPS Landmark No5) or somewhere closed to that point.

This place is not recommended for any accommodation and acclimatization in summer and crowded climbing season, but if you insist to use this place, you may bring your own tent and use it few hundred meters away from the area, in other seasons when it is not too crowded you can use the shelter/refuge or the mosque with no problem.

Mt Damavand Base Camp or Goosfand Sara 3040 m

Facilities and Advantages (mostly in summer season)
- South route starting point.
- Transfer by car to this place.
- Mobile network available.
- Mule and porter available.
- Some food, drink, water.

Disadvantages (mostly in summer)
- Worst campsite it area, it need some major reconstruction.
- An old shelter/refuge with no facilities.
- Not a suitable place for acclimatization and accommodation.
- There is no running water most time.
- Noisy and crowded and too dirty.
- Not a suitable place for foreigners traveling to this mountain.
- In fact it is invaded by people, cars....
- No proper toilet.
- No management at all.

Note Remember for acclimatization, it is recommended to use Camp 1 Polour or Camp 3 New Hut.
See also Warning.

Altitude 3040 m

Coordinate
Latitude 35-54-10 N
Longitude 52-06-34 E

Other Spelling and Names
English name, Base Camp, Mosque, Base shelter/refuge, sheepfold.

Farsi Name, Goosfand Sara ye Ehsan, Masjed Saheb al Zaman,

Old name: Alaf Chin
Gosfand Sara means sheepfold.

Mount Damavand South Route Map

Road Map Tehran To Damavand

Mt Damavand Camp 2 Base 3040m

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All iran mount federation camps and resorts, base shelter, bargah sevom refuge, saheb al zaman mosque, camp 3 new hut, simorgh shelter, panagah takht feridon refuge, route map, summer itinerary, photo, picture and video clips, mountain guide, guided, iran nature and ecosystem guide, ski tour, ski mountaineering tour 2010, mt. damavand, winter climb and ski in 2010, volcano damavand, damawand, demavand, damavan, climate and weather damavand iran دماوند ایران.

Camp 2 Base MDG3JAN10B
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Reyneh

Camp 1 Reyneh
Mt Damavand South Route Campsites
Reineh hut is the oldest Mt Damavand campsite, it was build in 1939 and reconstructed in 1969, since then there has been no major changes in this building, this small old camp is located in Reyneh Town and it was the only main mountain resort in the area for many years before the construction of Camp 1 Polour in Polour Village in 2004. In recent years among Iranian climbers and foreign tourists, Reineh hut has lost its popularity to the new hut.

If you want to go to Damavand from north of Iran, either from Mazandaran or Gilan or province, you may use the Reineh as your starting point to the south route, but if you travel through capital Tehran, you have a better option and you are recommended to use Polour Hut which is much better place and a shortcut to the Base Camp.

Mt Damavand Camp 1 Reineh

Advantages- Access way to the south face from north of Iran, ie Mazandaran and Gilan province.
- Old and ordinary camp for accommodation and acclimatization.
- Shared rooms with bunk beds and private suite.
- Cooking equipment and kitchen.
- Central heating.
- Telephone line and electricity.
- Water taps, cold & hot, shower and toilet.
- 2 Mobile networks available in the area.

Disadvantages- Longer access from Tehran compared to Polour Hut.
- A small hut with little facilities compared to Polour New Hut.
- This old camp need some reconstruction.
- Needs better management.

Important Note
Please note, it is not recommended to use any unidentified place  as your accommodation either in the towns or villages near the mountain. The safest and the best resting place are Iran Mountain Federation Camps ONLY.

Coordinate
Altitude: 2078 meters
Latitude: 35-52-58 N
Longitude: 52-09-58 E

Reineh Town
Rineh is a beautiful small town located in south slopes and at foot of Mt Damavand in Mazandaran province, Iran. It is the capital of the Larijan district of Amol County.

Alternate Names and spellings
Reineh City, Reyneh Town, Rayneh, Reneh, Rehneh.
In Persian رینه، شهر رینه ( pronounced ray ne)

Damavand South Route Map

Mt Damavand Camp 1 Reyneh

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Mount federation campsites iran, base shelter, panagah, refuge, resort, shelter, hostel, hotel, suite, camp 1 polour, camp 2 base shelter, mosque, goosfand sara, camp 3 bargah sevom, camp 3 new hut, first camp, second camp, mid camp, last camp, simorgh shelter, takht feridon shelter, ski mountaineering tour 2010 mt damavand iran, tehran to damavand, gps track, gps waypoint landmark, route and trail map, photo, picture and video, news 2010 iran, google earth, winter climate, hike, trek, climb, damavand iran دماوند ایران.

Camp 1 Reyneh Hut MDG3JAN10A
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Polour

Camp 1 Polour Hut
Mt Damavand South Route Campsites
Polour Hut or Lodge is a comfortable hostel and a cosey place for acclimatization and accommodation in the area, it has some shared bed rooms with bunk beds and 2 private suite, it is scheduled to be open through the year, but it is highly recommended to reserve and book your place in advance in the summer season and crowded holidays.

This new complex sport center is the best starting point for climbing Mt Damavand either from calsic south route or the west route, it was established in 2004 by Iran Mount Climbing Federation, it is located in Polour Village closed to Haraz Road in Larijan district of Mazandaran Province Iran.

Mt Damavand Camp 1 Polour Altitude 2270 m

Advantages
- A shortcut to Base Camp.
- Suggested starting point for south and west routes.
- Best place in the area for acclimatization and accommodation.
- Private suites and shared rooms with bunk beds .
- Cooking equipments and kitchen.
- Tap water, telephone line and permanent electricity.
- Good toilet and showers, cold & hot water taps.
- 2 mobile network avalable in the area.
- Central heating, it is quite warm and comfortable in cold weather .
- Water, some food and soft drink and mountain gear avalable.
- Good management.

Disadvantages
There is no major disadvantages for this beautiful mount resort, but it is gaining popularity which could make it crowded in the peak of climbing season and you should book your room in advance.

Quick Facts
Altitude 2270 m
Coordinate
Latitude 35-50-50 N
Longitude 52-03-36 E

Note
Haraz Road is one of the main roads which passes through Alborz Mountains and connects capital Tehran to north of Iran and the Caspian Sea in Mazandaran province, this road passes by Mt.Damavand through beautiful Haraz Valley closed to Haraz River.

Other Names and Spellings
Panagah polor, Polur resort, poolor hostel, poolour lodge.

Mount Damavand South Route Map

Road Map Tehran To Mt Damavand

Damavand Camp1 Polour Hut Altitude 2270 m

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Iran mountain federation campsites, refuge, resort, shelter, hostel, hotel, suite, village, north east tahkt feridon shelter, west simorgh shelter, reyneh, base camp, bargah sevom camp, bargah sevom new hut, hiking & trekking ecosystem and iran nature tour 2010, gps landmark, route and trail map, itinerary 2010 damavand mt iran, guided tour, ski and climbing tour iran, winter climb and ski mountaineering, news 2010 iran, google earth sat image, south, east, west, winter climate and weather damavand iran دماوند ایران.

Camp 1 Polour Hut MDG2JAN10B
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