Damavand-News2

Damavand News 2010
Mt Damavand is a popular tourism attraction in summer, climbing season generaly starts early June, to be more precise it starts on 3rd June due to a major 2 days public holiday plus a long weekend in Iran. In order to meet the least crowd problem, it is recommended to keep away form this mountain from 3 to 5 June 2010, because all the camps are crowded and there are big traffic jams on the Haraz road leading to the area.

Damavand Mountain Iran
Beginning of Summer Season, 26 May 2010

Latest News for the south route 29 May 2010:
I climbed to the Damavand summit on 26 May 2010 and I would like to share the latest news with you.
- The south route graval road ia accessible by cars and 4WD cars can go to Camp2 Base (Goosfan Sara 3050m) and you may start your teck from that point.
- Climbing permit fee for foreign climber is 50 USD per person, no change by mountaineering federation of iran in 2010 yet.
- Most footpaths have poped-up from ice and snow, crampon and ice-axe are not necessary any more.
- Due to low temp and strong wind, the condition is though yet.
- This year there is more sulfuric gases near the crater, keep away from these smoke as far as you can !?
- Remember, for any successful climb you should be well equipped and you need a good weather.
- A little snow left on Damavand for ski, at the moment ski is possible from Camp3 Bargah to the top, you may consider june as the end of ski season for the area.

Mt Damavand Iran
Photo by Sajad 27 May 2010

Memorial Photo after a joint climb
groups from Iran, Englad, and Turkmenistan
Photo by Sajad 27 May 2010

Memorial Photo after a joint climb
Groups from Iran, Englad, and Turkmenistan
Photo by Sajad 27 May 2010

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Directory and encyclopedia of iran's mountains and mountaineering, alburz mountain map elevation, facts mt damavand iran, mount location latitude longitude altitude elevation height, damavand eruptions news, seven volcanic summits, volcanic activities, what is damavad in rank, article damavand, climate alborz mountain, camp 2 base, acclimatization and accommodation, campsite in summer, weekends and holidays, season school vacations, the highest crowd peak ist 6 august, the least crowd problem.

Few tips camp1 polour hut is better than camp1 reyneh, long weekend in iran, starting point at beginning of gravel road, start at base camp, iran mountain climbing federation, permit cost for foreign, bargah sevom camp, gosfan sara shelter, tourist attraction in summer, south route is the most popular face of the mountain, heavy spring snow fall in spring, experinced climber, well equipped with winter gears, crampon and ice axe, update MDG29MAY10B, tour damavand tour, picture damavand pic.

Damavand News 2010 MDG29MAY10A
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Damavand-News

Damavand News 2010
Memorial Ascend to Mt Damavand 26 May 2010
Kohestan Mountaineering Group climbed to Mount Damavand summit on 26 May 2010 to preserve the memory of Dr. Hossain Farhidpour our team doctor and teammate who died 40 days ago.

Mt Damavand Summit Iran
Kohestan Mountaineering Group from left:
Ardeshir Soltani, Hadi Rezaei, Afsaneh Jalili, Qasem Khorampour
Photo archive by MDG

بنام دوست
بمناسبت یاد بود چهلمین روز در گذشت زنده یاد دکتر حسین فرهید پور
پزشک تیم ، هم طناب و یار گروه کوهنوردی کوهستان
در تاریخ 5 خرداد 1389 قله دماوند بام ایران
توسط تیم کوهنوردی کوهستان ایران صعود شد

Mount Damavand Iran
Foto by A. Soltani

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Alternate names, spellings and pronunciation (few incorrect) for Mount Damavand Iran:
Dam•a•vand (dăm'ə-vănd', dä'mä-vänd)
Dem•a•vend (dĕm'ə-vĕnd')
Demavend: dĕmˈəvĕnd
Køh-e Damåvand
Demåvend Kuh
Volcano DAMAVAND damavad damavan damavend damāvand iran,
DAMAWAND damawad damawan damawend damāwand volcan iran,
DEMAVAND demavend demawand damawend demāwand mountain iran,

Abc of mountain climbing iran, alpine style mountaineering ascent climb climbing, avalanche danger risk south route, boulder climbing iran, climb mt. damavand january, february, march, april, may, june, ascend mt damavand july, august, september, october, november, december, trek alborz & zagros mountain zone, climbing and ski mountaineering, summer and winter climbing, difficulty and climbing grade, equipment and gear list, google earth satellite image, hiking & trekking guide 2010, hiking equipment and gear, climbing and trekking map, mount climbing guide and coach, mountaineering and eco tour guide.

Mountaineering and trekking guide for alborz & zagros mountain ranges, mountain trip reports, nature ecosystem and mountains, mount and mountaineering adventure info center, speed climbing iran, summer and winter climbing, technical ascend and descend, trekking unclimbed routes mountains, winter climb and ski expedition guided, winter climbing and ski mountaineering, mount Elburz beautiful red flowers, natural poppy fields start blooming in iran, natural beauties and landscapes persia outdoor activity, mountain tourism info center, mountain trip reports, guided trekking desert and nature guide, climbing and trekking.

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Damavand-Fog

Damavand Fog
The Caspian Sea is the largest lake in the world which makes a great amount of humidity to its surrounding countries, the Alborz Mountains is a huge mountain range about 1500 km long, its width varies from 30 up to 130 km, avarage height about 3000 meters, this mountain chain is located at southern coast of the Caspian Sea and divides Iran into two distinctive ecoregion, it separates the humid and forested areas of the Caspian Sea from the arid and dry climate of the central plateau of Iran, it acts as a natural barrier and wall which blocks the clouds, fog and moisture of the northern part to move to the main land and the southern deserts of Persia.

Damavand morning view
Photo by A. Soltani

There are few exceptions in this ecosystem, such as the Haraz Valley, the longest valley of the Iran and Abr Forest. The grand Haraz Canyon is one of the main channels for the fogs and clouds of the northen part to escape from the humid zone to the dry area and form a beautiful foggy region in Haraz Valley at the slope of Mount Damavand. Generally, this clouds and fog are formed in the morning and mostly stay down at the surface up to altitude of approx 3000 meters and may move to upper altitudes in the afternoon and evening.

Hiking & trekking Tour Mt. Damawand Iran
foto by Ardeshir Soltani

Advantages and Disadvantages
This thick fog makes some difficulty for mountaineering, the main disadvantage is the poor visibility specially if you get caught in the darkness, the visibility may decrease as low as 1 meter! and also it is most risky at the Danger Zone of the Mt. Damavand when you return back from the summit, you may get lost in the fog easily even during the day. One way to overcome the codition and find your way in a heavy fog is to use the GPS Landmarks in your GPS equipment.

It has a good advantage for hiking & trekking and mountaineering in a summer day, because it drops the temprature up to 10 to 15 degree centigrade, a goog time to witness the mountain in clouds and fog. While this phenomenal looks quite good in summer climbs, but lowering the temprature is a real problem in colder seasons.

Damavand Base Camp 3050m,
photo by Ardeshir Soltani

This fog may extend and spreads a vast area in mountainous region in central Alborz Mountains covering towns and villages from city of Amol in Mazandaran Province to Dasht Mosha, Haraz Valley, Haraz Road, Haraz River, Larijan and Reyneh Town, Lar, Polour, Moon, Ab Ask, Nava, Vana, Gilass, Abali, Hezar Dasht and Mountains such as Gol e Zard, Mount Do Berar (Do Berar means two brothers).

Mount Damavand Iran
by A. Soltani

Mt. Damavand Camp3 Bargah Sevom 4220m
by A. Soltani"

Damavand Montain Iran
Photo by A. Soltani

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Damavand-Photo9

Photo Gallery 9
MDG Photo gallery 2010 Mount Damavand Iran.
A collection of useful photos, picture and images for climbing and ski mountaineering Mt Damāvand.

Mount Damavand Iran
April 2010, Photo by A. Soltani

Mountaineering Federation of Iran, Damavand Camps
Photo by Ardeshir Soltani

Damawand Bargah Sevom Camp in a Stormy Day of April
Photo by A.Soltani

Mt Damavand Camp3 New Hut, Inside view, Altitude 4250m
Made by Mountaineering Federation of Iran,
Photo by A.Soltani

Mt Demavand Camp3 Old Shelter, Inside view, Altitude 4220m
Photo by A.Soltani

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Damavand-GuestBook

Guest Book
Visitors to Iran and Mt Damavand who have used our services may express their thoughts about the Mount Damavand Guide website and its assistance, you are welcome to make recommendations and comments by dropping off a message by email, this will help us to improve our services in the future and will give a better idea to incomming tourists.

We understand that there are some bad news about Iran in western media, but Iran is wonderful country and the people are helpful and will make you feel welcome, in our guestbook you can read some true practical info from those mountaineers who have visited Iran recently, this may help you to make your mind and experience travel to Iran yourself.

Comment by Benjamin Aubert From France:
15 June 2010
"I spent 2 weeks in Iran with Mr Soltani and it was an amazing trip. Everything was prepared and very well organized. I had to worry about anything. Mr Soltani is a Mt Damavand Expert, he has wonderful knowledge about the mountain and the region. He knows where to go when and everything is clear. It first my first trip/guide in the world and I really like the time we spent. I had the chance to go far north to Sabalan and to see another huge mountain.
Why choosing Mt Damavand Info:
- Serious
- Honnest
- VERY PROFESSIONNAL !
and he will help you to discover Iran as you which with many traditions and cultural aspect.
It worth going to the mountain with Mr Soltani if you wish to reach the summit. It is also very useful to listen as Mr Soltani advice as he climbed the mountain few time ;-)
Allez les Verts"
Benjamin A

Benjamin Aubert
with Saint Etienne Football Club Flag
on Mt Damavand Summit, 15 June 2010

Comment by Jaime Vinals From Guatemala:
27 April 2010
My expedition to Mt. Damavand last April 13 and 14 was a wonderful experience, specially because who organizes for me was very professional and kind.
I did my trip thru Mr. Ardeshir Soltani... http://damavandmt.blogspot.com/
Since the moment Mr. Soltani waited for me at the airport until the end of the trip he was concern about myself.
I climbed to the summit of Mt. Damavand together with Soltani's guide Mr. Majid Droodgar.
We did an excellent team with good communication and will to reach the summit. He has been up there many times, but for me was my very first time, which was great.
In enjoyed a very clear summits, admiring the landscape, scenery, the beautiful crater on the top. I have really enjoyed.
Thank you so much to Mr. Soltani and Mr. Droodgar for help me to introduce myslef to the wonderful Iranian Mountains such as Mt. Damavand.
I recommend very much to anyone who wants to climb successfully Mt. Damavand go with Mr. Ardeshir Soltani, he is the best at Iran.

Sincerely,
Jaime Vinals
Guatemala
http://www.jaimevinals.com/

Jaime Vinals in Melat Park after climb to Mount Damawand Iran
Photo by A. Soltani

Comment by Gilad Stern from South Africa:
Climbing Damavand can be a bit tricky. It is a high mountain, and not to be underestimated, especially because the height gain is relatively quick. One goes from the low slopes to the 5671 metre high summit in two days, so there is not a great deal of time to acclimatise. So, I found that the best asset I had in climbing Damavand was the considerable experience of Mr Soltani.

It is unusual, maybe even unmatched, for one person to have such extensive experience of one seriously high mountain. Mr Soltani's literally hundreds of summits have given him unparalleled insight into Damavand, and he shares that insight with his client climbers. I benefitted from his advice and judgement, and that made the experience both pleasant and fulfilling.

Damavand is a characterful mountain, high, beautiful, and full of energy. My ascent was enhanced by a guide with character and energy in generous quantities.

Gilad Stern
Cape Town, South Africa
http://www.giladstern.co.za/

Gilad Stern on the top of Mt Damavand Iran
Photo by Ali Najafi

This page will be updated soon and will be sorted by the trip date to Iran and Mt. Damavand.
This may look an informal method of dropping off a message, we hope to find a propper script and host for MDG web-based guestbook to allow visitors remotely leave their public comments and notes.

Damawand Mountain Iran
photo by Sherpa of Mt Damavand

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Damavand-Tip

Climbing Tips
Mt Damavand Climbing Tips Part2
Climbing season is different in various continents and countries, for Mt Damavand in Iran it may not be the same as Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania or Mt Fuji in Japan. Climbing to this huge volcano gets more difficult as the Climate changes towards the winter and cold weather. We do not want to disappoint you, but it is really though to reach this peak in a freezing and cold condition, it is possible to reach the summit in a suitable weather only!

We recommend south face in summer for newcomers for their first trip to Damavand. If it is your first attempt to this mountain it is better to choose a proper timing such as 4 days itinerary from south route, June, July and August are good months to tackle the mountain and best days to be away from the crowds are Iranian midweek days, note Iranian weekend are Thursday and Friday, (Friday=weekend).
See also: Climbing Tips Part1, Common Mistakes, How to Climb.

Hiking & Trekking Tour Mt. Damawvand Iran
photo by A.Soltani

Advantages of South Route
- You may book and use private rooms in huts, instead of shelter/refuge and you can use better supports.
- Huts are the best places for acclimatization and accommodation.
- You have access to porter and mule easily in summer and you do not need to carry heavy equipment to Camp3 , there is no grantee for other routes.
- Huts are very safe haven in case of any bad weather and emergency.
- Usually rescue team can reach much quicker or are available in case of emergency.
- It is almost safe to leave behind the heavy equipments in hut private rooms on the summit day.

Disadvantages of Other Routes
- Remember there is no hut on other faces and you have to use shelter/refuge or tent only.
- In other routes in case of crowded shelter and bad weather you have to use tent only.
- Access to the starting point of other routes are difficult.
- Drinking water shortage on other faces compare to south classic route.
- Damavand Mountain north face is not popular because of its water shortage and difficult climbing geade too.
- You may find some water on other trails but not in all seasons, do not count on these water and do not expect clean water there, have enough water with you.

Ski Tips
Each year we meet different skier from various countries with different and new sophisticated equipments, due to importance and required safety in a ski tour and to match the electronic avalanche transceivers, we usually recommend the incoming team to bring a spare and extra set of the avalanches transmitter with the same type and brand for their ski guide to increase the chance of surviving in avalanches.

Damawand Mountain Iran
photo by Sherppa of Mt Damavand

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MDG is a helpful tourism guidebook, outdoor photo and photographers, iran tourism industry, tourism information desk, trip reports, routes, facts, photos and pictures, maps, damavand picture pic, photo foto, image, video clips, climbing & trekking tour iran mountains, mountain skitouring, mountain tour persian trek, iran climb and ski tour iran tour organizer, culture attractions, world heritage site, travel reports, classic cultural tour, trekking agency, thorn tree iran discussions, guided tour, iran tourism & touring organization, iran climbing tours, climbing and mountaineer tour iran, discussion forum, seven natural wonders, guided trekking & climbing expedition hiking & trekking tour, foreign tourists, mountain huts tourist target.

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Damavand-Tips

Tourism Tips
Iran also call Persia is a wonderful and fascinating country and the people are very kind, with great hospitality, warm reception of guests and strangers and foreign tourists. The people are very helpful and polite and will make you feel very welcome. There's so much bad news and nonsense about Iran in western media, just ignore it all, read some true practical info about incoming tours and experience travel to Iran yourself, do not believe and rely on western propaganda only.

We would like to share our information with adventurous traveler to Iran, we highly recommend to read this topic and some useful and informative pages in Lonely Planet from tourists who have visited Iran in 2010 and are just back with most updated info about Persia, they mention "Absolutely fantastic people, and a very interesting country" and "Most things are cheap in Iran".
See also:
Safe for Americans in Iran?
Iran - just back and these are my tips

Beginning of a Mt Damavand Summer Tour
Photo by A.Soltani

Don't Be Scared
Just be a little brave! You won't be arrested as a hostage at airport! There is no 'morality police' any more!

Money
Iran currency is Rial, but people prefer to deal in Tomans, If you change 100 USD you become a multimillionaire! 10 Rials = 1 Toman
This is an approx exchane rate ( April 2010 )
To make things easy and understand the Iranian money just ignore all the zeros on the Iranian banknote money, that is all !
10,000 Rials= 1 USD
20,000 Rials= 2 USD
50,000 Rials= 5 USD

Important
Due to international sanctions against Iranian banks and possibility of international community considering boycotting of even more Iranian goods and the source of incomes please remember:
1- You can not use ATM system in Iran and can't get money out of the bank using electronic funds transfer at point of sale (eftpos).
2- You can not use your credit card to buy goods, only a few carpet shops will take credit cards and they'll charge you more.
3- Bring enough money in cash with you.
4- When transferring (the deposit) money from your country to your Iranian business partner, do not mention the name of Iran, you may just mention another term such as Mt Damavand Tour.
5- You may change money upon arrival at IKA International Airport, the rate is quite fare, there is not a major difference between exchange rates in bank and free market money exchange shops.
6- There is no problem for changing US$ or Euros, money exchange shops are available in most cities and hotels.

Ghar Katalehkhor, Zanjan Iran, Photo by A.Soltani

Holidays in Persian Calendar
Be aware of Iranian holidays and weekends specially Iranian new year. These holidays makes some problems for incoming tours, most shops and tourism sites such as museums are closed and there are big traffic jams on the roads. Iranian weekend are Thursday and Friday. Friday = the weekend.

Nowruz or Now Rooz, 21 March to 2 April, is the traditional Iranian (Persian) new year holiday celebrated in Iran which marks the first day of spring and the beginning of the Persian Calendar.

There are 25 holidays. Dates for anniversaries are based on the Persian calendar, Lunar calendar or Zoroastrian calendar; the dates on the Gregorian calendar can vary from year to year. Nowroz , is not recommended for damavand climbing too, during this time you can not find public transport , and the roads are in the worst possible traffic condition.

Guide
It is a good idea to have guide, If you're not with a guide, have some extra time to find out about local things. Iran is a good country for group travel and guided tours, sometimes complicated to arrange and handle everything things alone, some places should be open but closed in some occasions without any notice!

Cheap Tours
When traveling to Iran for an adventure tour such as a Mt Damavand tour, remember the safety of your team and the quality of your tour are the main priorities, if some tour operators and organizers offer you very low costs for your trip, be aware that the quality of their services may be very low too.

Karaftou, Kurdestan Iran, Photo by Aredeshir Soltani

Internet Restriction
Internet cafes are available in most cities, but as you may follow the latest news on Iran, there are some restrictions and limitation to internet for some particular websites, specially in some occasions access to the internet is almost impossible, this limitation is not an international sanction, it is done locally by the Iranian authorities, ie Facebook is banned and some other sites, may be temporary blocked, but come back online later. Most Iranians know how to get around it and cafe employees may help you too.

Language
In Iran people speak in Farsi (or as you may call it Persian), although you may continue with English, it's a good idea to learn some Farsi phrases too, as someone will certainly speak enough English to translate for you, or show you in the right direction. Most street signs in major cities such as Shiraz and Isfahan are also in English.

Dress-code
For Women
A light-weight scarf and manteau or a long top and pants are fine.
No problem for open shoes, sandals acceptable, showing some fringe and make-up.

For Men
Wear long pants, but short sleeves are fine.

AliSadr Cave Photo by Ali Majdfar

Food and Drink
Don't be worried about eating local food, just ask people or bring a guidebook to find good restaurants. Most restaurant in major cities have good and fresh food, tasty and healthy. Bottled water is available everywhere and very cheap. On the road you can easily find good restaurants, look for the places where the truck driver stop ! A lot of small stores sell food, bread, chips, chocolate, milk, water and ice cream, the Iran's ice cream is nice. Hotel breakfasts are usually bread, cheese, butter, feta, tomato, boiled or fried eggs, it is hard to find coffee in restaurants, there are Nescafe 3-in-1 variety.

Camera and Memory Cards
It's not difficult to find camera or memory SD cards, batteries, etc , it's easy to find almost everywhere, and prices are low. You may be able to use your phone cameras at some places which you have to leave your camera at the door!

Health
In case you get sick, pharmacies are everywhere and staff are attentive and prices are very cheap.

Shapour Cave Kazeroon Fars, Iran
Photo by A. Soltani

Alternate names, spellings and pronunciation (few incorrect)
for Mount Damavand Iran:
Dam•a•vand (dăm'ə-vănd', dä'mä-vänd)
Dem•a•vend (dĕm'ə-vĕnd')
Demavend: dĕmˈəvĕnd
Køh-e Damåvand
Demåvend Kuh
DAMAVAND, damavad, damavan, damavend, damāvand
DAMAWAND, damawad, damawan, damawend, damāwand
DEMAVAND, demavend, demawand, damawend, demāwand.
mount damāvand, damawand mountain, damavad volcan, demavand volcano, damawand, damawend, DAMAVAND.

Mount Damavand Summit

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