03 March 2023

Simorgh Shelter

 Simorgh Shelter
The Simorgh Shelter or Simorgh Refuge is a Damavand Camp which located on the western trekking trail of Iran's Mount Damavand, Iran. Simorgh Camp's two-story building gives room for about 40 climbers. It is possible to pitch up at least 40 to 50 tents at a tenting campsite next to the Simorgh refuge (latitude: 35.9564°, longitude: 52.0825°, elevation: 4,200 m), making it suitable for climbers even on busy days. The Simorq mountain shelter has lighting both inside and outside that is powered by solar energy. There is currently no water in the shelter's outdoor restroom. The snowmelt flowing water, which is 150 meters northeast of Simorgh camp, is the only water source in this mountain camp site.


Mt. Damavand West Trail Climbing Tour Guide
Simorgh Shelter lat: 35.9564° – lon: 52.0825° – alt 4,200 m


You can also Climb Damavand by going west. After the traditional south path, it is the mountainside that sees the second-highest number of climbers. You must first travel to Polour Camp from the Haraz Road if you want to hike Damavand from the western front. Off-road vehicles from Polour can transport you through Lar Road and to the starting point of the Damavand West Trekking Route, also known as the Parking Area or Damavand West Route Basecamp, throughout the summer. The ascent often begins from Vararood's west front base camp to Damavand.


Mount Damavand Iran West Route Trekking Tour Guide
Simorgh Shelter lat: 35.9564° – lon: 52.0825° – alt 4,200 m


This base camp (Parking Area) is located at an altitude of around 3400 meters above sea level. To get to Simorgh shelter, you must hike from the parking lot. The Simorgh camping area has running water, which is a useful amenity. Spend the night in the tenting area or the Simorgh shelter. The climb from the parking lot to the Simorgh shelter takes about 3–4 hours. Depending on your physical condition, ability to breathe, and level of readiness, it could take you anywhere between 5-7 hours to reach the west summit of the Damavand volcano crater from Simorq shelter.


Damavand West Route Mountaineering Tour Guide
Simorgh Shelter lat: 35.9564° – lon: 52.0825° – alt 4,200 m


Simorgh Shelter MDG 23QUI0303A

27 February 2023

Takht Fereydon Shelter

 Takht Fereydon Shelter
At 4,380 meters above sea level, Takhte Fereydoun Shelter is situated on the Damavand north-east route. Twenty to twenty-five climbers can stay in this Damavand Camp, and tents can be set up all around it. A small spring (water from the snowmelt) on the shelter's northern side serves as the summertime water source for climbers. There are two floors.


Takhte Fereydoun Shelter
Lat: 35.9665°, Lon: 52.1341°, Alt: 4,380 m

Trekking Damavand from the eastern trail, for the most part, the rocks, snow, and ice cover the summit trail as it ascends. After passing through the Gardaneh-Sar and the beginning of the northeast ridge, there is a clear footprint, and it takes about 6 hours to ascend to Takhte Fereydoon shelter (lat: 35.9665°, lon: 52.1341°). There are two places along the path where you can use the snowmelt water, but if you're not used to drinking water from snow, it's best to avoid doing so.

Takht Fereydon Campsite
The last place where water may be taken from the glaciers is 100 meters away, on the slope leading to Takht-e Fereydun shelter. The shelter is located on the Yakhar glacier's edge. Near the shelter,  tents might be erected. Takht Fereydoun shelter is a good place to set up camp and spend the night. The region has both water (snowfall) and wind protection on the refuge's ridge; but, in the morning, one must climb a challenging slope to reach Damavand top.


Takhte Fereydoun Refuge Location
Damavand Mountain North-East Route

Damavand Attraction in the Northeast
The northeast face's innate beauty is well acknowledged. It has plenty of water and plants. In addition to being more difficult to access than other slopes of Damavand, its protection from hunters has made it a haven for endangered species. These elements combined to form a pristine land on the northern face.

Takht Fereydon Shelter 23MDG0227A