From the sprawling capital, Tehran, we travel north to the towering Damavand, the highest peak in Iran. The Alborz mountains neatly cushion northern Tehran as we journey through stunning terrain en route to this beautiful mountain. Damavand can be climbed via a number of routes and weather permitting, we will climb by the Gezenak (north-east) route. The early part of the climb traverses many shepherds' fields, before embarking on the more strenuous slopes. The summit offers incredibly pristine mountain views with rough environs demarking east and west. From the north we will peer across the lush green slopes which fall gently to the Caspian Sea. Following our summit, we descend the mountain via the northern route and spend a day relaxing on the Caspian coast.

After the climb, we travel to Tehran to explore this capital first established by the Qajar rulers in the 19th century. We will tour a number of museums, including the world-famous carpet museum and visit the small town of Rey. Rey, an ancient city destroyed by the Mongols, holds the sacred spring of Chesmeh Ali and a number of old ruins including Tepe Mil, a Zoroastrian (Parsis) fire temple.

After completing our tour of Tehran, we fly to Isfahan, arguably the most famed and beautiful city in Persia. Isfahan is graced with exquisite Islamic architecture, the crown jewel being the Masjid-e-emam. The harmony of proportions, marble cornices, inscriptions, calligraphy and mosaic tile ornamentation mark the crowning height of Islamic architecture during the Safavid era. The mosque itself stands at one end of the Naqsh-e- Jahn square, this former polo field now forms a garden area, and is surrounded by an enormous traditional bazaar, with fine domed cupolas gracing the skyline. Other Isfahan sites include ancient finely crafted bridges, covered markets, fantastic gardens and glorious palaces. For the seasoned or first-time traveler - Isfahan is simply breathtaking.

From Isfahan, we fly over the pristine desert mountains of the south, landing in Kerman, our base for exploring the mediaeval fortress of Bam. The Kerman region gives us a taste of the gorgeous adobe style architecture which dominates much of this desert landscape. The citadel of Argh-e-Bam is extremely well preserved with its prominent walls guarding the city. Upon entering the great fortress and winding through the ancient city to the prominent look-out tower, one is transported to the era of the Arabian nights.

Iran is a country which offers the traveler a unique chance for easy touring in a relatively untouristed land . The combination of climbing in the Alborz and exploring this rich region easily earmarks this as a rare and tremendous opportunity. We believe that Iran may quickly return to the tourist popularity it achieved in the 1970's and encourage you to visit soon.

About the Climb
The Alborz Range stands huge and stunning as it leans against the Caspian Sea. The climb of Damavand is non-technical, but offers challenging climbing and remarkable scenery. Iranians are hearty and avid climbers, mountains like Damavand and Alum Kuh have given them a wonderful training ground for big peaks around the world.

The Gezenak Route:

After traveling by road about 120k, we reach Gezenak or Nandel village. We begin with an easy three hour walk through a very beautiful valley. Soon after, we make our way to 3500m at Estele-Sar spring and will camp this night amongst the shepherds. The next morning we begin a full day climb to the Takht-e-Fereidoon shelter at 4500m. We will likely spend an additional day here before attempting the summit. The summit itself presents an eight-ten hour climb/return to the Takht-e-Fereidoon shelter. At the top with clear weather permitting we will have extraordinary views of neighboring mountains and the Caspian Sea.

Iran Itinerary

Days 1-2: Fly via Europe, USA to Tehran, Iran.

Day 3: Travel from Tehran. During our multiple visits to Tehran, we will explore ancients sites (such as the city of Rey) shopping areas like the grand bazaar and a number of museums including the famous archeological and carpet museums.

Day 4: Travel to the village of Nandel and begin our climb of Damavand to the 3000m camp.

Day 5: Travel to camp at 3800m.

Day 6: Further acclimatization and moderate hikes at this altitude.

Day 7: Summit Damavand and return to 3000 camp or back to Nandel.

Day 8: Travel to Caspian Sea and spend the day relaxing in the lush green farm lands and cool breezes.

Day 9: Return to Tehran, continue touring the city.

Day 10: Fly from Tehran to Isfahan. Begin tour of famed sites as noted in tour overview. Sites will include the grand square, Ali Qapu Palace, Imam Mosque, Jewish Synagogue, main bazaar and we will walk the tree lined streets of the city.

Day 11: Continue touring Isfahan, including the famed bridges on the Zayandeh River, the Zoroastrian Fire Temple, shaking minarets and the Vank Church in the Jolfa district.

Day 12: Fly to Kerman. In Kerman we will visit the bustling market and view some of the desert architecture.

Day 13: Travel to fortress of Bam and spend the day exploring both the citadel and the town of Bam. Return to Tehran that evening.

Day 14: Time permitting we will do some last minute shopping before boarding morning flight. Return to USA.

Americans in Iran:

This past fall, Dawn Beckley, Todd Burleson and Gordon Janow explored Iran and hand picked the most impressive sites for our tour. The Iranians were among the most hospitable and warm people we've encountered in our travels. Although there was criticism of the American policies in the newspaper, the Iranian people were always first to mention their affinity for the American people and the friendships that existed between the two cultures prior to 1978. It should be noted that during the Islamic Conference in Tehran (December 1997), President Khatami stressed his interest in bettering relations with the West. Since his presidency began, a number of policy changes have been made, which have improved relations with the West. It is a virtually crimeless country.

Customs:

We encourage you to acquaint yourself with traditional Persian customs as a way to better understand the country of Iran. Woman travelers are asked to wear long coats and a head scarf while traveling. During the climb, women can wear western style climbing clothes.

— Gordon Janow, Alpine Ascents Program Coordinator

Land Costs Include:

• All land transportation
  
• All Internal transport and flights
  
• All meals
  
• Entrance fees for museums, gardens and historical sites
  
• All guides fees

Land Costs Do Not Include:

• International round-trip airfare
  
• Passport and visa expenses (We will assist in obtaining all visas)
  
• Any accommodations and meals before and after the scheduled tour
  
• Tips and gratuities to local guides, drivers, escorts etc.
  
• Bottled water, tobacco and other food not part of a scheduled meal
  
• Excess charges, portage and airport taxes
  
• Items of a personal nature including, gear, room service, non-group transfers etc.
  
• Charges incurred beyond the control of Alpine Ascents International (Flight costs, medical etc.)
  
• Trip cancellation insurance - highly recommended