Question: Hi there,

I'm looking for information about rock climbing in Iran (appart from walking on Damavand). Haven't found much on the web so far. I'm planing to there beginning of April, so it shouldn't be to high up in the mountains. I'm thankfull for every information.

Khoda Hafez, Tobi

Answer: Iran is a mountainous country. In a general, the Iran mountains include two main chanes of "Alborz" with an east-west direction and "Zagros" with a northwest-southeast extension, which covers most of the high mountains in Iran. Many single high mountains are also spread in other areas and mainly around the central plateau of Iran. Thanks to the extremely high altitude variation in Iran, ranging from 28m below the sea level up to 5671m on Damavand Mount, stunning views and climatic variations can be seen all over the country. Alborz mountains located in the north, includes a collection of the highest mounts in Iran. Alamkuh, 4850m and with forested slopes, has 850 meters of fine parapet excellent for rock-climbing. Damavand, the roof of Iran with a 5671-meter altitude, is a volcanic cone. There are also many other peaks of over 4000 meters high. In the Zagros chain, most of the mountains are calcareous with deep valleys and meandering rocks. Famous mountains such as "Dena" with several high peaks, "Zardkuh" and many other peaks with over 4000m, stand there. But there are other peaks of over 4000m in other areas as well such as "Taftan" volcanic cone in Baluchestan with volcanic gases still emitting out, and the splendid "Sabalan" peak in Azerbaijan with slopes covered with wild flowers and a beautiful lake in the volcanic cone at it's peak frozen most of the year. Mountaineering facilities are available to most of these peaks as well as perfect climbers with wonderful capabilities for lots of mountain sports.