Mt. Damavand is extinct(dormant? I dont know) volcano and is located approx. 100km northeast of capital Teheran in Elborz mountains. Elevation is rather cool - 5670m, even 30m higher than the highest mountain of Europe - Elbrus in Kaukaz. Probably it is the highest volcano in Asia too! For climb we selected best time of the year - August, when no snow is on slopes of the mountain. We were lucky. This year was a rainy year so snow fields were there to improve photos. I saw photos without snow and it looks like not so big pile of stones.
From Teheran we went by hired pick-up to village Reineh (2200m). Then by russian jeep "Zil" (10000r/os) to place Gosfand Shara (3200m). In translation it means fold and there were hundreds of sheeps. It is possible to stay overnight in house or erect tent as we did it. Other option how to get to Gosfad Shara is to take line bus heading for Caspian Coast get off at Polur (first big village after mountain pass). From Polur there are pick-ups to fold (5000-8000r/p). Morning view to the valley filled by clouds was breathtaking.
With full euipment we continue in trek path towards
mountain hut on elevation of 4150m. Due to acclimatisation we spend night there. In hut there
is place for around 30 people. It is free but in high season (July, August) you can find it full
of iranians. They are really trekking freaks, I was surprised. Around 20 persons climbes Damavand
every day. Water is available there. But check it before with locals or just simply rely on
snow fields (if they are, water is available).
At 4 a.m. supported by headlights we started
attempt. We are leaving tent with unnecessary items down alongside hut.
In 5000m elevation we're crossing "windy ridge". It's getting cold (good cap and gloves necessary). Altitude and strong wind are forcing us to find leeward behind bigger stones. Last metres are awful. Lack of oxygen plus dense sulphurus fumes! We are wearing scarfs and finally we're on a summit - 5671 metres
Way back was one long ski downhill slalon.
Next day we went to Teheran and via Tabriz (extension of visa refused) back to Turkey.