12 Days Trekking & Hiking Tour – Damavand & Alamut

In the morning, head for the famed Alamut Valley, a mix of Patagonia, Switzerland, and Outback Australia. The valley is home to the remains of the Castles of the Assassins, the medieval world’s most feared religious cult. Hike towards Gazorkhan Village for Alamut Castle (2,100 m AMSL), the home of the legendary leader of the Assassins, Hassan Sabbah. Explore his famed library, garden, and training grounds. Finish the night with a trip to the nearby scenic Ovan Lake. Rest in a local homestay for the night.

Head towards Razmian Village of Shahrud Valley for Lambsar Castle, another major stronghold of the Assassins. The military approach of the Assassins involved establishing multiple strongholds within hostile territories, scattered geographically throughout Persia and Syria. They would strike their targets in public then retreat to their local bases. Alamut & Shahrud Valleys served as safe retreats when other strongholds had fallen. Hike through the area and rest in a local homestay for the night.

Return to modernity in the morning as you head back towards Tehran. Get some much-needed rest and exchange stories with some local guests. Tehran is a massive metropolis, with jaw-dropping architecture, extensive museums, and a lively food scene. Don’t let the day go by without exploring some of the attractions near your accommodation. Prepare for tomorrow’s ascent to Damavand.

In the morning, drive 2 hours to the Polour Base Camp (2,400 m AMSL), located in a quiet village situated on the Haraz River. After enjoying breakfast with scenic views, get everything ready for a 5 hours hike deep within Lar National Park towards Damavand Camp 2 or  Goosfand-Sara (3,000 m AMSL), the first base camp on the way to the peak of Mt. Damavand. One of Iran’s many protected areas, the park boasts pristine forests, breathtaking rugged mountains, and an incredibly rich ecosystem. It's also a perfect place for birdwatching and wildlife photography. Spend the night in Goosfand-Sara.

After a heart breakfast, begin the ascent from Damavand Camp 2 or Goosfand-Sara (3,000 m AMSL) to Damavand Camp 3 or Bargahe Sevom (4,200 m AMSL). The hike will take a little more than 3 hours. Enjoy the mountain views and natural beauty. Once the tent is set up, go on short hikes around the area to acclimatize to the extreme altitudes. You can hike as high as 4,900m AMSL to prepare yourself for tomorrow’s finale. Spend the night in Camp 3.

Today is the day to conquer the Summit of Mt. Damavand (5,600 m AMSL), the highest volcanic mountain in Asia. Following the 3 hours hike from Camp 3 (4,200 m AMSL) to summit, take the time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery, revel in your accomplishment, and take multiple selfies. On the descent, stop by for lunch back at Camp 3. After some rest, continue the descent towards Camp 2 (3,000m AMSL), where you’ll spend the night.

After a filling breakfast, hike your way to the Rineh Village. On the way, enjoy the beauty of the Lar Plains. Once in Rineh, hop in a car and give your feet a rest while you drive back to Tehran. Spend the night in Tehran.

In the morning, drive 4 hours towards the sand dunes of Maranjab Desert, one of many tough terrains caravans had to cross. Drive to nearby Kashan, the birthplace of “kashi” or modern tiles. Visit the Sultan Amir Ahmad Bathhouse for a lesson in classic bathing. Time permitting, you can see the fascinating Abbasian House & Tabatabaei House, two examples of opulent homes with exceptional attention paid to every architectural detail, designed specifically for the desert. Finish the day with a quick stop in Fin Garden.

In the morning, stop by Abyaneh Village. Characterized by a peculiar reddish hue, the village is one of the oldest in Iran. Nestled within inaccessible mountain folds, its residents remained safe from Arab invaders. They still speak Middle Persian, the language of 5th c. Sassanid Persia. At night, visit the Khaju Bridge & Si-o-Se Pol Bridge in Isfahan, local hangouts along the Zayandeh Rud river. Spend the night in Isfahan.

After a night’s sleep, visit the 16th c. Naqsh-e Jahan Square, the seat of Iran’s Safavid dynasty. Explore Qeysariye Bazaar, a local hub filled with handicrafts, spices & carpets. Marvel at Sheykh Lotfollah Mosque’s mesmerizing dome, Shah Mosque’s enchanting courtyard, & Ali Qapu Palace’s view. You can also visit Chehel-sotun Palace, the royal Safavid reception for foreign dignitaries and ambassadors. At night, you can go for a night hike in Sofeh Mountain Park (2,250 m AMSL) and enjoy the panoramic views.

Depending on your flight, visit some last-minute attractions. Pack your bags and head towards the intricate and elaborate 8th c. Jameh Mosque of Isfahan, a former Zoroastrian fire temple that was continually built upon over the centuries. Then it’s off to bright frescos of Vank Cathedral and the historic, delicate handicrafts of the Vank Museum, in the Armenian quarter of New Jolfa. In the evening, head towards IKIA.