‘Iran is packed with incredible sights and historical wonders that attract tourists from around the globe. One of the natural attractions of this country is its majestic and beautiful mountains. These mountains, like a stronghold, encompass cities from north to south. Some of these mountains possess a unique beauty, which has made mountaineering and nature enthusiasts interested in conquering these peaks of Iran. If you’re also interested in mountaineering and want to become familiar with Iran’s most famous mountains, read this article from KentalTravel.
How many mountains are in Iran?
In the division of Iran’s lands, more than one-third of the country is comprised of mountains. Four main mountain ranges form Iran’s mountains:
- Alborz Mountain Range:
Up in the northern part of Iran lies the Alborz mountain range, stretching from the western shores of the Caspian Sea to the northern regions of North Khorasan. Its highest peak, Damavand, is also the highest peak in Iran. Other famous peaks of this mountain range include Shahvar, Sabalan, and Sahand.
- Zagros Mountain Range:
The longest mountain range in Iran that covers the entire western and southwestern regions of Iran is the Zagros Mountain Range. Mount Dena is the highest peak in this long mountain range; other notable peaks include Alvand, Oshtorankooh, and Zardkuh.
- Central Mountain Range:
A mountain range in the central part of Iran, which extends from Kashan to the heights of Baluchestan, is known as the Central Mountain Range of Iran, which includes two mountain ranges: Ghahrud and Benan. The highest peaks in this range are Shirkooh, Haraz, and Kuh-e Bozman.
- Eastern Mountain Range:
From North Khorasan to South Sistan, right east of Iran, there is a mountain range called the Eastern Mountain Range. The highest peak in this mountain range is the volcanic peak of Taftan, and other important peaks include Binalood and Hezar Masjed.
What are the major mountains of Iran?
In its beautiful natural landscape, Iran has placed magnificent mountains, and Mount Damavand has become one of the symbols of this country. But Damavand isn’t the only towering peak in Iran. Believe it or not, approximately 44 other lofty heights and mountains are scattered throughout the country. In this article, we’ll give you the lowdown on some of the top-notch peaks in Iran that are easily accessible, allowing you to visit and conquer their heights. The following will briefly explain ten high and famous peaks in Iran.
Damavand
Mount Damavand is the highest volcanic peak in Iran and the Middle East in the north of Iran. It is considered one of the tourist attractions of Mazandaran Province. Damavand ranks twelfth among the highest peaks in the world in terms of relative elevation. Its height is 5,670 meters. The diameter of Damavand’s volcanic crater is 400 meters and blanketed with a magnificent layer of ice. This mountain is situated in the central part of the Alborz Mountain Range in the Central Alborz region, dating back 38,500 years.
Mount Damavand is also popular among mountaineers. You can ascend this peak from four different routes:
The northern face, which is the most challenging route.
The northeastern face.
The western face.
The southern face, which is the easiest route.
The Frozen Waterfall is also located along this route, a waterfall that can only melt part of its ice during the very hot summer afternoons. Damavand’s Frozen Waterfall is unparalleled in the world.
Alam Kuh
Alam Kuh is a mountain with a peak elevation of 4,850 meters in Mazandaran Province, in the Takht-e Suleyman region. It is the second-highest peak in Iran after Damavand. The main reason for Alam Kuh’s fame is not its immense height but rather the wall on its northern slope, one of Iran’s most challenging routes for rock climbing and wall climbing. Due to its challenging routes, Alam Kuh is less frequently chosen by climbers, so if you plan to visit this beautiful mountain, it is better to be familiar with rock climbing and wall climbing techniques.
There are multiple ascent routes to Alam Kuh due to the many surrounding mountains, but three main ways are generally considered. The southern hiking, northern mountaineering, and wall climbing routes are the most common routes for ascending Alam Kuh.
Read more: Step By Step To Get Iran Visa
Sabalan
One of the most famous mountains in Iran is the beautiful Mount Sabalan, which is recognized as the third-highest peak in Iran. It is located in Ardabil Province. This semi-active volcanic mountain is situated between Ardabil and Meshkinshahr, 25 kilometers southeast of Meshkinshahr and 35 kilometers west of Ardabil.
This magnificent mountain has three famous peaks: Sultan Savalan, Heram, and Kasra. If you look at Sabalan from its eastern side, you will find a rocky plateau shaped like an eagle, a symbol of Savalan. One exciting feature of this mountain is the ancient inscriptions found on its slopes.
One of the attractions of this beautiful mountain is the scenic lake near its peak. This lake is located approximately 25 meters below the volcanic cone’s edge. The lake is replenished with water from snowfall every year and remains frozen for most seasons. The heavy snowfall in this area has led to the establishment of the Alvares Ski Resort near this mountain. Mount Sabalan is registered as a natural national heritage site.
See More: Exploring the Best Ski Resorts in Iran
Dena
Another famous mountain in Iran is the Dena Mountain range, one of the tallest peaks in the Zagros Mountain range. This mountain is located between the provinces of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad, and Isfahan. Mount Dena has an elevation of 4,448 meters; the nearest city is called Dena. It is worth noting that hunting is prohibited around the Dena Mountain range, as it is considered one of Iran’s most important protected areas.
If you plan to visit the Dena Mountain range, do not miss the opportunity to see the beautiful tourist attraction near it, the Gol Gahar Lak
Shirkuh
Another one of Iran’s most beautiful peaks is located near the city of Yazd. This mountain is called Shirkuh, with an elevation of 4,075 meters. Some of the attractions of Shirkuh include its natural springs and the pristine nature surrounding it. Shirkuh, located in the heart of Iran, has a beautiful and unspoiled landscape.
Somamoos
Mount Somamoos, also known as Mount Sama, is the highest peak overlooking the Caspian Sea and the tallest mountain in Gilan Province, with an elevation of 3,689 meters. After passing through the beautiful village of Javaher Deh and exploring the forests along the Caspian Sea, you can ascend Mount Somamoos. Somamoos is a stunning mountain that gazes upon the vast Caspian Sea, proudly claiming the title of the highest peak in Gilan Province. During climbing, you can enjoy the splendid views of the magnificent Alborz foothills and get acquainted with the friendly and hospitable locals of the region. Near the peak, you can also visit Imamzadeh Aqa Somos, which is believed to be the burial place of Shah Yahiya, a prominent religious figure in the Kiyai Malati lineage, according to historians.
Tochal
Tochal is a peak in northern Tehran with an elevation of 3,962 meters, part of the Alborz Mountain Range. The southern slopes of Tochal are adjacent to the city of Tehran, and its peak overlooks the city. This mountain is located in the south part of the Central Alborz Mountain Range, bordered by the peaks of Lashgarak, Kolakchal, and Darabad in the east and Shah Neshin and Imamzadeh Davood in the west. Tochal is one of Tehran’s tourist attractions, not limited to hiking and mountaineering enthusiasts. Its recreational facilities cater to various tastes and budgets. Zip lines, ski slopes, cable cars, bungee jumping, and shooting clubs are some recreational amenities Tochal offers.
Sahand
Sahand, due to its climatic conditions, is known for its lush and pristine nature and has earned the title of the bride of Iranian mountains. Numerous springs flow in the mountain’s foothills, and the view of its peak is wonderful. Mount Sahand is located south of Tabriz and north of Maragheh, with an elevation exceeding 3,000 meters.
Sahand is a volcanic mountain that has been dormant for many years. Sahand and Jan are two peaks side by side in the Sahand Mountain range and are covered in snow for most months of the year. The presence of native and migratory birds, water springs, gardens, and meadows attracts the attention of tourists and mountaineers.
Kuh-e Dinar
Dinar Mountain is one of the attractions in Ilam, located in the southern regions of the province. It is a mountainous area between Abadan and Dehloran, with an elevation reaching 2,600 meters. This area has been designated as a protected forested area. The mountain consists of gypsum and lacks rocky areas. The waters in this region are also bitter and salty. The Dinar Mountain region has a warm climate, and during the second half of February each year, the forage plantations in the area grow up to half a meter in height.
Zardkooh
After Dena, the largest mountain in the Zagros Mountain range is Zardkooh, located in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province. Its height reaches 4,200 meters. The Kuhrang and Bazoft Rivers are located within the Zardkooh mountain range. One of the unique attractions of Zardkooh is the natural glaciers of Chal Mishan, Khersan, and Il Beyg, which create a breathtaking landscape between the valleys. The tallest peak is Kolunchin, and due to its steep slope, not everyone can climb it. Therefore, if you plan to climb this amazing mountain, choosing its northern slope for the ascent is recommended.
FAQs About Mountains of Iran
- What is the largest mountain in Iran?
Mount Damavand is the highest volcanic peak in Iran and the Middle East in the north of Iran.
- What is the rank of Damavand mountain?
Damavand ranks twelfth among the highest peaks in the world in terms of relative elevation.
- How hard is Damavand?
The difficulty of scaling Mount Damavand hinges on the season and the specific route you opt for. It’s a moderately challenging ascent with snowy patches and chilly weather during the summer. However, it becomes tough in the winter, like conquering peaks reaching heights of 7000 meters or more.
