Mount Damavand North Face 4000 Shelter
The first shelter on the northern route for the Mount Damavand climbing tour is the 4000-Shelter, aptly named for its elevation of 4,000 meters. This metal structure, located on the north face ridge of Damavand, offers basic shelter for up to 20 climbers under ideal conditions. However, it is unequipped and exposed to strong winds.
Glaciers flanking both sides of the ridge provide a source of water, though they are prone to rock falls during the summer. The coordinates for the 4000 Shelter are latitude 35.9782°N, longitude 52.1112°E, at an altitude of 3,996 meters. This shelter is generally more suitable for winter climbs in Damavand. For more information, refer to the guide on climbing the north face of Damavand.
Damavand North Route Climbing Guide
Climbing the northern face of Damavand is one of the most challenging ascent routes to the peak. The journey begins at the end of the Nandal plain, approximately 5 kilometres from Nandal village (latitude: 36.0303°, longitude: 52.1740°, altitude: 2,350 meters). Here, you’ll find a location known as the Big Rock, which serves as the summer base camp for the North Face.
The starting point for the climb is the Big Stone (latitude: 36.0119°, longitude: 52.1205°, altitude: 2,920 meters). From this point, climbers ascend to the summit at 5,670 meters. To save time and climb more effectively, you can travel from Nandal village to the Big Rock by hiring an off-road vehicle.
For further details, you can refer to the guide on travelling to Nandal Village.
The Nandal plain marks the starting point of the route, with scrambling terrain both before and after the Damavand 5000-Shelter. The sole source of drinking water along this path is the sheepfold at the beginning. The final section of the route features a steep slope, which increases the weight of your backpack and the difficulty of the climb. A major challenge on Damavand’s northern face is the scarcity of water, leading to dehydration. The need to carry sufficient water for several days makes the backpacks excessively heavy.
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Porter and Mule Services
Similar to the northeast approach, climbers on the northern side of Damavand have the option to rent a mule to carry their backpacks. This service can be quite helpful for transporting gear from the Big Rock to the 4000-Shelter. However, mules are less commonly used on the northern route compared to the southern one and may not always be available. It’s advisable to arrange for mule services in advance from within Nandal village, before reaching the Big Rock.
Transportation & Mule Services
From Nandal Village, you can reach the Big Stone (latitude: 36.0119°, longitude: 52.1205°) either by driving a 4WD off-road vehicle on a gravel road or by hiking. Mules can be hired to transport backpacks to the Damavand 4000 Shelter (Jan Panah 4000), though the cost per backpack fluctuates annually due to inflation. The last reliable water source along the northern path is the Gosfandsara (sheepfold), located about three kilometres before the Big Rock. Depending on conditions, additional water may be gathered from the glacier or the summit of the Damavand 5000 Shelter (Jan Panah 5000).
Climbing Times for Mount Damavand North Face
From Big Stone to Damavand 4000-Shelter takes approximately 4-5 hours of hiking. From Damavand 4000-Shelter to Damavand 5000 Shelter takes about 3 hours.
From Damavand 5000-Shelter to Damavand Summit takes around 5-6 hours.
Coordinates:
Damavand 4000-Shelter: Latitude 35.978263°, Longitude 52.111278°, Alt 3,996 m
Damavand 5000-Shelter: Latitude 35.968129°, Longitude 52.114709°, Alt 4,624 m
Big Stone: Latitude 36.011929°, Longitude 52.120590°, Altitude 2,920 m
Nandal Village: Latitude 36.030330°, Longitude 52.174072°, Altitude 2,350 m
Here’s how to reach Nandal Village:
To get to Nandal Village, follow the Haraz Road, just like you would for any other route to Mount Damavand. The turnoff for Nandal Village, also known as the Delarsetaq crossroads, is situated between tunnels 7 and 8 on Haraz Road. From this junction, it’s a 20-kilometre drive along a winding asphalt road to reach Nandal Village.
Damavand Mountain Camp
Mount Damavand features ten camps and shelters that offer hikers and mountaineers a place to rest with basic amenities. Strategically located along the four routes to the summit, these campsites allow trekkers to relax, acclimate to the altitude, and plan safe overnight stays. This guide comprehensively introduces Damavand camps, including mountain huts, shelters, and tenting spots, detailing their locations and safety information. It helps hikers plan and execute treks on various routes.
Damavand Base Camp
Damavand Base Camp, also known as Goosfand Sara Campsite, is the most accessible and well-known starting point for treks up Mount Damavand in Iran. This base camp, located at an elevation of 3,040 meters, features a small mountain refuge, a mosque named Saheb al-Zaman, and a sheepfold. It serves as the main launching pad for treks on the south route during the summer months. Positioned at coordinates 35.9020° N latitude and 52.1094° E longitude, it is the primary base camp for climbers aiming to ascend Damavand.
Damavand 4000-Shelter 24GUD0819A