Alam-Kouh Trek

Alam Kuh Trekking Guide
Mount Alam Kouh with a giant height of 4,850 meters is a fantastic rocky mountain. Alam-kuh  is nicknamed as the Alps of Iran due to its similarity, vast height, and representation of a beautiful high summit. Alam Kouh offers a variety of trails for bouldering, rock climbing, ski touring, ice climbing, hiking and trekking guided tours. Alam-Kouh is a section of Takht-e Suleiman Massif in the middle of the Alborz Mountain Range north of Iran. Alam-Kooh (15,900 ft.) is the second-highest peak in Iran after Mount Damavand (18,600 ft.).

Alam Kuh Treking Guided Tour
Alam-Kuh Hiking Trekking and Mountaineering Guided Tours

Alam-Kooh Peak stands out in the list of 4000-meter peaks. It is one of the most well-known mountains in the Takht Suleiman Mountains, which is well-known to both local and international mountaineers for its 47 peaks that rise beyond 4,000 meters above sea level, as well as its numerous glaciers, snow pits, and walls. Alam Kooh summit is well- known because of the 600-800 meters high wall on its northern slope, which includes some of Iran’s most challenging and technically challenging rock climbing routes. This Iran’s wall is comparable to K2.

From the south, Mount Alam Kuh provides a view of Taleghan, while from the north, Kalardasht. The closest cities to this area in Mazandaran province are Rudbarak and Kalardasht, while the closest cities to this area in Tehran province are Prachan and Taleghan. The picturesque city of Kelardasht district in the province of Mazandaran lies close to Mt. Alam-Kuh. Visit Damavand Camp.

Alam Kouh Hiking Treking Tour Guide
Alam Kouh Hiking Trekking & Climbing Guided Tour

Alam Koh Routes
Alam-Kouh Mountaineering Routes
Because of the link between AlamKouh and the other surrounding mountains, there are various trekking routes, off-piste ski touring trails, wall climbing paths go to Alm-Kuh summit, as well as the existence of walls and ridges. There are four main famous ways to ascend Mount Alam Kouh peak: Two southern routes suitable for hiking trekking tours, the northern trail popular for mountaineering tours and also the north face rock climbing path good for climbing the big wall, are the four most popular mountaineering routes to Alam mountain.

Alam-Kouh Mountaineering Routes
Alam-Kouh Trekking Tour Guide

Alam-Kooh South Route
How to Climb Alam Kooh from the South Route?
The simplest approach to reach the summit of AlamKooh is by the southern front trail, a hiking trekking route which is the best way for AlamKouh trekking guided tours and ski touring that departs from Rudbarak and travels via Vandarbon, Tang-e-Gal, and Hesar-Chal from the southern side. This trekking route typically includes an overnight stay in the Hesarchal Plain. Mount Damavand Guide supports AlamKooh hiking trekking tours to the south route in the guided tour packages mainly in summer and also ski touring and ski mountaineering tours to this trail in winter season.

You need tents for camping in the Hesarchal 3,400-meter area because there is no shelter or refuge on the Alam mountain’s south face trail. The best and simplest way to reach Alamkouh summit and Shakhak peaks is the Hesar-Chal through Marjikesh footpath, which is known as the typical route of this stunning mountain. This route is also quicker and is a shortcut for hiking to the Mt. Alam summit.

Hesar-Chal Campsite & Tenting Area. Mt. AlamKuoh Mountaineering Tour Guide
Hesar-Chal Campsite & Tenting Area. Mt. AlamKuoh Mountaineering Tour Guide

Alam-Kuh North Face
How to Climb Alam Kuh from the North Face Route?
The northern front path, also known as the north face trekking route, ascends AlamKuh by way of Rudbarak, Vandarbon, the shelter of Sarchal, Alamchal, and the Siah Sang Ridge (black stone ridge) from the east of the mountain. Alam Kuh mountaineering guided tours from this side is regarded as one of the toughest and it includes an overnight stay in the Sarchal shelter or tenting in the area. Damavand Mountain Guide offers AlamKuh trekking tours from the north route in a guided tour package mainly in summer season.

Sarchal refuge 3,850 m is located on Alam-kuh’s northern face. Alamchal refuge (4200 masl) was an old shelter that was collapsed many years ago. The quickest and most direct path from Alam- Kuh’s north side to the mountain is Siah Sangha (black stones) ridgeline. The weather, snow, and ice could make the climb challenging. Alam-Chal Glacier is located at 4,200 meters, and the ascent to Siahsang Pass 4,400 meters. Trek to Siah Sang Peak (4600 meters), continue up the stony ridge until you reach the southern slopes, then turn around (bypass) Shakhak Peak to reach the Alam Kooh summit.

Alamkoh Climbing Tour Map
Alamkooh Trekking Route Map
Rudbarak – Vandarbon – Hesarchal – Alamkoh

Alam-Koh North Face German Ridge
How to Climb Alam Koh from German Ridgeline Route (Gordeh Almana)?
Climbing from the north face of Mount AlamKoh mountaineering route known as the German ridgeline trail (or Gordeh Almana), which starts in Rudbark and travels through Vandarbon, the Sarchal, Alamchal, and German ridgeline, reaches the Alamkuh mountain’s summit from the north. Although quicker than the black stone path, but it is technically difficult and needs technical equipment. It involves spending the night in the Sarchal shelter. Mountaineering tour to the AlamKuh German ridge route or Gordeh Almana is possible in a guided in Alamkoh tour package by Damavand Guide in summer season.

Alam-Kuh North Face
How to Climb Mount Alam-Kuh North Wall Rock Climbing Route?
The ascent begins at Rudbarak and proceeds to the summit via Vandarben, Serchal shelter, Alamchal, and the AlamKoh Mountain North Wall; each of these sections of the route represents a distinct ascent because of the variety of Mount Alamkuh Wall pathways.

There is a well-known vertical granite wall that rises up around 600-800 meters to the peak on the north face of the Alam Mountain. No other wall in Iran is located on a higher site than Alam-Koh wall, which is one of Iran’s tallest walls and is well recognized for having the greatest altitude at base (approximately 4200). Rock climbing is perfect on this wall. Climbing tour to the Mount AlamKuh north wall is possible only for high skilled rock climbers in summer season by the support of experienced Mount Damavand Guides in a Mt. Alamkoh tour packages.

HesarChal Tenting Area
Mt. AlamKuoh Hiking Tour Guide
HesarChal Tenting Area
Mt. AlamKuoh Hiking Tour Guide

Alam-Kuh Tour
Alam-Kuh Guide offers a number of tours to Mount Alam Kuh (4,850 m), the second-highest peak in Iran. Because AlamKuh is connected to the other nearby mountains in the Takht-e Suleiman Massif, therefore there are multiple trekking tours, off-piste ski touring tour, wall climbing tour and tours that include valleys and ridges that lead to the Alam Kuh mountain top. There are four well-known methods for reaching the summit of Mount Alam Kuh: The four most common mountaineering ways to Alam mountain are the two southern routes suited for hiking and trekking tours, the northern trail popular for mountaineering tours, and also the north face rock climbing path appropriate for climbing the big wall.

Alam-Kouh Tour – Classic South Route
The easiest option and the most popular hiking trekking tour for Alam Kouh trekking guided tours and ski touring is by the southern route that departs from Tehran for KelarDasht and Rudbarak or Vandarbon on the first day. Then on the second day continues via Tang-e-Gaoul, and Hesar-Chal from the southern face which is a hiking trekking tour. By far this mountaineering trail is the best way. AlamKouh hiking trips to the southern route are supported by Mount Alam-Kuoh Guide primarily in the summer, as well as ski touring and ski mountaineering excursions to this trail in the winter.

There are no shelters or refuges on the south face trail of the Alam mountain, thus tents are required for sleeping in the Hesarchal (3,400-meter) region. The Hesar-Chal through Marjikesh pathway, known as the traditional trip of this gorgeous mountain, is the best and easiest way to access Alamkooh summit. This journey is also more rapid and serves as a shortcut for ascending Mount Alam Kooh.

Alam-Kuh Tour – North Face
Climbing tour to Alam Kuh from the North Route. The north face climbing tour to AlamKuh, one of the more challenging Alam-Kuh climbing expeditions that starts from by Rudbarak or Vandarbon, the shelter of Sarchal, Alamchal through Siah Sang Ridge (black stone ridgeline). This side includes camping nearby or spending the night at the Sarchal shelter (3,850 m). During the summer months, Alam-Kouh Mountain Guide mostly conducts guided trips that include AlamKoh mountaineering tours from the north route. Siah Sangha (black stones) ridgeline is the shortest and most direct route from Alam-Koh’s north side to the peak. This climbing tour could be difficult due to the conditions, snow, and ice.

Mount AlamKuoh Hiking Tour Guide Roudbarak Hut - The Most Beautiful Mountain Resort in Iran
AlamKuoh Trekking Tour Guide Roudbarak Hut
The Most Beautiful Mountain Resort in Iran

4-Day Alam Kouh Hiking Tour Itinerary
Day 1:
Morning drive from Tehran to Vandarbon or Rodbarak.
O/N hut/local hose/tent.
Day 2: Drive to Tang-e Galou and start the hiking tour to Hesarchal tenting area.
Overnight tent.
Day 3: Start trekking to Alam Kuh summit (4850 m). Descend back to Vandarbon/Rodbarak. O/N hut/local hose/tent.
Day 4: From Rodbarak or Vandarbon transfer to Tehran. O/N hotel in Tehran.

Vandarbon Mountain Hut
AlamKuh Climbing Tour Guide
Vandarbon Mountain Hut
AlamKuh Climbing Tour Guide

Mt. AlamKoh Plus Mt. Damavand Trekking Tour Guide
Acclimatization trekking tour to Alam-Kooh peak (4,850 m), followed by a strenuous climbing tour to Mt. Damavand top (5,670 m). Guided climbing tour to Iran’s second and tallest peak in single trekking tour package. The greatest strategy for arriving foreign mountain tourists is summer’s hiking program which will give them enough time to acclimate and prepare before trying the massive Damavand volcano. The itinerary might be changed if necessary to best fit your trip to Iran. You can extend the tour package by more days and set aside certain reserved days for inclement weather, more preparation, or worn-out team members.

8-Day Alam Kouh plus Mt. Damavand Tour Schedule
Day 1:
Drive from hotel in Tehran to Mount Alam kouh, to Vandarbon or Rodbarak mountain resorts. Overnight stay in mountain hut, local house, or tent.
Day 2: Transfer to Tang-e Galoo, the starting point and begin the trekking tour to Hesar-chal (3,400 m). Overnight in tent.
Day 3: Climb to the Alam Kuh peak (4850 m). Descend to Vandarbon/Rodbarak. O/N mountain hut, local home, or tent.
Day 4: From Rodbarak/Vandarbon transfer to Damavand Camp I Polour (altitude 2,270 m). O/N C1 mountain hut, native home, or tent.
Day 5: Trek to Damavand Camp III Bargah Sevom (altitude 4,250 m). Overnight stay in C3 Bargah Sevom mountain hut, Damavand Igloo or tent.
Day 6: Climb to the Damavand top (5,670 m), then return to Camp 3. Overnight stay in C3 Bargah Sevom mountain hut, Damavand Igloo or tent.
Day 7: Descent to Camp 2 and transfer to Camp 1 and reaching Tehran. O/N Hotel.
Day 8: Reserved day. Is set aside for inclement weather. O/N C1/C3/hut/tent/hotel. Tour is over.

Alam Kuh’s Big Wall and Most Popular Wall Climbing Routes
Alam-Kuh’s Big Wall and Most Popular Wall Climbing Routes

The Big Wall of Alam-Kuh
The Giant Wall of Mt. Alam-Kouh Guide. The 650-meter-tall northern wall of Alam Mountain is one of the most beautiful and difficult walls in the world for rock climbing and bouldering sport activity. The northeast front of Mount Alam Kouh is composed of a 650-meter-long granite wall. It is not wrong to refer to this wall’s approximate height of 800 meters in some sources given that the Alam Chal glacier has reached a height of around 4050 meters at its base. Furthermore, the approximate height of this wall, 800 meters, which is occasionally stated in the websites included in this section, is accurate.

Granite with pores and a henna tint makes up this wall. Rock climbers have given a lot of attention to Alam Kuh’s peak and its big wall. German, French, British, Italian, and other climbers join the Iranian rock climbers. They have also climbed the countless ways up this wall. The German-French route was one of the first to be opened on this wall. German, French, English, Italian, and other mountaineers have all paid attention to the peak of Mt. AlamKuh and its wall in the past. There are numerous ways up this wall used by mountaineers. One of the original ridgeline pathways on this granite wall is the German-French ridge trail.

If you intend to do wall climbing on Alam Kuh, Iran’s most challenging large wall, picking your favorite path and ensuring a safe ascent of it, it will be easier if you have a basic understanding of three of its most popular climbing routes. There are a variety of paths available on Alam Kuh’s large wall, and you can select one based on your expertise and physical prowess. Before attempting any rock climbing expedition tour, find more about Alam Kuh’s well-known large wall paths.

Alam Kuh’s Big Wall Most Popular Wall Climbing Routes
– Harry Rost-Alaee Route
– The French Route
– The Polish Route 52

Alam-Kuh Trekking Guide Vandarbon Mountain Hut
Alam Kuh Hiking Guide Vandarbon Mountain Hut

Alam-Kuh FAQ
How hard is it to trek Alam Kuh in summer?
Difficulty Factors and Climbing Grade AlamKoh – South Route .
South Routes: Simple class III ascents. Steep, covered with boulders, scree, glaciers. The south path is classified as Class III for mountain climbing difficulties; it is not technical or challenging with rocks. In the summer, getting to the Hesarchal route is simple. Take a 4WD vehicle from Vandarbon to Tang-Galou, where you can hike for around 2-3 hours up a gradual slope to the Hesarchal camping area.

How difficult is it to Climb AlamKuh Mountain?
North Route Climbing Grade Alam-Koh. North Routes (wall climbing): Class V high altitude technical climbs, hard struggling with rock, ice and rock falls.

How difficult is AlamKuh mountain to climb in winter?
Alam-Koh Difficulty in Winter.
All Routes in Winter: Difficult and technical, high avalanche risk and rock falls.

How to go to Alam-Kuh?
Drive from Tehran to Kelardasht through the Chalous Road and then to Vandarbon or Rodbarak mountain huts. From any mountain hut, take a 4WD car to Tang-Galou, where you can trek for around 2-3 hours on a gentle incline to reach the Hesarchal camping location which is the base camp of Alam-Kuh mountain.

Important Reminder
Remember that the best time to hike in the area, the weather, and Iranian holidays all play a significant role in how to reach Alam Kooh. To get to Alam-Kuh, you should take the Chalous Road; (or after that take the Haraz Road to trek Damavand). The aforementioned paths are the only ways to reach these mountains. Two twisting, steep, and incredibly congested main highways cross the Alborz Range in northern Iran to connect Tehran and the Caspian Sea.

On Iranian weekends (Thursday/Friday) and during the Iranian holidays, these roadways get backed up. Police turn highways into one-way lanes to assist drivers move more quickly when traffic is at its worst. In order to avoid traffic and the Iran Mountain Crowd, Saturday is generally the best day to begin.

How long does it take to Climb Alam-Kuh?
The average climbing time to ascend Mt. Alam-kuh from the south route is 2-3 days. From Tang-Galou it takes 2-3 hours up a gradual slope to the Hesar-chal camping area on the first day of the hike. Then it takes 5-6 hours to go from Hesarchal to Alam-koh summit on the second day. It is also possible to climb the mountain in a single day from the Tang-Galoo.

What should we bring for climbing the pinnacle of Alam Mountain?
Depending on the type of climbing you intend to perform and the season you plan to do it in, different items should be included in your backpack. For summer climbing, the standard equipment list includes; trekking sticks (mountaineering batons), base blouse and pants (first layer), fleece jacket and pants (middle layer), windproof or Goretex jacket and pants, gaiters, woolen socks, storm hat, two-layer gloves, sunglasses, a sun hat, headlamp, and individual rope. For more details visit Damavand Equipment List.

When to ascend Alam-Koh peak?
The best time to climb Mount Alam is in the second half of July to mid September. Alam Kouh’s fall and winter are characterized by consistently heavy snowfall, storms, and avalanches, and the spring is no different.

Why is Alam’s peak a unique mountain?
Mountaineers refer to the Takht Suleiman region (Alam Kouh), which contains 45 peaks above 4000 meters, as Iran’s Alps. This peak is most well-known because of a wall on the northern slope of Alam Kouh, which is regarded as one of the trickiest and most complex routes for rock climbing and wall climbing in Iran.

What can be seen from Alam-Kouh Mountain?
Alam Kouh’s glaciers. Takht Sulaiman Peak in Mazandaran Province, Kalardasht, is a very cold spot with a high peak that can be referred to as the largest glacial mountain area in Iran. It is located between Taleghan Valley, Abbas Abad, and Shaheswar forests. All of Alam Kouh’s glaciers are located in the granite summit of Takht Suleiman at a height of over 4000 meters. These glaciers go by the names Sarchal, Alam Chal, Takht Suleiman, Merjikosh, Khersan, Haft Khan, Chalon, Shane Koh, and Split. These substantial permanent glaciers provide the area’s numerous springs with drinking water. In a clear sky you can see Mount Damavand too.

What is the Alam Kouh’s Geographical Location?
Alam Kouh is situated 20 kilometers southwest of Kalardasht city, in the province of Mazandaran, Iran. The closest cities to this region in the province of Mazandaran are Kalardasht. Prachan, and Taleghan in the province of Alborz, respectively. This peak provides views of Taleghan from its south side and Kalardasht from its north side.

Alam Kouh’s Coordinates
36°22′32.65″N
50°57′41.31″E

Alam Kouh 22GUDDEC30A

Alam-Kuoh Travelling Road Map
AlamKuoh Hiking Trekking Tour Guide
Alam-Kuoh Travelling Road Map
AlamKuoh Hiking Trekking Tour Guide

Other Spellings
Alam Kouh (in Farsi علم کوه) known as Mount Alam, Alam Mountain and also it is been written as : “Alamkouh”, “Alamkoh”, “Alamkuh“, “Alamkooh” or “Alam kouh“. In Farsi, Alam means a flag and Kooh means mountain.