Mount Damavand 5000-Camp
Despite its name, the Damavand 5000-Shelter is actually situated at an altitude of 4,626 meters above sea level. Among the various Damavand camps, huts, and shelters along the routes to the Damavand peak, the 5000 Shelter (coordinates: 35.9681° N, 52.1147° E) is the highest. Located about 600 meters above the Damavand 4000-Shelter on the northern face, both shelters share many similarities. The 5000 Shelter, also known as Jan-Panah 5000, can accommodate 15-20 climbers. It has two full levels, providing functionality and suitability comparable to the Jan-Panah 4000.
Mount Damavand North Face
However, only the top floor of the Damavand 5000 camp has a wooden floor, and that floor is only around 1.8 meters high. Additionally, there is no good stairway to go up, and it should be remembered that getting to the upper floor is not at all simple, especially for shorter persons, and that assistance from others is required. Around Jan-Panah’s 5,000-Shelter, there are flat areas where you can spread out less than 10 tents. Various types of texts, graffiti, logos, signage, and adverts are inside the 5000 North of Damavand shelter. The vandalism in the mountains seems to never end!
Climb Mount Damavand with Damavand-Info
Damavand-Info is the most experienced and reliable Damavand climbing tour company in Iran, dedicated to providing safe and unforgettable guided tours of Mount Damavand. Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a hiking enthusiast, our expert guides will equip you with the knowledge and support you need to conquer Mount Damavand. We offer a variety of tours, including hiking, trekking, skiing, and climbing, tailored to suit every adventurer.
Transportation & Mule
From the village of Nandel, you can drive a 4WD off-road vehicle or hike on a gravel road to reach the Big Stone (coordinates: 36.0119° N, 52.1205° E). Mules are available to carry backpacks to the 4000 Shelter (Jan-Panah 4000), though the cost per backpack varies annually due to inflation. The last water source along Damavand’s northern path is at Gosfandsara (Sheepfold), about three kilometres before the Big Stone. Depending on conditions, water might also be collected from the glacier and the summit near the 5000 Shelter (Jan-Panah 5000).
How Long Does It Take to Climb Damavand North Face?
The hike from the Big Stone to the Damavand 4000-Shelter takes about 4-5 hours. From the 4000-Shelter to the Damavand 5000-Shelter, it takes approximately 3 hours. The final stretch from the 5000-Shelter to the Damavand Summit takes about 5-6 hours. Visit also How to Climb Mount Damavand Iran.
Damavand North Route Coordinates & Hieghts
Damavand 4000-Shelter
Is located at latitude 35.978263° and longitude 52.111278°, with an altitude of 3,996 meters.
Damavand 5000-Shelter
Is situated at latitude 35.968129° and longitude 52.114709°, with an altitude of 4,624 meters.
The Big Stone
Serving as the Damavand north face basecamp, camping and tenting area, and starting point, is at latitude 36.011929° and longitude 52.120590°, with an altitude of 2,920 meters.
Nandal Village
A mountaineers’ camp with local housing, is located at latitude 36.030330° and longitude 52.174072°, with an altitude of 2,350 meters.
First-time Climb of Damavand
Leading a team to climb Damavand’s north face can be quite challenging, especially if most members are first-time climbers. This route is more difficult compared to climbing Damavand solo. For a first ascent, the southern face is usually recommended due to its simpler path and better amenities. Planning and coordination should begin about a week before the climb. It is crucial to leverage the experience of both seasoned climbers and newcomers. Success depends on careful preparation to ensure the climbers’ efforts are worthwhile and the ascent is completed successfully.
How to Climb the North Face of Damavand
For better acclimatization, spend the first night at an elevation of 3,000 meters in the Nandel Plain. This helps prepare your team for the trek to Damavand 5000 Shelter (Janpanah 5000) the next day, where you will sleep at an elevation of 4,600 meters. Although the area looks like a sheepfold, there is no water or sheep.
To reach Damavand 4000 Shelter (Jan-Panah 4000), you can take either the east or west ridge. The west ridge is preferred because it is less steep, though longer. These ridges converge near the shelter. The hike from the Big Rock to the 4000 Shelter takes about 4-5 hours.
The path from the 4000 Shelter to the 5000 Shelter is rocky and not very clear in some places. The route crosses a large valley at the end of the Do-Bissel Glacier. One highlight of this section is the stunning rocks below the 5000 Shelter. It takes about 3 hours to hike from the 4000 Shelter to the 5000 Shelter.
After the 5000 Shelter, the ascent to the peak becomes challenging. There is a footpath in some parts, but it’s often obscured by rocks. Depending on the glacier’s progress, you may need to navigate around stone walls that are 4 to 6 meters high. These walls can sometimes be bypassed with caution. The glacier itself cannot be crossed.
After the rocky section, the path to the peak is well-marked but consists of scree (loose sand and gravel). The sulfurous wind from the southern side makes breathing difficult as you approach the northern ridge about 2-to 3 hours before the summit.
The final steps to the peak are both wonderful and challenging. Be prepared to cross permanent glaciers on Damavand’s north face. The climb from the 5000 Shelter to the summit takes about 5-6 hours.
Reaching the summit after many hours of teamwork is incredibly rewarding. From the peak, you can see the plain and Lar Lake, offering a clear view of the western front of the Damavand volcano. The sulfur emissions from the sulfur hill increase each year and can be felt even at the summit.
Damavand Camp
Mount Damavand offers ten camps and shelters, providing hikers and mountaineers with essential amenities and a place to rest. Strategically positioned along the four routes to the summit, these campsites help trekkers relax, acclimate to the high altitude, and safely plan overnight stays. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of Damavand’s camps, including mountain huts, shelters, and tenting spots, along with their locations and safety details. It is designed to assist hikers in planning and executing treks on various routes.
Damavand Base Camp
Damavand Base Camp, also known as Goosfand Sara Campsite, stands as the most accessible and well-known starting point for treks up Mount Damavand in Iran. Situated at 3,040 meters above sea level, it features a small mountain refuge, a mosque named Saheb al-Zaman, and a sheepfold. This camp serves as the primary entry point for the south route climbs during the summer, positioned at coordinates 35.9020° N and 52.1094° E.
Damavand 5000-Shelter 24GUD0819B