Introduction to Alam Kuh Trekking Tour
Known as the Alps of Iran, the region of Alam Kuh has several steep summits with more than 3000 to 4000 meters of altitude. Its permanent glaciers and snowfields enable mountaineers to do all kinds of activities.
This region, called Takht e Soleyman , contains more than 40 summits with more than 4000 meters of altitude with the highest being Alam-Kuh ( 4850 meters high ).
Although Mount Damavand, being the most prominent peak in Iran, has overshadowed AlamKuh , this magnificent summit has a lot to offer to those enthusiastic about mountains and trekking.
It is possible to conquer Alam Kuh in only 2 to 3 days through the southern face where the route is a normal trekking route. In addition, it’s also possible to conquer the nearby summits and enjoy the beautiful landscape they have.
The 500 meters high granite wall in the northern face of AlamKuh , known as Alam-Kuh big wall, is one of the attractions of this beautiful summit . Mountaineers from all around the world such as France, Italy, Poland and etc. have opened routes in this wall. Each route is named after the nationality of the groups of mountaineers that opened it.
The technical route of Alam Kuh begins at the northern face and goes through the big wall. This route offers professional mountain climbers the opportunity to do mountain pitch climbing on the big wall. In addition, intense climbing activities in more than 4300 meters of altitude increase the joy of conquering Alam-Kuh summit.
Climbing AlamKuh can also help the acclimatization process and allow mountaineers to enjoy conquering Mount Damavand better, as they’ve already been in 4850 meters of altitude. Thus, many choose AlamKuh as an acclimatization phase for climbing Mount Damavand.
Climbing twin highest peaks of Iran is possible by purchasing our package.
Program at a glance
Day 1
Drive to Kelardasht, Rudbarak Village, Vandarbon camp (2200m)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Rooms at Vandarbon Camp (2200m)
Day 2
Transfer to Tang-e Galu (2800m), Trek to Hesarchal camp (3750m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tents at Hesarchal camp (3750m)
Day 3
Trek to Lashgarak peak (4250m), Acclimatization day
Meals: Breakfast ,Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tents at Hesarchal camp (3750m)
Day 4
Alam-Kuh summit day (4850m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Tents at Hesarchal camp (3750m)/Rooms at Vandarbon village (2200m)
Day 5
Descent to Vandarbon, Visit of Caspian Sea, Drive back to Tehran
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accomodation: –
Travel Itinerary
Day 1 – Vandarbon camp (2200m)
Welcome to 5 days Alam-Kuh Trekking tour. You’ll be introduced to your guide at your hotel after breakfast, having a short briefing and checking the equipment we’ll head to Kelardasht via Chalus Road (4 to 5 hours – 200km). Chalus Road, passing through the mountains, is one of the most beautiful roads in Iran and one of the three main roads heading north. We’ll have lunch on the road and then continue our path to Kelardasht where we’ll stop shortly to buy the food supply for Alamkuh Trekking Tour.
Afterwards we head to Rudbarak village through an asphalt road (20 minutes, 6 km) and later on to Vandarbon village through a dirt road (1 hour, 16 km). The mountaineering federation hostel is located in Vandarbon village.
At Vandarbon, we’ll reach 2200 meters of altitude in the mountain camp. The camp building is equipped with rooms, dining room, showers and other facilities. We’ll have dinner, pack our equipment and stay the night at this camp.
Meals: Lunch | Dinner
Accommodation: Rooms at Vandarbon village
Day 2 – Hesarchal camp (3800m)
Today we’ll have breakfast at 6:00, then at 7:00 we’ll head to Tang-e Galu, the beginning of the southern route of Alam-Kuh, by 4WD cars.
We reach Tang-e Galu (2800 m high) after riding on a dirt road (1 h, 15 km). Afterwards we hand the luggage to the mule owners and then we continue the rest of our way to Hesarchal camp on feet (taking 2 h). Hesarchal camp (3800m) with its seasonal rivers and amazing combination of snowfields and green fields is a replica of paradise on earth. This camp is surrounded by peaks higher than 4000 meters and the highest of them is Alam-Kuh. Arriving at Hesarchal, we set up tents and have lunch. The rest of the day will be spent resting, exploring surroundings and acclimating around Hesarchal Camp.
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Accommodation: Tents at Hesarchal camp
Day 3 – Acclimatization day (4250m)
This morning we’ll trek up to Lashgarak summit (4250 m high) at 8:00 and after having breakfast (taking 2 to 3 hours). You’ll only need a light backpack for this trek. Today we get to see the magnificent Lashgarak Lake on our way and enjoy the panoramic view of Takht-e Soleyman region and its impressive summits from Lashgarak Peak. In case you have enough energy and interest, it’s possible to continue the route and conquer Gardun Kuh(4300 m high) as well (in 1hour). Afterwards, we descend back to Hesarchal camp and have lunch (1 to 2 hours descending).This afternoon you’ll have time to spend on your own, rest and get prepared for Alamkuh Summit day.
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Accommodation: Tents at Hesarchal camp
Day 4 – Alam-Kuh summit day (4850m)
Today we’ll have breakfast at 5:00 and leave Hesarchal at 6:00. The route we take is a normal trekking route, however; it becomes narrow at the last 200 meters. Arriving on the summit of Alamkuh (taking 4 to 5 hours), we can see other teams camping on the north face, nearby summits such as Takht-e Suleyman, SiahKaman, Miansechal Shakhak etc. We’re also able to see Alamchal Glacier located in the north face of Alam-Kuh, you will be amazed by looking down due to the vertical big wall of Alam-Kuh (approximately 600m) creating an empty face. We might also be able to see the Caspian Sea if the weather is clear.
Leaving the peak behind, we also conquer Marjikosh/Marjikesh peak (4550 m high) as our way back to Hesarchal is technically easier from there. We’ll head back to Hesarchal and spend the night there to end the day.
Note: In case we arrive at Hesarchal early and have enough energy, we can pack and trek back to Tang- e Galu (taking 1 hour), take the 4WDs back to Vandarbon and spend the night at this village.
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Accommodation: Tents at Hesarchal camp/Rooms at Vandarbon village
Day 5 – Drive back to Tehran
Meals: Breakfast | Lunch
Note: In case we make it back to Vandarbon on the 4th day we’ll have more time to enjoy the nature on this day.
Note: A 3-day Damavand expedition tour can be added to this program with extra charge.
Note: It’s possible to book you a hotel in Tehran for the days prior to or following your program.
Alam Kuh Trekking Tour Gallery
This gallery shows you each step of your Itinerary with a complete description. Watch till the end & Imagine stepping your foot on AlamKuh Peak 😉
Day 1-Chalus Road, on the way from Tehran to Kelardasht, Alamkuh Trekking Tour
Additional Information
Acclimatization and Preparation:
Our acclimatization program is resulted from years of experience in guiding various types of people through their hike and is set to be suitable for people living in locations that are near sea level high. But even people who haven’t experienced more than 3000m of height won’t have any issues during their journey.
Our Guides:
Our guides are qualified mountain climbers with years of experience in leading tours and a history of conquering 7000/8000 meter high peaks in Himalia mountain range in their resume.
In addition to their experience and thorough knowledge of mountain routes, our guides have taken multiple courses in rescuing and first aid to assure our fellow mountain climbers’ safety throughout the trek.
Inclusions & Exclusions
A clear view of what is included and what you should budget separately.
Services & Inclusions
- All Transportations(From Tehran to mentioned destinations and back to Tehran), private air-conditioned VAN or Sedan Car (depending on the group size)
- Jeeps (4WD vehicles for the dirt roads)
- All accommodations (4 nights e.g. Vandarbon Camp, Hesarchal camp)
- Full Board (B, L, D, snacks are also included) all types of diets (vegetarian, vegan, Gluten free etc.)
- Bottled mineral water
- Tea/Coffee (no limitations) in camps
- Luggage carriage with mules/porters (15kg/person)
- Alamkuh permit fee (30$ per person)
- A certified expert English-speaking mountain guide
Exclusions
- International airfares, taxes, and surcharges
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- Travel insurance
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry or phone calls
- Visa costs (governmental fee)
- Tips to local guides and drivers
- Extra nights of accommodations
- Single room supplement
- Emergency Rescue Cost
- Trekking Equipment Rental
Equipments
A clear view of what is included and what you should budget separately.
- Back Pack (30-40 liters)
- Base layers
- Warm trekking pants (preferably waterproof)
- Light down jacket
- Gore-tex jacket (waterproof)
- Warm hat
- Sun cream
- Headlights
- Sticks, poles
- Mattress
- Trekking boots (waterproof)
- Sleeping bag with the comfort level of +10 to +5
- Warm gloves
- Sunglasses
Tents/beds, meals, drinks and cooking stuffs will be provided by Cheetah-Adventures Agency.
Note: If you do not have one or any of these equipment you can rent from us.
Dates & Prices
Our tour packages are available on multiple dates to guarantee our customer’s comfort
- Volume Discount: Groups of 4 or more people will have the advantage of a discount.
- Early Bird Discount: You can enjoy a 5% to 10% early bird discount in case you look at least 3 to 6 months prior to your trip start date.
- Single supplement: A 30% surcharge would apply for solo travelers.
Flexible Date Prices
| Flexible Date Departure | Price per Person | Request Booking |
|---|---|---|
| June | €479 | Enquire now |
| July | €499 | Enquire now |
| August | €499 | Enquire now |
| September | €459 | Enquire now |
| October | €429 | Enquire now |
Check Availability
Share your preferred dates and group size. A local travel expert will reply with availability and the best option for your journey.
Start your enquiryNo payment is required to enquire.
You might also be interested in following tour packages:
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IRANIAN CULTURAL HERITAGE TOUR (12 DAYS)
Price: from €1395
Days: 12
Nights: 11
ALAM KUH & DAMAVAND TREKKING TOUR (10 DAYS)
Price: from €849
Days: 10
Nights: 9
DAMAVAND TREKKING TOUR NORTH EASTERN ROUTE (4 DAYS)
Price: from €459
Days: 4
Nights: 3
yvonne61 –
It was a very memorable trip.
Taha –
An amazing trip climbing Damavand and visiting Tehran
I conquered Damavand and visited Tehran with Cheetah adventures during summer. At first I was reluctant about traveling alone but my guide Mehrdad and the rest of the team made me feel included and were very friendly. Mehrdad was very responsible and a professional mountain climber. He took care of everything during the trek. The trek was planned very well and because of acclimatization I didn’t feel sick as we got higher. The beauty of Mount Damavand is unspeakable and we also saw the Caspian Sea from the peak. After we came back we went to this village and had a very delicious lamb kebab and relaxed in natural hot spring that felt very good after trekking for 4 days. We came back to Tehran later on and Maryam showed me around the city. She knew a lot about the history and showed me Golestan palace and Abgineh museum, told me about Qajar and Pahlavi kings and took me to a great restaurant in Tehran Bazaar. Cheetah adventures made my trip amazing and I want to thank everyone involved especially my guides Mehrdad and Maryam. I wish I had more time to stay in Iran but there will definitely be another trip to Iran for me.