HAMED's photographs: March 2008

Sabalan (called Sāvālān in Azerbaijani) is an inactive volcano in Ardabil province of northwestern Iran. Sabalan is the third highest mountain in Iran (4811 m) and a permanent crater lake has formed at the summit. Sabalan has a ski resort(Alvares) and different tourist areas such as the Sarein spa. The mountain is known for its beautiful vistas, including the Shirvan gorge, where few climbers ever venture.

The climbing surface includes rocks of various sizes and a moderate degree of fitness is required to climb it. The climb from the base camp starts easy, becomes challenging mid way, then eases in gradient near the top. The lake on the top remains frozen except for about four weeks in late July to early August. Some climbers start by driving to hot springs of Meshkin Shehr, where they start their climb. This climb takes about two days, reaching to the base camp on the first day. Others take a taxi to base camp early in the morning, and climb the mountain in one day. The road goes through multiple nomadic encampments of shepherds. A few climbers start from Sarein. It's a very direction to reach teh summit. You should better come down from this rout with a guide. Also there are 2 courses from west (gardaneye gharbi) and north-west (khat-ol-raas). One or two days of acclimatization in Tabriz or Ardabil may be advisable. mountaineering has been popular among the youth in Iran. On a Friday during the climbing season (late June to mid August), one may find hundreds of people on the mountain. Guides can also be found in Ardabil. Adequate climbing equipment can be purchased in Tabriz or Ardabil.

Last year (2007) we reached the summit from south-west direction. One of the most beautiful direction. Our team was formed with Mohammad (my father) , Faramarz (my friend) , Mohammad Ali (my brother) and me. Here are my photos. enjoy them.