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Alam Kuh, standing very tall at 4,850 meters (15,912 feet), is the second-highest mountain in Iran and a true special and beautiful place in the Alborz Mountain range. This very impressive and beautiful mountain, often called the “Diamond of the Alborz,” makes people who love adventure and nature feel amazed and excited with its very beautiful and impressive looks, rough and difficult land, and climbing routes that are hard to do.
Alam Kuh’s special location in the middle of the Alborz range, between the northern Kelardasht region and the southern Taleghan Valley, helps make its views very beautiful. Tehran mountain sides are covered with green areas with lots of plants, waterfalls that flow down, and views that look very nice and make a magical setting for being outside and exploring. Beyond its physical very impressive size, this mountain is also home to a rich and varied group of living things, with different plants and animals, including Persian leopards, brown bears, and many different kinds of birds.
The mountain’s hard climbing routes, such as the Hesarchal Glacier, Takht-e-Soleiman, Sarchal, and Northeast Ridge routes, have made people who climb mountains from all over the world feel excited. These routes offer a thrilling and rewarding experience for experienced climbers, who are drawn to the mountain’s steep granite walls, icy sections, and technical challenges. The first time someone climbed Alam Kuh was in 1902 by the German Bornmüller brothers, and since then, it has continued to attract adventurous climbers seeking to reach its top.
Alam Kuh Flora and Fauna
Alam Kuh, the second-highest mountain in Iran, is home to many different types of plants and animals. Located in the central Alborz Mountain range, this big mountain has many amazing natural things to see.
The lower parts of Alam Kuh have thick, green forests, with trees like pine, maple, beech, alder, and cottonwood growing there. The village of Kelardasht, at the bottom of the mountain, is called the “green heart of Iran” because it has huge and beautiful jungles. As you go up higher, the forests change into glaciers and snowfields, with the top parts of the mountain covered in milkvetch and mountain tea plants.
The different habitats of the mountain support many kinds of animals, including meat-eaters, plant-eaters, birds, and reptiles. People may see groups of mountain goats and wild pigs walking on the slopes, while birds like Persian eagles, crows, and hawks fly high above. The region also has several types of lizards and a special kind of snake called the meadow viper. Bigger animals that hunt other animals, like leopards, wolves, and foxes, also live in the rough land of Alam Kuh.
Alam Kuh Glaciers
Alam Kuh, a tall mountain in the Alborz Mountain range of Iran, stands at 4850 meters. This Tehran mountain known for its technical climbing routes, which offer adventurers an exciting experience that is different from other mountains in the country. The northern and southern sides of this mountain have different routes to climb, and each route starts from the Vanderban area, where there is a modern shelter for climbers to stay in before they begin their journey. As trekkers make their way through Kelardasht and Rudbarak to Vandarben, they see deep valleys, rivers, and beautiful springs, which create a unique and amazing path to the top of the mountain.
Alam Kuh is not only tall but also has ancient glaciers, which make it a great place for mountaineers who want both a challenge and natural beauty. This mountain is part of the Takht-e Soleyman Massif, and this area has many glaciers, including Sarchal, Alamchal, and Marji-Kash. It is a cold and snowy region with the largest number of mountain glaciers in Iran. From the Taleghan Valley to the Abbas Abad and Shahsavar jungles, this area has a pure and stunning landscape that amazes everyone who visits.
Alam Kuh Trekking Routes
Alam Kuh hike offers two main trekking paths that are suitable for different skill levels and preferences.
The southern trekking path presents a popular choice for most trekking tours because its normal trekking route does not have any technical difficulties. This path starts at Vandarbon village, a smaller village of Kelardasht, which can be reached after a 5-6 hour drive from Tehran. In contrast, the northern side has a more difficult climb, requiring higher mountain climbing skills. Tours on the northern path are less common because its steep lower hills and technical demands make it harder.
The northern trekking path also called the Alamchal path, begins directly from Vandarbon camp, leading to Sarchal hut and then Alamchal camp over Alamchal glacier. This path offers beautiful views of peaks like Takht-e Soleyman and Siah Kaman along the way.
On the other hand, the southern Alam kuh hike trekking path starts at Tang-e Galu, passing through Hersachal base camp and offering a gentle slope with beautiful areas covered in snow. This path allows climbers to get used to the high altitude by climbing other nearby high points before reaching the Alam Kuh high point after approximately 5 hours of trekking.
While other paths exist, they are less frequently used because of problems like lack of water and lack of shelters, making them suitable for special programs only.
Alam Kuh Climbing History
The first time Alam Kuh was climbed was in 1902, when German brothers Alfred and Joseph Bornmüller reached the top by going up the mountain’s south face through Hazarchal. In the years that followed, climbers from all over the world came to Alam Kuh, eager to take on its challenging routes.
British mountaineer Douglas Busk climbed Alam Kuh twice, in 1933 and 1934. The mountain’s north face, with its 800-meter high steep granite wall, became a major attraction for climbing teams from Europe. The first time this face was climbed was in 1936, when a German group reached the top by going up the northwest ridge. Over the next few decades, French and Polish teams found new routes up the north face.
In 1978, just one year before the Iranian Revolution, a British team successfully climbed Alam Kuh. The first time the north face was climbed in the winter was by Iranian mountaineer Mohammad Nouri. Today, Alam Kuh remains one of Iran’s most famous and technically difficult climbing destinations, drawing adventurers from around the world who want to test their skills on its rugged slopes.
Best Time to Climb Alam Kuh
The only good time to travel to the region and climb Alam-Kuh is during the summer months. This is because heavy snow, snowslides, and strong storms completely cover the area during the autumn and winter seasons. These difficult conditions continue into the spring as well.
The summer season is the most suitable time to travel to Alam-Kuh and attempt a climb. This recommendation is based on the challenging and dangerous conditions that occur during the autumn and winter months. During these seasons, heavy snow blankets the region, making it extremely difficult and risky to climb.
In addition, there are frequent snowslides and powerful storms that further add to the hazardous environment. These adverse weather conditions persist well into the spring, emphasizing the summer as the best period for a successful and safe ascent of Alam-Kuh. Climbers are strongly advised to plan their expeditions during the summer months to avoid the harsh winter conditions that can pose significant risks to their safety and the success of their climb.
Given the seasonal challenges posed by heavy snowfall, snowslides, and storms in autumn and winter, it becomes clear that summer is the optimal time to embark on a journey to Alam-Kuh. The summer months offer climbers a window of opportunity to tackle this majestic peak with more favorable weather conditions, reduced risks of snow-related hazards, and increased safety for mountaineering activities. By aligning their climbing expeditions with the summer season, adventurers can maximize their chances of a successful and enjoyable experience on Alam-Kuh, navigating the mountain’s terrain with greater ease and security.
Climbing Alam Kuh: Essential Points to Consider
Driver Assistance: When planning your climb to Alam Kuh, it’s crucial to have a reliable driver. The journey to the starting village involves navigating winding mountain roads in Iran, so having a skilled driver is essential to ensure a safe and stress-free trip.
Mountain Guide Necessity: Unlike trails in Europe, trekking paths in Iran are often unmarked. Therefore, having a knowledgeable mountain guide is a must to navigate the terrain safely and reach your destination without getting lost.
Equipment and Accommodation: To tackle Alam Kuh, you’ll need proper trekking gear, including a tent. If you lack the necessary equipment, it’s advisable to reconsider your decision to climb Alam Kuh to ensure a comfortable and successful trekking experience.
Other Attractions Near Alam Kuh
Close to Alam Kuh, there are many beautiful natural places to visit.
Velesht Lake
Velesht Lake is a very popular place to visit near Alam Kuh in Iran. It is one of the 9 lakes in Iran that were made by building a dam and one of the country’s 10 lakes with fresh water. The road to the lake is very pretty because it is surrounded by many pine trees. People can do many fun things at Velesht Lake, like swimming, fishing, and riding in a boat. The lake is a very peaceful and beautiful place, which makes it a popular spot for people who love nature and the outdoors.
Kordi Chal Village
One of these special places is Kordi Chal Village, which is often called the pearl of Kelardasht because it is so beautiful. This village has a very nice landscape that attracts many visitors. They come to see the lovely scenery and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. As you travel up the path to the top of Alam Kuh, you will see a huge rock called Samovar Rock. It stands tall at an altitude of 4500 meters. This rock is very strange and interesting to look at. It makes the journey to the top of the mountain even more special.
Harijan Village
Another place near Alam Kuh that is great to visit is Harijan Village. This village has a perfect climate and a beautiful setting. It has wide open grassy areas and tall waterfalls that flow down. The best time to visit Harijan is in late spring, between April and May. During this time, the flowers are blooming and the waterfalls are full of water from the melting snow. Visiting Harijan is like stepping into a picture-perfect scene. The natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it a wonderful place to explore near the magnificent Alam Kuh Mountain.
FAQs about Alam Kuh
Q1: What is Alam Kuh?
A1: Alam Kuh is the second-highest mountain in Iran, standing at 4,850 meters (15,912 feet) tall. It is part of the Alborz Mountain range and is often called the “Diamond of the Alborz.”
Q2: Where is Alam Kuh located?
A2: Alam Kuh is in the central Alborz range, between the northern Kelardasht area and the southern Taleghan Valley.
Q3: What are some of the main climbing routes on Alam Kuh?
A3: The main climbing routes include the Hesarchal Glacier, Takht-e-Soleiman, Sarchal, and Northeast Ridge routes.
Q4: What is the best time of year to climb Alam Kuh?
A4: The best time to climb Alam Kuh is during the summer. Autumn and winter are not good because of heavy snow, snowslides, and strong storms.
Q5: What are some attractions near Alam Kuh?
A5: Nearby attractions include Kordi Chal Village, known for its beautiful landscapes; Harijan Village, with its grassy areas and waterfalls; and Velesht Lake, a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and boating surrounded by pine trees.
Last Words: Discover the Best of Alam Kuh with a Customized Tour
Alam Kuh, at 4,850 meters (15,912 feet) tall, is the second-highest mountain in Iran. It is a beautiful and special place in the Alborz Mountain range, often called the “Diamond of the Alborz.” This impressive mountain amazes adventure and nature lovers with its stunning looks, tough terrain, and difficult climbing paths.
If you want to visit Iran and see the amazing Alam Kuh, the best way is to choose Customized tours. To Iran Tour offers excellent Iran tours and travel packages to give you a special and unforgettable trip. Our team is here to help you have a great experience in Iran, from the tall peaks of Alam Kuh to the lively streets of Tehran.
Trust To Iran Tour to create a trip that’s just right for you. Let us take care of the details so you can focus on making lasting memories.
