The Volcanic Seven Summits Challenge and Asia’s Giant: Damavand

For many mountaineers, the “Seven Summits” (the highest peak on each continent) is the ultimate resume builder. But for those who seek a different kind of fire, a more geological connection to the Earth’s volatile power, there is a grittier, arguably more aesthetic challenge: The Volcanic Seven Summits. At the heart of this challenge lies a sleeping giant that guards the rugged landscapes of Iran—Mount Damavand. As someone who has navigated the thin air and sulfurous vents of these high-altitude cauldrons, I invite you to explore what makes this circuit, and specifically Damavand, a mountaineer’s dream.

Understanding the Volcanic Seven Summits Challenge

Unlike the traditional Seven Summits, which are defined solely by altitude, the Volcanic Seven Summits require climbing the highest volcano on each of the seven continents. This list offers a unique blend of high-altitude mountaineering, exotic travel, and the raw beauty of crater rims.

The volcanoes vary wildly in technical difficulty, from the icy slopes of Antarctica to the lush rainforest approaches of Oceania. Here is the arena where fire meets ice.

The Official Roster of Fire

Asia’s Crown Jewel: Mount Damavand

While Ojos del Salado is the highest and Kilimanjaro the most famous, Mount Damavand holds a special place in the hearts of alpinists. Standing at 5,609 meters (though local maps often claim 5,671m), it is the highest peak in Iran and the majestic stratovolcano of the Middle East.

Rising from the Alborz mountain range near the southern coast of the Caspian Sea, Damavand is not just a mountain; it is a symbol of Iranian resistance and glory in Persian mythology. For the modern climber, it represents a formidable physical test that bridges the gap between trekking peaks and technical expeditions.

Why Damavand is Different: The Sulfur Factor

If you have climbed Kilimanjaro, you know the struggle of altitude. But Damavand adds a toxic twist: sulfur gas. Near the summit, specifically past the “Sulfur Hill” at 5,400 meters, active fumaroles spew thick clouds of rotten-egg gas.

“Standing on the summit of Damavand is a battle not just against gravity, but against the mountain’s own breath. The yellow crystals lining the vents are beautiful, but the air is a harsh reminder that this giant is only sleeping.”

This factor makes proper acclimatization and respiratory protection (like a buff or even a half-mask) critical. It adds a psychological layer to the climb that purely snow-capped peaks often lack.

The Climbing Routes of Damavand

Damavand offers at least 16 known routes to the summit, presenting varying degrees of difficulty. However, four main faces are commonly attempted.

1. The Southern Route (The Classic)

This is the most popular and oldest route. It is often compared to the Marangu route on Kilimanjaro but is steeper. It features a well-established camp system:

• Base Camp (Goosfand Sara): 3,000m
• Camp 3 (Bargah Sevom): 4,200m – Here you find a solid shelter and tent platforms.

The South route is technically non-technical (no ropes usually needed in summer), but the scree slopes can be exhausting.

2. The Northern & North-Eastern Routes

These are for the wilder souls. They are colder, windier, and require more logistical self-sufficiency. The North-Eastern route passes the famous “Ice Fall of Yakhar,” a stunning geological feature that rarely melts.

3. The Western Route

Known for its sunset views and the famous “Simorgh” shelter. It is shorter but steeper and often involves scrambling over loose rock.

Preparing for the Ascent: Training and Acclimatization

To succeed on Damavand, or any of the Volcanic Seven Summits, you cannot rely on grit alone. You need a strategy.

Physical Conditioning

Your training should mirror the demands of the mountain. Focus on:

• Cardiovascular Endurance: Long runs, cycling, or swimming to build lung capacity.
• Leg Strength: Weighted step-ups and squats to handle the vertical gain.
• Rucking: Hiking with a loaded pack (15-20kg) to simulate expedition weight.

The Acclimatization Schedule

Rushing Damavand is the primary cause of failure. A typical itinerary should look like this:

1. Day 1: Arrive in Tehran, transfer to Polour.
2. Day 2: Trek to Base Camp (3,000m).
3. Day 3: Trek to Camp 3 (4,200m) and sleep lower or stay at Camp 3 depending on how you feel.
4. Day 4: Acclimatization hike to 4,800m, then return to Camp 3 to sleep.
5. Day 5: Summit push and return to Camp 3.

Gear Essentials for Volcanic Climbs

Volcanoes create their own weather systems. On Damavand, temperatures can drop to -20°C at the summit even in summer, and the wind chill is severe.

Must-Have Items:

• Double Boots: Or very warm single mountaineering boots. Cold toes end climbs.
• Dust/Gas Protection: A high-quality buff or a respirator for the sulfur zones.
• Trekking Poles: Essential for the loose scree (volcanic ash/rocks) on the descent.
• Hydration Systems: Insulated water bottles (hoses freeze above 5,000m).

The View from the Top

Reaching the caldera of Damavand is a surreal experience. Inside the crater, usually filled with snow, lies the heart of the volcano. Looking out, you see the vast arid plains of Iran stretching toward the Caspian Sea. It is a moment of stark contrast—the violence of the volcanic history beneath your feet versus the peaceful silence of the high atmosphere.

Comparison: Damavand vs. Elbrus vs. Kilimanjaro

How does Damavand stack up against its siblings?

• Vs. Kilimanjaro: Damavand is technically similar but the summit day is often shorter. However, the air feels “thinner” on Damavand due to the latitude and sulfur.
• Vs. Elbrus: Elbrus requires crampons and ice axe skills (snow and ice travel). Damavand in summer is mostly rock and scree, though crampons are often carried just in case.

Conclusion: The Call of the Fire Giants

The Volcanic Seven Summits challenge is more than a checklist; it is a tour of the Earth’s most dramatic geology. Damavand stands as the gatekeeper of Asia—a majestic, smelly, beautiful, and demanding peak that requires respect. Whether you are using it as a training ground for the Himalayas or as a crown jewel in your volcanic crown, the experience of standing on its smoking summit is something that stays with you forever.

Pack your boots, train your lungs, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime. The mountain is waiting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When is the best time to climb Mount Damavand?

The prime climbing season is from mid-June to September. During these months, the weather is most stable, and the route is generally free of deep snow, making it accessible for trekkers without technical winter climbing skills.

2. Do I need technical climbing skills for Damavand?

For the standard Southern Route in summer, you do not need technical rock or ice climbing skills. However, you must be in excellent physical shape and comfortable walking on loose scree and steep slopes. Winter ascents are fully technical and require ice axes and crampons.

3. Is the sulfur gas on Damavand dangerous?

Yes, it can be. The sulfur fumes near the summit can cause nausea, coughing, and headaches, exacerbating altitude sickness. Climbers are advised to move past the fumaroles quickly and use a wet buff or a specialized mask to breathe easier.

4. How does Damavand compare to Mount Ararat?

Damavand (5,609m) is significantly higher than Mount Ararat (5,137m). While Ararat permanently has a glacier cap requiring crampons, Damavand is physically more demanding due to the higher altitude and steeper approach, even if it has less snow in summer.

5. Is a guide required to climb Damavand?

While experienced mountaineers can climb independently, it is highly recommended to hire a local guide. Iranian guides know the micro-climates, the safest paths through the sulfur zones, and handle the logistics of permits and hut bookings, which can be bureaucratic for foreigners.