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Alam-Kuh
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Alam-Kuh, with its respectable height of 4848 meters, is the second highest mountain peak in Iran, located in the central part of the Alborz mountain range in Mazandaran province. The mountain has gained worldwide fame among professional rock climbers and alpinists due to its almost vertical granite north face, which is over 800 meters high. This gigantic rock wall is considered one of the most difficult and technically challenging climbing routes in the Middle East, often compared to the largest walls of the European Alps. Around the Alam-Kuh massif lies the Takht-e Suleyman region, characterized by dramatic glacial landscapes. Several active glaciers are found here, owing to the extremely low temperatures and high altitude precipitation.
- Location: Iran
- Nearby: Nashtarood (27 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 1 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 19 | 21 | 21 | 18 | 13 | 6 | 2 |
| Rain mm | 66 | 66 | 63 | 52 | 19 | 21 | 31 | 39 | 91 | 143 | 130 | 80 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The typical access involves traveling to remote rural base camps, from which experienced climbers and trekkers begin their long and arduous ascents into the mountains.
Best season
Mid-summer, usually in July and August, is generally the safest weather window for tackling the steep granite north face and extreme altitudes without facing deep snow.
Terrain & paths
The environment quickly transitions from barren valleys into rugged, high-alpine terrain dominated by loose scree slopes and the massive, near-vertical granite rock face.
What to bring
Professional rock climbing equipment, absolutely storm-proof alpine clothing, and specialized mountaineering boots are strictly necessary for any serious summit attempts.
Parking
Vehicles are generally left at the lower valley lodges or guesthouses, as any further progress upwards is strictly limited to proceeding on foot or using local pack animals.
Safety
This extreme high-altitude environment poses massive risks including sudden severe weather drops, dangerous rockfall on the face, and the ever-present threat of altitude sickness.
Time needed
A complete expedition to successfully tackle the mountain or its highly challenging north face typically requires several strenuous days filled with intense climbing and trekking.
Geography
Facts
- Its maximum elevation reaches 4848 meters above sea level.
- According to official measurements, it is the second highest point in the country.
- The height of the infamous and steep granite north face exceeds 800 meters.
- The region hosts one of the few remaining Iranian glaciers.
- The north face was first successfully climbed in the early 1930s.
- Situated in the Takht-e Suleyman mountain massif, in the northern Mazandaran province.
- Due to its steep rock walls, it is often referred to as the alpinist center of the country.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Alam-Kuh (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How high is Alam-Kuh?
At 4,850m, it is Iran's second-highest mountain, famous for its steep north face.
Is the mountain suitable for regular hikers?
The normal route is technically doable but requires high-mountain experience; the north face is for climbers only.
Where does the climb start?
The usual starting point is Roodbarak or Vandarbon village in the Kelardasht valley.
When is the best time for a tour?
July and August offer the most stable weather conditions for the summit ascent.
Are there huts on the mountain?
Yes, there is the Sarchal hut and simple bivouac options at higher elevations.
Alam-Kuh: where is it located?
Alam-Kuh is located in Iran.
Alam-Kuh: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Alam-Kuh: why is it worth visiting?
Alam-Kuh, with its respectable height of 4848 meters, is the second highest mountain peak in Iran, located in the central part of the Alborz mountain range in Mazandaran province.
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