Plizio Visual Lab

Mount Tochal

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Mountain

Weather…

Mount Tochal is a prominent peak in the Alborz mountain range, rising high directly at the northern borders of the multimillion metropolis of Tehran. With its elevation of 3964 meters above sea level, it forms a natural physical barrier that clearly dominates the panorama of the Iranian capital. The southern slope of the mountain is one of the most important and popular recreational areas for the residents of Tehran. One of the longest cable cars in the world, the Tochal telecabin, transports passengers over a length of about 7.5 kilometers from the Velenjak district at 1900 meters up to the mountain station built at an altitude of 3740 meters. The ski resort located near the summit is snow-sure from December to April due to its high altitude.

Location: Iran
Top sights: Tochal · Bazarak · Qal'eh Dokhtar
Nearby: Dizin (10 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	-6	-4	1	6	12	18	21	20	15	9	1	-4
Rain mm	47	48	47	45	17	12	17	21	44	77	80	54

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The mountain is remarkably accessible directly from northern Tehran, typically via the Velenjak neighborhood, where a well-known telecabin complex carries visitors close to the summit.

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Best season

The winter months are highly popular for winter sports, while late spring and summer typically offer the most pleasant weather for long hikes and escaping the city's intense heat.

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Terrain & paths

The varied terrain ranges from well-paved, steep walking paths in the lower sections to highly exposed, rocky, and deeply snow-covered mountain trails in the upper elevations.

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What to bring

During summer, sturdy hiking boots and sun protection are generally sufficient, while winter visits strictly mandate warm alpine clothing, snow gear, and often crampons for higher ascents.

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Parking

Substantial parking facilities are usually available at the end of Velenjak Street near the first telecabin station, though these quickly become heavily congested on local weekends.

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Safety

Altitude sickness can pose a genuine risk if ascending too rapidly, and hikers must always remain highly vigilant regarding local avalanche warnings and rapid temperature drops during winter.

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Time needed

Taking the telecabin for a brief visit or skiing often occupies a half-day, whereas a complete physical hike from the base entirely to the summit usually requires a long, grueling day.

Geography

Coordinates

35.88300, 51.41600

Facts

The main summit point is at exactly 3964 meters above sea level.
The total travel length of the cable car system approaches 7.5 kilometers.
The uppermost mountain station of the telecabin was built at an altitude of 3740 meters.
The local ski resort generally has sufficient snow coverage from December to April.
The starting point for hiking trails is the Velenjak district located at 1900 meters.
The hotel located on the mountain is one of the highest altitude hotels in the world.
The southern slopes of the mountain directly border the northern districts of Tehran.