Excursions

There are numerous hiking routes many of which pass through ancient summer villages and also forests rich in pastoral life.

It is possible to have a tailor made tour from any of the mentioned categories, visiting many places or having a combination of mountaineering and cultural attractions.  Our guides are experienced mountaineers who know the local culture and also the people you would meet on the way.

Light Excursions:

Mohebbi’s traditional pottery workshop in Siyahgelchal near Soleiman Abad, three living generations live and practice this ancient craft.

Siyah Sared Waterfall

Hidden behind the ruins of a tiny old settlement in the Dali Khani forest.

Markuh Fortress

The ruins of a 1000 year old watch tower from the times of the Assassins on a hilltop of 250m with a breathtaking view of the Caspian Sea and the Alborz mountains.

Ramsar and Falak Deh hot thermal springs

The first having been the private bath of the late Shah and the second a natural cave deep in the Sehezar forest.

Daniel Water Cave

This is one of the longest water caves in Iran. It is situated deep in Salmanshahr forest; a half hour drive then a 20 minute walks in order to get to the opening. Then a long day in the cave!

Intermediate Excursions

The 200 acre plain of Daryasar once a natural lake is a breathtaking alpine pastureland at an altitude of 1500m which is surrounded by 3000+ summits and forests which is habited by wildlife such as the brown bear, foxes, wolves, rabbits and wild boar. It is on route to the Siyalan Summit the highest in Tonekabon at 4250m, the Alamut Valley and the world famous Castle of Hassan-e-Sabbah the leader of the Ishmaelite. 

Miyanlaat and Noosha

A 6 hour hike crossing dense forests and white water rivers to get to Noosha, one of the most authentic and beautiful summer settlements in Tonekabon region, a collection of around 100 adobe houses with no electricity or mobile signal, it is a lost paradise accessible only on foot or horseback all year round.

Lemirah, Aghuzhal, Chiney

Starting from Aghuzhal, a forest refuge, only 17 kilometers south of Khoonegeli a 3 hour hike would take us to these summer villages with breathtaking panoramic views of the Caspian Sea and the littoral at an altitude of 2600m.

 “….very nice vegetarian food, beautiful treks, quiet place, good sleep….it was really interesting to see how the shepherds milked the goats and baking bread.” Karin y Marcel

Lashm

This is an alpine pastor land in the Sehezar Valley to the East of Tonekabon. It has a spectacular 360 degree view of the Siyalan summit to the south, the 3000+ meters of the Dohezar Valley to the West, Beles Kuh summit at 3500m to the East and the Caspian Sea to the north. It is a 5 hour trek from Khaniyan Village, a 35 minute drive from Khoonegeli.

Enduring Excursions;-

In the Dohezar and Sehezar valleys one can practice mountaineering to one of several high altitude summits which would take 2 or 3 days. These excursions are ideal for the seasoned mountaineers with professional alpine equipment and also seasoned trekkers who want to try a summit without any technical ability. The wilderness of these routes in winter defies belief.

Alam Kuh (4850m)

This is the second highest summit in the country. Its northern wall (450-550m) with more than 10 established routes as well as new routes being opened every now and then. It is considered to be one of the most difficult and interesting summit of Iran. Since 1964 the summit has seen routes being opened by Iranian, German, French and Polish climbers. The principal routes are:

1. Hesarchal: this is the least difficult of all routes via the south face,

2. Siyahsangha: This route has 2 shelters one at 3850m and the other at 4700m on the north east side of the summit. There is rocky terrain on part of the routs that require special vigilance; it is however not considered a technical route.

3. The German Flank: on the north west of the summit, is an attractive route for those who are interested in technical but not too difficult routes
4. Alam Kuh wall: the most important routes that have been opened on this wall are:
a. Harry Rost-Nejah: has 10 pitches, A1 - 5.10
b. The French: Has 12-14 pitch and with an existing traverse, cross the width of the wall, A2 - 5.11
c. The Polish 52: 11 pitches, and mostly aid climbing, A3 - 5.9
d. The Polish 48: with 10 pitches, it is the most technical route of the wall. Except the first 2 pitches, that has anchors and some bolts, in the rest of the route, using your own tools, nuts, cams and..., is necessary. Climbing this route is just like establishing a new route.

Beles Kuh Summit (3500m)

This is a spectacular summit with views on the Alam Kuh range and the Caspian Sea as well as the Siyalan Summit; it can be done in 2 days. The first night would be spend in Lashm (see above) and is a favorite for winter trekkers as it poses little risk of avalanche.

Kangarchal and Yaan (3200 and 3500m)

These two summits lie on the eastern side of Daryasar plain and are both doable as one long and arduous day treks although one may wish to spend the night in a herdsmen dwelling to absorb the silence and beauty of the surrounding forest and peaks.

Siyalan Summit (4250m)

Shared between Alamut and Tonekabon it is the highest point of the two historic regions.  It is a 2 day trek with the night spent in tent at 2700 or 3600m. It is just to the west of the old summer path that was the classical Assassin’s path from Tonekabon to Alamut for centuries

Kalahoo (4441m)

A two day non technical summit to the north east of Maran and Shahrestan with great flora and fauna. The night would be spent in Kalahoo cave overlooking some of the most spectacular glaciers of the Alam Kuh region.

Damavand (5610m)

The highest volcano and point in the Middle East speaks for itself. All year expeditions with probably the most experienced professional guide in Iran tailor made for you.