Tâlysh Mountains

Tâlysh Mountains with its two peaks, Tilâr and Bâghro Dâgh, lies along the borders of the provinces of Iranian Azerbaijan, Zanjan, and Gilân, merging natural and cultural diversity. Visitors will first encounter a forest, before coming upon a meadow where the sheep wear bells so as not to get lost in the mist brought from the Caspian Sea. From Soubâtân village, which is full of flowers, visitors can hike to Abbâs Yurdi and the foothills of Bâghro Dâgh where nomadic tents are spread, down to Tiun Lake. Tourists will brush with Tâlysh, Gilac, and Azeri Turkish languages and cultures, and the luckiest will be those who witness the nomadic kuch, migration.

Sabalân Mountains

Located in Azerbaijan, Sabalân is a dormant volcano whose crater at 4,811 meters is a lake that freezes in the winter. The foothills are famous for their hot springs and valleys, the most well known of which are Sarein and Shirvân Dareh respectively. After visiting the sites in Ardebil, where Azeri Turkish is spoken, visitors can go to the hot springs of Ghotur Sui just before Meshkin Shahr (known for its âshe doogh soup) and then to the Shâbeel hot spring, which is surrounded by giant orange lilies. From here, only experienced and professional hikers should continue to the peak, as special equipment is required. July and August are the best times to visit.

Alam Kuh and Takhte Soleymân

Located in the Alborz mountains, the Takhte Soleymân range has 160 peaks over 4,000 meters, the highest of which is Alam Kuh at 4,850 meters, complete with notorious 90-degree ice-and-rock climbing wall. Although there are four routes, the recommended one is from Roodbârak in Kelârdasht from the north. Visitors should drive 1.5 hours to Vandarbon and Khoramdasht, where rural farms raise sheep for milk. From here, it’s a 1.5 hour hike to the flatlands of Hesâr Châl, which are blanketed in grass and yellow flowers and surrounded by peaks and glacial lakes. A popular camping site in the summer, wildlife here includes mountain goats and rams.

Damâvand

Damâvand is not only the country’s symbol and highest peak at 5,671 meters, it’s also known as the “roof of Iran.” Located in Mazandaran in the Alborz range, this peak is a dormant volcano with smoke coming out of its southern side, and unlike Sabalân, the crater is full of snow. One of the 16 different routes, Yakhan Valley, is considered impossible to ascend. Though most hikers hike the southern route, which has a hot spring, the more scenic path is through Dashte Dâgh. From Tehran, drive to Harâz Road toward Lâr dam, which takes you to Dashte Dâgh and Panâhgâh Simorgh hiking trails. Those who can make it to the peak will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Lâr valley. Visit in the summer.

Trans Alborz

The Alborz range runs from northwest to the northeast. As both sides of the range were inhabited, mules were traditionally used to get across. One of the routes is from Taleghân, a beautiful valley with a dam two hours northwest of Tehran. From Taleghân, go to Parâchan village, located in the southern foothills of Takhte Soleymân, where there are 40 peaks and three walking paths. The recommended path to Sehezâr Valley requires renting mules and allows you to pass another rural sheep farm and hot springs before reaching your destination. The best time to go is from summer to early fall.