Interview with Sina, a Damavand Guide

Hi. Would you please introduce yourself?

I am Sina Ebrahimi, born in 1998. I started my professional mountaineering activities in 2013. I participated in many official and academic climbing courses such as rock climbing, ice climbing, GPS and orientation in mountains, mountain rescue and relief. In 2017 I participated in national climbing expeditions and one year later i.e. in 2018 I became a member of the national team.

Have you ever climbed mountain in other countries?

Yeah. My first overseas ascend was in 2016 which I climbed Mt. Ararat in turkey. My second overseas ascend was Mont Blanc in Alps. Our team could not reach the top due to harsh weather conditions. And my last overseas adventure wan at Himalayas in 2019. In Himalayas I climbed Island Peak and Mt. Ama Dablam. On each expedition my physical condition improved day by day and I somehow, got a good knowledge and experience in mountain climbing.

How many Damavand trekking did you have? How many teams have you guided in their Damavand trek?

I cannot tell exactly how many Damavand trek did I have but obviously its more than thirty times. I could reach myself to top of Damavand 27 times. I climbed Damavand from various routes included of Northern face, Southern face, North Eastern and Western faces. Mostly I climbed Damavand from the South face that is known as classic route of Damavand. Mostly I climbed Mt. Damavand in summer time. I have climbed Mt. Damavand eight times on winter which two times was Damavand expedition and six times was Damavand skiing.

When is the best time to climb Mt. Damavand?

In my opinion the best time for climbing Damavand is in summer because the weather is nice and the days are longer.
I guided a big team from Hungary included of seventeen people that fifteen reach top of Mt. Damavand successfully. The famous climbers who I guided them in climbing Damavand I can name Andy Holes and Peter Hubler.

What is the most suitable route to climb Mt. Damavand? How long does it take to climb Damavand?

Southern face of Damavand is the most suitable route to climb Damavand because its somehow easy to climb, no need to climb any rock, no glaciers, no deep steep, there is a good access to rescue and medical services and on the way there Eco-camps. Normally, it takes three to five days to climb Damavand from this route on summers. It’s recommended that the climbers climb mountains around Tehran (such as Mt. Tochal or Kloon Bastak) first and after acclimatization start their Damavand trek. For Damavand winter trek it’s better to do the acclimatization on Mt. Dobarar because it’s near Damavand and above 4000 meters high.

Is there any place near Damavand to engage in rock and ice climbing?

Yes, in Reyneh, there are sites for rock climbing and ice climbing. Also there is an icefall near Damavand that is known as Nawa Fall. At Polour also there is an indoor rock climbing site.

What are the most mistakes that tour guides or tourism agencies in Damavand may commit?

Lack of knowledge about team members such as allergies, previous injuries or surgeries and health issues and not being acclimatized. Timing also is very important in Damavand trek. Damavand is not very difficult mountain to climb especially on summers but always there is a possibility for edema for those who are not acclimatized well. Every mountain is tricky and nature is not predictable. Don’t count on your abilities when confronting nature.
In climbing Damavand nutrition is important. The climbers should try low fat foods and mostly take carbohydrates. Also they should drink lots of water in their Damavand trek.

Is it possible to ski on Damavand?

Damavand is a nice place for skiing. Damavand is safe for skiing and on winters you have good access to sun. Also there are high mountains near Damavand such as Dobarar, Angemar, Gole-Zard and Parwaneh that you can reach yourself there within less than one hour. For skiing on Damavand your itinerary should be around seven days.

What hobbies and refreshments may mountain climbers have after their Damavand trek?

After climbing Damavand you can go to Caspian Sea that is less than one hour from Damavand. Also, at Reyneh there are natural hot springs.

for booking Damavand tours contact us

https://www.araratadventures.com/mount-damavand-tours-iran.html

https://www.jagged-globe.co.uk/trek/i/climb+mount+damavand.html

https://www.explore-share.com/blog/trekking-mount-damavand-in-iran-facts-information-routes-climate-difficulty-equipment-preparation/

https://taymazadventure.com/