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Tehran sits at the foot of the Alborz, and hiking is one of the city’s great passions. On a Friday morning the trails of Darband, Darakeh and Tochal fill with walkers, and further afield Damavand, at 5,610 metres the highest peak in the Middle East, draws climbers from around the world. Good gear is widely available in Tehran, but quality and prices vary, so many visitors bring their own. Here is what to take.
For day hikes. On routes such as Darband, Darakeh, Golabdarreh and the lower slopes of Tochal, you need:
- Waterproof hiking boots with good grip, as the trails are rocky and often wet near the streams.
- Trekking poles, which save your knees on the steep descents.
- A daypack of 25 to 30 litres for water, snacks and layers.
- A packable rain jacket and a warm layer, because the weather changes quickly with height.
- A head torch, as many locals start before dawn.
- Blister plasters and electrolyte tablets for hot days.
For higher peaks and Damavand. Above 3,500 metres conditions become serious, even in summer. Add merino base layers, a packable down jacket, category 4 mountain sunglasses and a three-season sleeping bag for the mountain huts. In spring and autumn, microspikes are useful on icy paths; for winter ascents you need full crampons, an ice axe and experience.
Safety. Climbing Damavand requires a permit and payment of a fee, and most foreign climbers go with a licensed guide or agency. Allow time to acclimatise, carry a first-aid kit and turn back if you develop signs of altitude sickness. On Tochal, check the weather and tell someone your route.
Buying in Tehran. If you forget something, the shops around Enghelab Square and the mountain gear stores near Tajrish and Darband sell everything from boots to gas canisters. Stove gas cannot be carried on planes, so buy it locally.
More. See our guides to the peaks around Tehran, Mount Damavand, Darband and the Tochal cable car.
