Since our beloved country Iran is located in many mountainous belts, we can see and even conquer many mountains throughout our vast country. In this article from KoohBist magazine, we intend to introduce Sabalan Mountain, the always-white mountain of Iran.
Mount Sabalan is one of the most famous areas in Iran and is located 35 km from Ardabil and 25 km from Meshkin Shahr city.
we are suggested you Mount Taftan article.
The access route to Sabalan mountain
Access to Sabalan Mountain is not difficult at all. There are several routes to reach this area and use its scenery.
the first route; Passing through Lahrud!
To climb from the northern part of this peak, you have to reach Sabalan mountain from this route. I have to pass from Lahrud along the Ardabil road to Meshkin Shahr, on the south side, to reach my destination, which is Shabil Spa. You can drive from Shabil Spa to the shelter. In the following, you can use two methods to climb. Using special Land Rovers or walking are two ways that can be used to climb.
the second path; An origin called Alvarez!
An alvares ski resort is the starting point for climbing from the southern part of the mountain. The route of this track is only 30 kilometers and it should be noted that the entire route to this track is asphalt. About 300 meters before reaching Alvares, there is an exit on the left side, which is the path of the nomads, and it is possible to go up through this path. You can travel by SUV or on foot until you reach the Guzi area. If you go on foot, this route takes 2 hours, but if you go by car, it takes 35 minutes.
the third path; Start from Kara Gul Lake!
Kara Gul Lake is the starting point of the western ascent of Sabalan Mountain. To reach this point on the road of Tehran Meshkin Shahr, you have to reach Lahrud T-junction and from there go to Shabil hot spring. After leaving Shabil, you can reach Kara Gul lake on a dirt road.
About Mount Sabalan
People in Azerbaijan also call Sabalan mountain “Savalan”. The height of Sabalan peak is 4811 meters, which made it the third-highest peak in Iran after the two peaks of Damavand and Alam Kouh mountain ranges. The existence of various natural spas on the slopes of the mountain, pristine and exceptional and unique nature, as well as the presence of permanent snow due to the natural glaciers that led to the construction of the Alvarez ski resort, are among the most important and undeniable attractions of this region. Savalan Mountain, which has a separate name in Talesh, and the people of this city call it Selfon, has been registered in the list of national natural monuments of our country.
At different times of the year, many tourists and climbers from all over Iran and the world travel to Meshkin Shahr and finally to this region for climbing and visiting the tourist attractions of this unique and old region.
The history of Sabalan and Zoroaster
The local people of this region believe that Mount Sabalan was the place where the Zoroastrian prophet was sent and became a prophet. In a part of the book “Thus Said Zarathustra”, which is considered one of Nietzsche’s most famous works, there is a short reference to the descent of holly Zarathustra from Sabalan Mountain. According to this point, this place is of high value among the native people, especially the nomads, and of course, it is also very sacred.
Geography of Sabalan Mountain
Mount Sabalan is among active volcanic peaks. This mountain starts from the Qarasu valley, which is northwest of Ardabil, and extends and continues in the eastern part to Qoshadagh mountain.
Sultan, Heram, and Kasra are three famous peaks of the Savalan mountain range. One of the tourist attractions around Mount Sabalan, which is a symbol of this mountain, is a natural stone in the shape of an eagle. The name of this stone, which is Qartal and is also known by this name, is located on the western front of Sabalan peak and next to one of the parapets of Sabalan mountain.
Sabalan Peak Lake
The most obvious attraction and characteristic of Mount Sabalan is its lake, which is oval in shape and is located at the tip of this peak. The depth of Sabalan mountain lake is about 40 meters. Except for summer, the water of this lake is completely frozen in other months.
Because the sun does not shine on the southern part of the lake, this part of the lake is covered with snow all the days of the year. The water in this lake is provided by rain or the melting of snow on the peak. Around this lake, there are all kinds of stones with very large dimensions, which are mostly andesite, basalt, and trachyte, and their location is from the outside to the inside of the lake. This lake is on the list of the highest lakes in the world by being located at the tip of Sabalan peak, i.e. at an altitude of 4811 meters.
Climb to Sabalan Peak
The presence of different paths in terms of location and degree of difficulty to climb this peak are among other features of this mountain.
The northeastern route of Sabalan peak
The most common way to climb Sabalan is this way. Also, this road can be considered the most suitable route for beginner climbers. By car, you can reach the starting area of this route, which is the Sabalan shelter.
From the shelter to the top of Pakub peak, a flag has been installed to guide the climbers.
According to experience and of course, according to the speed of each climber, from the shelter to the top of the peak can be reached in 4-5 hours.
The route of the south face of Sabalan peak
There is no shelter on the southern path of Mount Sabalan, and the only place to rest and stay with the nomads is in their tents. The beginning of the route is from Chai Gozi and after that, there are two routes to climb. The first route passes through the Qara Masjid area and most climbers use this route to climb, and it should be noted that this climb takes about 6 hours. The second route is not considered due to its difficulty.
The west front path of Sabalan peak
To climb to the top of Sabalan mountain, you have to start from Karagol lake. After starting from this point and passing through the pyramid pit and the large and natural glacier, you will reach Jan Panah West and after that, you can reach the tip of Sabalan mountain.
The western parapet is located at a point with an altitude of 4,200 meters.
The best time to travel to Mount Sabalan
Mid-spring to late summer can be considered the best time to climb Mount Sabalan. The reason is that the cold of the Sabalan mountain region does not allow mountaineers to climb without difficulty. In addition, the eye-catching and exceptional nature of the region in the summer season helps mountaineers to enjoy climbing and hiking. It should be noted that this area has stormy weather in the spring season, especially in the months of April and May.
Guide to climbing Sabalan peak
Due to the average difficulty level of Sabalan Mountain, this area is one of the most popular areas for beginner climbers.
The heights of Mount Sabalan are stormy from the afternoon onwards with snow and rain.
Before traveling and finally climbing, climbers must make sure of their complete climbing equipment and physical fitness.
Many climbing groups in Meshkinshahr and Sareen climb Sabalan mountain weekly, so those who are interested can climb with them as a team and professionally.
The climbing routes of Mount Sabalan are full of numerous shelters and recreational camps that provide various services to climbers before, during, and after climbing.
In addition to mentioning that climbing Mount Sabalan is free, we must mention that you must be diligent in keeping nature clean on your way up.
Sights of Mount Sabalan
In addition to climbing, mountaineers, skiers, and in general, athletes and nature lovers can see and use many other scenic and natural facilities of Sabalan Mountain.
Mehrgan Alvares ski resort
Alvares Sabalan mountain ski resort is one of the unique tourist attractions of Sabalan mountain, located 12 km from Alvares village and 24 km from Sarein city of Ardabil. The opening of this complex was in 2004, and since that date, many skiers and climbers from all over the world come to enjoy this sport. Ski lifts, restaurants, stores, and many other amenities can be experienced at Alvares Sarein ski resort.
Necessary equipment for Sabalan
Your type of recreation determines the equipment you need. Complete your hiking and trekking checklist with the right shoes, tent, clothes, and equipment.
The best season to travel to Mount Sabalan
Due to the great importance of choosing the season for climbing and traveling to Sabalan mountain, we have decided to mention a few additional points regarding the introduction of the Alvarez ski resort.
Naturally, winter is the best season for skiing and those interested in this field. But if you want to visit this area for another purpose, choose summer for your departure.
Walking on the slopes of this mountain and its pristine nature gives a special pleasure to every hiker and hiker. As we mentioned, the best time to climb Sabalan is spring and summer.
Hotels and accommodations near Sabalan peak
Like other mountaineers and hikers, you can stay the night before your ascent in Jan Panah East, and after starting your ascent in the morning, you can camp at the top of the peak and by the lake.
Is the trip to Sabalan only for mountaineers?
Although traveling and reaching Sabalan Lake and climbing to the top of Sabalan Mountain requires the physical fitness of the mountaineer, the existence of countless tourist areas can provide space for any type of nature tourist or any level of mountaineering.
Before starting the departure, anyone can check all the facilities of this area through the photos available on the internet and then start their journey.
The presence of Sabalan springs and mineral waters along with Sabalan waterfalls are the reasons that make this area suitable for any type of tourist and athlete. In addition, the pristine nature of this area has created a unique vegetation for nature lovers. All kinds of medicinal and wild plants, beautiful and rare plants are among the ornaments of this region. In addition to the vegetation, the fauna of Sabalan Mountain is also abundant, so various species are living. The eagle is the most important animal species in this region, which is the symbol of Mount Sabalan.
This area has unique vegetation and you can
Why should we visit Sabalan?
The exceptional characteristics of this region, along with the volcanic nature of Savalan Mountain, are attractive and valuable for every human being. The real and pristine nature can be observed in every way of climbing this mountain and enjoying its beauty.
Savalan Lake is at the tip of this peak, which is located on the volcanic crater and has an oval shape, and its water is about 28 meters below the edges of the volcanic crater.
In the summer and spring seasons, this lake has a clear blue and slightly greenish color due to the more balanced air temperature. This lake is covered with ice in other months of the year.
Due to the presence of snow on most days of the year, the Sabalan ski area, which is Alvares, is the most suitable area for skiers to practice their favorite discipline in any month and day of the year.
Fertile soil and green pastures have made the map of this region exceptional. As mentioned, there is no shortage of herbal medicines in this area, and you can find everything from cloves to barberry and run in this area.
KoohBist; It’s a reason for climbers to climb!
For climbers, having adequate equipment is vital. This reason cannot be hidden. This mountain store has all the mountain climbing equipment with a variety of prices, brands, colors, etc.
In addition to a well-equipped store, KoohBist has organized a very useful magazine to increase the information of mountaineers regarding the country’s climbing areas, a guide to this sport, a guide to buying and choosing equipment, etc. In addition to the magazine, climbers, and enthusiasts of this sport can refer to the Instagram page of Mount Bisat, which is full of climbing content.
Questions
Where is Sabalan peak?
Sabalan peak is located 25 kilometers from Meshkin Shahr and 35 kilometers from Ardabil city.
How high is Mount Sabalan?
Mount Sabalan with a height of 4811 meters is the third highest peak in the country after Damavand, the glory of Iran’s heights, and Iran’s Alpe Mountain.