Kaman Kooh

Overview

Notes:

NAME ALERT: Many maps call this peak "Kharsarak". In this discussion, Kharsarak refers to a nearby 3706 m peak.

Click for Introduction to Central Alborz Mountains.

Click for Introduction to Kholeno Massif.

Click for a detailed map of the Kholeno Massif.

My GPS/Altimeter measured the elevation of this peak at 13910 ft (4240 m). The 4234 m figure is per the 1:50 000 map.



Kaman Kooh is the highest of a local group of 5 connected peaks in the Central Alborz Mountains of northern Iran. East to west these peaks include:
1) Koheno 4082 m
2) Yakhchal 4194 m
3) Sarmahoo 4165 m
4) Kaman Kooh 4234 m
5) Sootak the Great 3966 m

To the east, the 3650 m Gavan Poshteh Saddle separates these peaks from the rest of the nearby 4000 m plus peaks of Central Alborz. To the south, the slopes of all peaks drop very steeply to the bottom of the Varengeh Rood River Valley (2800-3000 m) and to the northeast a 3590 m saddle separates these peaks from Sootak the Small (3845 m). The northern slopes of Kaman Kooh, Sarmahoo and Yakhchal create what looks like a glacially carved cirque that sits at an elevation of 3700-3900 m. This cirque houses a large snow field/small glacier that feeds a pond known as Kaman Kooh Lake.

Kaman Kooh can theoretically be climbed via its southern slopes but this seems to involve 1400 vertical meters of steep scree and cliffs. A much better option is to climb it from the north via Kaman Kooh Lake. The most direct approach to the lake is from the north via the Nessen River Valley. I have not tried this route but it seems to be pretty straight forward. Other options are from the Varengeh Rood Village to the west or the Kalak Bala Village to the northeast (see “Route”).

The northern slopes of Kaman Kooh rise directly above the Kaman Kooh Lake. We tried descending these slopes but ran into steep snow covered slopes (late June) that were dotted with cliffs. This made the descend very difficult (for me) and we had to change our plans. Later in the season when the snow melts away, the climb might be easier but I suspect you will encounter steep/slippery scree instead of snow. The best way to reach the summit of Kaman Kooh is to follow the ridgeline from the top of the Yakhchal Peak.

The summit of Kaman Kooh will give you a birds-eye view into much of Central Alborz Mountains, from the 5671 m Mt. Damavand to the east, to the 4850 m Alam Kooh Peak to the northwest (PIC 1, PIC 2 & PIC 3) . Some of the most dramatic sights might be those of the 4390 m Azad Kooh Peak to the north or Mt. Damavand towering above the wall of Yakhchal Peak.

Getting There

Directions to Varengeh Rood Village
From downtown Tehran drive the Tehran-Karaj Freeway 40 Km west to the town of Karaj and take the Chalus Road exit. Drive the Chalus Road up the mountains roughly 70 Km till the junction of the road that goes to Dizin Ski Area (2250 m). Turn onto this road and follow it a few Km till you see a side road on the left that goes to Varengeh Rood Village (2325 m). Turn onto this road and follow it a few Km till the end of it at the village (2450 m).


Directions to Kalak Bala Village
From downtown Tehran drive the Tehran-Karaj Freeway 40 Km west to the town of Karaj and take the Chalus Road exit. Drive the Chalus Road up the mountains roughly 95 Km past the Kandovan Tunnel (2700 m) to a place known as Poleh Zangooleh (2350 m) where you will see a side road to the right (east). This is known as the Yoosh-Baladeh Road. Follow this road 30 Km east first up the Tarkeh Bashm Pass (2800 m) and then Labashm Pass (3170 m) to the village of Minak (2390 m). Turn south onto a dirt road (passable by most/any car) and follow it a few Km to the end of it at Kalak Bala Village (2650 m)

Red Tape

No fees. This is a protected area. Hunting is prohibited.

When To Climb

The northern slopes of the Kaman Kooh Group. Click to see the southern slopes.





Easiest in summer (mid June to early October). I personally like late June/early July when there is much snow on the mountains. The grass on the lower slopes is green and flowers are in bloom. Snow on higher slopes will obviously make the climb more difficult.

Winter climbing will obviously require special training/equipment.

Camping

Anywhere.

Mountain Conditions

In summer, the weather is generally clear. Isolated thunderstorms (sleet/snow at higher elevations) do occur.

Miscellaneous Info

If you are not familiar with these mountains, you might benefit from the presence of a guide. I used Araz Adventure Tours and was very satisfied.

Images

View Kaman Kooh Image Gallery - 14 Images