OverviewClick for Introduction to the Central Alborz Mountains
Click for Introduction to Kholeno Massif.
Click for a detailed map of the Central Alborz Mountains.
Click for a detailed map of the Kholeno Massif.
North slopes of Harzeh Kooh |
Harzeh Kooh rises on the corner of an L-Shaped ridgeline in the Central Alborz Mountains of northern Iran south of the 4387 m Mt. Kholeno the Great. To the northeast, Harzeh Kooh connects to the 4325 m Borj Peak and to the west/northwest, it is connected to the 4253 m Khers Chal Peak. The southern slopes of Harzeh Kooh go down to a 3910 m saddle before connecting to the 4210 m Sarakchal Peak.
From Kholeno Lake |
To the northwest of Harzeh Kooh, you will find a large snow-filled alpine cirque that is bound by the steep slopes of the L-Shaped ridgeline. The cirque is gently sloped and ranges in elevation from 3800 to 4100 m. In late spring, melt water from the surrounding snow fields creates a seasonal lake known as Kholeno Lake. The lake sits at an elevation of 3830 m and gives rise to one of the branches of the Varengeh Rood River.
Kholeno Lake |
The shortest way to the summit of Harzeh Kooh is via the village of Laloon (2400 m) to the southeast. From Laloon, you will hike to the 3910 m Varzab Saddle and then go past Point 4018 m to reach the summit of Harzeh Kooh. This round trip can be done in one to one and a half days. A much longer but much more scenic approach is via the Varengeh Rood River Valley to the northwest. You will start at the Varengeh Rood Village (2450 m) and then hike 21.5 Km (13.3 miles) along the length of the Varengeh Rood River to reach the Kholeno Lake (3830 m) where you will find a perfect spot to set up your base camp (The hike will take you past the remains of monstrously large winter avalanches and provide you with spectacular views of snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows). From your base camp, you will then be able to access many of the local peaks.
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Central Alborz Mountains
