Khers Chal and Farakhe No are a couple of rugged peaks that rise near Mt. Kholeno the Great (4387 m) in the Central Alborz Mountains of northern Iran. Khers Chal & Farakhe No, along with some of their nearby peaks, create a high alpine cirque that houses a small seasonal lake known as Kholeno Lake. The lake sits at an elevation of 3830 m and is formed in the summer months by the gradual melting of the area snow fields.

The northern slopes of Khers Chal & Farakhe No are rocky/wall-like and rise to the south of the Kholeno Lake. To the east, Khers chal is connected to the 4268 m Harzeh Khooh Peak and to the west, Farakhe No connects to the 4118 m Bandalkoli Peak (via Peak 4051 m). The southern slopes of Khers Chal & Farakhe No are steep scree fields that go down to the upper portions of the Velayat Rood River Valley (3500-3600 m).

Khers Chal & Farakhe No are a long way from any trailhead. The shortest way to reach the summits of these peaks is to start at the village of Laloon (2400 m), hike to Varzab Pass (3910 m) and then go up the southern slopes to reach the summits. This route can be done in 1-1.5 days (roundtrip) but it misses most of the dramatic scenery. I highly recommend that you approach these mountains 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.

The summit of Khers Chal

Tip of Khers Chal

Farakhe No from Khers Chal

From most angles, Khers Chal appears as a peak with a pointy top. The summit of Khers Chal is made of a chimney block that is several meters high. Those who want to reach the true summit, will have to brave crumbling rock and a few hundred meters of near vertical drop on almost all sides.

Summit

Views from the summit of Farakhe No

Borj & Khers Chal

Kholeno

Sarak Chal

Velayat Rood Valley

Koloon Bastak & Dalkoli

Dalkoli & Kaman Kooh

Azad Kooh & Kaman Kooh

Kholeno Lake

NW face of Farakhe No

A few pictures from Varengeh Rood River Valley

Varengeh Rood River

Avalanche

Nosom Boyder

Khers Chal & Farakhe No

Sikno

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 for Laloon Village:
From northeastern Tehran, take the Babai expressway east and then take the Lashgarak expressway north up to Ghoochak Pass (1950 m). Follow the road north down the many switchbacks to the bottom of the Jajrood River Valley (1700 m). Drive 20 Km north to the main square in the village of Fasham (1950 m). Left (west) will take you to the ski resorts of Shemshak and Dizin. Turn right (east) and drive 7 Km to the village of Zaygan (2250 m) and then turn left (north) and drive a side road about 4 Km to the village of Laloon (2400 m).

Red Tape

No fees/permits required.

Camping

Anywhere.

Images



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