OverviewClick for Introduction to Central Alborz Mountains.
Click to see the Map of the Takhte Soleyman Massif.
Click for Introduction to Takhte Soleyman Massif.
Chaloon is one of the central peaks of the Takhte Soleyman Massif. It rises above the tail end of the Alam Chal Glacier. To the north, Chaloon is connected to the 4472 m Siah Kamaan Peak and to the southwest, it connects to the 4604 m Siah Sang Peak (via a long ridgeline that gives rise to a nameless 4450 m high point). The western slopes of Chaloon are steep rocky/scree slopes that drop down to the bottom of the valley of Alam Chal Glacier.
View from the southeast |
Chaloon is usually climbed along with the nearby Siah Kamaan Peak in a 3 or 2 day program. The usual starting point is the town of Roodbarak (elevation 1400 m) to the northeast. From Roodbarak, you will drive to a place called Vandar Bon (2350 m) and then follow a well-established trail to the 3750 m Sarchal Shelter. From the shelter, you will hike into the valley of Alam Chal Glacier, go up a steep snow covered slope to reach the 4400 m Chaloon Pass and then follow the ridge-top to the summit of Chaloon Peak.
View from the northwest |
From the summit of Chaloon, you will have superb views of the north wall of Alam Kooh Peak rising above the Alam Chal Glacier. Much of the rest of the Takhte Soleyman Massif will also be well visible.
Below, you can see pictures of what you will encounter on your way to the summit of Chaloon:
Town of Roodbarak
The picturesque town of Roodbarak sits at an elevation of 1400 m among the beautiful Caspian Forests. The Iranian Mountain Climbing Federation operates a shelter at the west end of the town.
Roodbarak Shelter |
On the trail, 2350-2850 m
From Roodbarak, you will drive to a place called Vandar Bon (2350 m) and then follow a well-established trail.
On the trail 2850-3750 m
Sarchal Shelter 3750 m
Sarchal is a multi-room shelter with a capacity for 100 or more people. It is the main hub for climbing Alam Kooh and the other central peaks of the Takhte Soleyman Massif.
Sarchal Shelter |
Glacial Debris Field 3750-4000 m
Above Sarchal Shelter you will find the valley filled with a huge glacial debris field roughly 3 Km long. Occasional pits created by running water under the debris field expose the thick layer of glacial ice that sits under the debris field.
Debris Field |
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Ice under Debris Field |
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Alam Chal Glacier, above 4000 m
Takhte Soleyman & Shaneh Kooh |
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Mian-Se-Chal |
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Interesting Glacial Features
Lakes, streams, deep crevasses and huge boulders are some of the interesting features found on the Alam Chal Glacier.
Chaloon Pass
The 4400 m Chaloon Pass is located between the 4604 m Siah Sang Peak and Point 4450 m. It sits on the main route to the summit of Chaloon or Alam Kooh Peaks. To reach the pass, you must go up a steep slope that is usually snow covered well into mid summer. Alternatively, you could find your own way up the steep rocky/scree covered slopes.
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