Sootak the Small

Page Type Page Type: Mountain/Rock
Location Lat/Lon: 36.15410°N / 51.45630°E
Additional Information Elevation: 12614 ft / 3845 m
Sign the Climber's Log

Overview

Notes:

Click for Introduction to 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.


My GPS/Altimeter measured the elevation of this peak at 12650 ft (3855 m). The 3845 m figure is per the 1:50 000 map.








Sootak the Small refers to a series of gently-sloped peaks/high points that rise across the Nessen River Valley from the giant 4390 m Azad Kooh Peak. The summit of Sootak the Small consists of three high points that create a smooth 90 degree arc. SW to NE these include: Point 3845 m, Point 3824 m & Point 3797 m. Many other high points can also be found nearby.

To the south, a 3590 m saddle separates Sootak the Small from the 4234 m Kaman Kooh Peak. To the west of Kaman Kooh, you will find a 3966 m Peak known as Sootak the Great. Although close, this mountain is completely separate and unrelated to Sootak the Small.

The most direct route to the summit of Sootak the small seems to be via the village of Nessen (to the north, 2600 m) and the Nessen River Valley. A much longer approach is to start at the village of Varengeh Rood (2450 m) to the west and hike up the Varengeh Rood River Valley. Both routes will take you to the 3590 m saddle where you can hike up the easy southern slopes of Sootak the small. Beautiful alpine tundra covers these slopes and continues up to the summit.

From the summit of Sootak the Small, you can look east to see the majestic Azad Kooh appearing as a giant wave on the surface of a stormy ocean. To the northwest, the high peaks of the Takhte Soleyman Massif (4850 m) rise above the fog-filled Chalus River Valley. A couple of reddish sharp peaks know as Sorkhab (3792 m & 3760 m) create an impressive site directly to the west of Sootak the small. To the southwest, the peaks of the Naz/Kahar sub-range form a great background for the beautiful flowers on the summit (see photo below). To the south and southeast, some of the 4000 m plus peaks of Central Alborz will be in good view. The 5671 m Mt. Damavand towers above these peaks.

While on the summit, my guide and I saw a number of animals moving on the snow way down at the base of the mountain. When I zoomed on them with my camcorder, I found out that they were a pack of wild boars. This caused some concern with my guide who said that these animals can be dangerous and should be avoided.

Getting There


Looking at the Naz/Kahar Mountains from the summit of Sootak the Small

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).

Red Tape

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

When To Climb





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.



Children

Children

Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object. For example, the Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' The Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children.