Overview
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Introduction to the Central Alborz Mountains.
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Introduction to Kholeno Massf.
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detailed map of the Central Alborz Mountains.
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detailed map of the Kholeno massf.
Name Alert: Many sources use the name “Paloon Gardan” in reference to the “Kholeno Massif” and give it a rounded figure of 4375 m (which is an approximate figure for the elevation of Mt. Kholeno the Great, the highest peak of the massif). In this discussion, “Paloon Gardan” refers to the specific peak identified in this page.
View from northwest
View from southeast
Paloon Gardan Peak 4256 m
North Slopes
Paloon & Palvan
Kholeno Massif refers to a series of connected ridgelines in the geographic heart of the Central Alborz Mountains of northern Iran that give rise to tens of 4000 m plus peaks the highest of which is the 4387 m
Mt. Kholeno the Great. Paloon Gardan sits in one of the remotest parts of this massif. To the north, Paloon Gardan is connected to the 4206 m
Narges Peak and to the west it connects to the 4126 m Palvan Peak. The eastern slopes of Paloon Gardan form a branch of the Noor River (known as Bataherkala) and its southern slopes drop down to the upper portions of the Lar River Valley. To the west, Paloon Gardan gives rise to the Varengeh Rood River. The fact that Paloon Gardan is higher than its nearby mountains, make it appear as a prominent peak.
L to R: Paloon Gardan, Palvan, Point 3957 m & Sarkharsang
South Slopes
North Ridge
Paloon Gardan is a very long way from any trailhead. Reaching its summit will take 1.5-2 days. For this reason, you are sure to find solitude on its summit. Those who climb Paloon Garadan, usually first climb the
Kholeno Peaks and then follow the ridgetop past the Meeshchal (4253 m), Sarkharsang (4203 m) & Palvan (4126 m) Peaks before reaching Paloon Gardan. This ridgetop is rocky and will require route finding/Class III climbing. Another option is to start at the village of Varengeh Rood (2450 m) to the west and hike along the Varengeh Rood River to set up base camp in the upper river valley where you could access many of the local peaks. The river hike will take you through beautiful alpine meadows and provide you with spectacular views of snow-capped mountains.
From Dokhaharan
Views from the summit of Paloon Gardan