Hi !
I can see that neghafi has covered it all pretty much and has posted usefull info but if you wanna get more information about your trip here is some stuff that i know :
there are a couple TR right here in SP about climbing in iran and particulary DAMAVAND. i have two reports and probably gonna add another in a couple weeks since i'm planing a winter ascent on the mount. well i have a love for the NE route so my TR's would be usefull if you wanna climb via NE.
about the costs i think you'd be better to do it on your own because if you wanna do it through a company they'll charge you about 500-1000$ just for the climb or for one or two days of lodging. climbing from south would be pretty easy considering that during the summer peak season there are a hell of climbers going up and down the mount and sometimes it even feels kinda over crowded in there!!!!
you can get a cab right from airport to ploor "plur or plor !" for about 50-100$ there you'll find the iranian mountaneering federation building . if you get there late in the day it's better to spend the night right there in the Federation Building. you'll probably have to pay about 10$ for a night." expenses are kinda higher for foreigners
" any ways from there you can find a ride up the mount which will get you to about 3000m. "this is a pretty rough road with kinda rougher vehicles !! takes about 1 hour maybe alittle more or less . the drivers would charge you about 10-20$. if you haven't got to ploor too late you can get the ride and sleep in 3000m, this way you are 1 day ahead." from 3000m camp "called masjed that mean mosque" you can join a group of climbers and hike up with them. no technichal climb at all and actually it's a nice and scenic path . this path will get you to the highest stablished camp and shelter on this side of the mount which is called Bargahe sevvom. most of the time specially in weekends"iranian weekend thursday and friday" its crowded. the hike taked about 3-6 hours depending on your pace. i recommend you climb slow and spare your body some time to acclimatize well and stay in shape for the summit attempt. drink well and replace water and minerals of your body since you'll be sweating alot because you will be hiking in the lower altitudes that are warmer. there is also an option of sending your loads with mule to Bargahe sevvom which would cost you about another 10-20 $. when you get to Bargah try to drink alot and keep your body active "walk around or even maybe a hike up without back pack but dont tire your self" because it's a much better way to acclimatize than sleeping!!. if you wish some privacy you should bring your own tent and erect it in one of the tent spots in the area. if you are bringing your tent you should consider bringing a water proof "proof not resistant!" since it probably is gonna rain during your presence in there. no need for fancy tents though.it's not himalaya . durable in wind , completely water proof and roomy, these are what you'll need in there. for summit attempt you'll probably leave the camp early in morning about 3am . again there will be climbing parties that you can join in. and again its more like a hike up not a technichal climb. but it doesn't mean that its gonna be easy since you'll be traveling in high altitude for a long time and you gotta gain ahell of altitude until you get to the summit. you'll need some stuffs "mostely clothes and snacks and liquides". and after you get to summit and you did all of the jumping and screaming and what else you like to do on a summit
you can get down step by step like you have climbed. the way from summit to last camp is a gravel ski so it's gonna be a fast descend but be carefull not to twist an ankle or injure a knee. it's gonna be a nice party for your boots though
. oh one more thing is that federation is gonna charge you 50$ as summit fee ! good news keep coming
wooooooooooooooooow i've writen a lot !!!! Anyways this was a brief info about what you are planing to do.. but i'll be going there anyways and you can come with me. it's not gonna be fancy with me! but you'll get what you want and i guess it's gonna be more fun
about the expenses if you stay with me you'll cut from expenses since i like to do it with minimum budget! still you'll have to pay for your own expenses but you wont need the money for the company or guide. we'll be traveling as friends. but whether you want to do it through a company or on your own or with me you can always depend on me any kinda help or information that you would need. drop me a line and i'll be happy to help and gain a new friend!!
HAVE FUN BUDDY