Be aware of extreme cold weather for that time. last year it's was
colder than Everest
Damavand
Everest
We may have a winter climb to Damavand. I'm not sure we met you if you have fixed your plan (as I didn't meet
WouterB too
). we decide to push from the
north route and descend from the
south route. but due to heavy backpacking up to peak (needs to carry tents and such) it may change to south or north route (mostly south route because it's the normal route). anyway, it depends on the weather. it may be a 3 day trip from 10 to 13 Feb 2009.
Please inform me if you are interested.
WouterB also can give you good information about traveling to Iran.
and about certificate, yes I think they do (I've never got it so I don't know about details but I can ask it for you)