Tochal, Iran’s Highest Peak

 

Tochal Peak, situated in the Alborz mountain range, is Iran’s highest peak. There are eight routes to climb it. “Darband” is the main route, and “Darke” is the most popular route among mountaineers and nature walkers. Tehran holds many undiscovered potentials in the tourism industry, not just among tourists but also among the stakeholders who can and should play a role in shaping Tehran’s tourism landscape. Among these, the mountainous nature of northern Tehran and Shemiranat, though vivid in our minds, remains relatively unknown. The majesty of the peaks endeavors to reveal a fraction of the undiscovered potential of nature tourism in Tehran and Shemiranat. Through the framework of these peaks and the trekking routes leading to them, as well as the subsidiary paths of nature tourism in the foothills and northern valleys of Tehran, it aims to stir the blood of outdoor enthusiasts and rekindle contemplation about nature for those who have forgotten amidst their daily routines.

 

Alborz, with its millennia-old silence, holds countless wonders and speaks volumes more through the majestic peaks and awe-inspiring nature. Sometimes, it screams from the mouths of rugged cliffs. Other times, it whispers in the mist-shrouded valleys of Tochal. It sings from the throats of poppies in the plains of Lar, endlessly and tirelessly. There’s a cabin up, and a place there which, amidst the mountains, with a perpetually lit lantern and an old man who opens the door of his cabin to passersby and guests, showing kindness and recounting the tales of our heroes, our youths, and our epics. Mount Tochal, with an elevation of 3,992 meters, although not the highest peak in Tehran, is Iran’s most climbed peak and a popular destination for many mountaineers every week due to its proximity to the southern outskirts of the capital city. In the southern foothills of the Central Alborz Range, within the vicinity of the mountains north of Tehran and Shemiranat, there are five main valleys and 35 subsidiary valleys. In all of these valleys, perennial rivers, tributary streams, numerous springs (both perennial and seasonal), rocky cliffs, pastures, and abundant greenery can be seen.

 

The valleys and foothills of the northern mountains of Tehran and Shemiranat are considered natural paradises due to the diversity of their natural attractions. These valleys and foothills also serve as habitats and genetic reserves for 1,100 species of plants, including various medicinal plants, shrubs, and trees. The wildlife of the Central Alborz is equally diverse, including 48 species of mammals, 26 species of reptiles, 7 species of amphibians, and 17 species of fish. Mount Tochal can be ascended via 8 main routes through the northern mountains of Tehran and Shemiranat. However, there are also routes from the slopes of the north of the Alborz Mountains that are suitable for experienced mountaineers, such as routes from the villages of Roodk, Bagh-e Goli, Shakhrab, and Shahrstank to Mount Tochal. Additionally, one can ascend this peak from the Imamzadeh Davood (AS) road and the villages of Suleqan, Saadat Abad, and Farahzad. These routes, from the northeast, lead to the ridge line and then to the summit of Mount Tochal, and like the ascent routes from the northern foothills, are often suitable for experienced mountaineers.

 

 

Here are the main ascent routes to Mount Tochal from the southern foothills:

1- Sohank Route: Near the Qoochak Pass towards the northwest, passing through the Kamarkooh and Takht-e Talarz ridges to the eastern ridge line of Mount Tochal.

 

2- Mini-City Route: From the north of Lavizan towards the Old Waterfall Gorge, through the Yord Ghaterchi Valley and south of Gerd-e Gol Spring, crossing the Farakh Sinah area via the ridge line of the mountains to the eastern ridge line of Mount Tochal.

 

3- Darabad Route: Ascend from the western and northern branches.

 

4- Manzarieh and Jamshidieh Park Route: Passing through the Darvar Gorge and Jinni Valley, crossing the Yuq Bolur and Sarchal Bozorg Mountains, Kalkchal Valley, Surlu Garz Mountain, and Espilet, from the south through Baghak and Yurdkhlar and the Chahar Palun Ridge to the eastern ridge line of Mount Tochal.

 

5- Imamzadeh Qasem Route: From the Abak Hill towards the northeast, passing through the Sang Doqloo and then through Bagh-e Yek Bagh and Hoolcheran Valley, or from the northwest branch passing through Posht Bagh and Takhti Vaziri Zirbandak and Kalkchal Valley, positioning oneself in the Manzarieh and Jamshidieh Park Route towards the eastern ridge line of Mount Tochal.

 

6- The Darband Route is the main ascent route to Mount Tochal. It begins from Darband Square and passes through Peyghaleh and Osun Intersection from the north. It then crosses the Pas Sang Waterfalls and Doqloo towards the Shirpala Shelter, passing through the Siah Sang Mountain, Janpanah Amiri, crossing the Koolahband Ridge line, and finally reaching the summit of Tochal.

 

Subsidiary Branch: Pas Qaleh Branch: From this village, turn eastward and then to the Mine Valley and behind the Zoon Valley, continuing the ascent towards Tochal.

 

Subsidiary Branch: Osun Intersection Branch: After reaching the Ja’far Spring and the Iceberg Band, the Ouj Goleh Spring and the Shirin Shelter, continue the ascent towards Tochal.

 

1- The Velenjak Route is the main ascent route to Mount Tochal. Despite the presence of the cable car and its seventh station, it remains one of the busiest routes suitable for people of all ages and physical abilities, and it is considered the most prominent nature-related tourist route in the capital. However, its subsidiary branches are only suitable for experienced mountaineers with adequate skills and proper equipment.

 

2- The Darkah Route: The most popular ascent route, passing through the lush Darakeh Valley, is among the favorite hiking trails in northern Tehran. It ends at the Panther Shelter and divides into three branches:

 

Eastern Branch: From Panther Shelter towards Kamalchal and Pantherchal Pass, passing through the fifth and seventh stations, and ascending to the summit of Tochal.

 

Middle Branch: Below the Panther Shelter, from the Siah Sang Mountain path towards Ostragarden, ultimately reaching the ridge line of Tochal.

 

Subsidiary Branch: Branches from the valleys below the Tochal peak, which are difficult to ascend and require mountaineering skills and professional equipment.

 

Mount Tochal is located on the southern side of the Alborz mountain range. It extends from the northern valley of the Jajrood River to the ridges of the north of the Alborz Mountains within the Alborz province. The city limits of Tehran define its southern boundary.

 

The summit of Mount Tochal reaches an elevation of 3963 meters, adjacent to the lofty Shah Neshin Peak, which stands at 3850 meters on its western flank. To the east of this peak, one can see several other peaks, including Peyghchal, Lazon, and Dareabad. Towards the north, before reaching the summit of Tochal, one encounters peaks such as Qorqoonchal, Qaleh Dokhtar, Sichal, and the central heights of Alborz.

 

 

Features of the ascent route to Mount Tochal:

 

Before planning to conquer Tochal, it is essential to familiarize yourself with what you will encounter along the way. Firstly, it is important to know that from the starting point of any ascent route, you will need to trek approximately 9 kilometers to reach the summit. Along the route from Sarband Square to Shirpala Shelter, you can replenish your water supply from several springs.

One positive aspect of the ascent routes to Mount Tochal is the relatively good mobile phone reception available on all routes. Additionally, within the vicinity of Tochal, there is a Red Crescent medical center to attend to injured individuals. Furthermore, you can also enjoy recreational activities in the Tochal area.

 

Conclusion:

 

Mount Tochal is considered one of the highest peaks in Iran and Tehran. Due to its proximity to Tehran, it is regarded as one of the best hiking routes for both professional and semi-professional mountaineers. Climbing this peak is possible via various routes, each with its own challenges and difficulties. Nonetheless, routes such as Darband, Shirpala, Siyah Sang, Tochal Peak, Jamshidieh Park, Kolakchal Shelter, Peyghchal Valley, Lazon Peak, and then Mount Tochal, as well as the Imamzadeh Davood route, are considered the easiest and most popular routes. On some routes, like Velenjak, the fifth and seventh stations of the cable car can be used to reach Mount Tochal. Along the way, shelters and refuges have been built for resting and even overnight stays.