As one of the most popular mountains around Tehran, Tochal Mountain (or Mount Tochal) has something to offer anyone with any mountaineering interest. From a mixture of light trekking and gondola rides for casual climbers to a more challenging trek for professionals, Tochal offers it all. The gondola lift that can take you close to Tochal peak offers a fascinating view. Apart from that, multiple routes and shelters, half to multi-day summit plans, proximity to Tehran, 4-season accessibility, and the cafés, restaurants, ski resort, and rock-climbing site on its foot (Darband) have turned Tochal into a great destination for mountaineers. Stay with me to find all you need to know for a memorable adventure on Tochal Mountain.
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Tochal Mountain in General
Located to the north of Tehran, Tochal Mountain is a part of Central Alborz Mountains. This mountainous area features Tochal summit (3960m) as its highest peak and the highest place around Tehran. There are other high mountains in the area, including Palang Chal, Chin Kalagh, KolakChal, and Shahneshin.
The gondola lift and the ski resort (Tochal Ski Resort) on Mount Tochal have made the place popular even with those who are not interested in trekking. The gondola lift starts at an altitude of 1900 meters at the first station (Istgah in Persian) and goes up to an altitude of 3680 meters at the seventh station. This 15-kilometer gondola lift is one of the longest lifts in Iran. The lift makes it possible for anyone to get to an altitude of 3600 meters and enjoy the fresh air and the amazing landscape. Even some trekkers make their ascent shorter by taking part of the route by this gondola lift.
Why Go Trekking on Tochal Mountain
- A variety of routes
- Easy accessibility
- Proximity to Tehran
- Offering 1-day and 2-day plans
- A variety of shelters and huts
- A plentitude of springs and waterfalls
- Offering other close peaks for a longer trekking schedule
The Shelters on Tochal Mountain
One of the best things about mount Tochal is that the many shelters and huts on it make spending the night there comfortable for mountaineers. Depending on your plan and capability, you can pick any of these shelters for your overnight on Tochal. From east to west, the most famous shelters and huts on Tochal Mountain are: Darabad hut, Kolakchal camp, Shervin shelter, Shirpala shelter, Tochal summit hut, Amiri hut, Osoun hotel, the gondola fifth station, Espidkamar hut, and Palang Chal shelter.
Tochal Mountain Ascent Routes
You can summit Mount Tochal from either Tehran or the villages on the mountain foot, and through different routes.
The most popular routes for ascending Tochal Mountain from Tehran are:
- Darband- Shirpala shelter- Amiri hut (Siah Sang)- Tochal Summit (this is the most popular route, but it includes scrambling)
- Jamshidieh park- Kalchal shelter- Piazchal valley, lezoon peak (piaz chal)- Tochal Summit (this is the most popular route on the eastern face)
- Velenjak (the roof of Tehran)- the gondola’s fifth station- the gondola’s seventh station- Tochal Summit (this is the most popular route on the western face)
- Darband- Osoun valley- Ghabre orous- Amiri hut (Siah Sang)- Tochal Summit
- Darband- the gondola’s fifth station- the gondola’s seventh station- Tochal Summit
- Golabdarreh- Kalchal Shelter- Piazchal Valley- Lezoon summit (piazchal)- Tochal summit
Except for these routes that start from Tehran, Tochal Summit is also accessible from the west, Emamzadeh Davood and north, Shahrestanak village and a few other villages.
Planning an Adventure on Tochal Mountain
Depending on your capability, Tochal Mountain offers half-day, 2-day, and 3-day plans for summiting it. For an unchallenging half-day plan, you can choose the 3rd route on the list above. So you’ll take the gondola lift to an altitude of 3680 meters. From there, an hour of trekking will get you to Tochal Summit. Then, you’ll take the gondola lift back down. If you have time for a day and a longer trek, again the 3rd route is a good choice. You can take the gondola for part of the way and trek up the rest of the way (from the 1st to the 5th station or the 5th to the 7th station for example). For this plan, you’d better start from early in the morning.
Like to spend more time on Mount Tochal and stay for a night or two? You can take any of the above routes then. The gondola lift is there to make your ascent or descent less challenging. Stay with me to find out more details about the 1st route.
Summiting Mount Tochal Through Shirpala Route
The shortest and most popular route for summiting Tochal Mountain is from Tehran, through Darband and Shirpala shelter (the first route on the list above). Depending on your time and capability, you can trek this route in 1 or 2 days. Let’s see how…
- To summit Mount Tochal through this route, you’ll first have to go to Tajrish Square of Tehran. From Tajrish, find your way to Darband, Sarband Square, where you’ll find a mountaineer’s figure. This is where the route begins. It starts with a somehow steep slope to the north. After about half an hour of hiking on the beaten path, you’ll find yourself in PasQaleh, where there are refreshing gardens and coffee places.
- After PasQaleh, you’ll step on the famous ShirPala route. For your safety, the route is secured with ropes. After 2 hours of trekking on this route, you’ll arrive at ShirPala shelter (2750m). With a restaurant and many rooms, Shirpala shelter is the best shelter on Tochal Mountain. Depending on your plan, you can rest in the shelter for a short time or spend the night.
- After Shirpala shelter, there is a steep path to the north. 2 hours of trekking on this path will take you to Amiri shelter (Siah Sang). Amiri Shelter (3450m) is a suitable place to rest or spend the night. But its facilities and capacity are less than Shirpala’s.
- After Amiri Shelter and an hour of trekking on the same route, you’ll be at the summit. Tochal summit has a scenic view and you can catch sight of Mount Damavand and Alam Kuh (Iran’s highest summits), as well as other +4000 peaks of Alborz ranges.
- To get back down, you can either trek or take the gondola lift. To take the gondola lift, you’ll have to come back down around 200 meters and find the 7th station.
The Best season to Summit Tochal Mountain
The great thing about Tochal summit is that you can reach it all year round. But the best time to summit Mount Tochal is spring and fall. The moderate and pleasant weather in these seasons make your trekking experience a sweeter adventure. Tochal often has cold, snowy, and windy winters. And some of its routes are avalanche-prone. On the other hand, the beauty and peace of the mountain in winter has found its own fans. If you have the equipment and experience, a winter ascent of Tochal Mountain will be a special experience for you. You may also like to summit Tochal in summer. Just remember to start your adventure early in the morning to avoid the heat in midday.
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