Ascending Dena Central Ridge

1. Altitude: Climbing more than 15 mounts 4000+ m in 5 days, highest peak: 4435 m

 2. Geographical index:

      a. From Bijan pass: 30° 48' 23,52" N,        51° 43' 42,89" E

      b. To Khafr village: 30° 59' 41,77" N,       51° 28' 49,16" E

 3. Best Time: Mid Spring to the end of summer

 4. Position: 213 km northwest of Shiraz, 262 km southwest of Esfahan. End of the climbing will be 247 km south of Esfahan 
5. Sort: Sedimentary

 6. Launch Spot height: 3200 m (Bijan Pass)

 7. Sketch

 8. Grade

Day 1:

Upon your pre-dawn arrival in Tehran airport, you will be cordially received by our representative carrying our logo show card (transfer information) who will direct you for transfer to your hotel. You will have time to rest and relax before your morning tour of Tehran commences.

Tehran, a modern megalopolis, prides itself in having unique museums with immense and unrivaled collections and artifacts dating from the earliest onset of history to the present era.

Your tour begins with a trip to the Archeological Museum, one of the rare places in the world where you will have the special opportunity of visiting and experiencing the “evolution of mankind” through the marvelous display of historical relics.

Next on the agenda is your very much-awaited chance to savor the distinctive flavor of Iranian cuisine. Lunch will be set in an exquisite traditional Iranian restaurant where you will sample a wide range of delightful Persian dishes and desserts.

Afterwards, you will visit a world of jewels in a priceless Crown Jewels Museum one of which is one of the two greatest diamonds, Darya-e-Noor (sea of light).

At the end of the day, you will get a chance to see a variety of Persian hand-woven carpets and rugs in the Carpet Museum which houses more than 100 spectacular pieces from all over Iran. On top of that, you will also be given an insight into the history of these carpets. Stay overnight in Tehran.

Day 2:

A morning visit to Sa'ad Abad Complex with an immense 1,100,000 square meters and 18 magnificent historical palaces (2 of which you will visit) will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on you.

Subsequently, you will be acquainted with the world of Iranian arts with a trip to the Reza Abbasi Museum which boasts a diverse collection of different art forms.

Your Tehran excursion will end at the Ceramic Museum where you will be able to witness its construction with glorious ancient archaeology. Afterwards, you will be transported to the airport for an hour’s flight to Shiraz. This is followed by a transfer to your hotel in Shiraz and en route you will be able to see the Shah-Cheragh (King of the Light) shrine from outside. Stay overnight in Shiraz.

Day 3:

Shiraz is crowned as the heartland of Persian culture and this city of sophistication will never fail to conjure up images of roses and nightingales, gardens and poetry. This gorgeous city in the province of Fars is home to famous poets such as Hafez and Sa'adi. Also, historical sites from different eras stretching back 6,000 years ago can be found there.

Early in the morning, relish in the highlights of Shiraz when it was the capital of Iran during the Zand Dynasty. Be inspired by the glorious Karim Khan palace, the splendid Vakil mosque, Vakil Bazaar and Saray-e-moshir with its splendid architecture and interesting ethnic souvenir shops and Nasir Almolk mosque.

Next, you will stop for a mouth-watering Iranian lunch at a traditional restaurant.

In the evening, you will visit Ali-Ebn-e-Hamzeh and be prepared to marvel at its beauties. Take a stroll through Jahan Nama Garden and witness its tall and proud cedars.

Not forgetting the two famous Persian poets, Hafiz and Sa'adi, whose mysterious poems are everlasting in the Persian language, you will get a chance to pay homage to their tombs.

Finally visit Delgosha Garden and Khajoy-e-Kermani tomb from where the perspective of the mysterious city of Shiraz will perpetuate in your mind. At night have dinner in a restaurant with specific atmosphere in the north of Shiraz.

Day 4:

Be prepared to be inspired by the magnificence of Persepolis. This gem of ancient Persia which dates back 2530 years ago is the result of the exquisite works of a conglomeration of fine artists and architects from various nations under the Achaemenid Empire.

Next, you will visit Koh-e-Rahmat which is sided east of Persepolis and considered as a sacred mountain in ancient Persia.

Followed by Necropolis where you will marvel at the massive tombs of Old Persian kings. Necropolis is a collection of a variety of awe-inspiring historical relics from different pre-Islamic eras. Make ready for the next day alpinism.

Day 5:

At 7 am drive from Shiraz to Sisakht (4 hours). Have breakfast near Shish Pir Lake locating 3200 m above sea level.Then pass Sepidan and Yasouj cities along the way, have lunch in Sisakht and make ready for 5-day trekking by packing all the necessary equipment. Stay overnight in Sisakht.

Day6:

Hike towards Bijan Pass to Sichani valley and capture Sichani peak (4195 m). Reaching the central ridge of Dena, climb towards the central Houzdal (4359 m). Capture Hara peak (4260 m), western Karsumi (4245 m) and eastern Karsumi (4450 m) peaks. Set up camp in a suitable place near western Karsumi peak to stay overnight.

Totally 10 hours climbing

Day 7:

At 7 a.m. we will continue our climb along the central ridge. Pass Bijan peak (4340 m), Se Gop-e Asemani of Bijan 2 (4350 m), Capiri (4215 m) and Ghezel Gholeh (4378 m) peaks. Finally set up camp in Keikhosro col.

Totally 9 hours climbing  

Day 8:

Early in the morning go on climbing along the central ridge. Pass Bon Rood peak (4330 m) and Ghash-e Mastan of Bijan 3 which is the highest peak in Dena mountains chain (4435 m). Continue the ridge and set up camp in Ghash-e Mastan col.

Day 9:

Today set out trekking to the village of Khafr where we will finish 5-day climbing. Pay a visit to the highlights of this village and stay overnight.

Day 10:

Drive to Esfahan via Shahr-e Kurd. Pay a visit to Shahr-e Kurd and rub elbows with the nomads.

Day 11:

Isfahan, the legendary city which never fails to enchant its visitors, is the pearl of traditional Islamic archeology. This city is revived by the works of contemporary artists.
Isfahan prides itself in having fascinating historical garden palaces.  Legend has it that the city was founded at the time of Tahmoures or Keykavous and because of its glories has been entitled “Half the World”.
Your full day tour includes the famed Imam Square (Naqsh-e-Jahan), a huge square second in the world to Beijing's Tiananmen Square. Tour the architectural marvels of Sheikh Lotfollah and Imam Mosques, Aliqapu Palace, Chehel Sutoon and Hasht Behesht Palaces, and also visit one of the most famous bazaars in Iran, where you can purchase the arts & crafts for which Isfahan is so well renowned. Stay overnight in Isfahan.

Day 12:

Isfahan’s Jameh mosque holds in itself the passage of several centuries of historical Islamic evolution. This mosque is a gallery of Islamic architecture in which the progress of the architecture from the outset of Islam till recent times is evident. Then we will visit Vank Church which is one of the most beautiful Armenian churches in the world and will undoubtedly capture the attention of every Christian.

Your day will conclude with a visit to Monar Jomban, the tomb of a Sufi with its shaking minarets and some historical bridges. Stay overnight in Isfahan.

Day 13:

Today, we will visit the UNESCO recognized village of Abyaneh, located at the foot of Mount Karkas and in the vicinity of desert. Appreciate the serenity of this quaint village with its splendid archaeology and meet the dwellers who speak, live and dress in the original Persian style. Stay overnight in Abyaneh.

Day 14:

Drive to Kashan and visit Tabatabaiha and Boroojerdiha houses and some other historical places specially chosen by your tour guide and be acquainted with the previous century’s architecture, the Qajar era.Rest in kashan for few hours and then en route to IKA visit Imam Tomb and Qom where you will pay homage to the holy shrine of Fatima.

Day 15:

Last but not least depart Iran – the land of warmth and hospitality with fond memories.