Iran Press/ Iran news: Sabalan is Iran’s 3rd highest mountain after Mount Damavand and Mount Alam. Also, it is the world’s 66th prominent peak. Located in the northwest of Iran, in Ardebil Province, Sabalan is a semi-active volcano and among Iran’s highest mountains. Its beautiful nature in summer, the hot springs on its slopes, and Alvares Ski Resort make Sabalan a tourist magnet.
Sabalan is one the top natural tourist attractions in north east of Iran
Geographical features
Scientists believe Sabalan to be a potentially active volcano; however, there is no information on its last eruption. The sulfuric springs, hot springs, and emission of dense gases are signs of its potentially-active state.
Sabalan slopes are covered by vibrant flora
Parallel to Arasbaran Forest and with a length of 60km and a width of 45km, Sabalan (6000 km2) extends from Meshgin Shahr and Ahar in the north. It neighbors Sarab in the south, Ardebil in the east, and Tabriz in the west. Sabalan has 5 peaks which are covered with ice and snow all year round. The highest of its peaks, Soltan (4811m), is Iran’s 3rd highest mountain after Damavand and Alam. Heram Dagh and Kasra are the mountain’s 2 other famous peaks.
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Heram Dagh includes 3 peaks between 4500-4600 meters which are technically difficult to ascend. After Soltan and Heram Dagh, Kasra Peak (4470m) is the third highest peak on the mountain. Sabalan has 5 natural glaciers, 2 on Soltan’s northern face, 2 on Kasra’s foot, and one on Heram Dagh's foot.
Sabalan's lake is usually frozen
Sabalan's Lake
The lake located on the Soltan peak (the main peak of Sabalan) makes it one of the unique mountains in Iran. This magnificent lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Iran. It’s nearly 16 meters deep and is frozen for most of the year.
Sabalan Lake
This lake alongside the peaks of Mount Sabalan and the natural glaciers attracts many mountaineers yearly. Soltan Peak is the most popular due to its high altitude and its beautiful lake. Mount Sabalan is one of the Iranian national heritages.
Sabalan offers great ski resort
Alvares Ski Resort
30 km to Sareyn city, you can find Alvares, a village on the southern foot of Sabalan. The village houses one of Iran’s most popular and attractive ski resorts. Even if you’re not a professional skier, I recommend enjoying the beauty and other facilities of this resort.
Sabalan is respected by locals
Cultural significance
Sabalan is so precious to the people of Ardebil that they call it Sultan Savalan (Sabalan in the local dialect). They believe it is the mountain where the ancient Persian prophet, Zoroaster, received a revelation. Some even believe him to be buried somewhere near the crater lake. Friedrich Nietzsche’s masterpiece ‘Thus Spoke Zarathustra’ also mentions Zoroaster descending Mount Sabalan.
Sablan offers a unique habitat for a variety of plants and animals
Sabalan natural habitat
Some 156 plant species have been identified in the Sahand Protected Area, 26 of which are endemic. Types of plant species in the highlands include Astragalus, Acantholimon, and Euphorbia are scattered in the northeastern slopes, and are usually used as a winter habitat for wild goats.
Significant species of Sahand protected area include Armenian mouflon, caracal, brown bear, leopard, wild cat, weasel, wolf, fox, bats, and various types of rodents.
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