With 4811 meters high is the third highest peak in Iran after Damavand Mountain and Alam Kuh. Sabalan Mountain has many attractions like: The Crater Lake, Sarein Spa and Alvares Ski resort. Sabalan Mountain is an inactive volcano and is located in the northwest of Iran and between Ardabil and East Azerbaijan Province in Iran. Local people believe that Sabalan Mountain is a sacred place. Sabalan Mountain is one of the important sacred places in Zoroastrianism too. Many believe Mount Sabalan is where Zoroaster meditated for some years. The word Savalan means a “place for revelation”.
Sabalan Lake
Sabalan Mountain has a Crater Lake formed at its summit. The Crater Lake is covered with ice all year except for about four weeks in late July to early August. The lake is 15 to 40 meters deep. Sabalan Crater Lake has created a wonderful view at its summit.
Eagle Statue
Sabalan Mountain has three famous peaks and the highest one is named Soltan. On the way to through the peak, there are many giant sculptures resembling animals, birds, etc. The most famous ones are the eagle statue and Mehrab stone. Eagle Statue is located near the western shelter. It seems like the eagle is watching the holy Sabalan Mountain. Mihrab Statue is located on the northern side of Soltan Peak. According to some beliefs, Mihrab Stone is where Zoroster used for praying.
Sareyn city in Ardabil province is known as the city of Mineral springs. Many believe that the mineral water from the springs has healing properties. The mineral springs attract large number of tourists each year. There are two hot springs near Sabalan Mountain. “Shabil” and "Ghotursoui" hot springs. They are both located in the beautiful hillsides of Sabalan mountain. You can enjoy the hot springs in the high of Sabalan Mountain. Shabil hot spring has two floors, with two different sections for men and women. Shabil Complex has a swimming pool, Sauna and Jacuzzi, a restaurant and many suites. In ascent seasons, there are many Landoveres in Shabil Complex that take climbers to the Sabalan Shelter. It’s also possible to camp around the Shabil complex. There is a gravel road from Shabil to shelter of Sabalaan. Only heavy vehicles can pass this road. From shelter you can climb the slope of summit in south direction, from the left side of southern galcier.
In the 3200 meters high, there is the biggest ski resort in Iran. Alvares Ski resort is located 30 kilometers from Sareyn city and near Alvares Village. Located in 3200 meters high, Alvares Ski resort can be used 6 to 8 months of the year. It has different facilities. It has a 1200 meters long Telesiege, restaurant and two educational centers. If you want to ski in Alvares Ski resort, make sure to have enough warm cloths. You can rent the ski equipment from the rental center and the price is about 250,000 IRR. Also the entrance fee to Alvares Ski Resort is 200,000 IRR per person. Every year, many tourists and Families go to Alvares ski resort to enjoy and have fun in this wonderful place. You can also try local foods of Alvares village like Kebab, local bread, dough and Abgoosht.
You can easily reach to Ardabil by airplane or bus. From Ardabil, you have to go Meshkin Shahr (about two hours). Many climbers usually choose the north east route to climb Sabalan Mountain. They start climbing Sabalan Mountain after visiting Shabil Hot spring because it’s closer to the Sabalan Shelter. There’s a gravel road from Shabil Hot spring to Sabalan shelter and you can take a Landover, (about half an hour).
The best time to climb Sabalan Mountain is from May to September. Camping is also possible around Sabalan shelter. Taking tent is better at summer, because the shelters are usually crowded in summer. Sabalan Mountain weather is the best during summer.