Hiking in the massif of Ebrat I.
From Ira oasis to the pass
The eastern part of mountains Elborz attracts tourists mainly because of the majestic volcano Damavand, but very interesting area for hiking is also the opposite side of the valley of river Haraz. The old herder’s paths connect here the green oasis between the individual flat ridges. The landscape opposite Dámavand is dominated by mountain Ebrat, in which direction leads this interesting hike.
On the way to the town of Ira
You will probably start to the area around mountain Ebrat from Rineh. After getting down to the valley of Haraz and driving a few kilometers through the valley toward Tehran around restaurants offering trout will await you the turn-off to the town Ira. Before you get to this oasis, you will have to overcome almost five hundred altitude meters along the winding road. On the way you will be able to enjoy on the horizon the views of Mount Damavand and Rineh built on the upland plateau beneath the volcano.
Start of the hike
The starting point of the hike is at the very end of the village Ira in about (2 175 m asl). Directly across are small caves built in the slope, where animals are stabled during the winter. There is also a short path leading over the ridge into the town Niak – inspiration for those preferring less demanding and still interesting walk.
Look back
Look back at the starting point of the route – walk along the path slowly rising up along the valley. The path downward to the river leads to the village Niak. The landmark on the horizon – Dámavand – will accompany you almost the entire hike.
The path above the canyon
The path rises relatively slowly above the picturesque river canyon surrounded by trees and grass-covered slopes. The pass, where you're going, is visible already from afar. Do not be fooled after about half a kilometer of the ascend by a nice walking path downward to the river – it is not the right way.
Dolomitic peak
After a while opens the view to an interesting solitaire dolomitic peak. Also the trodden footpath will gradually begin to turn to the right to this hill. You must leave the path at this point /this path leads over the ridge to the village Lasem – another interesting way / and keep still at / above the canyon and rise more intuitively.
Rock formations
At one place in the canyon is a small „forest“ of weathered rock towers with stones on the top.
View back to Ira and Dámavand
Ira village is gradually lost in the distance. There is not a problem to come across interesting praying mantis (European mantis) in the surrounding vegetation.
View from the pass
The canyon is gradually getting smaller and after less than two hours of the ascend you will be at the pass (2 615 m asl), where are lying half burnt plastic pipes originally intended for an irrigation project.
Here awaits you a crucial decision whether to run down to the village Nava and end the hike or continue through the massif of Ebrat.
