Technical Specifications
- Location: Shaft County, Gilan Province
- Elevation: 2,800m (9,280ft) above sea level
- Ascent Duration: 4 hours
- Difficulty Level: Challenging (Grade 3 mountaineering)
- Best Season: June-July (Khordad-Tir)
- Trip Type: One-day hike
- Risk Factor: ● Moderate
The rugged terrain of Las Poshteh Peak, featuring the iconic “Shepherd’s Ridge” formation
Ascent Route to MolBahar(Malbahar) Peak
This challenging traverse requires passing through four distinct ecological zones:
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Shalameh Jar (≈1,800m)
Starting point with freshwater springs. The trailhead begins near a historic tea caravan rest stop.
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Arne-Negah (≈2,200m)
Dense Hyrcanian forest zone with 300-year-old yew trees. Watch for wild boar tracks.
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Khuni (≈2,500m)
Dangerous scree slope nicknamed “Bloody Pass” due to its red-hued rocks and steep 45° incline.
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Dayleh Sar (≈2,700m)
Alpine meadow with shepherd stone huts (called “kotom”). Last reliable water source before summit.
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MolBahar(Malbahar) Summit (2,829m)
360° views encompassing the Caspian Sea, Alborz range, and Fuman tea plantations.
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Elevation profile showing the 1,200m vertical gain over 8km distance
Technical Requirements & Gear
🧗 Essential Gear
- B2 mountaineering boots with gaiters
- Trekking poles (critical for Khuni slope)
- Emergency bivouac sack (unpredictable fog)
- Bear spray (Caspian brown bears inhabit area)
☠️ Hazards
- Sudden whiteouts (visibility <5m common)
- Rockfall in Khuni section (helmets recommended)
- Hypothermia risk even in summer
⏱️ Optimal Timeline
- 04:30: Depart Shaft base village
- 07:00: Reach Arne-Negah tree line
- 09:30: Summit push from Dayleh Sar
- 12:00: Mandatory turn-around time
Cultural Significance
These peaks feature in local Gilak and Talysh(Talish) folklore as “The Sleeping Giants.” Key traditions:
- Shepherd’s Festival: Annual gathering at Dayleh Sar each August
- Ancient Cairns: Over 200 stone markers along routes
- Sacred Springs: Shalameh Jar’s waters believed to have healing properties
Critical Safety Advice
- Local Guides: Required beyond Arne-Negah (available in Shaft for ~$50/day)
- Weather Windows: Stable conditions only occur 6-10AM in summer
- Rescue: Mountain SAR contact: +98 115
- Permits: Registration at Shaft’s Mountaineering Office mandatory