Mountaineering in Yazd

Yazd is one of the provinces of Iran with a dry climate and harsh nature, but there are beautiful and unique mountain areas in the heart of this province. Yazd Mountains are part of the central mountains of Iran, which are bounded by the Zagros Mountain range from the northwest and west, and the Alborz Mountain range from the north. The two Iranian deserts of Dasht-e Kavir and Lut Desert, many parts of which are completely dry and uninhabitable, are located to the east of these mountains.

The central mountains of Iran cover an area of 143 thousand square kilometers with a length of about 1460 kilometers. Some of the highest peaks of the central mountain ranges of Iran are located in Yazd Province making this province one of the attractive destinations for Iranian mountaineers in Iran despite its dominant hot and dry nature.

Shirkuh, a Favorite Peak for Mountaineers

Shirkuh Peak is a part of the central mountain range of Iran and a part of the Miankuh countryside and stands at a height of 4075 meters. Shirkuh is easily visible from the city of Yazd and has always been the most important source of water supply for this. The nearest way to climb this peak is through the Dehbala Village, which is located 20 km from Taft. Dehbala and at an altitude of 2600 meters above sea level. Shirkuh gets completely covered with white snow in winter.

Countrysides of Shirkuh

The surrounding areas of Shirkuh are divided into three parts of “Pishkuh” (the front part). “Miankuh” (the middle part), and “Poshtkuh” (the back part). In the past, the countrysides of this area were called “Qahestan”, which is close to the word “mountain” in the Persian language.

The countrysides of Miankuh are within the geographical area of Taft County, which is located 18 km southwest of Yazd City and is surrounded by mountains from three directions! Therefore, unlike most parts of the province, its climate is moderate and semi-arid. There is also a low-water river in the city, whose water flow becomes more intense during the rainy seasons of the year. The countrysides of Miankuh are the natural attractions and resorts of Yazd Province, which are very pleasant and spectacular both in terms of weather and vegetation.

The Beauties of the Mountains in a Desert Province

In the historical books, the countryside of Miankuh has been referred to as “Hadash”. There are other countrysides around Miankuh, some of which are Baghi Abad, Marzjan, Benadak, Sadat, Manshad, Fakhr Abad, and Sani Abad. The Nir and Garizat countrysides are located in the southern region (behind the mountain) and the Nadushan, Dehshir, and Taft countrysides are also located in the north of Shirkuh (Pishkuh). Pishkuh encompasses a large part of the settlements in the south of Yazd, including Nasrabad, Akhund Farm, Aliabad, Shahabad, Sharifabad, Sadeqabad, and Sanich.

Nir countryside is located in a relatively narrow and rocky valley, surrounded by mountains from three sides. One of the sights of this area is a mountain rock Sang-e Arous” (lit. Bride’s Stone”. This high rock is a place to watch the beauty of the countrysides of Poshtkuh, which is connected to Miankuh with a tar-road.

Barfkhaneh; A Natural Glacier in the Heart of the Desert

Barfkhaneh mountains are the most important natural glacier in the center of Iran and a part of the central mountain range of this country, which has the second highest peak in Yazd Province with 4008 meters. West Barfkhane Peak is also near the main peak and with a height of 3950 meters, it is considered the third highest peak of the province.

To climb the Barfkhaneh mountains, one has to start a route from Tarzjan Village in Taft City. On the way up to this peak, one has to pass through Puneh Valley and Agha Mohsen Farm. On this route, which is used for summer ascents, there is a mountain shelter with a capacity for 25 climbers. In winter, the ascent route passes through very steep slopes that require high skill.

The presence of many springs and a valley full of flowers create amazing scenery for the climbers. Since Barfkhaneh Peak contains ice and snow almost all year round, climbing it requires proper mountaineering equipment.

The central mountains of Iran cover an area of 143 thousand square kilometers with a length of about 1460 kilometers. Some of the highest peaks of the central mountain ranges of Iran are located in Yazd Province making this province one of the attractive destinations for Iranian mountaineers in Iran despite its dominant hot and dry nature.