Darabad to Kolakchal Peak Trail

The Darabad to Kolakchal Peak Trail begins at an informal trailhead in the Darabad district on the northeastern edge of Tehran, at the foothills of the Kolakchal massif. There is no metro access directly to the trailhead, so hikers rely on a taxi or private car to reach the starting point, and there is no permit requirement for day use, though the trailhead itself has only limited informal parking. From the trailhead at roughly 1,900 metres, the route climbs steadily through mixed dirt and rocky terrain toward Kolakchal Peak at approximately 3,300 metres, a gain of about 1,400 metres over a 14 kilometre round trip that typically takes 7 to 9 hours to complete. The lower slopes are dirt track with intermittent stone sections, while the upper approach to the summit involves looser scree and sparse trail markings, requiring hikers to navigate by map or GPS rather than relying on signage. Exposure increases significantly near the summit ridge, where wind and sudden weather changes are common even in warmer months. Landmarks along the way include a mid-route saddle used by many hikers as a natural rest point and alternative turn-around, and the final summit ridge offering views across the Alborz range and, on clear days, toward central Tehran far below. There is no water source and no staffed refuge anywhere on this route, so hikers must carry all water and food for the full round trip, typically 2 to 3 litres per person given the altitude and exertion involved. Because of the sparse markings and significant elevation gain, this trail is considered one of the more demanding day hikes accessible from Tehran and is best attempted by hikers with prior mountain experience.