Oman hikers plan to climb Mount Damavand in Iran to celebrate 46th National Day

Muscat: A team of seven Omani hikers travelling in a group called ‘Outward Bound Oman’ is aiming to reach the summit of Mount Damavand, an extinct volcano in northern Iran, and the highest peak in West Asia and the Middle East, to mark the 46^th National Day.
The team, consisting of four female and three male hikers reached Iran on Friday and intend to start their hike soon after getting acclimatised.
The choice of hiking this particular mountain stemmed from the idea of boosting the Oman-Iran ties, but also to set a record for climbing the highest peak in the Middle East, which stands at an elevation of 5610 metres. It is expected to take four days for the group to reach the summit.
“We are mostly doing this to set a record of climbing the highest peak in the Middle East, but also to boost the Omani-Iranian relationship that we know to be strong. Last year we successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to mark the 45^th National Day of Oman,” said Rumaitha al Busaidi, a member of the hiking team and an adventurer.
The selection criteria for the record hike depended totally on physical fitness, and members trained individually to prepare for it. “I can't speak for the others as I wouldn't know how they trained but I spent my training at the gym and exploring Oman by hiking,” Al Busaidi added.
The group has hired a local company in Iran to guide them with the climb. “It is always advised to hire a good reputable local company whenever you set out for such ventures. They would know best about what you are set to embark on and are well more equipped to assist should you need any help and if any emergency occurs.”
As this is the highest peak in the Middle East, the group is expecting certain challenges, which will come across their way, but they might get surprised with more on the actual hike. “Most probably altitude sickness will be a challenge, as we gain altitude there will be less oxygen in the air, and that is when the real challenge of summiting to the peak begins. Each mountain comes with its own set of challenges to overcome.”
Each of the seven members will be equipped with hiking and safety gear when they set out for the hike. “Most of us are carry first-aid kit, medication and one of us is carrying an emergency shelter cover in case we need to be sheltered from drastic unpredictable dangerous conditions.”
Outward Bound Oman’s last hike was to Mount Kilimanjaro to mark the 45^th National Day of Oman, but Mount Damavand will be a little different from the past experience.
“Every mountain is different given its geographic location, its height, topography and so many other factors. Damavand is expected to be at a low of minus 20 at the peak with very windy conditions and there is the risk of inhaling sulfide fumes that are produced from the mountain.”
Individually, Al Busaidi is planning for other adventures for this year, but is not entirely sure of what they would be, but she revealed the next mountain she intends to climb. “Mount Elbrus for sure is one I am aiming for as the next peak to climb, but I'm not sure if it's going to be this year or the next.”