The Alborz Mountains: Northern Iran's Majestic Range

The Alborz Mountains (also Elburz/Ilburz) form a 900 km arc along the southern coast of the Caspian Sea, separating the coastal lowlands from the Iranian plateau.

Key Features

• Length: ~900 km (600 mi), ~650 km parallel to Caspian
• Highest Peak: Mount Damāvand – 5,671 m (18,606 ft) – highest in Iran & Middle East, dormant volcano
• Location: 66 km NE of Tehran
• Geology: Alpine orogeny—sedimentary, volcanic, metamorphic rocks
• Climate Barrier: Traps Caspian moisture → lush Hyrcanian forests (UNESCO) north; arid plateau south

Significance

• Water source for Tehran (rivers: Karaj, Jajrud, Lar)
• Ski resorts (Dizin, Shemshak, Tochal – highest in ME)
• Biodiversity hotspot (Persian leopard, brown bear, endemic flora)
• Cultural symbol in Persian literature (Ferdowsi, Hafez)

The Aras River separates the Alborz from the Caucasus to the northwest.