Khalenow Peak

Khalenow, the highest point in Tehran Province, is a peak in the Central Alborz region with an elevation of 4,375 meters. Khalenow and its equally high neighbor, Azadkuh, are the third-highest peaks of the Central Alborz after Damavand and Alam-Kuh. Khalenow is bordered by Shemshak and Rudbar-e Qasran to the south, the Varangeh Rud river valley to the north, Lar Plain (in the Lavasanat area) to the east, and, to the west, the Harzeh Kuh ridge leading down to the Karaj River valley.

The most common route to the summit of Khalenow starts from a gorge north of the village of Lalan (in Rudbar-e Qasran Rural District). At the end of this route, two ridges form a hollow below the summit, known as the Kaseh ("Bowl"). Crossing the Kaseh is the summer route to the summit. The southern ridge of the Kaseh leads to another peak called Borj (about 4,325 meters high). You can also reach Khalenow by continuing along the ridge that runs north from Borj and passing the Jandarc (Gendarme) blades. Because of its blade-like section, the Borj–Khalenow ridge is considered a challenging route. The second route is to climb the Sarkachal peaks and cross the Varza Pass, starting from Shemshak (in Rudbar-e Qasran District). This route also reaches Borj first and then Khalenow.

The difficulty of climbing Khalenow depends on various factors such as physical condition and fitness, mountaineering experience, the chosen route, suitable equipment and the weather. In general, however, Khalenow is a high, technical peak in the Central Alborz. You will therefore need mountaineering experience and a high level of physical fitness to climb it.

The views from the summit of Khalenow include Azadkuh to the north and northeast, the Varangeh Rud valley, the Sarkachal ridge, and Janestun Kuh (Yellow Mountain).

Along the route you can see various plant species such as astragalus (gon), golpar (Persian hogweed), tulip, anemone (poppy anemone), barberry, wild garlic (sirak), lowchak, nettle and more. Various animal species are also found in the area, including birds such as the golden eagle, the Homa (imperial eagle), chukar partridge, see-see partridge, lark and hoopoe, and animals such as wild boar, wild ram, wild sheep, red deer, wild goat, brown bear, wolf and more.