Shirkuh

Shirkuh is a Persian word meaning Lion Mountain. It is a part of a series of mountains that encircle the west side of the central desert in Iran –Dashte Kavir. Shirkuh, Barfkhane, and Asemankooh are the famous peaks in the southern part of Yazd. Remarkably, the ascent of Shirkuh Mountain is even possible for the beginners and inexperienced mountaineers in all seasons.

How to Get to Shirkuh?

If you are in Tehran, you should reach Yazd by bus, train, or plane. Depending on your time and the level of convenience you are looking for, choose one of the transportations. When you reach Yazd, you can rent either a car or a minibus and go to Taft. Taft is right after Deh Bala Village. You should start your ascent from Sheikh Ali Shah farm with a 2500-meter altitude.

The Suitable Time for Climbing Shirkuh Mountain

The ideal season for climbing Shirkuh is spring. It gets too hot in summers. Note that storm and avalanche make the winter ascent challenging and dangerous. Accordingly, check the weather before you climb. In case the weather is fine, everybody can enjoy climbing the mountain. A skilled mountaineer can easily reach to peak within 7 hours. Due to the 1500-meter altitude difference (from Sheikh Ali Shah with a 2500-meter height to Shirkuh Peak, 4000 meters above the sea level) feeling altitude sickness is probable.

Camping Possibilities at Shirkuh Mountain

Fortunately, there will not be any problem with camping in this area. There are two camps there. One of the camps is made of concrete and the other one is made of metal. The great highlight about these camps is a stream beside them. There is also a shelter on the peak. So a tent and a suitable sleeping bag will suffice.

Considerations for Winter Ascents

Due to the mountain being in a desert region, you should be aware of the huge temperature difference between the day and night. Hence, the best time for climbing would be spring. In case you are going for a winter ascent, do not forget to have an ice axe baton with you. In winters, the temperature reaches almost minus seven Celsius degree at night. So, have a great sleeping bag with you.