Sabalan is an inactive volcano in Ardabil Province of northwestern Iran. The county’s third highest mountain with a permanent crater lake formed at its summit, Sabalan has a ski resort and different tourist spots. 

The mountain is known for its beautiful vistas, including the Shirvan gorge, where few climbers ever venture.

The summit region straddles along a southwest-northeast ridge. The volcano is quite old -- its rocks have been dated to millions of years ago. Some references state that volcanic activity continued into the Holocene, less than 10,000 years ago.

The mountain enjoys specific attractions depending on the seasons of the year and a mountain climber feels he has entered a land of dreams and wonders. On the slopes of the mountain many mineral water springs flow that attract thousands of tourists each year largely for their healing qualities.

There are also many trails and few small villages in the area, as well as nomads with their round “Yurt” tents. Visiting and seeing these primitive folks are some of the best reasons for climbing the mountain.

Sabalan is a volcanic peak, and at 3,600 meters you can see sculptures which are eroded volcanic stone outcrops resembling e animals, birds and insects. The most stunning sculpture is an eagle statue known as Ghartal, seemingly gazing over its surroundings to control the Sabalan slope and valley from atop.

The mountain, the crater, and the lake can usually be ascended from the northern and southern flanks. Once ascended, one can see a panorama of the picturesque region for more than a hundred kilometers. The crater lake is located on the southeast of the mountain, is elliptical and measures 145 meters across and 80 meters wide with a depth of 25 meters. Since it is covered with ice from mid-September through early June, mountain trekkers come for ice skating. There are two famous warm water springs in the area, Ghotursoui and Shabil closer to Sabalan.

In 2008 and for the first time a female hiker managed to swim in the icy waters of Sabalan’s crater lake. Following the ascend of the group of 20 female hikers and upon reaching the lake 50 year old Shahin Baghchehsaray submerged herself in the lake. She swam for approximately 45 minutes in the sub-zero temperature when the lake was still frozen over on the opposite side.

It is mentioned in the holy book Avesta, Prophet Zoroaster, was born by the river “Daei Yeta” which is now called Aras and wrote his holy book in the Sabalan Mountains.