Sabalan

Sabalan, or Savalan is an inactive stratovolcano in the Alborz mountain range and Ardabil Province of northwestern Iran.At 4811m in elevation, it is the third highest mountain in Iran. It has a permanent crater lake formed at its summit. On one of its slopes around 3600m in elevation there are large rock formations of eroded volcanic outcrops which resemble animals, birds, and insects..Mount SabalanLocated in the extreme northwest of Iran, Sabalan is the country's third highest peak after Damavand and Alam-Kuh. It is also higher than Mont Blanc in the Alps.The mountain offers many attractions throughout the year. On the slopes of the mountain the mineral water from springs attracts large numbers of tourists each year, many of whom have faith in healing properties attributed to the springs. The nomadic people of the area live in small villages, with their round "Yurt" tents appealing to tourism. Sabalan has a ski resort (Alvares) and different tourist areas such as the Sarein spa. The mountain is known for its beautiful vistas, including the Shirvan gorge, where few climbers ever venture.Sacred placeAccording to some beliefs, Mount Sabalan was the place where Zoroaster meditated for some years, so Mt. Savalan is one of the important sacred places in Zoroastrianism.