Sabalan is an inactive stratovolcano located in Meshkinshahr, Ardebil. Sabalan is the third highest mountain in Iran and a permanent crater lake has formed at the summit. 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. The summit region runs along a southwest-northeast trending ridge. The volcano is quite old as 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 in various seasons of the year where the mountain climber feels he has entered a land of dreams and wonders. On the slopes of the mountain many mineral water springs flow which attract thousands of tourists each year, and many have their healed in the springs. There are also many trails and a few very small villages in the area, as well as many nomadic people with their round "Yurt" tents. Visiting and seeing these more primitive people is one of the best reasons for climbing the mountain.