Sabalan rises west of Sareyn to 4,811 metres, the third-highest mountain in Iran after Damavand and Alam Kuh. The volcano is extinct but its plumbing still heats the springs that built the town. Climbing the peak is a serious undertaking — most ascents start from Shabil camp on the southern slopes and take two days — but the lower meadows are accessible on a day trip from Sareyn for anyone wanting to walk in alpine country.
In summer, Shahsavan nomads bring their flocks to the high pastures and set up black goat-hair tents. They are generally welcoming to walkers and will sell yoghurt or hot tea to passers-by. The mountain road from Sareyn climbs through nomad country toward the upper basecamps and makes a fine half-day drive even without leaving the car.