The Tallest Volcanoes In Asia

Although most of the world's tallest volcanoes are located in South America, Asia also contains a number of volcanoes with signicant elevations. Most of the continent's highest volcanoes are located in West Asia and the extreme eastern part of the continent, namely Iran, Turkey, and Russia. Some of the highest volcanoes in Asia are highlighted below.

1. Mount Damavand

Mount Damavand is the highest volcano in Asia, with an elevation of 5,609 m. It is a potentially active stratovolcano located in the middle of the Alborz range, near the southern coast of the Caspian Sea, in Amol County, Iran. Mount Damavand is the world's 12th most prominent peak, and the second highest in Asia, after Mount Everest. The mountain is of significant symbolic importance, particularly as a symbol of the resistance of the Iranian people against foreign rule and despotism, and its name is referenced in Persian mythology and literature. 

2. Mount Ararat

With an elevation of 5,137 m, Mount Ararat is Asia's second-highest volcano. Located in the eastern part of Turkey, Mount Ararat is a dormant compound volcano with a snow-capped peak. The volcano contains two volcanic cones, Greater Ararat, which is the tallest peak in Turkey, and Little Ararat. Mount Ararat is of great religious significance, as it considered by Christians as the resting place of Noah's Ark. The volcano is also featured prominently in Armenian art and literature, and is even depicted on Armenia's coat of arms.

3. Mount Sabalan

Mount Sabalan is the third-highest volcano in Asia, with an elevation of 4,811 m. Located within the Alborz mountain range in northwestern Iran, Mount Sabalan is an inactive stratovolcano, and features numerous volcanic features such as a permanent crater lake at its summit. The volcano is known for various rock formations on its slopes that resemble animals, insects, and birds. The mineral water springs on Mount Salaban are large tourist attractions, as well as its ski resort and spas. The volcano is also a sacred place within the Zoroastrianism religion.

4. Klyuchevskaya Sopka

With an elevation of 4,750 m, Klyuchevskaya Sopka is Asia's fourth-highest volcano. Located on the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia, it is an active stratovolcano situated about 100 km from the Bering Sea. The volcano is also part of the Volcanoes of Kamchatka, which are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The volcano is estimated to have formed approximately 6,000 years ago, but its first recorded eruption occurred in 1697. Since then, Klyuchevskaya Sopka has remained continuously active. In 1788, members of the Billings Expedition were the first to summit the volcano. 

5. Mount Krestovsky

Mount Krestovsky is an extinct stratovolcano located in the Klyuchevskaya range of the Kamchatka Peninsula. The volcano has an elevation of 4,108 m and is sometimes also referred to as Ploskaya Blizhniaya. Many climbers who visit the area to summit Klyuchevskaya Sopka also climb Mount Krestovsky. The volcano contains numerous volcanic features and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountainous landscape.