Mount Ararat Trekking
- general info
- rates & booking
- map
- photo gallery
This is the most spectacular trek in Turkey. Mt. Ararat, the legendary resting place of Noah's Ark, is a dormant volcano and its last eruption was on June 2, 1840. At present the upper third of the mountain is covered with snow and ice throughout the year. Adjoining Mt. Ararat, and 4000 feet lower, is the peak known as Little Ararat.
The best is to start from the town Doğubeyazıt on the south side of the mountain. The average climber who is experienced in high altitudes can complete the trek in three days, but it is better to allow four or five days so that exploration of the peak can be included. July-August is the best season for climbing.
The company provides opportunities to extend your understanding of the mountain's environment. Participants can enjoy the exploration of the traditional culture and natural environment with minimum impact, because the trip is arranged in an ecologically sensitive way. The organisers aim to provide superior and high quality services at competitive prices, and take care of all the travel details while you enjoy your holiday.
Another advantage of climbing Ararat Mountain is that climbers can also do sightseeing tours, which are the historical and cultural benefits of the region. A short sightseeing tour can be arranged before or after the climb on Ararat.
- Duration: 6 day(s)
- Location: Eastern Anatolia
Day 1: Take the domestic flight from Istanbul to Van, Agrı, Erzurum or Kars, and transfer to Doğubeyazıt. Overnight at Doğubeyazıt.
Day 2: Doğubeyazıt to Mount Ararat. Drive to Eli village at 2250 m, and then walk to Yeşil Yayla base camp at 3200 m. Transportation of equipment by pack animals. Overnight at the camp.
Day 3: Climb to the second camp at 4200 m; transportation of equipment by pack animals. Overnight at 4200 m at the camp.
Day 4: Reach top of Ararat. Climb to the summit of 5165 m, afterwards return to Yesil Yayala base camp (4200m→5165m→3200m). Transportation of equipment by pack animals. Overnight at the camp.
Day 5: Descent from Mount Ararat to Doğubeyazıt. Drive to Doğubeyazıt, relax with a Turkish bath, shop, overnight at the hotel in Doğubeyazıt.
Day 6: Transfer to Van, Agrı, Erzurum or Kars Airport for departure.
Note: Extension days (tours) to Van and Erzurum area can be added upon request.
Departures for Mt. Ararat for the year 2009 | |||
JUNE/2009 | JULY/2009 | AUGUST/2009 | SEPTEMBER/2009 |
08/Jun | 06/Jul | 03/Aug | 07/Sep |
15/Jun | 13/Jul | 10/Aug | ----------- |
22/Jun | 20/Jul | 17/Aug | ----------- |
29/Jun | 27/Jul | 24/Aug | ----------- |
----------- | ----------- | 31/Aug | ----------- |
Price includes:
- Professional English speaking guide and mountain guide
- Accommodation at three star hotel (half board)
- Lunch
- Transfer from airport to hotel and return
- Mules to carry climbing equipment and your main bag
- Cook and kitchen equipment on the mountain
- Tents
- All meals and soft drinks during the trek
- Mountain climbing permission from official departments
Excludes:
- Flight tickets
- Extra expenses and drinks at the hotel
- Sleeping bag (tent is provided)
- Special climbing permit (usually around € 40)
- Personal climbing equipment
- Alcoholic beverages
Cultural and historical places of visit near Mt. Ararat
- Ishak Paşa Palace
- Ahmed-i Hani Tomb
- Kurdish Village
- Meteor Crater
- Noah's Ark
- Muradiye Waterfalls
- Urartu Castle at Van
- Akdamar Armenian Church
