Climbing Mt. Ararat, 5165m (Turkey)

Mount Ararat, known as Agri Dag to the locals, is Turkey's tallest peak and has long been thought to be the resting place of Noah's Ark after the legendary Great Flood. This massive, glacier-topped mountain is actually a dormant volcano that last erupted in 1840. Its rugged slopes are treeless due to the harsh climate and occasional volcanic rumblings, but it’s still a place teeming with adventure.
The journey kicks off with a 3-day acclimatization at two camps, sitting at 3200 meters and 4200 meters above sea level. During this period, you'll hike up and down to get used to the altitude. Then comes the big day: summit day. It starts bright and early with a challenging climb, transitioning to a trek over ice and snow as you make your way to the top. After soaking in the breathtaking sunrise at the summit, it's time to head back down, spending the night at camp 1. The trek wraps up the next day, but the adventure doesn’t end there - you’ll also get to explore the stunning sights around Lake Van before your expedition officially concludes.

Highlights:
♦ Climb Ararat Mountain - the highest peak in Turkey
♦ Lake Van - the largest lake in Turkey. It's a high-altitude lake, sitting about 1640 meters above sea level, and is famous for its striking blue waters and stunning surrounding landscapes

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Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrival in Van
Arrival in the city of Van on own arrangement. Transfer from the airport to the hotel for overnight. -/-/-

Day 2. Gevas - Mt. Artos climb - Van (3537 m)
In the morning, we will drive to Gevas, a charming town on the southern shores of Lake Van. From here, we will begin our ascent of Mount Artos, which stands at 3537 meters. As we climb this impressive peak from the southern route, we’re treated to incredible views over the vast expanse of Lake Van, its deep blue waters shimmering far below. If the weather is clear, we might even spot the distant silhouette of Mount Ararat, its iconic snow-capped peak visible on the horizon. After a rewarding day of climbing and soaking in the breathtaking scenery, we will return to Van, where we’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel, resting up for the adventures ahead. B/-/- 
Walking time: 2h, ascent / descent: + 1200m / +1800 m

Day 3. Lake Van - Dogubayazit
Our day will begin with a morning drive to the town of Gevas. Upon arriving in Gevas, we'll embark on a scenic boat tour across the serene waters of the lake, making our way to the famous Akdamar Island. Once we reach the island, we’ll explore the stunning medieval Armenian church of Akdamar, a historical gem renowned for its intricate stone carvings and rich history. After taking in the beauty and tranquility of the island, we will continue our journey, driving around the shores of Lake Van. The route offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes as we make our way towards Dogubayazit, a town nestled in the shadow of Mount Ararat, where we’ll spend the night. B/-/-
Walking time: 2h, ascent / descent: + 1200m / +1800 m

Day 4. Base Camp (3200 m)
After breakfast we will start our drive to the village of Cevirme, the starting point of our Ararat tour. After the luggage has been loaded onto the horses, we we will begin our 5-6 hour hike to the base camp, located at an altitude of 3200 m. Overnight stay in tents at the camp. B/L/D

Day 5. High camp (4200 m)
Today we will continue hiking to the high camp (4200m.). From there, you will have the option to walk a little further towards the summit. We will return to the camp in the late afternoon, have an early dinner and some rest before the summit day. B/L/D

Day 6. Summit  Day - Mt Ararat (5165 m)
Today we will wake up around 2-3 a.m., have some breakfast and strat the summit to the top - a steep climb of around 5-6 hours. The glacier begins at an altitude of approx. 4900 m, from where we continue with crampons. After 5 to 6 hours of climbing we will be standing on top of the highest peak in Turkey, the mountain of Noah. On a clear day, the view from the top extends to Iran, Armenia and the Caucasus. Afterwards we will begin our descent to the high camp (about 3 hours). After a rest and a bite to eat, we will break off our camp and descend to the base camp. The walking time from the summit to the base camp is around 6 hours. Overnight in the base camp. B/L/D

Day 7. Descent to  Dogubayazit/ Reserve Day
Today we are taking our last descent to (about 3 hours) before we take the bus to Dogubayazit. After we arrive in the city, you will have some free time to relax and explore the city on your owrn. 
We can use this day as a reserve day if the weather doesn't allow ascent to the summit on Day 6. If that's the case, then we will climb from the summit all the way down to Cevirme and then drive to Dogubayazit to the hotel. B/L/-

Day 8. Drive to Van, flight home
In the early morning we drive to Van to the airport, flight home. B/-/-

Necessary equipment:

• 2 x backpacks (a big one of 80-90 litres and a small one - 35 litres)
• Sleeping bag (comfort temperature: 0C°; extreme: -15C°)
• Walking poles
• Trekking shoes (winter for the summit and 3-season for the rest of the days)
• Trekking trousers (winter and 3-season)
• Warm clothing and layers, including a waterproof and windproof jacket
• Balaclava or warm hat
• Headlamp and extra batteries
• Thermos bottle 750 ml or 1 liter capacity
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Polyester underwear enough to last through your trip.

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Price Includes:
All land transportation and airport transfers
Accommodation as per the itinerary (4 nights in a hotel and 3 nights in tents)
Local licensed English-speaking mountain guide
Meals according the itinerary description (B-breakfast/L-lunch/D-dinner)
Luggage transport by pack animals up to high camp
Permit fee
Camping equipment like crampons; tents; mattresses; kitchen gear; toilet tent

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Not Included:
Flight tickets
Insurance
Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
Tips
Personal expenses

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Gallery

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