Ararat Trek
Türkiye’s highest mountain Ararat, has a legendary status due to its geologic location and the fact that it is believed to have been the final resting place of Noah’s Ark. This peak, mentioned in the Bible, has several names in different languages, the main ones being Ararat, Kuh – i Nuh and Cebel ul Haristir.
Location: Eastern Anatolia, near the border with Iran and Georgia, between the Aras and Murat Rivers.
Best Time for Climbing: July to September.
Winter climbing is very difficult but extremely rewarding.
Characteristics: Mount Ararat (5165m) is the highest peak in Türkiye and Europe. It is a volcanic mountain made up of basalt, which changes to andesite lava around 4000 m. At the summit there is a glacier, and on the eastern slope is the Serdarbulak ridge, with Kucuk (Little) Ararat at 3896m. The height of Mount Ararat, along with its glaciers, geological formations, people, and mountain meadows covered snow has an alluring, almost magical appearance.
Transportation and Accommodations: The Trabzon-Erzurum-Tehran International Highway winds around the foothills of Mt. Ararat and leads to Iran. Dogubeyazit is the closest city to the mountain, easily accessible from Mt. Ararat and Van or Erzurum. There are a number of restaurants and lodging places in the city and the surrounding area.
Climbing Equipments: Crampons, rope (11mm), an ice pick and safety gear such as an ice-auger and climbing tape.
Summer Ascents:Sleeping bags made for temperatures of -5, -10 ºC, anorak, wind jacket, other camping gear and important supplies. In order to climb Mount Ararat and/or Little Ararat, permission is required.
Daily Program
Arrival Iğdır or Van airport and transfer to Doğubeyazit
When traveling from Van, there is a stop at Muradiye waterfalls.
Night: Doğubeyazit (HB) )
Transfer with trucks from Doğubeyazit to Base camp 1.
Trucks to Çevirme village . Then trek to Basecamp 1
( 2200 to 3200 m / 4 hrs)
Mules will carry equipment and tents.
Overnight: Basecamp 1 ( Fullboard)
Cooks prepare the food : Breakfast, lunchbox and evening meal.
Acclimatisation day
To adapt to the altitude hike to 4000 M.
After a rest of approx 60 mins; you can take photo’s and explore the Volcanic landscape
Return to Basecamp
Overnight: in tents at basecamp (Fullboard)
Ascent to Camp 2 (4.200 m)
At arrival at camp 2 check of the equipment you need for the Summit push
( crampons,headlights, trekking poles, shoes)
Overnight in tents at High camp (Fullboard)
Summit Push and back to camp 1 ( 3.200m)
Ascend through Rocky terrain for 5-6 hrs until reaching the crampon field,
which is approx 200m before the summit.
From the summit of MT Ararat the views are to Türkiye, Iran and Armenia and mesmerizing.
Then return to Camp 2 to rest a little. After ca 2 hrs , clear the camp, pack your things; they will be transported by mules, and descend to Camp 1 for dinner and night.
Overnight: Camp ( Fullboard)
Çevirme village – Doğubeyazit.
After breakfast descend to Çevirme village (2-3 hrs) where you are collected.
Bus transfer to the accommodation in Doğubeyazit .
After settled in the hotelexcursion to
17 hr century Ishak Paşa Palace and Noah’s Ark site.
To celebrate the achievement festive closure of the trek in a local restaurant
Overnight: Hotel in Doğubeyazit (BB)
Onward Travel
Transfer to airport
Transfers from and to Airport (s)
2 Nights hotel in Doğubeyazit
Bed and Breakfast.
Dinner on the first night
Full board and drinks ( tea/ coffee/ water ) during trek
Kitchen tent, cook
Tents
Transport with trucks, mules
Mountain guide
Permit $50
personal equipment:
Sleeping bag
Trekking poles
Mountaineering Boots
Sunglasses
Snow Goggles
Buff head cover/neck cover/Balaclava
Warm Beanie
Light and quick-dry Clothes for trekking days
Warm and Windproff clothes ( Thermal/Down/ Shell)
Trekking socks
Warm gloves
Day Pack( 30 L- 50 L)
Headlamp, Torch with extra batteries
Duffel bag ( for heavy belongings that are transported by mules)
Thermos ( 1-2 L) for the Summit Day
Camera
Powerbank
Snacks, chocolate, energy bars
Personal medicines, suncreme etc.
entry fees to İshak Paşa Palace and Turkish bath.
Tip
** Send a request for shorter programmes **