About Mount Ararat
Mount Ararat has fascinated mountaineers for decades. Home of Noah's Ark, this old volcano has attracted it's fair share of Ark hunters, mountaineers and geologists. Ararat was closed for many years to climbers owing to the militarily sensitive border area but access is now becoming easier.

Ararat is Turkey's highest summit. We approach the peak from the Turkish side after travelling across Eastern Anatolia to Dogubayazit, the nearest town. From here, we will attempt the climb after placing two high camps. Crampon, self arrest and basic snow-climbing techniques are essential. Ararat is not a technical peak but cold winds and high altitude make this an excellent choice for climbers interested in making an ascent of this historical peak.

The following text is from the mountaineering brochure published by the Ministry of Tourism.

Mt. Ararat is in the east of the Aras mountain range in eastern Turkey, rising at the common borders of Turkey, Armenia and Iran. Ararat, an inactive volcano capped year round with ice and snow, reaches 5137 meters. Serdarbulak plateau which is 2687m high divides the area into two peaks: Great Ararat (Buyuk Agri) which is 5137m (16,495 feet) and the Little Ararat (Kucuk Agri) which is 3896m (12,877 feet).

The Bible tells us that after the Flood, Noah landed his Ark on the top of Mt. Ararat. The Armenians call Ararat Masis Leusar, which means "Mountain of the Ark." The Persians call the mountain Koh-i-nuh, which means "Noah's mountain." Long ago, people believed that no one was permitted to reach the top of Ararat. Since 1700, however, many mountain climbers have reached the top of Ararat. German climber Johann Jacob Frederick von Parrot reached the summit of Ararat for the first time in september 1829.

Climbing the spectacular Ararat is a challenging and rewarding experience. In the summer, the weather in the area and on Mount Ararat itself is sunny, warm and dry. However, in the winter and spring, cold and harsh conditions prevail and mountain climbers occasionally face blizzards and turbulent weather. July, August and September are the months when most world mountain climbers come to the area and when the climb up Ararat is most enjoyable. Despite the usual sunny and clear weather at that time of year, high altitude mountain weather prevails above 3000 meters. The southern face of the mountain offers the easiest and safest ascent to the summit with the best routes and communication, transportation and safety considerations. It is not advised to climb Mount Ararat alone and without a guide.

Best Season June, July, Augs.
This is a standart climbing programme to Mount Ararat (5137m)

Day 1: Meeting at the airport in Istanbul.Overnight in Istanbul-Hotel.

Day 2: Transfer to airport and flight to Van.Visit the Akdamar Island or Van Castle.Drive to Dogubeyazit (2 hours) after sightseeing. Overnight in the Dogubeyazit-Hotel. Briefing about climbing programme to Ararat.

Day 3: Transfer from hotel to Mount Ararat / Eli Village at 2200 m with minibus.All the luggages carrying with mules to Camp 1.Walking up to Camp 1.3200 m. 3-4 hours.

Day 4: Acclimatization hike to 4170 m-Camp 2 site.5-6 hours return trip.

Day 5: Hike up from base camp to 4170 m camp (3-4 hours).Overnight in the tents.

Day 6: Summit day. We start to walking early in the morning. 4-6 hours walking up to top.5137 meters. 3 hours descend back to 4170 m camp site.Return to Camp 1 after short rest and have a brunch.Overnight in tents at Camp 1.

Day 7: Descend to Eli Village and meeting with minibus.Arrive to Dogubeyazit-visiting to Ishakpasa Palace than drive to Van.Overnight in Van-Hotel.

Day 8: Transfer to airport and flight to İstanbul.Overnight in Istanbul-hotel.

Day 9: Full day sightseeing in İstanbul.Visiting the Sultanahmet Mosque,Ayasofia and Grand Bazaar.Shopping.Overnight .

Day 10: Departure.

Tour includes
o All transportation in Turkey, domestic flights and transfer services
o Accommadations
o All Meals
o Sigtseeing,entrance fees writen in the program
o Turkish Mountaineering Federation licensed mountian guide, fluent in english
o Mule support for luggages
o Cook services
o 2 person tent and sleeping mattresses
o Tecnical climbing equipments. Rope, sling, ice screw.
o Climbing permit

Tour does not include
o International flight
o Insurance
o Tips
o Beverages