Some previous experience is an advantage
Mount Ararat, also known as the «fiery mountain», is an extinct volcano and, at 5137 m, the highest mountain in Turkey. It is regarded as a national symbol for Armenia and is closely linked to the biblical story of Noah’s Ark, which is said to have run aground on Mount Ararat.
CHF 1'490.00
An Ararat ascent is an incredible adventure and is ideally suited as a «taster» of high-altitude mountaineering for hikers with stamina. Ararat is part of the Ararat massif, which extends across the border between Turkey and Armenia. The massif offers an impressive backdrop with further peaks, deep valleys and spectacular gorges. In good weather there are distant views towards Armenia and into Iranian Kurdistan.
Very important is the biblical significance of this mountain. There is a strong connection to the story of Noah’s Ark. Many people visit the region in the hope of finding evidence of the Ark’s existence or its remains. Historical and biblical writings indeed suggest that Noah’s Ark is trapped in the glacier. Every year various expeditions take place in search of its remains.
Because of the geographical position between Turkey and Armenia, the surroundings of Mount Ararat also offer opportunities for cultural exchange and encounters between the two countries. This can lead to better understanding and a coming together of cultures. An Ararat ascent is therefore not only an adventurous and sporting undertaking, but also a journey into a fascinating country shaped by cultural, biblical and scenic treats.
Some previous experience is an advantage
Up to 8 hours per day.
Arrival by plane from Zurich or Milan. We are happy to arrange an alternative journey if you prefer. Having arrived in Istanbul we continue on to Van, where we are picked up and continue our journey by car to Doğubayazıt.
Start of the ascent. After about 5 hours of walking we reach the first camp at 3200 m.
We begin our walk to the second camp at 4200 m in order to carry out our acclimatisation exercises. We descend a little again to acclimatise to the altitude.
Although the stage is much harder than the previous day, we reach the second base camp in about 4 hours. At the tent camp we have ample opportunity to rest.
After breakfast we begin our ascent to the second camp at 4200 m. After this ascent we spend the night at the second camp at 4200 m. Here we check our equipment and prepare our backpacks for the summit climb, which starts at midnight.
A short night and the start of the summit climb. We should reach the top in about 6 hours. Kudos, we are standing on Mt. Ararat! After our summit success we head back to the second camp at 4200 m. Today we begin our full descent to the first camp at 3200 m, where we will spend our last night on the mountain.
We will have a fortifying breakfast. Later we begin our descent to 2200 m to the pick-up point. About 3 hours later we arrive at our hotel and check in.
A well-deserved rest day! Today we visit the historic town of Doğubayazıt and explore its nature
After breakfast we begin our tour of Van and spend the night in a hotel.
Extra day for the ascent: there is one extra day in this programme. The weather conditions on the mountain sometimes make the ascent impossible. With an additional day you have the option of waiting in the second camp area until the weather conditions improve. If there is no bad weather, this day is used after the summit descent to rest at base camp at 3200 m.
Sadly our trip ends after today, but we are already looking forward to another adventure together with you!
On request this adventure can be complemented with the following:
