Rising at the common borders of Turkey and Iran, Mt. Ararat, an inactive volcano capped year round with ice and snow, reaches 5.137 meters. The Old Testament records that it was on this mountain that Noah´s Ark came to rest after the great flood. Climbing the spectacular Ararat is a challenging and rewarding experience.
Difficulty level of the tour: The difficulty degree of the tour is degree 3. Hikes up to 6 to 8 hours, in peak days max. 11 hours. ascend up to 1.000m, descent up to 2.000 m. Well body condition and health is required, being swindle-free, a good balance.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arriving to Istanbul, Transfer to the hotel.
Day 2: Full day sightseeing in Istanbul, visiting Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 3: Transfer to airport and domestic flight to Van, transfer to Dogubayazit. Accommodation in Dogubayazit in the hotel.
Day 4: Transfer to village Eli, then 5 hours hiking to the first base camp on 3.200 m. Overnight in tent. If there will be too much snow the camp will be in lower part.
Day 5: We are walking 4- 5 hours to the second camp on 4.200 m. Here we have a short rest and hiking down to the first camp back. As the horses cant walk on the snow we have to carry a part of our luggage to the second camp and leave it over night there. Downhill by ski to first camp.
Day 6: Further again to the next camp on 4.200 m, and we are carrying the second part of the luggage. The rest of the day we will relax because the next day will be a and hard day. Overnight in the second camp.
Day 7: Early in the night, at 03.00 h we have to wake up and prepare us for the last part of the trekking, to the summit. A steep ascend will take us to the roof of Turkey. On 4.500 m snow and ice border will be starting. After 5-6 hours we are reaching the peak, 5.165 m. After enjoying the view from the peak. After the summit we are skiing down first to the upper camp, then further to the lower camp. Overnight in tents in camp I.
Day 8: 3 hours hike takes us to the village Eli. Further by vehicle to the town Dogubeyazit. Overnight in hotel.
Day 9: Sightseeing around Dogubayazit. Only few km upwards from the town there is the Isaak Pasa Palace, a building from the 17. th century. We are going for to visit this palace and the "official" Noah s ark. Overnight in Dogubayazit in the hotel. At the same time this is a reserve day. If the weather will not give us access to the summit we will use this day for the mountain program.
Day 10: Transfer to Van, full day sightseeing by visiting the castle Hosap, Cavustepe and a boat trip to the island Akdamar. This is the second reserve day and will be used in case of bad weather also for the mountain program. Overnight in the hotel in Van.
Day 11: Transfer to the airport, of Van, domestic flight to Istanbul, transfer to hotel, overnight in Istanbul.
Day 12: Transfer to airport, flight home.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Domestic flight Antalya - Van - Antalya
- All transfers as written in the program
- Accommodation in hotels and tent
- All meals Tea, coffee and mineral water during the peak program Mt. Ararat, in hotel days only BB
- Equipment and staff like cook, kitchen tent, toilet tent, dishes, tent, rope, carbine, ice screw
- Luggage transport by animals, and vehicle
- Full day sightseeing in Van and Dogubayazit (lunch and entrance fees not included)
- Full board during the mountain program
- Official permit for the climb from the Turkish government
- Guide from the Turkish Mountaineering Association
- English speaking guide.
Price Excludes:
- Drinks except the drinks listed above, souvenirs, tips
- Skiing equipment
- Lunch and dinner during the hotel days
- Flight to/from Antalya, visa, insurances
- Additional cost at illnesses, rescue, changing the route because of special reason like war, weather and natural catastrophe.
Also see tour packages in:
Middle East
Turkey
Mountain/Rock Climbing
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