Turkey Tours

Mount Ararat Expedition Private Tour

Do you want to do this tour on group basis? If so, please click here.

Day 1 — Arrive VAN / DOGUBAYAZIT

Meet at Van airport and private transfer to Dogubayazit (3 hours) via Tendurek Volcano. In the afternoon, there is the possibility to visit (at extra cost) 17th century Ishak Pasha Palace. Overnight at hotel in Dogubayazit. (D)

Day 2 — ELI VILLAGE / CAMP I

Drive up to Mt. Ararat by truck (2 hours) to the start of the trek at 2,200 meters. After walking 4 hours you'll reach to base camp at 3,200 meters (10,500 feet) and overnight. Ascend 700m. (B-L-D)

Day 3 — ACCLIMATISATION DAY

Acclimatisation day up to 4,200m. Trekking up in the mountain. Overnight in the same camp site at 3,200m. Ascend: 1,000m / Descend: 1,000m. (B-L-D)

Day 4 — CAMP II

Trek up to the second camp site which will take 4 to 5 hours walking. Camping at the intermediary camping site at 4,200 meters (13,780 feet), just before the summit slope. Ascend 1,000m. (B-L-D)

Day 5 — SUMMIT DAY

Very early ascend to the summit of Mt. Ararat (5,137 m - 16,853 ft) and walking on the glacier routes. From the summit, at sunrise you'll be able to see the summit of Mt. Elbruz and the little Ararat. Descend to Camp II for overnight. Total ascend and descending for 8 to 9 hours. Ascend: 937m. Descend: 937m. (B-L-D)

Day 6 — REST DAY

You spend the day at the campsite. This day can also be used as an extra day for bad weather or unpredictable physical conditions that cause delays. (B-L-D)

Day 7 — CAMP II / DOGUBAYAZIT

Descend down to Eli village via the first campsite. You'll meet the truck near Eli village and drive down to Dogubayazit. Time at leisure in the afternoon and overnight at hotel. Descend: 2,000 m. (B-L-D)

Day 8 — DOGUBAYAZIT / Depart VAN

Private transfer to Van airport for your flight. (B) End of the services.

(B) Breakfast - (L) Lunch - (D) Dinner

This tour can be done also in 7 days, cutting out the rest day on Day 6. During these programs, only 2 nights (beginning and end) will be spent at the hotel in Dogubayazit town, other overnights will be spent at camp tents. The program and dates might be changed depending on weather conditions or because of local authorities. Your expedition party can be between 2 - 16 participants.

The program is focused on the ascent of the mountain. There is also a day to acclimatize by ascending to 4,200 meters, then returning to base camp. This program offers a relatively easy climbing to the summit for people who are in good physical condition and are comfortable to hike in high elevations, you don't have to be a professional climber. However we strongly recommend that some preparatory hiking in the high mountains should be done before participating in this tour.

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE: For foreigners who want to climb Ararat, there are special permissions that has to be taken from local authorities. We handle these permissions in your behalf but we need your passport copy at least 60 days before the tour. Therefore, as of today you can only book for the next year.

For Ararat Expeditions we provide climb permits from authorities, experienced mountain guide, kitchen services and meals during the trek (B for breakfast - L for lunch - D for dinner), all transfers as in the program, transfer of the equipments, 2 nights hotel stay, pension or tent accommodation during treks, tent and mattress, personal safety equipment (helmet, ice-axe, crampon, harness), general security equipment (ropes, carabines, etc.), porters carrying personal belonging (max 20 kg / 44 pounds per person) with mules and trucks between camps. We can also arrange your domestic flights in Turkey (Istanbul - Van - Istanbul flights for example).

You should bring your personal camping equipment (sleeping bag, backpack, walking sticks or trekking poles etc) and clothes, mountain boots etc.

Important Note: All travel services in Turkey such as tours, hotel bookings, rent-a-car, transfers etc. are provided by an official & reliable local travel agency working with licensed tour guides, in order to secure your customer rights and fulfilling local regulations. Most of the private tours are conducted in English. Please contact us for prices, quotes and other information.

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