Trekkers on the summit of Mt Ararat
Trekkers on the summit of Mt Ararat
Enjoying the lower slopes of Mount Ararat
Ascending the snow-covered slopes of Mount Ararat
The ancient Ishak Pasha Palace near Dogubayazit

Mount Ararat Expedition

Summit Mount Ararat, Turkey's highest mountain, and experience the remote landscapes and cultures of the eastern frontier.

8 Days from

$1970 USD

Trip Code: ARE
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement
$510 USD

Duration

  • 8 Days

Activities

  • 5 day trek

Accommodation

  • 3 nights hotel
  • 4 nights camping

Meals

  • 7 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 7 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

6 / 10

Moderate to Challenging

Carbon Footprint  

45kg of CO2-e PP per day

(317kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Summit Mount Ararat (5137m/18,854ft). Take on the physical and mental challenge of Turkey’s highest peak, supported by expert mountain guides
  • Experience the far east of Turkey, from Kurdish hospitality to nomadic culture, step into a lesser-known corner of the country
  • Explore Ishak Pasha Palace, a stunning Ottoman era complex set beneath Mount Ararat’s flanks
  • Cruise to Akdamar Island and discover a 10th century Armenian church set in the middle of Lake Van

Overview

Towering at 5137 metres (16,854 feet), glacier capped Mount Ararat - or Agri Dagi - is Turkey’s highest peak. Set in the remote far east of the country, this striking mountain offers a rewarding ascent for fit, determined trekkers, a spectacular high altitude summit undertaken in just one week.

Over five trekking days, you’ll climb through stark alpine terrain and remote high camps, supported by a full expedition crew. There’s time for acclimatisation, with optional crampon use for the final ascent across snow and ice. At the summit - weather permitting - take in expansive views across the Eastern Anatolian plateau and into the distant Caucasus.

After the climb, the journey continues with time to explore the far east’s history and natural beauty, from the 18th century Ishak Pasha Palace, set dramatically beneath Ararat, to a boat trip on Lake Van and a visit to the 10th century Armenian church on Akdamar Island.

Led by experienced mountain guides, this is a challenging yet accessible expedition.

Itinerary

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Meet at Van Airport and transfer to Dogubayazit. Overnight hotel in Dogubayazit. Approx driving time: 3 hrs; 180km

Meals: D

This morning we will load the luggage and camping essentials on the truck and drive to Eli Village at 2000m. From here we will commence trekking up to our first campsite at 3200m. Our camping and trek luggage will be carried by mules or horses. Our trek support crew will establish the camp, and our cook will arrange the evening meal. Approx Walking time: 4 hrs; Ascent: ~1200m

Meals: B,L,D

Today is an acclimatisation day, with some easy walks up to 4200m. We will spend the night back at the same campsite at 3200m. We can also use this day as an extra climbing day in case of bad weather. Approx walking time: 5-6 hrs; Ascent/Descent: 1000m

Meals: B,L,D

This morning, we will ascend to the second campsite at height of 4200m. After reaching the campsite, we will set up our tents and have a little rest. In the afternoon, we can go for an acclimatisation walk. Approx walking time: 4 hrs; Ascent: 1000m

Meals: B,L,D

We will commence our summit attempt very early in the morning in order to reach the top in time for the sunrise. The ascent will be difficult because of the steep terrain. Depending on the season, we will have to walk with crampons for safety reasons. From the summit, depending on the weather conditions, you can see other mountains like Little Ararat, Mount Suphan and the Armenian lands. We will descend back to the first campsite (3200m) for overnight. Approx walking time: 9-10 hrs; Ascent: 937m; Descent: 1937m

Meals: B,L,D

In the morning, we will hike to the village of Eli. After lunch at a local restaurant, we will visit the Ishak Pacha palace built in the 18th Century, and located at the foot of Mount Ararat. Afterwards we will be transferred to Dogubayazit. Overnight hotel in Dogubayazit. Approx walking time: 3 hrs; Descent: ~1200m

Meals: B,L,D

Today we will drive to Van. Then we will proceed to Gevas town and take a boat to visit Akdamar Island (approx 15-20 mins one way), which is home to a 10th century Armenian Church, known as the Cathedral Church of the Holy Cross (915-921), and was the seat of Armenian Catholics from 1116 to 1895. In the afternoon, we will visit Van Castle, which was constructed in 9 BC at 80m height from the lake by the Urartian king Sardur the First. One of the most remarkable structures in the area is the rock tomb of Argisti the First, with a long inscription relating the events of his reign. Overnight hotel in Van. Approx driving time: ~3-4 hrs; ~270km

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, you will have a transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Your Mount Ararat adventure concludes at the airport.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

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What’s included?

Included

  • English speaking guide and camp crew
  • Licensed mountain guide for climb
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation twin share
  • 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
  • Group camping equipment for trek including two person tents & sleeping mat (sleeping bag, crampons, ice axe, harness not included)
  • Mount Ararat permit fees
  • Private vehicle transport
  • Porterage by mules and horses whilst trekking
  • Arrival and departure transfers (days 1 and 8 only)
  • Medical kit

Not included

  • Flights
  • Travel Insurance - compulsory
  • Visa if applicable
  • Airport transfers in Van if not arriving on Day 1 or departing on Day 8
  • Boat cruise to Akdamar Island (Day 7)
  • Sleeping bag
  • Crampons, ice axe, harness
  • Meals, beverages or additional services not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Entrance fees for natural and historical sites mentioned in the itinerary
  • Tips

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