Ascending Biblical Mount Ararat
Climbing in the East Anatolian Mountains

Climbing Mount Ararat does not represent a major challenge for people in good physical condition. It is not necessary to have a high level of technical knowledge or climbing skills. Experience in hill walking is of advantage. However, one basic requirement is a very good state of fitness and stamina. Above 5,000m the air is very thin, it becomes more difficult to breathe and every step is strenuous. Our group will be led by a Turkish guide with an approved state certificate. As a warming up exercise we will climb the Artos 3,700m.

According to the Old Testament Noah landed on the seventeenth day of the seventh month on Mount Ararat. The extinct volcanic massif in eastern Turkey overlooking the point at which the borders of Turkey, Iran and Armenia converge has been a fascination point for thousands of years. Towering at a height of 5,165m Mount Ararat is the highest mountain in Turkey. Observed from a plateau at 1,000m it is a phenominal sight rising 4,000m straight up. Even in summer the peak is topped with snow and with the cloud formations just below is appears to be floating in the air.

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Dates

1. Sat., 02. Aug. 2008 - Sun., 10. Aug. 2008
2. Sat., 09. Aug. 2008 - Sun., 17. Aug. 2008
3. Sat., 16. Aug. 2008 - Sun., 24. Aug. 2008
4. Sat., 23. Aug. 2008 - Sun., 31. Aug. 2008
5. Sat., 30. Aug. 2008 - Sun., 07. Sep. 2008
6. Sat., 06. Sep. 2008 - Sun., 14. Sep. 2008
7. Sat., 06. Jun. 2009 - Sun., 14. Jun. 2009
8. Sat., 13. Jun. 2009 - Sun., 21. Jun. 2009
9. Sat., 20. Jun. 2009 - Sun., 28. Jun. 2009
10. Sat., 27. Jun. 2009 - Sun., 05. Jul. 2009
11. Sat., 04. Jul. 2009 - Sun., 12. Jul. 2009
12. Sat., 11. Jul. 2009 - Sun., 19. Jul. 2009
13. Sat., 18. Jul. 2009 - Sun., 26. Jul. 2009
14. Sat., 25. Jul. 2009 - Sun., 02. Aug. 2009
15. Sat., 01. Aug. 2009 - Sun., 09. Aug. 2009
16. Sat., 08. Aug. 2009 - Sun., 16. Aug. 2009
17. Sat., 15. Aug. 2009 - Sun., 23. Aug. 2009
18. Sat., 22. Aug. 2009 - Sun., 30. Aug. 2009
19. Sat., 29. Aug. 2009 - Sun., 06. Sep. 2009
20. Sat., 05. Sep. 2009 - Sun., 13. Sep. 2009

Price includes

• Flights
• Airport Taxes and fuel surcharge
• All bus transfers and other transport
• Depending on flight times eventually 1 overnight stay in Istanbul incl. breakfast
• Accommodation in en suite double/single room
• Full board (picnic lunch), tea and water at the Dr. Koch holiday resort
• Camping equipment and non-alcoholic drinks during the climb
• Mountain guide
• Breach of warranty certificate

Additional costs

• Other beverages
• Evening meal in Istanbul
• Visa application charge
• Charge for visa
• Charges for local sport ministry

Number of participants

4 - 16 persons; the trip can still take place with less than 4 participants with an additional charge.

Note

- Important: According to past experience we recommend that this tour should be booked about four months in advance of travel date.
- Travel documents: passport valid for at least six months from travel date.

Alterations

The programme is subject to change.

Day 1

Flight to Instanbul

Transfer to hotel in the centre of the historical old town. (1 overnight)

Day 2

Flight to Van, Ahtamar, Gevaş

Flight over Turkey from west to east. After landing, by boat to Ahtamar Island and the Armenian Church of the Holy Cross. Seldschukish cemetary at Gevaş on the south shore of the lake. Journey on to DR. KOCH holiday resort Lake Van.

Day 3

Mount Artos

At the south shore of Lake Van near Gevaş we climb up a steep stoney path to the Artos massif at 3,700m. From here we have a wonderful view over Lake Van and the marvellous Armenian monastery of Ahtamar.

Day 4

Base Camp on Ararat

Ascent to 3,200 m. Base camp at foot of mountain at about 2,500m. A Turkish mountain guide accompanies us from here. Pack equipment on the horses. We reach Camp 1 at 3,200m in about 4 hours. (1 overnight in Camp 1)

Day 5

Ascent to 4,200 m, Camp 2

The route gets steeper and steeper. For the ascent from 3,200m to 4,200m we need about 5 hours. We can admire the abundant mountain flora, Golden Eagle and Griffon Vulture. (1 overnight in Camp 2)

Day 6

Race to the top at 5,165m. Descent to 3200m

We set off again in the early hours. At about 5,000m we will need crampons. We should reach the summit after about 6 hours. Breathtaking view. For the descent to Base1 we need about 5 or 6 hours. (1 overnight at Camp 2)

Day 7

Descent to base, Ishak Paşa Palace, Lake Van

Descent to foot of mountain in about 2 hours. During the journey back visit to the fairy-tale palace of the Kurdish emir Ishak Paşa near Doğubayazıt.

Day 8

Leisure day, Van city

Swimming, resting at the beach or visit to Van city.

Day 9

Return flight from Van.