Trekking Tours - Mt Ararat Trek - 8 day tour

Turkey Trekking

The photocopies of clients' passports are required at least two months before the departure date, so that we can ensure that permissions for Mount Ararat arrive in time.

The extinct volcano, Agri Dagi (Mount Ararat) at 5,137 metres is the highest peak in Turkey. It is the final cone in the chain of volcanoes which march across the bare savannah of the central Anatolian plain.

The southern route spreads the climb over three days up and one day down, using two campsites at 3,200m and 4,200 metres, and mules to carry supplies to the first camp. It starts from Elikoyu, an abandoned village in the foothills and sticks to a ridge for much of the way, thus avoiding the Ulker glacier which careers down the face into deep and jumbled gorges below. The path, though rocky, is clearly marked. Above 5000m are permanent ice fields, so crampons, ice axes and ropes are required.

Itinerary - Day 1

On arrival at Van airport, you will be met by your tour guide and your driver. We will transfer to our hotel in Dogubeyazit. After checking in we visit the Noah’s Ark and Ishak Pasha Palace. Diner and overnight in hotel.

Day 2

We transfer to Eli village after breakfast, load the equipment on the mules, climb to 3200 m campsite. Total walk 2-3 hrs. Camp.

Day 3

Today we do an acclimatisation (getting used to altitude) climb. We climb up to 4200 m campsite have lunch there and spend some time. Then we return to our camp at 3200 m. Climb 3.5-4 hrs. Overnight in camp at 3200 m.

Day 4

We climb to 4200 m camp accompanied by mules carrying the luggage. We pitch tents and spend night at high camp.

Day 5

We wake up early for the summit climb. If weather conditions are suitable, we climb to the summit (5165m), using harnesses and ropes, and return to the campsite at 4200 m.

Day 6

Extra day, depending on the weather conditions on Day 5, we may make another summit attempt. Otherwise, omit this day. If the extra day isn't necessary, that day will be spent in Van, and there will be one night accommodation in Van.

Day 7

We strike camp, load equipment to mules and descend past the 3200 m camp to meet the vehicle at Eli village. From here we transfer to hotel in Dogubeyazit. Total walk 3-4hrs. Overnight in hotel.

Day 8

End of trip, transfer to airport in Van.

Grade

Grade D: For experienced trekkers who can keep up a steady pace for 8 hours or more and tackle some easy scrambling.

Equipment

Trekkers need boots compatible with crampons, daysack (approximately 40 lt), warm clothing, sunglasses, sunhat, suncream, raingear (preferably breathable such as goretex), crampons, ice axe, gloves, sleeping bag. Walking sticks are recommended.

Accommodation

5 nights camping, 2 nights hotel; climbers are expected to help pitch/strike their own tents. All tents are good quality dome tents with two doors.

Meals

Lunches will be picnics. Trekkers are expected to carry some part of the food for lunch. Evening meals in camp will be hot soup or salads, a main course with pasta or rice and fruit.

Permissions

The photocopies of clients' passports are required at least two months before the departure date, so that we can ensure that permissions for Mount Ararat arrive in time.

Tour includes

• All meals, guide, transfers and mule support
• Tea and coffee

Tour does not include

• Soft drinks and alcoholic drinks
• Entrance fees to historical sites and museums

Min 6 max 12 pax. There is a surcharge of £50 per person for groups smaller than the minimum number.

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