Mt. Ararat
8 Days
Feb – March – April
8/10
Ski touring
Mt. Ararat, a mythical and legendary volcano since biblical times, still radiates a tremendous fascination today. Visible from afar with its vast snowfields, it rises from the vast valley of the Araxes in eastern Anatolia, the center of the Armenian highlands, where the foothills of the Taurus Mountains unite with the eastern foothills of the Pontius Mountains, that mountain on which after the biblical flood the ark Noah’s stranded. The Turks call it Agri dagi (Pain Mountain), the Armenian Masi, and the Persian Kûh-i Nuh. Powerfully, the Ararat rises up to a height of 5,165 m, which even in midsummer snow cap seems to touch the sky. Only since 2001 is it again allowed to climb this legendary volcanic cone of igneous rock and the highest mountain of Turkey.
Services
Certified mountain guide plus local guide
Food according to the itinerary
All land transport according the itinerary
All accommodation
Porter in the mountain
International flight
Tips
Souvenir
Personal Mountain/Ski equipment
Visa fee
Travel insurance
1
Day 1: Flight to Istanbul
DAY 1: Flight to Istanbul
Flight over Istanbul to Van. Transfer to the hotel.Accommodation: Hotel***
2
Day 2: Skitour Mt. Artos (3,537 m)
DAY 2: Skitour Mt. Artos (3,537 m)
In the morning we drive to Gevas near Lake Van and continue to the foot of the mountain at about 2,100 m (depending on snow conditions). It takes around 4 hours to reach the summit, offering unique views over Lake Van. Descend with an exciting downhill section, featuring slopes up to 30°. Drive to Adilcevaz for an overnight stay at the hotel. Accommodation: Hotel***
3
Day 3: Skitour Mt. Süphan (4,058 m)
DAY 3: Skitour Mt. Süphan (4,058 m)
Early in the morning, drive to the snowline near the village of Kiskili. Ascend approximately 1650 meters over 5 hours; the last 200 meters are very steep. The Süphan is among Turkey’s most rewarding ski mountains and the third highest in the country. Afterwards, drive to Dogubayazit, where we get our first glimpse of our main objective—Mt. Ararat! Overnight at the hotel. Accommodation: Hotel***
4
Day 4: Dogubayazit – Base Camp
DAY 4: Dogubayazit – Base Camp
Drive to the village of Cevirme, passing the final military control. After loading luggage onto horses, ascend to base camp at about 2,900 m (depending on snow conditions). Overnight in tents. Accommodation: Tent
5
Day 5: Base Camp – High Camp
DAY 5: Base Camp – High Camp
Climb for approximately 3 hours to the high camp (3,500 m) and set up our camp. Tomorrow is the big day! Accommodation: Tent
6
Day 6: Summit Day
DAY 6: Summit Day
Wake up around 3:00 AM for breakfast. An approximately 6-hour climb leads to the summit. At around 4,900 m, the glacier begins; from here on, crampons or skis are required depending on conditions. On top, enjoy breathtaking views extending to Iran and the Caucasus. After a brief stay (due to strong winds), descend to base camp at 2,900 m and continue to Dogubayazit. Accommodation: Hotel***
7
Day 7: Dogubayazit – Reserve Day
DAY 7: Dogubayazit – Reserve Day
Reserve day for another summit attempt, or visit the Ishak Pasa Palace. Afternoon transfer to Van for an overnight stay at the hotel, or remain in camp if the reserve day is used on the mountain. Accommodation: Tent / Hotel***
8
Day 8: Flight Home
DAY 8: Flight Home
Transfer to the airport for your return flight via Istanbul, or opt for an extension in Istanbul. Accommodation: None
SKI TOURING CHECKLIST :
| Warm ski socks (2/3 pairs) |
| Merino leggings (warm) |
| Fleece leggings |
| Warm Merino base layer tops |
| Fleece or synthetic mid layer |
| light down jacket |
| Gore-tex ski jacket |
| Gore-tex ski pants |
| Two pairs of gloves (mid weight and down insulated) |
| Sun glasses |
| Ski goggles |
| Ski crampons (knife) |
| Ski repair kit (optional) |
| Climbing Skins |
| Alpine ski touring boots |
| Alpine Touring Skis |
| 45L Alpine pack (ice axe attachment, Ski carry system) |
| 70-100L Expedition duffle (for use up to base camp) |
| light boot Crampons |
| Ski poles |
| 3 season sleeping bag with compression sack (in case we will have blanket in local houses) |
| Flask |
| Bottle (Nalgene) |
| Hand warmers (optional) |
| Warm hat |
| Neck gaiter or buff |
| Balaclava(optional) |
| Head lamp |
| Compeed Blister kit (optional) |
| Sun cream 30+ or 50 |
| Avalanche kit (Shovel- Probe- Avalanche Transceiver) |
| Lip balm with UV protection |
| ABS system backpack (optional) |
| Personal Medication ( Diamox /Asetazolamide, Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, any other travel medication..), |
