Ski Lake VAN
8 Days
Feb – March – April
8/10
Ski touring
Here’s the corrected text for Thrusummit:
Van is located in eastern Turkey, next to Turkey’s largest lake. It is surrounded by dozens of impressive mountains, many rising to over 4,000 metres above sea level. Almost every mountain in this region is suitable for ski touring. Winters here are cold and snowy, with snow cover often reaching almost down to lake level until mid-winter. Nearly every mountain in this region offers excellent ski touring opportunities.
We can also combine these ski tours with trips to other mountains in the area.
Highlights:
Beautiful lake views
Excellent snow quality, including powder and firn
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 Van via Istanbul
Flight over Istanbul to Van. Transfer to the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel***
Food service: L,D
2
Day 2: Mt. Artos above Abali (2,970 m)
The starting point of the warm-up tour is the village of Abali. After arrival, we ascend to an altitude of about 2,970 m. The climb provides excellent views, with a pleasant descent afterward. Overnight at the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel***
Food service: B,D
3
Day 3: Skitour Mt. Artos (3,537 m)
Today’s ascent of Mt. Artos (3,537 m) begins from the town of Gevas via the northern route, offering exceptional lake views throughout the climb. The descent follows wide slopes back down to our starting point.
Accommodation: Hotel***
Food service: B,D
4
Day 4: Skitour Mt. Kartaltepe (3,300 m)
After a 45-minute drive, we start our ascent just below the village of Boyunpinar. The mountain Kartaltepe offers a steep climb and an exciting descent. Return to Van in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Hotel***
Food service: B,D
4
Day 4: Skitour Mt. Süphan (4,058 m)
Early morning transfer to Kiskili village, where we begin our ascent of Mt. Süphan. The climb covers approximately 1,650 meters elevation gain over 5 hours, with the final 200 meters being very steep. After the descent, continue driving to Dogubayazit and see Mt. Ararat for the first time.
Accommodation: Hotel***
Food service: B,D
5
Day 5: Dogubayazit – Base Camp
Drive to the village of Cevirme, pass the final military control, then load gear onto horses and trek up to base camp at about 2,900 m altitude. Overnight in tents.
Accommodation: Tent
Food service: B,D
6
Day 6: Base Camp – High Camp
Ascend approximately 3 hours from base camp to high camp (3,500 m). Set up camp and prepare for summit day.
Accommodation: Tent
Food service: B,D
6
Day 6: Summit Day – Mt. Ararat (5,165 m)
Wake up at 3 AM for breakfast. Begin the 6-hour ascent to Mt. Ararat’s summit. At 4,900 m, put on crampons or skis to ascend the glacier. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Iran, the Caucasus, and Eastern Anatolia from Turkey’s highest peak. Descend back to base camp and continue to Dogubayazit.
Accommodation: Hotel***
Food service: B,D
7
Day 7: Dogubayazit – Reserve Day
Reserve day for another summit attempt or a visit to the Ishak Pasa Palace. Transfer to Van in the afternoon or overnight at camp if the reserve day is used on the mountain.
Accommodation: Tent / Hotel***
Food service: B,D
8
Day 8: Flight Home
Transfer to the airport and return flight via Istanbul, or optional 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..), |
