Dates of trips

  • 25/05/2024-02/06/2024
  • 07/09/2024-15/09/2024
  • 05/10/2024-13/10/2024

Description

Ararat is an extinct volcano, 5137 meters high. The Ararat massif is wide and has gentle slopes, so the mountain is not technically difficult. No steep ridges, no falling stones, and no glaciers with crevasses. Although in the higher parts, crampons will certainly be useful, an ice axe, helmet or rope are not necessary here. That is why Ararat is the perfect peak to start your adventure with five-thousanders.

Ararat is a sacred mountain for the followers of Christianity, Islam and Judaism. All these religions are connected by the figure of Noah and the story of his Ark, which was supposed to run aground on the slopes of Mount Ararat when, after 150 days of the Flood, the waters began to fall. There are still treasure hunters coming to the slopes of Ararat, wanting to find the real Ark. We will not be looking for it. Climbing the peak and admiring views from it will be our reward.

Ararat has two peaks: Small Ararat, 3896 m high, and Great Ararat, 5137, which we will climb. According to the legend two peaks are two quarreling sisters who, even after being changed into stone, did not stop competing.  The lower mountain, being jealous of the beautiful snow cover of the higher peak, is supposed to be the source of various dangerous creatures. Fortunately, we will not climb it, because in fact there are a lot of snakes. The ascent to the main peak of Ararat is much more interesting and scenic. In fact there are no threats other than altitude sickness. To prevent it, we will pay attention the proper acclimatization. We will gain height slowly and gradually. In addition, we will also pay attention to other factors being crucial for the acclimatization, such as regeneration, hydration and nourishment of the expedition participants. Your only task will be to go up and down after reaching the peak.

Group

6-12 persons

Time

9 days

Mountains

Ararat

Activity

trekking

Teams

6 persons

Price

1250 PLN + 750 EUR

Country

Turkey

Level

medium

Trip program

  1. Day 1 – departure from chosen airports to Igdir. Meeting of the whole group at the airport in Igdir in the morning of he second day.
  2. Day 2 – flight to Turkey, meeting of the whole group at the Igdir airport. Transfer from the airport to Dogubayazit (approximately 1 hour). Overnight stay at a hotel.
  3. Day 3 – around 8.00-9.00, after breakfast, departure by bus from the hotel to the foothills of Ararat (approx. 2100 m a.s.l.). From here, we start trekking to camp I, located at an altitude of 3350 m above sea level. The hike takes about 4-5 hours, including stops. Dinner in camp I, overnight in tents.
  4. Day 4 – acclimatization day. After breakfast in Camp I, a trip to an altitude of approx. 3800-4200 m a.s.l., then return to Camp I for dinner. Overnight in tents
  5. Day 5 – after breakfast around 9.00 a.m. we set off to camp II located at an altitude of 4100 m above sea level. The hike takes about 4-5 hours, including stops. Dinner in camp II, overnight in tents.
  6. Day 6 – Breakfast around 1.00 am. Around 2:00 am we begin an ascent from camp II to the summit. It takes about 5-9 hours to reach the peak. At an altitude of about 4,800 m a.s.l., where permanent snow and ice begins (it varies depending on the season), we put on crampons. After reaching the summit (5137 m a.d.l.), we go down to camp II. It will take us about 4 hours. Time for rest, snack and rolling up tents in Camp II, and then descent to Camp I (approx. 2 hours). Dinner in camp I, overnight in tents.
  7. Day 7 – after breakfast around 9.00 am, we begin the descent to the place from where the bus will take us. It will take us about 3-4 hours. Then drive to Dogubayazit. Overnight stay at a hotel.
  8. Day 8 – extra day in case of waiting for the weather in Ararat. Overnight stay at a hotel. If this day was not spent in the mountains, we visit Dogubayazit City Museum and the İshak Paşa Sarayı Palace Complex, dating from the 18th century. Overnight at the hotel. On this day it is also possible to organize an optional excursion: a picnic at the Fish Lake (Balık Gölü), about 60 km from Doğubeyazit, or a bath in Diyadin hot springs (about 50 km). From the Fish Lake, in good weather conditions, there is a beautiful view of Mt. Ararat. If the weather is good and the group wants, it is possible to spend the night not in a hotel in Dogubayazit, but in tents by the lake.
  9. Day 9 – Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport in Igdir. Departure to homes.

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The trip price includes

  • services of the expedition tourleader during the whole trip;
  • services of the local mountain guide;
  • Mt. Ararat climbing permit;
  • full board during all days of trekking: breakfasts, lunch-packages and dinners;
  • 3 nights in the hotel in Dogubayazit in double or triple rooms with breakfast;
  • accommodation in tents provided by BluEmu on the slopes of Ararat during all days of trekking;
  • local transfers: Iğdir airport – Dogubayazit – Iğdir airport, Dogubayazit – starting point of the trek (2100 m above sea level) – Dogubayazit, transfers during Dogubayazit sightseeing – transfer to Dogubayazit City Museum and Ishak Pasha Palace and back to the hotel;
  • luggage transportation (max. 20 kg, own bag is necessary) on ​​horses while trekking to and from camp I on the slopes of Ararat (luggage not necessary in the mountains can be left in the hotel deposit);
  • camping equipment (two-person tents, plates, cups, cutlery) and climbing equipment – crampons;
  • tickets to visited sites (Ishak Pasha Palace, Dogubayazit City Museum);
  • medical expenses insurance and accident insurance for the entire duration of the trip (while in the mountains, the policy covers high-risk sports);
  • unique t-shirt and buff;
  • Polish Tourist Guarantee Fund contribution

The trip price does not include

  • flight from the selected airport to Igdir airport in Turkey and back;
  • dinner during stays in the cities;
  • optional trips (e.g. Turkish baths and hammam ritual, hot springs in Diyadin, picnic by the Fish Lake;
  • customary mandatory tips for local staff during trekking of $ 15-20 per participant;
  • other personal expenses.

Equipment

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