How difficult is the Ararat climb?

It is a moderate high-altitude ascent that requires basic mountaineering experience. Summit day starts at 2:00 am with a 5–7 hour climb to 5,137 m, and the last 200–300 m may require crampons.

How do you deal with the altitude?

The program includes a full acclimatisation day to Camp 2 (4,200 m) and back, plus a reserve day for weather. If the reserve day is not needed, we visit Ishak Pasha Palace or go swimming at Fish Lake.

In double rooms with breakfast in Doğubayazıt, and in tents during the ascent, two people per tent. Tents and sleeping mats are provided.

Do I have to carry my own gear up the mountain?

No. Horses or porters carry equipment and supplies up to Camp 2.

When are the group departures?

In 2026 the groups run from 4 to 12 July and from 1 to 9 August. A single room in Doğubayazıt costs a €120 supplement.

Mount Ararat Climb (5,137 m): 8-Day Expedition

Tour Details

Turkey is a land of natural wonders, and among its most breathtaking landscapes are its majestic mountains. We invite you to climb Mount Ararat (5,137m), the highest peak in Turkey.

Ararat (Ağrı Dağı in Turkish, Masis in Armenian, Çiya Agirî in Kurdish) is a snow-covered dormant volcano in eastern Turkey, near the borders of Armenia and Iran. It is permanently covered in ice and snow, and its summit often disappears into the clouds above Eastern Anatolia.

Ararat consists of two peaks:

Greater Ararat (5,137m) – the highest point in Turkey
Little Ararat (3,896m)

Ararat is sometimes referred to as the “Mother and Child” in Turkish folklore, with its peaks rising 40 km apart.

Departure & Return Location

Van Airport, Turkey

Join a group

Join a group:

04.07.2026 – 12.07.2026
01.08.2026 – 09.08.2026

Price Includes

Overnight stays in double rooms with breakfast in Dogubayazit
Overnight stays in tents during the ascent
All private transport in Turkey as per the program (minibus or jeep)
Porters or horses for equipment transport to Camp 2
Local team for the Ararat ascent
Breakfasts, dinners, and packed lunches on the mountain
Water, coffee, and tea on the mountain
Camping equipment (tents and sleeping mats)
Organization and preparation of the trip
VAT

Price Excludes

International flights to and from Turkey
Airport taxes and luggage fees for international flights
Permit for the Ararat ascent if required (50 EUR)
Insurance for abroad
Drinks and meals not specified as included
Entrances
Surcharge for a single room
Tips for the local population
Personal expenses and equipment
Any costs outside the program
Anything not explicitly listed under “THE PRICE INCLUDES”

Supplement Fees

Ararat climbing permit (if required: $50)
Single supplement: € 120

What to Expect

An expedition-style climb to the highest peak in Turkey
A moderate high-altitude ascent, requiring basic mountaineering experience
Stunning views over Turkey, Armenia, and Iran
Ancient history and legends, including the biblical Noah’s Ark story
A culturally rich journey through the Kurdish region of Turkey
First ascent: Johann Jacob von Parrot (1829)
Ararat has long been linked to the legend of Noah’s Ark, with numerous claims of discovering remains of the Ark, but no scientific proof

Itinerary

Day 1Van Airport – Dogubayazit

Transfer to Dogubayazit, the gateway to Mount Ararat.
Optional stop at Muradiye Waterfall.
Evening briefing & dinner with local guides.

Day 2Dogubayazit – Base Camp 1 (3,200m)

Morning gear preparation.
Transfer to Cevirme (2,200m), the trek’s starting point.
Horses carry luggage & supplies.
4-hour trek to Camp 1 (3,200m).
Lunch, rest, and acclimatization.
Overnight in tents (2 people per tent).

Day 3Acclimatization Day

Morning trek to Camp 2 (4,200m) for acclimatization (5-hour round trip).
Return to Camp 1 for the night.

Day 4Climb to High Camp (4,200m)

Load horses with supplies.
4-5 hour ascent to Camp 2 (4,200m).
Afternoon rest & equipment check (crampons, headlamps, etc.)

Day 5Summit Day (5,137m) & Descent to Camp 1

Early morning departure (2:00 AM).
5-7 hour climb to the summit.
Last 200-300m may require crampons.
Time at the summit for photos & celebration.
Descent to Camp 2 for lunch & rest.
Further descent to Camp 1 for the night.

Day 6Return to Dogubayazit

Descent from Camp 1 to Cevirme village.
Transfer to Dogubayazit & hotel check-in.

Day 7Extra Day / Sightseeing / Lake Trip

Reserve day for weather delays.
Optional sightseeing:
- Ishak Pasha Palace (17th century) – an Ottoman-era architectural marvel.
- Shopping for souvenirs in Dogubayazit.
Alternative trip to Fish Lake (2,400m) for swimming & a campfire.

Day 98Dogubayazit – Igdir Airport - End of Program

Transfer to Igdir Airport. End of Program.

Mount Ararat: Climbing the Highest Peak in Turkey

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