The Mount
Ararat is a non-active vulcano rising out of the East-Anatolian plateau.
Its fertile mountain sides are visited during summer by nomads that graze
their flock.
Their hospitality is proverbial as they invite tourists into
their black tents to share a meal and a glass of ayran (a yoghourt drink)
with them. Our trek starts in Dogubeyazit, a famous smuggler's nest, where
Ishak Pasha built his palace on a lonely pass.
For the ascent we use the
southern route which offers the easiest climb and the best facilities. In
spite of repeated searches the biblical Noah's Ark, that according to the
Old Testament came to rest on the side of the mountain, has not been found
as yet. Maybe we'll have more luck?!
Day
1: Arrival and Hoş Geldiniz
Flight
from Istanbul or Ankara to the Ararat Mountain area. Transfer by bus to
Doğubeyazit where we
will stay in a hotel. The guide wil explain the itinerary in detail
Day 2:
Transfer to Eliköy (2250 m). Trekking to base camp at 2,950 meters
Day 3: Trekking to 4,200 m and stay in second camp
Day 4:
Small walks in the immediate surroundings to acclimatize
Day
5: The summit!
We get up
at 2.30 am in the morning and start the ascent at 3.30 am. Weather
permitting there is a one hour stay at the top, then return to camp 2 and
overnight.
ATTENTION: THE SUMMIT CAN ONLY BE REACHED WHEN THE WEATHER IS CLEAR!
Day 6: Return to Eliköy and from there to Doğubeyazit with local
transport.
Day 7: Journey home.
After
breakfast departure to Van Airport for your flight to Istanbul.
Necessary material:
-Backpack and
daypack (60 and 30 ltr) - Hiking boots that
permit the use of
-Sleeping bag
crampons
-Lightweight
tent
- Sleeping mat
-Goretex (or
similar type) windbreaker
- Crampons
-Fibre fill
parka
- Ice ax
-Fleeces
- Walking stick
-Thermic
underwear
- Gloves
-
Hat to extend over
ears - Sunscreen
(at least factor 15)
-
Sunglasses that can be used on ice and
- Torch
block UV
Further more.................
A good general physical condition and experience with
trekking in mountainous area is necessary - the last 500 meter to the top
are covered with glacier ice and crampons are used - this last stretch is
relatively flat and requires no ice climbing, mules will carry the
backpacks up to the second camp at 4200 m, climbers carry daypacks only.
A climbing permit must be obtained from the Turkish
authorities. Therefore the name and passport numbers of participants have
to be sent to ABELYA TOUR one month before departure. At the
moment, no climbing fee is required by the local authorities. Any changes
will be notified by ABELYA TOUR.
Price: 770 EURO p.p.
Meals plus first drink at first night, 2 nights in a hotel, 4 nights in
the tents. Breakfasts, lunches, and evening meals consisting of nutritious
high-energy food, services of professional guide, mule-drivers, cooks,
camp-setters, transfer to and from airport and the returnflight from
Istanbul to Erzurum or Van are included. The returnflight from
country airport to Istanbul as well as the drinks during your stay in the
pensions are excluded.
Walking dates in 2006: Arrival:
Departure:
18 June 25 June
16 July
23 July
20 August
27 August
03 September 10 September
Walking dates in 2007: Arrival:
Departure:
17 June 24 June
15 July
22 July
19 August 26 August
02 September
09 September
The Mount
Ararat is a non-active vulcano rising out of the East-Anatolian plateau.
Its fertile mountain sides are visited during summer by nomads that graze
their flock. 
Day 2:
Day 3:
Day 4: 
Day
5: The summit!
Day 6:
