Mt. ARARAT NORTH ROUTE ASCENT

What is the different between Ararat North Route (Korhan) and Classic South Route?

          For many years the companies have only organized the tours from the classic south side of Ararat Mountain.

The reason is, everything is easier on the south side, especially when carrying all the equipment with horses until high camp (4170m). Also there are many local people working on this business. Climbing to the summit is also easier because of walking on the trail. It is not a technical climb and you will need crampons only after 4970 meter and for a maximum of 45 minutes walk.

At the north side the horses can only transfer until 3700 meters. At this point we have two choices. The first is to pitch tents at 3700 meters and start the summit climb from here. The second option is to use porters after 3.700 and up to 4250 meters, and set up high camp in front of the great glacier of Mt. Ararat. If we do this, the summit climb starts directly on the glacier. You will need to use your crampons from here to the summit. It is not really steep but you will need to have crampon walking experience on the glacier. There are some cracks, but not large and deep. However, they can be dangerous when descending if snow closed on one of the crevasses.

Not many people are interested in and have the advanced climbing skills necessary for this route. Understandably, this is why companies don’t want to organize this tour.

Despite these difficulties our guides-team has decided to present this challenging tour of the north side of Ararat.  We have climbed the mountain many times from the north face and checked all essential conditions (walking times, camp sites, water, weather condition, technical difficulty, crevasses points exc.). In other words, based on our team’s experience we can vouch for the safety and practicability of this tour.

              Now we would like to challenge you on this new and daring experience.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Meeting at the airport in İstanbul. Transfer to hotel. Sightseeing depending on meeting/arrival time. Overnight in İstanbul-Hotel.

Day 2: Transfer from the hotel to the airport and domestic flight to Van then drive to Doğubeyazıt (2 hours). Visiting the İshakpasa Palace. Overnight in the Doğubeyazıt-Hotel. Briefing about ascent  to Ararat. Hotel

Day 3: Transfer from the hotel to Iğdır then Korhan Village at 2000 m with minibus. Carry all the luggage with mules to Camp 1.Walking to Camp 1. 3400 m. 6-7 hours. Camp.

Day 4: Acclimatization hike to 4250 m-Camp 2 site. 4-5 hours return trip. Camp1

Day 5: Hike up from base camp to 4250 m camp (3-4 hours). Camp 2 is set up in front of the spectacular glacier of Ararat. The porters carry the backpacks. Overnight. Camp2

Day 6: Summit day. We start walking early in the morning. 6-8 hours walking to the top at 5137 meters. 2 hours to return to 4250 m Camp 2. Return to Camp 1 after short rest and eat lunch. Overnight in tents. Camp 1.

Day 7: Descend to Korhan Village and meet with the minibus, then drive to Van. Visiting the Muradiye Waterfall on the way. Overnight in Van-Hotel.

Day 8: Transfer to airport and flight to İstanbul. Overnight in İstanbul-Hotel.

Day 9: Full day sightseeing in İstanbul. Visiting the Sultanahmet Mosque, Ayasofya and Grand Bazaar. Shopping. Overnight .Hotel

Day 10: Departure

PRICE:  1070 Euro per person 

DATES: From 1.JUNE to 15.SEPTEMBER 2008-2009

Dates: 1 June to 15.September 2008-2009

Price: 1070 Euro per person

Included in the price

*All transportation in Turkey.(not domestic flights)

*Accommadations(double room/tent per 2 person)

*Insurance

*All meals (Except İstanbul)

*Sigtseeing, entrance fees writing in the program

*English speaking, licenced from Turkish Mountaineering Federation mountain guide

*Mule and porter support for luggages

*Cooking service

*Tent for each 2 person. Sleeping mattress

*Tecnical climbing equipments. Rope,sling,ice screw.

Not included

*Tips  

*Beverages 

*Meals in İstanbul  

*Climbing permit  (40 Euro)

*Domestic flight(90 Euro) 

Permit Fee 

The permit fee per person is $50 . On completion the permit fee is transferred to Turkish Mountaineering Federation's bank account by the agency.

Accommodation

In İstanbul and Van the climbers stay in three-star hotels which are located in the centres of the cities.

In Doğubeyazıt, climbers stay in a four-star hotel.

At base camp high quality tents are used.

Food in Cities

In cities high quality restaurants are used. The menus have traditional Turkish cuisine and vegetarian options, as well as desserts and seasonal fruits.

Food on the Mountain

In base camp food is prepared and served by a special cook in a 'marquee'.

Leadership-Guiding

Our guides have Mountain Guide certificates from the Turkish Mountaineering Federation. It is necessary to have a licensed mountain guide to climb Mount Ararat. Our guides have extensive experience on the mountains. They have led many groups and will lead you to the summit of the mountain.

Necessary personel equipments

*Personel warm clothes

*Good leather boots

*Sleeping bag

*Crampon

*Warm gloves and socks

*Sun cream,hut,sun glasses exc.