Mt.ARARAT SUMMER ASCENT 5137m TURKEY

         Mount Ararat has fascinated mountaineers for decades. Home of Noah's Ark, this old volcano has attracted it's fair share of Ark hunters, mountaineers and geologists. Ararat was closed for many years to climbers owing to the militarily sensitive border area but access is now becoming easier.

        Ararat is Turkey's highest summit. 5137m.We approach the peak from the Turkish side after travelling across Eastern Anatolia to Dogubayazit, the nearest town. From here, we will attempt the climb after placing two high camps. Crampon, self arrest and basic snow-climbing techniques are essential. Ararat is not a technical peak but cold winds and high altitude make this an excellent choice for climbers interested in making an ascent of this historical peak.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Meeting at the airport in İstanbul.Transfer to hotel in İstanbul for the night. Hotel

Day 2: Transfer from the hotel to the airport a domestic flight to Van than drive to Doğubeyazıt(2 hours)  .Visiting the İshakpasa Palace. Overnight in the Dogubeyazit-Hotel. Briefing about climbing program to Mt. Ararat. Hotel

Day 3: Transfer from the hotel to Mount Ararat /Eli Village at 2200 m by minibus. Our baggage will be carried by horses or mules.Walking up to Camp1.3200 m. 3-4 hours. Camp1

Day 4: Acclimatization hike to 4170 m-Camp 2 site.5-6 hours return trip. Camp1

Day 5: Hike up from base camp to 4170 m camp where we spend the night.(3-4 hours).Overnight in the tents. Camp2
Day 6: Summit day. We start to walking early in the morning about 03:00.The ascent to the summit is not technically difficult and is mostly a long strenuous walk over slopes of rock and scree, although crampons are needed for the final icy 400m section. 4-6 hours. 3 hours descend back to 4170 m camp 2 site. Return to Camp1 after  short rest and have a brunch. Overnight in tents at Camp1.

Day 7: Descend to Eli Village about 2 hours and meeting with minibus return to Doğubeyazıt. After lunch we drive to Van. Visiting the Muradiye Waterfall. Overnight in Van-Hotel.

Day 8: Transfer to airport for flight to İstanbul. Half day sightseeing Sultanahmet Mosque, Ayasofya and Grand Bazaar. Shopping. Overnight in İstanbul- Hotel

Day 9: Departure.

PRICE: 860 EURO per person

DATES: From 1.JUNE to 20. SEPTEMBER 2008

4-12 June 2008 Available

Budget tour to Mt.Ararat  580 Euro

  This tour is offers to you 5 days program to Mt.Ararat. Meeting point will be Doğubeyazıt

   Includeds

  *One night hotel accommodation in Doğubeyazıt

  *Foods on the mountain

  *Cook service

  *Guiding

  *Mule support for luggages

  *Camping equipments(tent,mattress)

  *Tecnical climbing equipments(rope,sling exc.)

  *Transfers(Doğubeyazıt-Mountain-Doğubeyazıt)

  Not included

  *Permit fee(40 Euro)

  *Drinks

Dates: 1 June- 20 September 2008-2009

Price: 860 Euro per person

Included in the price

*All transportation in Turkey.(not domestic flights)

*Accommadations(double room/tent per 2 person)

*Insurance

*All meals(not in İstanbul)

*Sigtseeing, entrance fees writing in the       program

*English speaking, licenced from Turkish Mountaineering Federation mountain guide

*Mule 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 boot

*Sleeping bag

*Crampon

*Warm gloves and socks

*Sun cream,hut,sun glasses exc.