Mount Ararat Expedition

Meet at Van Airport and transfer to Dogubayazit. Overnight hotel in Dogubayazit.

Approx driving time: 3 hrs; 180km

This morning we will load the luggage and camping essentials on the truck and drive to Eli Village at 2000m. From here we will commence trekking up to our first campsite at 3200m. Our camping and trek luggage will be carried by mules or horses. Our trek support crew will establish the camp, and our cook will arrange the evening meal.

Approx Walking time: 4 hrs; Ascent: ~1200m

Today is an acclimatisation day, with some easy walks up to 4200m. We will spend the night back at the same campsite at 3200m. We can also use this day as an extra climbing day in case of bad weather.

Approx walking time: 5-6 hrs; Ascent/Descent: 1000m

This morning, we will ascend to the second campsite at height of 4200m. After reaching the campsite, we will set up our tents and have a little rest. In the afternoon, we can go for an acclimatisation walk.

Approx walking time: 4 hrs; Ascent: 1000m

We will commence our summit attempt very early in the morning in order to reach the top in time for the sunrise. The ascent will be difficult because of the steep terrain. Depending on the season, we will have to walk with crampons for safety reasons. From the summit, depending on the weather conditions, you can see other mountains like Little Ararat, Mount Suphan and the Armenian lands. We will descend back to the first campsite (3200m) for overnight.

Approx walking time: 9-10 hrs; Ascent: 937m; Descent: 1937m

In the morning, we will hike to the village of Eli. After lunch at a local restaurant, we will visit the Ishak Pacha palace built in the 18th Century, and located at the foot of Mount Ararat. Afterwards we will be transferred to Dogubayazit. Overnight hotel in Dogubayazit.

Approx walking time: 3 hrs; Descent: ~1200m

Today we will drive to Van. Then we will proceed to Gevas town and take a boat to visit Akdamar Island (approx 15-20 mins one way), which is home to a 10th century Armenian Church, known as the Cathedral Church of the Holy Cross (915-921), and was the seat of Armenian Catholics from 1116 to 1895. In the afternoon, we will visit Van Castle, which was constructed in 9 BC at 80m height from the lake by the Urartian king Sardur the First. One of the most remarkable structures in the area is the rock tomb of Argisti the First, with a long inscription relating the events of his reign. Overnight hotel in Van.

Approx driving time: ~3-4 hrs; ~270km

After breakfast, you will have a transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Your Mount Ararat adventure concludes at the airport.