To the summit of Ararat - short tour 8 days
Experience one of the world’s mightiest volcanic massifs in the lowlands of eastern Anatolia.
Overview
Culture and summit ascent in one tour: We visit the famous Ishak Pasha Palace and arrive at the historic site of Noah’s Ark. In 5 days we climb the “biblical” mountain Ararat – 5,165 m in Eastern Anatolia.
Trip duration: 8 days
Participants: min. 4, max. 10
Price : from € 1375.- plus. international flight
Difficulty (see requirements): Technique 2 / Fitness 3
Details
Via Istanbul you reach Van, the starting point of this journey. We explore Turkey’s largest lake on a boat trip. A tour of the Ishak Pasha Palace, a visit to the site of Noah’s Ark and an excursion to the Van Kalesi citadel bring us closer to Eastern Anatolia and its Kurdish population. The hospitality is overwhelming and we find Kurdish delicacies in the markets. In Eli, at the foot of the mythical Mount Ararat, we begin our 5-day ascent – including an acclimatization day. The ascent takes us past nomads, alpine meadows and along scree paths to the summit. 2 tent camps – approx. 3,200 m and approx. 4,200 m are erected. The view from the country’s highest peak is magnificent: from the lowlands of Turkey all the way to Armenia and Iran. On our return, we enjoy a traditional Kurdish dinner.
We will be happy to provide you with details of the tour on request.
This challenging trekking tour takes you to altitudes of up to 5,165 m during the summit ascent. Like all our tours, the tour is designed to give you enough time to acclimatize to the altitude. You should be free from giddiness and sure-footed for this tour. You move independently and safely on boulder terrain, scree fields and moraine debris. There are no technical difficulties. We spend several days at altitudes above 3,000 m. This is the challenge that needs to be mastered with a good walking pace and professional group leadership. It makes a difference whether you hike on the flat or uphill. You must be able to carry your daypack yourself for the entire tour. The walking time is up to 5 hours – up to 10 hours on the summit day. You will cover 1,000 vertical meters on the summit day in ascent and descent. You should therefore prepare yourself well for the trek.
Services included
- All transfers, overland and sightseeing tours as per program
- All admission prices/tickets according to the program
- Transfer by minibus Kathmandu – Chitwan
- Accommodation in ½ double room or 2-person tent as per program
- Meals: 7x breakfast, 5x lunch, 7x dinner
- Equipment on the mountain: provided tents incl. Dining tent and toilet tent, foam mat (approx. 4 cm thick)
- Support team and luggage transport on the ascent
- Load transportation of equipment on Ararat by mules (max. 15 kg per person)
- Obtaining the permit number for the Ararat special visa, local and state fees + summit permit for Ararat
- 5 guided hikes, including 1 summit ascent
- Local English-speaking mountain guide (partly also German-speaking)
- German-speaking hiking inspiration guide for 6 or more people
Services exclusive
- Flights to/from Van from 380,-Euro incl. Tax (we are happy to help you with your flight booking)
- Missing meals and drinks
- Individual tours and excursions
- Tips (approx. 60,- Euro)
- Single room supplement 120,- Euro (incl. single tent on the mountain)
- Insurance
- any airport fees and taxes
- Extension in Istanbul: Price per night and per person: 100,- Euro in a single room or 70,- Euro in a double room (incl. breakfast) Transfer costs from/to the airport: 160,- Euro (per vehicle) German-speaking city guide included. Transfers (plus entrance fees) from 2 persons
Our recommendation – we are also happy to advise you personally if you have any questions:
Clothing
Mountain boots (at least category B), hiking socks + spare, hiking trousers, wind and water-repellent overtrousers, softshell jacket, thermal layer: e.g. Primaloft or down, wind and water-repellent overjacket (e.g. Gore-Tex), long ski underwear for the summit day, warm hat (tip: also take a buff – good against wind), sun hat / sun cap, gloves: preferably multi-layer system: thin silk inner glove, windproof finger gloves or mittens, spare gloves, (preferably down mittens), 1-2 sets of underwear, clothing tip: clothing and socks made of merino wool from Kaipara (discount for customers)
Personal equipment
Sleeping bag (suitable up to comfort range minus 15°C), possibly thin inner sleeping bag, possibly own sleeping mat – foam mats approx. 5 cm thick will be provided, sunglasses with very good UV protection, sunscreen SPF 50, lip balm, small toiletry bag, trekking towel, earplugs, photo equipment, cell phone/charging cable/power bank, ID/cash/credit cards, small first aid kit with personal medication/blister plasters/bivy bag, headlamp, drinking bottle or drinking system at least. 1 liter, thermos flask, snacks (muesli bars, nuts, dried fruit, multivitamin tablets)
Technical equipment
Telescopic hiking poles, waterproof trekking bag (tip: hard-wearing Tarpaulin bags with at least 80 liters have proven their worth), small daypack approx. 30 liters including rain cover and/or waterproof inner pack sack (tip: also take garbage or freezer bags – also good for dirty laundry), we also recommend a lockable small travel bag (deposit luggage not needed during the trekking in the hotel), crampons – can also be rented for a fee in Turkey
Please pay close attention to our instructions on this website under country information, FAQ and requirements. Further information on this connecting program can be found in the detailed travel information, which we will send you on request before you book your trip or when you book your trip. Passport and visa requirements, vaccinations and our recommendations on insurance cover are important and must be observed.
This trip can only be carried out if the minimum number of participants is reached. If this is not reached 28 days before the start of the trip, Hiking Inspirations may cancel the event. However, in the event of a cancellation, we will endeavor to make you an alternative offer. Please refer to our additional information in the travel conditions.
The tour operator is Hiking Inspirations GbR, Katja Dörig & Arno Aigner.