To the summit of Ararat - short tour 8 days

This challenging trekking tour takes you over passes at altitudes of up to 5400 m. The summit ascents are optional and your own decision, depending on your fitness and condition. The tour – like all our tours – is designed to allow enough time for good altitude acclimatization. You should be free from giddiness and sure-footed for this tour. You can move independently and safely on grassy slopes, scree fields and moraine debris. There are no technical difficulties. We spend several days at altitudes above 4,000 m. This is the challenge that needs to be mastered with a good walking pace and our professional group guide. 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 6 hours and you can climb or descend up to 1,000 meters in altitude. If you cross a pass, the walking time can be extended to 8 hours depending on the conditions. 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
• Accommodation as per program in ½ double room (Dogubeyazit in 3* hotel incl. breakfast) Breakfast, 5x overnight stays in hotels (middle class), 5x overnight stays in a tent)
• Meals: 8x F, 8x M (including 5x Lunchbox), 9x A
• Support team and luggage transport on the mountain tours
• Load transportation of equipment on Ararat by mules (max. 15 kg per person)
• Equipment on the mountain: provided tents incl. Dining tent and toilet tent, foam mat (approx. 4 cm thick)
• Obtaining the permit number for the Ararat special visa, local and state fees + summit permit for Ararat
• 6 guided hikes, including 3 summit ascents
• Licensed local English-speaking mountain guide (sometimes also in German)
• Additional German-speaking Hiking Inspirations guide for groups of 6 or more

Services exclusive

• Flights to/from Van from 380,-Euro incl. Tax (we are happy to help you with your flight booking)
• Rail & Fly 80,- Euro
• Missing meals and drinks
• Individual tours and excursions
• Tips (approx. 60,- Euro)
• Single room supplement 140,- Euro (incl. single tent on the mountain)
• Insurance
• Extension in Istanbul: Price per night and per person: approx. 100,- Euro in a single room or approx. 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 from 195,- Euro

Our recommendation – we are also happy to advise you personally if you have any questions:

Clothing

Mountain boots (min. 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 day of the pass, warm hat (tip: also take a buff – good against the 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 a thin inner sleeping bag, sleeping mat for tent trekking (tip: Exped downmat lite), 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 trek in the hotel)

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.