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MOUNT ARARAT CLIMB:
7-DAY EXPEDITION TOUR
Stand where Noah's Ark is said to have come to rest. Mount Ararat (5,137 m) is the highest peak in Türkiye and one of the most legendary summits on Earth — a solitary, snow-capped giant rising straight out of the plains near the Armenian border. This 7-day expedition takes you from the historic town of Doğubayazıt, past the fairy-tale İshak Paşa Palace, through alpine pastures and up volcanic scree and snowfields to the roof of Eastern Anatolia — with a full acclimatization day built into the program for a safer, more comfortable summit push.
No technical climbing experience is required — only good physical fitness and the will to walk high. Our team handles the permits, the guiding, the camps and the logistics, so all you need to do is put one foot in front of the other.
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Currency: Turkish Lira (₺ / TRY). Full program payment is settled in EUR, cash, on Day 1 with your guide. Cards are accepted in Doğubayazıt; carry some cash for villages and porters.
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SIM Cards: Available at Turkish airports and in Doğubayazıt. Main providers are Turkcell, Vodafone and Türk Telekom. eSIM options available.
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Time Zone: GMT +3.
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Visa: Many nationalities (EU, US, Canada, UK, etc.) enjoy visa-free or e-Visa entry to Türkiye for up to 90 days.
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Climbing Permit: Mount Ararat lies in a military-restricted border zone. A special climbing permit is mandatory and is arranged for you in advance as part of this tour — passport details must be submitted ahead of departure (see Payment Terms).
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Season: Climbs run from May to October.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Summit of Mount Ararat (5,137 m)
Stand on the highest peak in Türkiye, traditionally associated with the resting place of Noah's Ark. Although technically non-technical, the climb is physically demanding and rewards hikers with spectacular 360° views across the Ararat Plain, Armenia and Eastern Anatolia.
Full Acclimatization Program
Increase your chances of a successful summit with a carefully planned acclimatization schedule. The ascent to Camp 2 (4,200 m) followed by a return to Camp 1 allows your body to adapt naturally to the altitude before the final summit push.
İshak Paşa Palace
Explore one of Eastern Türkiye's architectural masterpieces, dramatically overlooking the plains above Doğubayazıt. Built in the 18th century, the palace beautifully combines Urartian, Ottoman, Persian, Seljuk, Armenian and Kurdish influences, creating one of the country's most remarkable historical landmarks.
Durupınar Noah's Ark Site & Diyadin Hot Springs
Visit the mysterious Durupınar formation, a boat-shaped geological site traditionally linked to the story of Noah's Ark. Afterwards, unwind in the natural thermal waters of Diyadin, a perfect opportunity to relax and recover after your Mount Ararat adventure.
TOUR ITINERARY
Arrival in Van or Iğdır
Day 1
Arrival at Van (VAN) or Iğdır (IGD) Airport, where your guide will welcome you and transfer you to Doğubayazıt. Enjoy the first views of Eastern Anatolia, meet the team, review the climbing route and check your equipment before the adventure begins.
Acclimatization Day
Day 3
After breakfast, ascend towards Camp 2 (4,200 m) to support acclimatization and experience higher altitude conditions. Enjoy a short rest with mountain views before descending back to Camp 1. A calm evening at the camp prepares you for the next stage of the climb.
Summit Day
Day 5
Start the summit push at 2:00 AM and climb towards the peak of Mount Ararat (5,137 m). Celebrate the achievement with unforgettable panoramic views before descending to Camp 2 for a short rest. Continue down to Camp 1 for overnight stay.
Cultural Highlights & Departure
Day 7
Discover the region’s highlights, including the impressive İshak Paşa Palace, the Durupınar Noah’s Ark site and the Diyadin hot springs. After the excursion, transfer to the airport for departure.
Optional extension: continue to Van to visit Akdamar Island and Lake Van.
Beginning the Climb
Day 2
After breakfast, transfer to Eli village (2,200 m), the starting point of your Mount Ararat ascent. Trek through dramatic volcanic landscapes towards Camp 1 (3,200 m). After arrival, enjoy dinner, rest and time to adjust to the mountain environment.
Moving to High Camp
Day 4
Continue the ascent after breakfast towards Camp 2 (4,200 m), your base before the summit attempt.
After reaching high camp, relax, enjoy dinner and prepare your equipment for the early morning departure.
Descent to Doğubayazıt
Day 6
After breakfast, descend through the mountain scenery to Eli village, which is located on the elevation of 2,200 m above the sea level. Transfer back to Doğubayazıt and enjoy free time to relax after the climb, explore the town or recover in a comfortable hotel.
MOUNT ARARAT CLIMB
7 DAYS TO
THE SUMMIT
€589
per person, full board on the mountain
from
Meet Your Mountain Guide
Cuma, Lead Mountain Guide
Born and raised at the foot of Mount Ararat, Cuma is one of the region's most experienced mountain guides. Having successfully reached the summit more than 700 times, he combines decades of guiding experience with exceptional knowledge of the route, mountain conditions and high-altitude safety.