Summit Tour Ararat

Arrival at the airport in Van and transfer to the hotel. Our local guide introduces the trip and you meet the other participants. We are already at 1700 meters above sea level and will spend the first days gradually going higher to acclimatize to the altitude. Overnight at hotel in Van.

Early in the morning we drive to Gevaş and climb the mountain from the south. Here awaits a fantastic view over Lake Van – and in clear weather we can already see Ararat. Overnight at hotel in Van.

Boat excursion to Akdamar Island with a visit to the medieval Armenian church. Then we drive along Lake Van to Doğubayazıt. Overnight at hotel in Doğubayazıt.

After breakfast we drive to the starting point Cevirme. The packs are loaded on horses and we hike about five hours to base camp. Night in tent.

We hike about four hours up to the next camp. Early dinner – the summit attempt begins during the night when the glacier is firm. Night in tent.

Ascent at 2–3 o'clock in the morning. After five hours of steep climbing we reach the glacier at about 4,900 meters above sea level, where we put on crampons. After a total of five to six hours of hiking we reach Turkey's highest point! The morning sun gilds the view which in clear weather stretches all the way to Iran and the Caucasus. Then descent via Camp II to base camp. Total hiking time about 10–12 hours. Night in tent.

Three to four hours of hiking takes us back to Cevirme, then transfer to Doğubayazıt. Afternoon free. If the day is used as a reserve day we can instead hike down from the summit all the way. Overnight at hotel in Doğubayazıt.

Early in the morning transfer to Van and departure home.