Mount Ararat Expedition
8 Days Starting and ending in Van, Turkey
Visiting: Van, Mount Ararat, Dogubayazit
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ARE
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the Mount Ararat Expedition, an exhilarating adventure in Turkey that takes you to the summit of the country's highest peak. This journey offers a unique blend of physical challenge and cultural immersion, as you trek through stunning landscapes and interact with local nomadic groups. Along the way, you'll visit ancient Ottoman architecture and Armenian churches, adding historical depth to your adventure. The tour includes comfortable hotel stays and well-equipped campsites, with all necessary camping gear provided. With experienced guides and support crew, you'll be well-prepared for the ascent, making this a memorable and rewarding experience for avid adventurers.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Join Van And Drive To Dogubayazit
Location: Van
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Dogubayazit
Meet at Van Airport and transfer to Dogubayazit. Overnight hotel in Dogubayazit.
Approx driving time: 3 hrs; 180km
Day 2 : Drive To Ararat And Commence Climb To Eli Village - Camp I (3200M)
Location: Mount Ararat
Accommodation Name: Camp I
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
Day 3 : Acclimatisation Day Ascending To 4200M, Return To Camp 1
Location: Mount Ararat
Accommodation Name: Camp I
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
Day 4 : Trek To Camp Ii (4200M)
Location: Mount Ararat
Accommodation Name: Camp II
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
Day 5 : Ascend To Summit (5137M) And Descend To Camp I
Location: Mount Ararat
Accommodation Name: Camp I
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
Day 6 : Descend To Eli Village And Drive To Dogubayazit
Location: Dogubayazit
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Dogubayazit
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
Day 7 : Drive To Van; Explore Gevas And Akdamar Island
Location: Van
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Van
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
Day 8 : In Van, Trip Concludes
Location: Van
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will have a transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Your Mount Ararat adventure concludes at the airport.
What's Included
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Meals
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners are included.
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Transfers
Arrival and departure transfers on days 1 and 8 are included.
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Accommodation
3 nights in a tourist class twin share hotel are included.
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Camping Equipment
Group camping equipment for the trek, including two-person tents and sleeping mats, is provided.
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Internal Transport
All internal transport by private vehicle is included.
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Porterage
Porterage by mules and horses while trekking is included.
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Guides and Crew
An English-speaking guide, camp crew, and a licensed mountain guide for the climb are included.
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Medical Kit
An emergency medical kit is included.
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Permit Fees
Mt Ararat permit fees are included.
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Boat Cruise
A boat cruise to Akdamar Island on Day 7 is included.
What's Not Included
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International and Domestic Airfares
International and domestic airfares to/from Van are not included.
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Transfers Outside Itinerary
Arrival and departure transfers in Van if not arriving on Day 1 or departing on Day 8 are not included.
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Personal Equipment
Sleeping bag, crampons, ice axe, and harness are not included.
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Visa Costs
Visa costs are not included.
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Additional Transport
Transport and transfers other than those stated in the itinerary are not included.
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Taxes
Airport and departure taxes are not included.
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Additional Meals and Services
Meals, beverages, or additional services not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Drinks
Bottled water, aerated, and alcoholic drinks are not included.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees for natural and historical sites mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Personal Items
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, and postage are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included.
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Tips
Tips are not included.
Mode of Transport
All internal transport by private vehicle. Arrival and departure transfers (days 1 and 8 only). Porterage by mules and horses whilst trekking. Boat cruise to Akdamar Island (Day 7).
Accommodation
3 nights hotel. Our hotel accommodation will be in tourist class hotels/guesthouses which are well located to ensure we make the most of our time. All accommodation will be on a twin share basis with private bathroom facilities. In some of the more rural areas, the hotel facilities may be quite simple but the best available accommodation will be used. Whilst on trek, you will be provided all of the necessary camping gear including 2 person dome tents, sleeping mattresses and all kitchen equipment. NOTE - sleeping bags, pillows, crampons, ice axes and harnesses are not included.
What You Carry
In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip balm, etc. Mules or horses carry all group gear and your trek pack.
Grading
As with all our Challenging programs, we expect clients to be regular outdoors people, enjoying aerobic sport around four or five times a week over some period of time. Preferably this has been a long term interest but if not, you have set a program of fitness preparation with at least three months lead in time to your trip. The fitter you are for your trip, the more of a holiday it will be. Activities as close to the actual activity on your trip are the best training; in this instance walking and climbing, with and without a pack. This builds leg strength, aerobic capacity and confidence in your ability to travel comfortably with a pack for extended periods. At the same time, you are also comfortable with the layers you like to wear and footwear. Whilst this ascent of Ararat is not a technical climb, it is nevertheless a short and steep trek at altitude, and for many people it may be the hardest physical walk of their life. In order to get the most out of the trip, people should join in Van with a maximum state of fitness. There is not time to ‘get fit on the trek’ as with some of our other longer trekker programs elsewhere. Come and talk to us if you are unsure about your suitability for this trip; we would be happy to discuss your level of experience and fitness with you and put you in touch with one of our guides to help you make your decision.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the Mount Ararat Expedition?
You will stay in tourist class hotels or guesthouses with private bathroom facilities for 3 nights. During the trek, you will be provided with camping gear including 2-person dome tents, sleeping mattresses, and kitchen equipment. Note that sleeping bags, pillows, crampons, ice axes, and harnesses are not included.
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What meals are included in the Mount Ararat Expedition?
The expedition includes 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners.
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What kind of physical preparation is recommended for this expedition?
Participants should be regular outdoors people who engage in aerobic sports around four or five times a week. Ideally, you should have a long-term interest in such activities or have set a fitness preparation program with at least three months lead time. Activities like walking and climbing, with and without a pack, are the best training for this trek.
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What will I need to carry in my daypack during the trek?
You will need to carry extra warm clothing, a rain jacket, a water bottle, camera gear, valuables, and personal items such as sunscreen and lip balm. Mules or horses will carry all group gear and your trek pack.
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What is the difficulty level of the Mount Ararat Expedition?
The ascent of Mount Ararat is not a technical climb but is a short and steep trek at altitude. It is considered a challenging program, and participants should be in a maximum state of fitness to get the most out of the trip.
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What kind of support will be available during the trek?
The trek will be supported by a trek support crew who will establish the camp and arrange meals. There will also be an English-speaking guide, a licensed mountain guide for the climb, and an emergency medical kit.
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What is the itinerary for the summit day?
On the summit day, you will start very early in the morning to reach the top in time for the sunrise. The ascent will be difficult due to the steep terrain, and you may need to use crampons. After reaching the summit, you will descend back to the first campsite at 3200m for the night.
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What cultural experiences are included in the expedition?
The expedition includes visits to the Ishak Pacha Palace, a boat cruise to Akdamar Island to see a 10th-century Armenian Church, and a visit to Van Castle, which was constructed in 9 BC.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
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What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
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What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
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Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
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Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
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Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.