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Holidays

Mount Ararat - Turkey's Sacred Summit

Turkey
1 review
Available Departures: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

10 days from

US$2,250

without flights
Mountaineer
Guided Group
CHALLENGING CHALLENGING

A dramatic and cultural trekking journey to the summit of Mount Ararat, the highest peak in Turkey

Trip Code: TAR
Holiday Grades
          

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

 1 - 3 LEISURELY
1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

Mount Ararat - Turkey's Sacred Summit

Highlights
  • Spectacular panoramas from the snow-capped summit of Mt Ararat (5165m)

  • Enjoy far-reaching views to the peaks of Elbrus, Kazbek and Demavand

  • Acclimatise on Mt Artos (3537m) with summit views across Lake Van

  • Visit the Ishak Pasha Palace, Akdamar Island and Van Castle

  • Ararat Permit Fees included


At a Glance
  • Group Size 4 to 12
  • 6 days trekking
  • 2 days sightseeing
  • Max altitude - 5165 metres
  • Join In Van

Accommodation & Meals
  • All meals included
  • 5 nights Hotel
  • 4 nights Camping
Overview

From Lake Van to the resting place of Noah's Ark – this 10-day journey takes you across an unforgettable Anatolian landscape, to the summit of one of the world's most incredible snow-capped volcanoes, Mount Ararat (5165m).    

We begin in the city of Van, where a day’s acclimatisation walk will take us to the top of nearby Mt Artos (3537m). From the summit, we will enjoy views across the expanse of Lake Van, Turkey’s largest lake. We then transfer east to the frontier town of Dogubeyazit. From here, it is a short approach to Mount Ararat, which we climb over a period of 5 days. 

Close to Turkey's border with Armenia, and unclimbed until the early 19th Century, Mount Ararat is the final resting place of Noah's Ark - according to the Old Testament. Whatever its place in history, this extinct volcano provides an unusual and achievable trekking challenge. Making a pre-dawn start from our high camp, we fix our crampons and trek across easy-angled snow slopes to reach the summit. The ascent is non-technical and suitable for experienced hill walkers. 

This adventure also includes a visit to the Van Castle and Akdamar Island on beautiful Lake Van.

Is this holiday for you?

The ascent of Mount Ararat is not technical, but a high level of fitness is required. Ararat is an impressive 5165m above sea level. The height gain of nearly 3000 metres from the village of Eli to the summit is considerable.  Our acclimatisation hike on Mt Artos (3537m) will help prepare us for this. On Ararat, two 5-hour trekking days (separated by a further acclimatisation day) take us …

The ascent of Mount Ararat is not technical, but a high level of fitness is required. Ararat is an impressive 5165m above sea level. The height gain of nearly 3000 metres from the village of Eli to the summit is considerable.  Our acclimatisation hike on Mt Artos (3537m) will help prepare us for this. On Ararat, two 5-hour trekking days (separated by a further acclimatisation day) take us to our high camp on the mountain. The summit day will be long, around 10 hours in total. Underfoot conditions will vary from easy trails through upland meadow, to switchbacks on volcanic scree. The uppermost slopes of the mountain are snow-covered and we will have to tackle a short, low-angle snow slope. Crampons and trekking poles will be required. Previous experience of walking in crampons is preferable, but not essential.

Why KE?

With all meals and permits fees included, this is a great value adventure. Please note that permits must be applied for 30 days in advance - early booking is essential!

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Itinerary

The holiday starts at the group hotel in Van. It is just a short 15-minute drive to our hotel in the city centre. A single timed transfer is provided. Van is known as "the pearl of the east" because of the beauty of its surroundings, situated in a green, fertile oasis in the midst of a mountain area. The city has a long history. Under the ancient name of Tushpa it was the capital of the Urartian kingdom in the 9th century BC Tonight, over dinner, our Tour Leader will brief us on the journey ahead. The rest of the evening is free.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

D

After breakfast we drive (40mins) to the town of Gevas, from where we will begin our hike to the summit of Mt Artos, one of the most famous peaks in eastern Anatolia. We will be rewarded with stunning views across Lake Van and the surrounding Anatolian highlands. Returning down to our vehicles, we will stop on the shores of Lake Van to enjoy some traditional Turkish tea, known as Cay, before returning to our hotel in Van for a second night.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

Ascent

1650 M

Descent

1650 M

Time

5 - 6 hrs trekking

Distance

14 KM

After breakfast we make the 3-hour drive to the town of Dogubeyazit. We will break our journey at Muradiye waterfalls. Arriving into Dogubeyazit we will have lunch at a local restaurant. Today, visit Cathedral of the Holy Cross on Aghtamar Island in Lake Van (optional). This stunning medieval Armenian Apostolic cathedral, built between 915-921 by the architect-monk Manuel, served as the palatine church for the kings of Vaspurakan and later the seat of the Catholicosate of Aghtamar. You will see the intricate bas-relief carvings depicting biblical scenes on its pink volcanic tufa walls, and explore the remnants of the monastic complex surrounding the church. This historic gem, and now a museum, offers a profound glimpse into the area's rich cultural and architectural heritage amidst the serene backdrop of Lake Van. Afterwards, we return to our hotel in Dogubeyazit.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

After an early breakfast, we make the short transfer to the village of Eli (2200m) and begin our trek. With mules or horses to carry our gear, we ascend 1000 metres to reach our first campsite at 3200 metres, on a green meadow site.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Ascent

1200 M

Time

5 hrs trekking

Today is set aside for acclimatising to the altitude. Our aim is to hike up to Camp II at 4200m. After an easy ascent, we will arrive at the Kum-Kampi at a height of 3700m where we will have time to take a break before we continue our ascent to Camp II (high camp). Here, we take time to have a picnic and get used to the thinner air. Afterwards, we descent down to Base Camp at 3200m, where we can spend the evening relaxing and prepare ourselves for the move up to Camp II.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Ascent

1000 M

Descent

1000 M

Time

6 - 7 hrs trekking

Distance

18 KM

We leave Base Camp and trek up the mountain back to Camp II at 4200 metres, essentially a cleared area amongst the basalt boulders. From this camp, we have good views of the lesser cone of Little Mount Ararat (3896m) which rises up to the south-east, separated from its bigger neighbour by the 'lava plateau'. After arrival and a cup of warm tea, we take time to relax. In the afternoon, it is possible (optionally) to walk a little bit higher to get acclimatized for conditions of this height. Tonight we will have an early dinner and go bed early. Tomorrow we will be woken early as we set our sights on Ararat's summit.

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Ascent

1000 M

Time

4 - 5 hrs trekking

Distance

9 KM

We make an alpine start at around 0230 to get ready and eat some breakfast, aiming to set off at first around 0300-0330 so we can watch the sunrise from the summit. The first part of the climb is across typical volcanic terrain of loose scree and this continues for 900 metres, with some patches of snow. At around 4750m we reach the glacier, where we fix our crampons. The upper slopes of Ararat are permanently snow-covered but present no significant technical difficulties. On top of Ararat, we can enjoy views across the Eastern ranges of Turkey and across into Armenia and Iran. After time to take in the scenery and enjoy our achievement, we begin our descent, aiming to go all the way down to Base Camp (3200m).

Accommodation

Camping

Meals

B L D

Ascent

937 M

Descent

1937 M

Time

10 - 12 hrs trekking

Distance

23 KM

We trek down to the village of Eli where our vehicle will be waiting to take us to Dogubeyazit. We will have lunch in a local restaurant before driving back to Van. The rest of the day is free to relax after yesterday's exertions.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

Descent

1200 M

Time

3 hrs trekking

Distance

9 KM

This morning we return to Gevas (30mins) from where we take the ferry to visit small island of Akdamar in Lake Van, home to the famous 10th century Armenian holy cross cathedral. The unique importance of the church comes from the array of bas-relief carvings that adorn its external walls. Later we continue to Van Castle, constructed by the Urartian King, Sardur, a massive stone fortification and the largest example of its kind. It overlooks the ruins of Tushpa, the ancient Urartian capital during the 9th C. The most remarkable structures around are the rock tomb of Arghisti I orf Uratiu, outside which is a long inscription relating the events of his reign and an inscription of Xerxes the Great on a smoothed section of the rock face. In the late afternoon/early evening we return to Van, where we spend one last night at the hotel.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

Departure day. A single timed transfer to Van Airport is included in the morning. If you would like to break your journey home with a stopover in Istanbul, additional hotel nights and transfers can be booked through KE. Contact our Customer Sales and Support Team for more information.

Meals

B
Download Trip Notes
The Route
Point Point
Peaks Peaks
Direction Direction
Transfer
Trek

Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

  • A professional and qualified tour leader
  • A single timed group transfer on arrival and departure
  • All accommodation as described
  • All meals
  • All land transport
  • Permit fee for Ararat climb
  • A full service on trek including food and all equipment (excluding personal equipment)

  • Travel insurance
  • Airport transfers (other than the group transfers)
  • Entrance fees to tourist sites and optional activities
  • Tips for local staff
  • Miscellaneous expenses - drinks and souvenirs etc.

The group will meet at the hotel in Van. A single timed transfer from Van Airport is provided in the early evening of Day 1 of the Land Only Itinerary.

If you are flying into Van airport then you will need to collect your luggage when you connect in Istanbul and check it in again as VAN airport is a domestic only airport.

On the last day of the Land Only itinerary, there will be a single timed transfer back to Van Airport. This transfer will be in the morning.

Anyone may join the group transfers by prior arrangement. If the scheduled group transfer is not convenient, the most cost-effective way to reach the hotel is by taking a local taxi, available at the airport. Alternatively, we can arrange a private transfer for you at an additional cost.

Hotel contact details and an emergency number will be provided with your booking confirmation.

All meals are included in the holiday price.

It is not recommended to drink untreated water from the taps. If you are on a trekking or cycling holiday, water is supplied to fill up your individual bottles. This will be boiled, filtered or provided in large jerry cans or 5 litre bottles. Additionally you should take purification tablets or a filter bottle (such as a Water-To-Go bottle) to treat your water when in towns or where water is not supplied. We do not encourage the purchasing of single use plastic bottles.

On trek, breakfast options include cereals, fruits, fresh bread, preserves, eggs, salami, feta, olives, melon, breads, dried fruit and nuts, tea and coffee. After breakfast you will make up your own lunchboxes (provided) using fresh bread sticks and a variety of meats, cheeses, tomatoes, cucumber and olives. There will also be plenty of fruit, biscuits and cake. The evening meal is prepared by our cook and served at the camp table. This meal may be a barbecue or any of a number of excellent Turkish dishes. We can offer a vegetarian meal option on this tour, and we can also accommodate a limited number of vegan guests on each departure. Please inform us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking. We recommend that vegan guests also bring some supplementary snacks.

During this trip the group will spend 4 nights in comfortable hotel in the centre of Van and 1 night in a simple hotel in Dogubeyazit.

There will be 4 nights camping during the climb on Mount Ararat. This camping is fully supported with all baggage and equipment being carried by mules or horses. There will be a small team of staff to look after you including a cook. A mattress is provided, although some people like to bring their own thermarest as well.

All accommodation is twin-share. If you are travelling by yourself, you will be paired up with another single client of the same sex. Single rooms and tents are available for a supplementary cost. If you are planning on extending your holiday additional nights at the group hotel are available on request.

If you would like to break your journey home with a stopover in Istanbul, additional hotel nights and transfers can be booked through KE. Contact our Customer Sales and Support Team for more information.

The group will be accompanied by a professional English-speaking mountain guide and on trek will have the services of a trek crew including a cook and baggage animals and their handlers.

This holiday involves going to high altitude. During the course of your trip you will reach altitudes in excess of 3500 metres. This is not something that you should worry about; the human body is quite capable of adapting to a very wide range of altitudes, but it is important that we follow some simple rules in order to acclimatise successfully. Before coming on this holiday you should read the advice on trekking at high altitude. You can also talk to one of our trekking experts if you have any concerns about altitude.

The cost of the permit for climbing Mount Ararat is included in the holiday price. Arranging this permit is a reasonably complicated process and to do this we will need a copy of your passport a minimum of 5 weeks prior to departure.

Approximately £150 (or equivalent in US dollars, Euros etc.) should be allowed for miscellaneous expenses including tips to local staff. This is best carried in the form of cash. There are ATMs at the airport and a currency exchange in the centre of Van. Currency can also be purchased in advance.  If you are intending to buy expensive souvenirs you should budget accordingly (credit cards can be useful in this respect). 

Optional extras:

All prices are subject to change.

  • Akdamar Island Church €12 per person

  • Ishak Pasha Palace €3 per person

Tips do not form part of the wages of local staff but they are very much appreciated. It is important to remember that tipping is voluntary and should be dependent on good service. It is best if tips are given at the end of the trek by the group as a whole. We recommend that each group member contributes around £30 – 40 to this pool, which can be distributed between the Tour Leader, drivers and support crew as the group feels is appropriate.

For this holiday you should take one piece of luggage, which should be a soft duffle bag, and a daypack.  During the trek your bags will be carried by pack animals. The maximum weight of your kit bag during this part of the trip is 15kg. It is possible to leave items that you do not require on the climb at the group hotel in Dogubeyazit. For international flights please check your baggage allowance with your airline.

For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in the ‘Dates and Prices’ table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.

Europe

Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:

  • less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)

  • valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

For the latest details on visiting countries within the EU or the European Economic Area (EEA), please check the UK Government website

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel. For the most up to date information on entry requirements, please visit the UK Government website.

If you have a severe allergy please inform the KE office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy free environment on KE trips. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' are not carried as standard by KE leaders and staff. You should inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

Vaccinations

You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations.

GHIC / Medical cover

UK residents should carry a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment when you're visiting an EU country or Switzerland. This is not a substitute for medical travel insurance which is vital when travelling overseas.

Getting some additional exercise before coming on an active holiday makes a lot of sense. The fitter you are, after all, the more enjoyable you will find the experience.

You should be aerobically fit and comfortable with walking 6 hours for consecutive days, and possibly for 12 hrs  on the summit day. Hill walking, with a good amount of ascent and descent, is the best training, and we would suggest that you try to fit in a number of long weekend walks before you depart. Running, cycling and swimming are also good for developing cardio vascular fitness and stamina. For this holiday it is a good idea to practice at walking using crampons. Even if it is not possible to access an area of snow, it is worth getting used to walking with crampons on slopes of turf.

The temperatures that we can expect to encounter during the day will vary considerably. In the mountainous areas to the east of the country, the air is drier and the temperature range much greater. Although situated some 1700 metres (5600 feet) higher than Istanbul, temperatures in Dogubeyazit can be quite similar, so quite hot and humid. On Ararat itself temperatures will, of course, decrease as we climb. Typically, we will be trekking at temperatures around 15°C. At night at our highest camp, we can expect the temperature to fall to freezing point. In common with many mountain areas, cloud can build during the day resulting in late afternoon rain.

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that before travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe.  Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation.  We receive regular updates directly from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground.  If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

  • Turkey. Lonely Planet Travel Survival Kit.

  • The Rough Guide to Turkey.

  • The Explorers of Ararat and the search for Noah’s Ark. BJ Corbin.

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation.  When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct.  Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

The following checklist should help you with your packing. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum.

You should bring the following items:

  • Approach shoes or trekking boots

  • B1/4 Season/winter boots rigid enough to fit crampons

  • Crampons (C1 10-point flexible crampons are sufficient)
  • Trekking poles
  • Gaiters

  • Socks

  • Underwear

  • Trainers or sandals for camp

  • Trekking trousers

  • Waterproof overtrousers

  • Waterproof jacket

  • Thermal baselayer - leggings

  • Thermal baselayer-  shirts

  • T-shirts and/or casual shirts

  • Fleece jacket or warm jumper

  • Warm jacket (down)

  • Sunhat

  • Warm hat

  • Sunglasses / ski goggles

  • Thermal gloves

  • Warm and waterproof gloves or mittens

  • Daypack 40 litres

  • Headtorch and spare battery

  • Basic First Aid Kit including - Antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), painkillers, plasters and blister treatment.

  • Sun protection (including for lips)

  • Water bottles 1 litre  (x2)

  • Washbag and toiletries

  • Antibacterial hand wash

  • Small towel

  • Sleeping bag (comfort rated -10°C)

The following items are optional:

  • Helmet
  • Spare laces

  • Camera

  • Thermos flask

  • Insect repellent 

  • Pen-knife (remember to pack sharp objects in hold luggage)

  • Sleeping bag liner

  • Thermarest (Foam sleeping mats are provided)

Notes

We regret that it is not possible to hire equipment through KE for this trip.

 

Many of the equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive a 12.5% discount with Cotswold Outdoor, Snow+Rock and Runners Need. The discount code can be downloaded from your MyKE account and you can use this code at the checkout, either in store or online.

Reviews

5 out of 5 from 1 review

Brilliant trip! ★★★★★

Great mountain, great country, great guides, great people!

By Luke from London | 07 July 2024

Traveller Reviews
5 out of 5 from 1 review

Brilliant trip!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Great mountain, great country, great guides, great people!

By Luke from London | 07 July 2024

DATES & PRICES

Private Departure?

Gather a few friends, family or club and take over your own departure.

2025

Dates

Adults from

Deposit

Status

More Information

  • Mount Ararat - Turkey's Sacred Summit
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: TAR /01/25/
  • This trip begins on Sat 21 Jun and ends on Mon 30 Jun
  • This departure is guaranteed. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$425
  • Single Supplement Price: US$395 - Includes all group hotel nights (single tent not included)
  • Single Tent Upgrade: US$215
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Mount Ararat - Turkey's Sacred Summit
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: TAR /02/25/
  • This trip begins on Sat 12 Jul and ends on Mon 21 Jul
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$425
  • Single Supplement Price: US$395 - Includes all group hotel nights (single tent not included)
  • Single Tent Upgrade: US$215
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Mount Ararat - Turkey's Sacred Summit
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: TAR /03/25/
  • This trip begins on Sat 26 Jul and ends on Mon 4 Aug
  • This departure is guaranteed. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$425
  • Single Supplement Price: US$395 - Includes all group hotel nights (single tent not included)
  • Single Tent Upgrade: US$215
  • Download Trip Notes

More Information

  • Mount Ararat - Turkey's Sacred Summit
    Without Flights
  • Departure Reference: TAR /04/25/
  • This trip begins on Sat 23 Aug and ends on Mon 1 Sep
  • This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$425
  • Single Supplement Price: US$395 - Includes all group hotel nights (single tent not included)
  • Single Tent Upgrade: US$215
  • Download Trip Notes

Land Only Information

The LAND ONLY dates and prices are for joining at the hotel in Van. A single transfer is included from/to Van Airport.

ZEN_HOLIDAY_DATES_PRICES_LAND_ONLY_USD_NOTICE

BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.

KE Adventure is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 2808) and are bonded with ABTA (Membership No: W4341)


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