CLIMBING THE BIBL. MT. ARARAT (5.137 M) - 8 days

Day 1: Van
Flight via Istanbul to Van. Late afternoon arrival in van, transfer to the hotel.

Day 2: Ascent of Mt. Artos (3,537 m)
In the morning we drive to Gevas. From here we climb the summit from the south. The mountain offers a fantastic view over Lake Van. If the weather conditions are fine, the Ararat can already be seen from here. We stay overnight at the hotel in Van. Walking time: 7 hours. +1.200m/-1.800m

Day 3: Around Lake Van to Dogubayazit
In the morning we first drive to Gevas, from here we take a boat tour to Akdamar Island and visit the medieval, Armenian church. Then we drive around the lake to Dogubayazit. In total 5 hours of driving.

Day 4: To the base camp
After breakfast we drive to Cevirme, the starting point of our Ararat tour. After the luggage has been loaded onto the horses, we hike comfortably in about 5 hours to the base camp at an altitude of 3200 m. Overnight stay in tents. Walking time: 4-5 hours, +1.100m/-0m

Day 5: Camp II
After a good night we climb back up to the high camp. Those who are not yet fully occupied by the 4-hour ascent can walk a little further towards the summit. Early dinner, because the ascent to the summit starts in the night. Walking time: 4 hours, +1.000m/.0m

Day 6: Summit Ararat, 5,165 m
At around 2-3 o'clock it is time to get up and have breakfast. A steep climb of around 5 hours takes us to the summit. The glacier begins at an altitude of approx. 4900 m, from now on we continue with crampons. After 5 to 6 hours of climbing, we made it, we are standing on the highest peak in Turkey, the mountain of Noahs. In good weather and visibility, the view extends to Iran and the Caucasus, Eastern Anatolia is at our feet! Then the descent begins, first to the high camp (3 hours). After a breather and a bite to eat, we break off our camp and descend to the base camp. The walking time from the summit to the base camp is around 5-6 hours. Overnight in the base camp. Walking time: 11-12 hours, +1.050m/-2.050m

Day 7: Descent, Dogubayazit (reserve day)
There is still a 3-4 hour descent ahead of us, then we continue by vehicle an hour to Dogubayazit. The afternoon is free. Overnight in the hotel.
Should we use this day as a reserve day, we will climb from the summit all the way down to Cevirme and then drive to Dogubayazit to the hotel. Walking time 3-4 hours, +0m/-1.100m

​Day 8: Drive to Van, flight home
In the early morning we drive to Van to the airport, flight home.