The Kaçkars & Ararat
The Kaçkars & Ararat
Summary
ENCOUNTER THE KAÇKAR’S & MT. ARARAT – Do you want to see the diversity of Turkey’s mountains? This trip will bring us into the rocky landscape of the Kaçkar Mountains and to the summit of Mt. Ararat’s dormant volcano. We will summit both Mt. Ararat at 5,137m (16,854 ft.), Turkey’s highest mountain, and Kaçkar Mountain at 3,937m (12,917 ft), Turkey’s 4th highest summit. The Kaçkar Mountains are filled with villagers that still live remotely away from civilization, traveling up into the mountain pastures during the summer and migrating back down into the larger towns during the cold winters. Trekking through the Kaçkars gives you a taste of Turkey’s rich culture. The hike up Mt. Ararat brings you to a place that is prominent in Biblical and Islamic history, being the presumed resting place of Noah’s Ark. The summit makes you feel like you can see forever, with magnificent views of Armenia, Iran and Turkey.
Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVAL AND PREP.
Day 2: BEGIN TREKKING
Day 3: KAÇKAR SUMMIT
Day 4: TRANSFER AND PREP.
Day 5: BASE CAMP 1
Day 6: BASE CAMP 2
Day 7: SUMMIT DAY
Day 8: RECOVERY
Day 9: RETURN
What's Included
- Transfers to and from the Erzurum airport
- 2 nights Hotel Accommodation in Doğubeyazıt
- 1 night Hotel Accommodations in Yusufeli
- Mountain Guide
- Food and drinks on the mountain
- Mules to carry equipment
- Entrance fees to all attractions
- Climbing Permits from the Turkish Government
Not Included:
- Personal climbing equipment
- Alcoholic Drinks
- Gratuity for guides and porters
- Food at local Restaurants
Gear
Equipment Included:
- Crampons for the final 200m glacial ascent to the summit of Mt. Ararat
- Tents (if requested)
- General Safety equipment. The guide will carry all necessary safety equipment including general first aid items.
Required Equipment:
- Sleeping Bag – suitable for 1 night at -10°C (14°F) and possibly a few nights at 0°C (32°F) minimum temperatures.
- Sleeping Mat – something to provide insulation from the cold ground and a little extra comfort.
- Backpack – 25L to 40L size (Day Pack for accessible items and summiting)
- Backpack – 60L to 80L, for hike into and out of Dilberdüzü and to be carried by a mule up Mt. Ararat.
- Hiking shoes, stiff enough to be able to fit crampons and endure a minimum 4 hours of hiking each day. You will also want light comfortable shoes to where around the camp.
- Warm and waterproof materials. You will want multiple layers for the change in weather and physical activities. See recommended clothing for more information.
- Trekking poles are recommended but not necessary.
- Headlamp
- Gloves
- Sunglasses
- Sunblock and SPF lip cream/gloss
- Water Bottle and optional thermos
- Personal Toiletry kit
- Blister Kit (tape or second skin)
- First Aid items – bandages and light pain relief medication.
- Camera – the views are stunning and you will want to capture the experience.
Recommended Clothing:
- Warm socks – bring additional pairs and something that will help prevent blisters, like Moleskin.
- Warm pants – something that you feel comfortable climbing in.
- T-shirt – something light and comfortable, moisture wicking material is preferable.
- Long sleeve layer – preferably fleece layer to add warmth and stay dry.
- Jacket – you might want a couple layers, something that is wind and waterproof. The Black Sea side of the mountains can be wet so be prepared.
- Warm Hat and Gloves – something for warmth at night and during the last day of climbing.
- Long Underwear – preferably not cotton, as cotton will trap moisture
- Additional Sweater – This is something to wear on the cold night and as an additional layer if needed.
Summary
- 9 Days
- Tent
Highlights
- Discover two distinct mountain formations
- Summit the 1st and 4th highest peaks in Turkey
- Experience the local culture, both current and ancient
- Overview of two diverse regions from their highest peaks
Pricing
- pricing based on min. 5 people