Mt. Ararat
Mt. Ararat
Summary
ENCOUNTER MT. ARARAT SKI TOURING – 7 Day / 6 Night tour – With each step we take and each slope we ski we will follow the legend of Ararat. According to many religions this mountain is the resting place of Noah’s ark and the haven for his family after the flood-waters descended. From April to the end of May you can hike to the top at an elevation of approximately 5137m and ski down. With good snow conditions and an abundance of snow from 2500m, there is amazing skiing for over 2500 meters of elevation. The tour requires a high endurance for hiking as well as an advanced skiing level.
Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVAL
You will be greeted upon your arrival to the Van airport and driven to the quaint city of Doğubeyazıt (2 hours). On our way, we will have the chance to witness the beautiful Muradiye waterfalls. After arriving in Doğubeyazıt and enjoying some delicious local cuisine, we will check into our comfortable hotel where we will go over the last-minute details and orientation before starting our ascent the following morning.
Day 2: ARARAT BASE CAMP 1
After a delicious traditional breakfast, we will travel by minibus to the Eli Village at the base of Mount Ararat (2200 m). From there, we will trek up to Camp 1 (2800m). There is little snow at the beginning elevation, so our luggage and skis will be carried in the quaint traditional method – by mule. This will allow us to fully enjoy the majestic scenery while saving more of our energy for the days ahead.
Day 3: ACCLIMATIZATION
Today we will focus on acclimatization by touring up the beautiful mountainside to 4000 m (5-6 hours) and then skiing back to Camp 1. We will be treated to spectacular views as we descend, and allowing our lungs and bodies to grow accustomed to the elevation will help make the rest of the ascent much more pleasant.
Day 4: UP TO CAMP 2
Today we will put the skins on our skis and hike up to Camp 2 at 3750 m. This will be another 3-4 hour hike with magnificent views of the surrounding landscape. After setting up camp, based on weather and timing, there will be an option to continue skiing for the afternoon, as we make the most out of our time on this legendary peak.
Day 5: SUMMIT DAY
Before leaving camp we will pack our bags, which will then be sent back down to Camp 1 for us. After an early breakfast, we will start our ascent to the peak of the Mt. Ararat. After hiking 6 to 8 hours, we will reach the summit with a breathtaking panoramic view over Turkey, Iran and Armenia. After resting and enjoying the view, we will be able to experience the thrill of skiing all the way down to Camp 1, were we will enjoy a much needed rest and a delicious dinner.
Day 6: FINAL DESCENT
After breakfast in Camp 1, we will journey by foot to Eli Village (1-2 hours), where our minibus will take us back to our hotel in Doğubeyazıt. From there, we will visit the beautiful Işık Paşa Palace (built in the Ottoman period) and spend the rest of the day enjoying the rich history, culture, and cuisine. In the evening, we will celebrate together as we finish off our amazing journey and conclude our Epik Ararat encounter.
Day 7: FAREWELL
Today we will travel to Van and bring you to the airport where you can catch your flight home.
What's Included
- Transfers (Van/Dogubeyazit/Ararat/Dogubeyazit/Van)
- Hotel accommodation in Doğubeyazit.
- Turkish Mountaineering Federation permit price (different from climbing permit)
- Mountain guide
- Cooking services
- Porters and mules to transport the luggage
- Food and drink on the mountain
- Tent equipment
- Entrances fees for attractions,
Not Included
- Flights to and from Van
- Personal expenses
- Restaurants in the cities
- Alcoholic drinks
- Gratuity for porters and guides
Gear
We will supply crampons and other safety items. The equipment and clothing you bring to this program will have a big impact upon the quality of your experience. If you have any questions regarding equipment please contact us and we will clarify any questions that you might have. If you need to purchase additional equipment when you are here we will be able to connect you with a local store.
Equipment Included:
- Tents (if needed)
- General Safety equipment. The guide will carry all necessary safety equipment including general first aid items.
Required Equipment:
- Touring skis and skins and poles (if you want we have these available for rent)
- Avalanche Beacon (If necessary we have these available for rent)
- Snow shovel and probe
- • Sleeping Bag – suitable for 1 night at -15°C and several nights at -10°C minimum temperatures.
- Sleeping Mat – something to provide insulation from the cold ground and a little extra comfort.
- Backpack – 40L to 50L size (Day Pack for accessible items and summiting)
- Duffel – 60L to 80L, to be carried by the mule on Mt. Ararat.
- Shoes to where around the camp and for light hiking.
- Warm and waterproof materials. You will want multiple layers for the change in weather and physical activities. See recommended clothing for more information.
- Headlamp
- Gloves – we would recommend different layers for differing climates and amounts of activity.
- Sunglasses and Ski Mask – you will want these to protect from the high glare
- Sunblock and SPF lip cream
- 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.
- Warm pants – something that you feel comfortable climbing in.
- Water and windproof layer pants.
- T-shirts – something light and comfortable, moisture wicking material is preferable.
- Long sleeve layer – preferably a fleece layer to add warmth and keep you dry.
- Jacket – you might want a couple layers, something that is wind and waterproof and something for insulating warmth.
- Warm Hat – something for warmth at night and while skiing.
- Long Underwear – preferably not cotton as cotton will trap moisture.
- Additional Sweater – something to wear on cold nights and as an additional layer as needed.
Summary
- 7 Days
- Tent
Highlights
- Summit the legendary Mt. Ararat at 5,137m.
- Enjoy the open slopes of Mt Ararat.
- Experience Turkish history and beauty as we visit Işik Pasha Palace and Muradiye waterfall.
- Interact with locals and guides as they take you on this Epik Encounter.
- Friendly and helpful professional ski guides with years of experience.
Pricing
- $1097/person (group 5-7)
- $997/person (group 8-11)
- $947/person (group 12-16)