The Kaçkars & Ararat

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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.

Arrive in Erzurum and travel to Yusufeli for our overnight stay. Along the journey to Yusufeli, we will explore an ancient Georgian church and the beautiful Tortum waterfall (Dependent on an early flight arrival time in Erzurum). In the evening, after we have settled into our comfortable accommodations, we will be briefed on what to expect during the climb and, for more inexperienced hikers, an introduction to trekking techniques will be given.

Day 2: BEGIN TREKKING

From Yusufeli, we will be transported to Olgunlar where we will begin the trek to the first camp at Dilberdüzü (2385m), a beautiful 7.5 km climb with a gradual incline. Tonight we will enjoy the great outdoors as we sleep under the stars at the Dilberdüzü campsite, the most frequented campsite in the Kaçkar Mountains.

Day 3: KAÇKAR SUMMIT

This morning we will travel first to the crystal clear Deniz Lake (3353m) where we will have some time for a little R and R before completing the final 584m ascent to the summit of Kaçkar Mountain. After enjoying a stunning view of the Kaçkar Mountain range from the summit, we will return to our campsite at Dilberdüzü for the night.

Day 4: TRANSFER AND PREP.

In the morning, we will hike down to Olgunlar, where we will begin our scenic drive to Doğubeyazıt. Along the way, we will stop to explore Ani, an ancient city on the Armenian boarder, which was once a major stop on the Silk Road. In the evening, we will be briefed on what to expect during the trek up the mountain and given additional climbing techniques specific to the Mt. Ararat summit.

Day 5: BASE CAMP 1

After breakfast, a final equipment check will be done before we transfer to the base of Mount Ararat (2200m). Our equipment will be loaded onto mules for the journey up to the first Base Camp (3200m). The hike will be about 3-4 hours as we walk past quaint local villages and engage with the locals.

Day 6: BASE CAMP 2

Let’s pack-up and load our mules for the hike up to the second Base Camp at 4150m. This will be about a 3-4 hour hike, with magnificent views of the surrounding landscape. Tonight we will head to bed nice and early to be ready for an early start the next morning.

Day 7: SUMMIT DAY

We wake up and prepare for departure to the summit around 2:00 am. We will reach the summit in 4-6 hours, just in time to witness the magnificent sunrise. Take in the views of Armenia, Iran and Turkey as we rest and relax after our climb. Following the summit, we return to Base Camp 2 to pack up and then move to Base Camp 1 for our final night on the mountain.

Day 8: RECOVERY

Today we will descend the remaining portion of the mountain and return to Doğubeyazıt, where we will spend the night. This day will also include a tour of Işık Paşa Palace and a relaxing experience at an authentic thermal hot springs.

Day 9: RETURN

This day will include transportation back to Erzurum and, optionally, a tour of some of the sites around Erzurum, based on your flight itinerary.

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

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.

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