The Summits
The Summits
Summary
ENCOUNTER THE SUMMITS: (Mt. Suphan & Mt. Ararat) – Want to feel like you are on top of the world? Come and conquer the first and third highest peaks of Turkey. On this trip you will summit both Mt Ararat at 5,137m (16,854 ft.) and Mt Suphan at 4,058m (13,314 ft). For those who want an extra challenge added to their Mt. Ararat summit experience, Mt. Suphan is a great introductory and acclimatization climb. Since these are both dormant volcanoes, the climb is not technically challenging, but it is physically strenuous. The summit of Mt. Suphan offers a great view of Lake Van and the surrounding mountains. The summit of Mt. Ararat will offer a magnificent opportunity to encounter a major piece of history and culture while experiencing a magnificent view of three different countries from the summit. These summit experiences are also available in the winter as a backcountry ski tour option.
Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVAL AND PREP.
Arrive in Van to spend the night. In the evening, you will be briefed on what to expect during the climb and for more novice hikers, an introduction to climbing techniques will be given.
Day 2: BASE OF SUPHAN
Depart from Van and travel to the base of Mt. Suphan where we will set up camp and get to bed early for an early start the next day.
Day 3: SUMMIT MT. SUPHAN
We will wake early to begin the summit climb at 2:00 am. This should allow us to reach the summit in the early morning, where we will be rewarded with a stunning view of the Van Lake region. After descending the mountain, we will pack up and travel to Doğubeyazıt where we will spend the night.
Day 4: RECOVERY DAY
This day will be spent exploring the historical locations around Mt. Ararat, including Işık Paşa Palace, a 18th century palace along the silk road, as well as a meteor crater which is believed to be the second largest in the world. In the evening, we will take some time to relax our muscles at an authentic, local thermal hot spring.
Day 5: BASE CAMP 1
After breakfast, a final equipment check will be done before we transfer to the base of Mount Ararat (2200m). 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, as we see the magnificent view of the surrounding landscape expand. 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 see 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: DESCEND AND RECOVER
Today we will descend the remaining portion of the mountain and return to Van where we will spend the night. This evening, we will be able to relax our muscles in a traditional Turkish Hamam.
Day 9: RETURN
Today we will embark on a tour of Akdamar, an ancient Armenian Church that was built on a charming island in the middle of the beautiful Van Lake. We will also visit the Van Castle, a 7th century fortress. Based on flight itinerary, the tour in Van can take place either on the first or last day of the tour.
What's Included
- Transfers to and from the Van airport
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Doğubeyazıt.
- 2 nights hotel accommodations in Van
- Certified 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 inquiries that you might have.
Equipment Included:
- Crampons for the final 200m glacial ascent to the summit
- Tents
- 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 2 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
- Duffel Bag – 60L to 80L, to be carried by the mule
- Hiking shoes, stiff enough to be able to fit crampons and 4 hours of hiking each day. Also you will want to bring light, comfortable shoes to wear around the camp.
- Warm and waterproof clothing. 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, both something that is wind and water proof and something for insulating warmth.
- 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 colder nights and as an additional layer when needed.
Summary
- 9 Days
- Tent
Highlights
- Summit the 1st and 3rd Highest mountains in Turkey
- Biblical resting place of Noah’s Ark
- 3 countries are visible from the Mt. Ararat Peak
- Amazing view of Lake Van and surrounding mountains
- Both summits are dormant volcanic mountains