Turkey · Mountain Exploration

7-Day Mount Ararat Climb from Van with Ishak Pasha Palace

7 Days Round trip from Van Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Climb Mt. Ararat, the highest peak in Turkey
02 Follow the permitted ascent route via two mountain camps
03 Visit the 17th-century Ishak Pasha Palace above the Dogubayazit plateau
04 Enjoy the hospitality of a Kurdish nomad family

Experience the thrilling ascent of Mount Ararat (5,137 m), the highest mountain in Turkey, along the only permitted route via two camps. This 7-day journey combines the climb with time in Dogubayazit and sightseeing at the Ishak Pasha Palace, built high above the Dogubayazit plateau in the 17th century. Ararat is venerated as a holy mountain not only in Turkey, but also in Armenia, Georgia, and other cultures living at its base.

Experience the thrilling ascent of Mount Ararat (5,137 m), the highest mountain in Turkey, along the only permitted route via two camps.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Dogubeyazit, Igdir, Van, Mount Ararat

Languages English, German, Italian, Polish, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Transfer to Dogubayazit

Transfer from the airport at Van (1,727 m), with the lake of the same name in East Anatolia, to the hotel in Dogubayazit. (B/L/D)

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: - / - / Dinner

Day 02

Ascent to Camp 1 on Mount Ararat

Drive on a bumpy road up to about 2,200 m to the starting point of the ascent. Continue up to Camp 1 (3,200 m, about 4 hours); luggage will be transported by horses. Overnight stay in tents. (B/L/D)

Day 03

Acclimatisation hike toward Camp 2

Ascend for acclimatisation (5 hours). Climb on winding roads almost to Camp 2 without luggage to test acclimatisation. During the break, you can look past Lesser Mount Ararat into Iran. After the descent, food will be served in the camp, followed by another overnight stay at Camp 1. (B/L/D)

Day 04

Move up to Camp 2

Pack the tents and ascend to Camp 2 (4,200 m, 5 hours); luggage will be transported by horses. The tents are protected from the wind behind walls of stones. It will be only a short overnight stay in tents. (B/L/D)

Day 05

Summit day on Mount Ararat

Climb to the summit at 5,165 m (about 4-5 hours). Start at 3 a.m. First, you will climb over boulders and small rocks to the snow and ice cap in the summit area, where, depending on the conditions, you may have to use crampons. If the weather is fine, there will be time for an extensive rest at the summit.
Make a quick descent, with a rest at Camp 2, and then continue down to Camp 1. Overnight stay in tents. (B/L/D)

Day 06

Descent to Eli and return to Dogubayazit

Continue the descent to Eli and return to Dogubayazit. Free time. (B/-/D)

Day 07

Transfer to Van Airport

Transfer to the airport in Van. (B/- /-)

Where this trip takes you

Mount Ararat, Ishak Pasha Palace, Dogubayazit plateau, Van

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Van 4 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

State-certified mountain guide (according to Turkish law, this is necessary in the Ararat National Park)
German- or English-speaking mountain guide
Approval on-site or from Ankara for the ascent of Ararat
Entrance fee to the Ararat National Park (70 € per person)
All transfers according to the program
Transport of the main luggage by horses on Mount Ararat to Camp 2
Support team
Full board and picnic equipment on the mountain, plus a local cook
Hotel accommodation in double rooms with half board (breakfast/dinner)
Two-person tents and sleeping mats (5 cm)
Excursions according to the program
Entrance fees

What's Not Included

All flights on request
Meals not mentioned
Beverages
Individual excursions and visits outside the program
Personal expenses
Tips
Single room/tent surcharge: 15 euros/day

What to bring

Please remember that all our tours go up into very high mountains, so pack your equipment and clothes accordingly. Temperatures above 5,000 m can drop quickly to -10 degrees. The second camp on Mt. Ararat is already in an ice zone.
Bag for your main luggage, e.g. a touring backpack, and a smaller day backpack of about 40 L
Sleeping bag (min. -5 degrees)
Bivouac sack (bivy bag), not essential in summer
Thermo mat (we now supply a 5 cm foam mat, which is very comfortable!)
Hiking boots (suitable for crampons)
Crampons (can be borrowed for € 20, but please notify us in advance)
Sandals/trainers/sport shoes
Gaiters
Hiking sticks (important)
Waterproof clothes - jacket & overtrousers
Bathing suit
Sun hat
Good sunglasses or glacier glasses (UV protection)
Warm hat (fleece/wool), gloves (plus spares)
Headlamp with spare batteries
Passport or identity card

Know before you go

Program changes: Despite careful preparation, program changes due to unforeseeable events can be expected on this trip. These can arise due to weather conditions or short-term changes due to legal regulations, political decisions, health problems of participants, etc. In any case, we will try to carry out the travel program within reasonable limits or, if impossible, organize an equivalent replacement program.
Single rooms are available at an extra charge.
Single tents are available at an extra charge.

Logistics