Sat on the extreme eastern edge of Turkey, the great peak of Mount Ararat can be viewed all the way from the Armenian capital of Yerevan in its immense glory. Snow cloaks its top, while the rugged summits go from Little Ararat at 3,896 meters to Greater Ararat, clocking up a whopping 5,137 meters above sea level. Not content at just being the highest in Turkey, the mountain has also inspired centuries of Armenian folklore and even become a symbol for Armenian nationalism. It's also known for its Biblical importance, being the supposed resting place of Noah's Ark, no less – even if the elusive remains of that fabled ship have never been discovered on its slopes. The whole area around the massif has been designated a national park, and hundreds have hiked its craggy, challenging routes to the ice-caked summit till 2016, before it was declared a military restricted zone. When the ban is lifted (and let’s hope that’s soon), there are plenty of Mount Ararat tour guides available in the nearby towns of Dogubeyazıt and Igdır to organise everything from porters to climbing equipment.