Private Tour
Doğubayazıt and Mount Ararat
The 5,137 m mountain of Noah's Ark and the Ottoman-Kurdish palace of İshak Paşa.
About Doğubayazıt and Mount Ararat
Doğubayazıt is the last town before Iran and the gateway to Ararat (Ağrı Dağı), the roof of Türkiye at 5,137 m: the snow-capped volcano that tradition names as the resting place of Noah's Ark. The classic ascent by the southern route requires three camps, acclimatisation and a certified mountain guide.
On the outskirts, perched on a rocky ridge, the İshak Paşa Palace (17th–18th centuries) blends Ottoman, Persian and Armenian architecture and enjoys one of the most beautiful sunsets in eastern Anatolia.
What to See in Doğubayazıt and Mount Ararat
Mount Ararat
A 5,137 m volcano, the roof of Türkiye: the southern route climbs via Eli (2,200 m), base camp (3,200 m) and high camp (4,200 m) to the glaciated summit.
İshak Paşa Palace
A 366-room palace-fortress on a rocky ridge, with an audience hall, harem and mosque: the civil jewel of eastern Anatolia.
Read more about İshak Paşa PalaceThe border plain
Shepherds, flocks and the perfect cone of Ararat presiding over the plain on the road to Iran.
Must-See Places
Ascent of Ararat (5,137 m)
İshak Paşa Palace
Camps at 3,200 and 4,200 m
Eastern Anatolia's frontier
Food in Doğubayazıt and Mount Ararat
Mountain and frontier cooking: Doğubayazıt's abdigör köfte, shepherds' cheeses, high-altitude honey and rice with lentils. On an expedition, the mountain team does the cooking.
Practical Tips
- The ascent requires an official permit, a certified guide and insurance covering mountaineering up to 5,200 m: I arrange the permit and guide, but the insurance is the traveller's responsibility.
- The summit is attempted in the early hours, with crampons on the final glacier.
- Even without aiming for the summit, İshak Paşa and the plain make the trip worthwhile.
Getting There
Fly from Istanbul to Iğdır (IGD, 1 hour by road) or to Van (VAN, 2.5 hours). The climbing season runs from July to September.
Tours in Doğubayazıt and Mount Ararat
Frequently Asked Questions about Doğubayazıt and Mount Ararat
How many days do I need to visit Doğubayazıt and Mount Ararat?
I recommend spending at least 2 days in Doğubayazıt and Mount Ararat so you can see the main sights at a relaxed pace. If you have more time, you can combine it with nearby destinations to make the most of your trip.
When is the best time to visit Doğubayazıt and Mount Ararat?
The best time to visit Doğubayazıt and Mount Ararat is July to September (ascent); May to October (visit). That said, every season has its charm, and Türkiye is a destination you can enjoy all year round.
Can I visit Doğubayazıt and Mount Ararat with an English-speaking guide?
Yes. As a licensed, English-speaking tour guide in Türkiye, I organise private tours and day tours in Doğubayazıt and Mount Ararat. Every itinerary can be tailored to your interests.
How do I get to Doğubayazıt and Mount Ararat from Istanbul?
Depending on the destination, you can get there by domestic flight (1–1.5 h), by coach or by private car. On the tours I organise, transport is included and planned to make the most of your sightseeing time.
Can I include Doğubayazıt and Mount Ararat in a longer tour of Türkiye?
Of course. Doğubayazıt and Mount Ararat combines easily with other destinations in Türkiye. I design tailor-made itineraries of 7, 10, 12 or 15 days that include this and other fascinating places.
Want to visit Doğubayazıt and Mount Ararat with a licensed, English-speaking guide? Book your private guide in Türkiye and we'll plan the itinerary together.
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