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Mount Ararat Climb 6 Days
Price on request based on your dates and group size
About this tour
Six days to climb the mountain of the Ark: Ararat, a 5,137 m snow-capped volcano rising above the border plain. The classic southern route with proper acclimatisation, camps at 3,200 and 4,200 metres, a pre-dawn summit push over the glacier and the Ishak Pasha Palace as a welcome. Certified expert high-mountain guide, full expedition logistics and domestic flights included.
Trip details
Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Destination
Doğubayazıt and Mount Ararat
Category
Exclusive
Type
Private tour
Accommodation
2 hotels
Meals
4 included
Flights
2 domestic
Route
Day-by-day itinerary
1
Arrival in Doğubayazıt — the Ishak Pasha Palace and a First View of Ararat
Arrival
Istanbul Iğdır Doğubayazıt
We fly from Istanbul to Iğdır (2 h) and an hour's drive later we are in Doğubayazıt, the last town before Iran, with the snowy cone of Ararat presiding over everything. In the afternoon we visit the Ishak Pasha Palace, 366 rooms perched on a crag, blending Ottoman, Persian and Armenian styles, and go over the equipment with the mountain guide: tomorrow the serious part begins. Dinner and overnight in Doğubayazıt.
Flight:
Istanbul (IST) → Iğdır (IGD) (Turkish Airlines / AJet)
Visits:
Ishak Pasha Palace
Hotel:
Standard hotel Doğubayazıt · Half board
Meals: Dinner
2
To Base Camp — from Eli (2,200 m) to 3,200 m
Doğubayazıt Eli Doğubayazıt
4×4 vehicles take us up to the village of Eli, at 2,200 m, where the pack mules are waiting. Today's stage is gentle: four or five hours of steady ascent through pastures and old lava flows to base camp at 3,200 m, with the tents already pitched and hot tea from the cook. First night of the expedition under a sky without a single electric light.
Visits:
Mount Ararat climbing permit
Meals: Breakfast
3
Acclimatisation — Carry to 4,200 m and Another Night at Base Camp
A day for making red blood cells: we climb with light loads to high camp at 4,200 m, touch the snow and go back down to sleep at base camp — climb high, sleep low, the golden rule of acclimatisation. Those feeling strong help carry; those finding it hard walk slowly, which is exactly the point. An afternoon of rest, hydration and the summit briefing.
4
To High Camp — 4,200 m, Sleeping with Your Boots Close By
A short, steep stage to high camp (4,200 m), where the volcano already reveals its summit glacier. An early meal, a check of crampons and ice axe with the guide, and into the tent while the sun is still high: the alarm goes off at midnight. Up here the wind rules more than the clock, and the guide decides the exact time of the summit push.
5
SUMMIT — 5,137 m at Sunrise and Descent to Doğubayazıt
We set off between one and two in the morning, head torches on, and gain height slowly until we put on our crampons at the edge of the glacier. At first light we stand on the summit of Ararat: 5,137 m, with Armenia and Iran in view and the volcano's perfect shadow cast across the plain. Photos, hugs and discipline: the descent undoes in one day what we climbed in three, and in the evening a hot shower and a bed in Doğubayazıt feel like heaven.
Hotel:
Standard hotel Doğubayazıt · Half board
Meals: Dinner
6
Return — From the Mountain to the Plane
Departure
Doğubayazıt Iğdır Doğubayazıt
Breakfast with no early start, grateful legs and the road to Iğdır for the direct flight to Istanbul. End of our services — and one more mountain ticked off your list.
Flight:
Iğdır (IGD) → Istanbul (IST) (Turkish Airlines / AJet)
Meals: Breakfast
Planned accommodation
We work with several hotels in each category in every city; the exact hotel is confirmed when you book.
The hotels shown are the planned ones. If one isn't available, we'll offer another of a similar or higher category.
What's included
Included
- 2 hotel nights in Doğubayazıt on half board (arrival and after coming down the mountain)
- 3 expedition nights in mountain tents with full board at camp (our own cook)
- Certified expert English-speaking high-mountain guide for all 6 days
- Official Ararat climbing permit, arranged by us
- Full expedition logistics: tents, mess tent, porters and pack mules
- 4×4 transport to the trailhead at Eli (2,200 m)
- Return transfers from Iğdır airport (IGD)
- Entrance tickets and visits: Ishak Pasha Palace
- Return domestic flights Istanbul–Iğdır, taxes included
Not included
- Return international flights
- Personal mountain equipment: rigid boots, crampons, ice axe, a −10 °C sleeping bag and warm layers (can be hired in Doğubayazıt if you tell us when booking)
- COMPULSORY travel insurance covering mountaineering up to 5,200 m and rescue
- Drinks outside the camp and tips for the mountain team
- Personal expenses and anything not listed under included services
Frequently asked questions
What's included in Mount Ararat Climb 6 Days?
Mount Ararat Climb 6 Days includes: 2 hotel nights in Doğubayazıt on half board (arrival and after coming down the mountain); 3 expedition nights in mountain tents with full board at camp (our own cook); Certified expert English-speaking high-mountain guide for all 6 days; Official Ararat climbing permit, arranged by us; Full expedition logistics: tents, mess tent, porters and pack mules; 4×4 transport to the trailhead at Eli (2,200 m); Return transfers from Iğdır airport (IGD); Entrance tickets and visits: Ishak Pasha Palace; Return domestic flights Istanbul–Iğdır, taxes included. Anything not included is listed just as clearly in the "What's included" section of this page.
Do I need to speak Turkish for this trip?
No. Your guide, Sinan, speaks fluent English and is with you throughout the trip. He takes care of all the arrangements, translations, bookings and negotiations for you.
Can I customise Mount Ararat Climb 6 Days?
Yes. Mount Ararat Climb 6 Days is a private tour, so this 6-day itinerary is flexible: you can change stops, add extra days, swap hotels or adjust the pace of the trip. Message me with your preferences and we'll design your tailor-made trip, with no extra charge for the planning.
When is the best time to visit Doğubayazıt and Mount Ararat?
Türkiye can be visited all year round. Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) bring pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is ideal for the coast, and winter has its own charm in Cappadocia, with snow-covered landscapes.
Why can't I see a price on this page?
Because this is a private tour and its price depends on your dates, how many of you are travelling, the hotel category and the visits you want to include. I'd rather work it out by hand and send you a real quote, with everything itemised, than show you a "from" price that ends up looking nothing like what you pay. Request it with the quote form on this page and you'll have it within 24 hours.
How do booking and payment work?
Once you request a quote, you receive a private link with the final price and the full itinerary, with no obligation. To confirm, you pay a 30% deposit. The balance is paid 31 days before departure, by bank transfer or card (+3% surcharge). If you cancel more than 90 days before departure, only the handling fee and any penalties charged for flights and services already issued are retained; closer to departure, the cancellation policy scale applies, the same one you'll see in your quote.
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