Climb Mount Ararat
Climb Mount Ararat
Climb Mount Ararat
8 Days Starting and ending in Van, Turkey
Visiting: Van, Lake Van, Mount Ararat, Dogubayazit
Tour operator:
Tour code:
632
Specialist Group:
Singles Solo
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an exhilarating adventure with the "Climb Mount Ararat" tour in Turkey, a journey that combines cultural exploration and thrilling trekking. Begin your expedition in the vibrant city of Van, where you'll explore local attractions before ascending Mt. Artos for breathtaking views over Lake Van. Enjoy a serene boat tour to Akdamar Island, home to a medieval Armenian church, and visit the historic Ishak Pasa Palace. The highlight of your journey is the ascent of Mount Ararat, Turkey's highest peak, offering panoramic vistas of Iran, Armenia, and the Caucasus. Experience the thrill of camping at base and high camps, with horse-assisted luggage transport ensuring a comfortable trek. This tour is perfect for singles seeking a unique blend of culture and adventure, with guided climbs, comfortable accommodations, and included meals to fuel your journey.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive In Van
Location: Van
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Van
Arrival in Van, transfer to the hotel in the city centre, where you will overnight.
Day 2 : Mt. Artos 3537 M
Location: Van
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Van
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, we drive to Gevas (~1 hour). From here we start climbing Mt. Artos from the north - it’s a steep, but not a technical mountain. The summit offers a fantastic view over Lake Van. If the weather conditions are fine, Mt. Suphan and even the Ararat can be seen from here. We stay overnight at the hotel in Van. Walking for the day: 7 hours, ?1200 m ?1800 m
Day 3 : Lake Van I 1640 M
Location: Lake Van
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Dogubayazit
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we drive first to Gevas, from here we take a boat tour to Akdamar Island and visit the medieval Armenian church. Then we drive around the lake to Dogubayazit. In the afternoon visit of the Ishak Pasa Palace from the Ottomans time. Driving: ~ 5 hours
Day 4 : Ararat Base Camp 3200 M
Location: Mount Ararat
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in camp (tents)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we drive to the village of Cevirme, the starting point of our Ararat tour. After the luggage has been loaded on the horses, we hike comfortably in about 5 hours to the base camp at an altitude of 3200 m. Overnight stay in tents. Walking for the day: 4-5 hours, ?1100 m
Day 5 : Base Camp - High Camp 4200 M
Location: Mount Ararat
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in camp (tents)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a good night, we climb to the high camp. Those who are not very tired by the 4-hour ascent can walk a little further towards the summit. Early dinner, because the ascent to the summit starts in the night. Walking for the day: 4 hours, ?1000 m
Day 6 : High Camp - Mt. Ararat - Base Camp 5137 M
Location: Mount Ararat
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in camp (tents)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
At around 2-3 o'clock, it is time to get up and have our breakfast. A steep climb of around 5-6 hours takes us to the summit. The glacier begins at an altitude of approx. 4900 m, from now on we continue with crampons. After 5 to 6 hours of climbing, we are standing on the highest peak in Turkey, the mountain of Noah´s. In good weather and visibility, the view extends to Iran, Armenia and the Caucasus, Eastern Anatolia is at our feet! Then the descent begins, first to the high camp (3 hours). After a rest and a snack, we break off our camp and descend to the base camp. The walking time from the summit to the base camp is around 6 hours. Overnight in the base camp. Walking for the day: High Camp - Mt. Ararat: 5-6 hours, ?1050 m Mt. Ararat - Base Camp: 6 hours, ?2050 m
Day 7 : Base Camp - Dogubayazit 1625 M
Location: Dogubayazit
Accommodation Name: Accommodation in Dogubayazit
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
There is still a 3-hour descent ahead of us, then we continue by vehicle to Dogubayazit (~1 hour). The afternoon is free to explore this small town, populated mainly by Kurds. This day can also be used as a reserve day for climbing Mt. Ararat in bad weather. In this case, after we climb the summit, we will descent all the way down to Cevirme and then drive to Dogubayazit for an overnight. Walking for the day: 3-4 hours, ?1100 m
Day 8 : Departure
Location: Van
In the early morning, we drive to Van airport and departure. We recommend if you have not visited Istanbul that you spend a couple of days in this wonderful city as well.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
Overnight stays in hotels in Van and Dogubayazit, and in tents at base and high camps.
-
Meals
Breakfast is included daily. Lunch and dinner are included on days 4, 5, and 6.
-
Transportation
Transfers from Van to various locations including Gevas, Dogubayazit, and Cevirme.
-
Guided Tours
Guided climb of Mt. Artos and Mt. Ararat, including a boat tour to Akdamar Island and a visit to Ishak Pasa Palace.
-
Equipment
Luggage transportation by horses during the climb.
What's Not Included
-
International Flights
Flights to and from Turkey are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
-
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
-
Tips
Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
-
Optional Activities
Optional activities in Istanbul or other locations are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel includes drives to various locations such as Gevas, Dogubayazit, and Cevirme, with a boat tour to Akdamar Island and horse-assisted luggage transport during the hike.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable hotel stays in Van and Dogubayazit, with overnight camping in tents at the base and high camps of Mount Ararat.
Check out our Q&As
-
What kind of views can I expect from the summit of Mount Ararat?
From the summit of Mount Ararat, you can expect breathtaking views that extend to Iran, Armenia, and the Caucasus, with Eastern Anatolia at your feet.
-
How is luggage transported during the climb?
Luggage is transported by horses during the climb to the base and high camps of Mount Ararat.
-
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes comfortable hotel stays in Van and Dogubayazit, and overnight camping in tents at the base and high camps of Mount Ararat.
-
Are meals included during the tour?
Breakfast is included daily, while lunch and dinner are provided on days 4, 5, and 6 of the tour.
-
What is the starting point for the climb to Mount Ararat?
The starting point for the climb to Mount Ararat is the village of Cevirme.
-
What is the significance of Akdamar Island during the tour?
During the tour, Akdamar Island is significant for its medieval Armenian church, which is visited as part of a boat tour on Lake Van.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Natural Adventure was founded by people who love hiking and cycling in wild and wonderful places. Places that we want to keep that way. Responsible tourism has, therefore, been at the heart of what we do since the get go.
-
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
In April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 crisis, we launched the Support Local Communities Initiative. We have enabled an option when booking a tour for customers to make a donation to support our local partners. 100% of the donations go directly to our local suppliers.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Whether you’re travelling on your own, as a couple, a group of friends, or a family, our self-guided holidays allow you the freedom to choose your own holiday companions.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our self guided walking and cycling holidays typically include: Accommodation, Breakfasts, Luggage transfers, Detailed holiday information pack including GPS-checked and regularly updated route descriptions, road notes and maps, 24/7 phone assistance by our local representative and/or our central office
-
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We are part of the 'Safe Travels' initiative.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, as long as you can reach the next location.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Accommodations in double or twin rooms (solo travellers are usually accommodated in single rooms at an extra cost; we never mix and match)
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If possible, and entirely at the discretion of the Tour Operator, a change of the dates may be possible without charging an amendment fee, provided that it is requested at least 30 days before the departure date. In some cases, we will still have to pass to you any non-refundable charges imposed by our suppliers. In all other cases, change of dates will normally be treated as a cancellation.
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All places have been carefully checked by us and their quality is regularly monitored. We have selected accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
The Natural Adventure was founded in the UK in 2009, by Peter Duncan, former UK Chief Scout and BBC Blue Peter presenter, and Alex Pazderski, an avid hiker and acclaimed expedition kayaker. Both natural adventurers and keen explorers of wild places and trails, remote communities and responsible tourism partners, Peter and Alex founded our company inspired by the responsible travel values t
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Sunday - Sunday
Jun 29, 2025 - Jul 06, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jul 13, 2025 - Jul 20, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jul 27, 2025 - Aug 03, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 17, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Aug 24, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
The Natural Adventure requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 42 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of the natural adventure charges.
Up to 42 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.