Istanbul to Mt Ararat tour – 14-day programme

Day 1: transfer from Istanbul airport to the hotel. 

Day 2: day-tour in Sultanahmet, Istanbul (Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi palace, Underground cistern). (Alternative city tours are also available if requested in advance. The price of alternative tours depends on the tour and the number of participants.) 

Day 3: transfer to the airport and flight to Van. Transfer from Van airport to the hotel. After lunch, we visit Van castle. Returning to the city, you will have some free time before we meet for dinner. 

Day 4: transfer to Mt Süphan, to the campsite at 2600m. We pitch tents and hot dinner will be served. 

Day 5: start our Mt Süphan trekking tour at 2 am and reach the summit by early morning (4050m, 5 hours). We return to the campsite and after some rest we travel to Doğubayazıt. On the way you will get your first glimps of Mt Ararat. After dinner we visit the hamam. Accommodation is provided in a 3-star hotel. 

Day 6: Doğubayazıt day-tour visiting Ishak Pasha palace, Noah s ark, the meteor crater. After lunch in Doğubayazıt, we drive to the hot spring in Diyadin, a perfect cure for tired feet! We return to Doğubayazıt for diner.

 Day 7: transfer from Doğubayazıt to the foot of Mt Ararat (2200m) by minibus at 8 am. From here we start our Mt Ararat trekking tour by ascending to 3200m (1st camp, 4 hours). We pitch tents and hot food is served for dinner. 

Day 8: this day is reserved for acclimatisation to ensure the success of your Mt Ararat climb. We start in the morning at 9 am and trek up to 4200m (2nd camp, 4 hours). After a short rest, we return to the 1st camp where hot food is served for dinner. 

Day 9: start in the morning at 8 am, ascent to the 2nd camp at 4200m (4 hours). The afternoon is spent with relaxation and preparing for the ascent to the summit of Mt Ararat the following day. Hot food is served for dinner. 

Day 10: start at 2 am, climb up to Mt Ararat summit (5137m). Depending on snow conditions, crampons may be needed for the last 200 meters. We reach the Ararat summit by about 8 am. We return to the 2nd camp, where hot soup and tea is served. After some rest, we pack the tents and return to the 1st camp to spend the night there. Dinner at the 1st camp. 

Day 11: descent from the 1st camp to car pick-up point. After saying good-bye to Mt Ararat, we return to Doğubayazıt by truck. Accommodation in a 3-star hotel. Day 12: day-trip to Fish Lake with barbecue lunch (fresh trout) and a chance to have a swim in the lake. Hot dinner served in the evening. The night is spent at the lakeside in tents. 

Day 13: transfer to Van, visiting Akdamar Island. On the last night we stay in Van (hotel accommodation). 

Day 14: transfer to Van airport and flight to Istanbul. 

Included in the price: all transportation (including Istanbul-Van return flight, all meals, tea, water (other soft drinks and alcohol not included), hotel accommodation for 7 nights in double rooms (2-star in Van, 3-star in Doğubayazıt)*, climbing permit, guide, porter, cook 

Necessary equipment: backpack for the equipments and clothes, day-bag for the hikes, hiking boots, head lights, warm and waterproof clothes, pocket knife, sun glasses. If you bring your own sleeping bag, choose a good 3-season one (0°C). Weather may be chilly at 4200m, and you can expect temperatures between 0 and -15°C on the summit. *If you prefer not to share a room, a single supplement applies.

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