Ararat is the highest volcanic massif of the Armenian Highlands in eastern Turkey — 5165 m, located just 16 km from the border with Iran and 28 km from the border with Armenia. It consists of two dormant volcanic cones joined at the base: Greater Ararat and Lesser Ararat. The summit of Greater Ararat (5165 m above sea level) is the highest point in Turkey. Ararat is famous not only for its name in brandy production but also for its biblical significance — in Armenian translations of the Bible, Mount Masis (Ararat) is where Noah’s Ark came to rest after the Great Flood. From the summit of this snow-covered 5000er, you’ll enjoy views into three countries: Turkey, Armenia, and Iran!
13.06.2026 – 19.06.2026 19.06.2026 – 25.06.2026 22.08.2026 – 28.08.2026 28.08.2026 – 03.09.2026
Arrival in Van, an ancient city in eastern Turkey on the shores of the lake of the same name. Meet at the airport and transfer to Doğubayazıt. Check into the hotel and enjoy a city walk. In the evening, your guide will check your gear, and participants will get to know each other over dinner.
Start of the ascent. After breakfast, transfer to the beginning of the trail. Hike from 2200 m to 3200 m. Easy walk. Overnight in tents. Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Acclimatization day. After breakfast, we slowly hike up to 4000 m for acclimatization (4–6 hours). Return to camp, have lunch, rest. Overnight in tents.
Trek from Camp 1 to Camp 2 at 4200 m (3–5 hours). Afternoon rest and preparation for summit night. Early dinner. Overnight in tents.
Summit Day! Start early — around 2:00 AM, depending on weather and group condition. We aim to reach the summit of Mount Ararat (5165 m) at sunrise — an incredible moment and a memory for a lifetime! Descent back to camp, rest, pack gear and descend to Camp 1. Dinner and sharing impressions. Overnight in tents.
Descend to the trailhead. Transfer back to Van. Celebratory dinner and overnight in Hilton 5★ hotel with spa, sauna, and pool!
If your flight is not early, you can take a boat tour on Lake Van.
AlpoManiA expedition leader (head guide) 1 night in a hotel in Doğubayazıt Hotel breakfasts in the cities All transfers according to the program Pack horses for transporting expedition cargo All permits for entering the National Park Cook, kitchen tent, tables, and chairs Common dining tent Full board during the climb: breakfast, lunch (or lunchbox), and dinner Group equipment: tents, kitchen gear, radios, GPS navigation, first-aid kit 1 night in a 5★ hotel with sauna and hammam on the final night AlpoManiA branded T-shirt Souvenir from AlpoManiA
Flights to and from Istanbul and Doğubayazıt Mountaineering insurance Personal expenses Lunches and dinners in the cities Extra hotel nights (if needed)
International passport Travel insurance Chargers, cables, tablet, laptop, power bank Travel pillow, earplugs Mobile phone Credit cards and cash Links to recommended gear are available but not mandatory
Down jacket (rated to -15°C) Waterproof membrane jacket (Gore-Tex type) Softshell jacket or lightweight down sweater Rain poncho or waterproof cover Long-sleeve T-shirts – 1–2 pcs Short-sleeve T-shirts – 1–2 pcs Warm thermal underwear set (top + bottom) Light thermal underwear set (top + bottom) Fleece hat Buff / neck gaiter Sun hat or cap Mittens (to -15°C) Gloves (to -10°C) Warm fleece or softshell gloves – 2 pairs Waterproof overpants (with side zippers) Softshell pants Trekking pants Shorts Warm trekking socks – 2 pairs Trekking socks – 3 pairs Gaiters (boot covers) Mountaineering boots Trekking shoes or boots Sandals or Crocs
Backpack 80–90 L (men) / 60–80 L (women) – or a duffel bag Summit/day backpack 35–45 L Rain cover for backpack Trekking poles Crampons Sleeping bag (comfort rating -15°C) Inflatable sleeping pad Foam mat Sit pad Headlamp + spare batteries Thermos (min. 1 L) Water bottle (1 L) Sunglasses – category 4 Sunscreen (SPF 50+) Personal first-aid kit Towel, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush Lip balm Wet wipes, toilet paper
In cities – comfortable hotels. On the mountain – tent camping.
You must have valid sports/mountaineering insurance covering accidents and helicopter evacuation.
A first-aid kit is carried by the guide during all outings. Participants must bring personal medications. If you have chronic health conditions or contraindications for physical activity, you must notify us in advance and consult with the guide before the trip.
The guide has the right to adjust the program based on route conditions, weather, or the health status of the group. All guide instructions must be followed without question. Your safety and well-being are our top priority!
Gratuities for the Guide Tips for the guide are greatly appreciated as a gesture of thanks for their work, professionalism, and support throughout the expedition.