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Trekkers on the summit of Mt Ararat - Mount Ararat Expedition, Türkiye/Turkey
Trekkers on the summit of Mt Ararat
Enjoying the lower slopes of Mount Ararat - Mount Ararat Expedition, Türkiye/Turkey
Enjoying the lower slopes of Mount Ararat
Ascending the snow-covered slopes of Mount Ararat - Mount Ararat Expedition, Türkiye/Turkey
Ascending the snow-covered slopes of Mount Ararat
The ancient Ishak Pasha Palace near Dogubayazit - Mount Ararat Expedition, Türkiye/Turkey
The ancient Ishak Pasha Palace near Dogubayazit

Mount Ararat Expedition

Summit Mount Ararat, Turkey's highest mountain, and experience the remote landscapes and cultures of the eastern frontier.

Türkiye/Turkey

8 Days from

$2640 USD

Trip Code: ARE
View dates to Book
Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement
$510 USD
Duration
  • 8 Days
Activities
  • 5 day trek
Style
  • Classic Adventures  
Accommodation
  • 3 nights hotel
  • 4 nights camping
Meals
  • 7 Dinners
  • 6 Lunches
  • 7 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
6 / 10

Moderate to Challenging

Carbon Footprint  

45kg of CO2-e PP per day

(317kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Summit Mount Ararat (5137m/18,854ft). Take on the physical and mental challenge of Turkey’s highest peak, supported by expert mountain guides
  • Experience the far east of Turkey, from Kurdish hospitality to nomadic culture, step into a lesser-known corner of the country
  • Explore Ishak Pasha Palace, a stunning Ottoman era complex set beneath Mount Ararat’s flanks
  • Cruise to Akdamar Island and discover a 10th century Armenian church set in the middle of Lake Van

Overview

Towering at 5137 metres (16,854 feet), glacier capped Mount Ararat - or Agri Dagi - is Turkey’s highest peak. Set in the remote far east of the country, this striking mountain offers a rewarding ascent for fit, determined trekkers, a spectacular high altitude summit undertaken in just one week.

Over five trekking days, you’ll climb through stark alpine terrain and remote high camps, supported by a full expedition crew. There’s time for acclimatisation, with optional crampon use for the final ascent across snow and ice. At the summit - weather permitting - take in expansive views across the Eastern Anatolian plateau and into the distant Caucasus.

After the climb, the journey continues with time to explore the far east’s history and natural beauty, from the 18th century Ishak Pasha Palace, set dramatically beneath Ararat, to a boat trip on Lake Van and a visit to the 10th century Armenian church on Akdamar Island.

Led by experienced mountain guides, this is a challenging yet accessible expedition.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Meet at Van Airport and transfer to Dogubayazit. Overnight hotel in Dogubayazit. Approx driving time: 3 hrs; 180km

Meals: D

This morning we will load the luggage and camping essentials on the truck and drive to Eli Village at 2000m. From here we will commence trekking up to our first campsite at 3200m. Our camping and trek luggage will be carried by mules or horses. Our trek support crew will establish the camp, and our cook will arrange the evening meal. Approx Walking time: 4 hrs; Ascent: ~1200m

Meals: B,L,D

Today is an acclimatisation day, with some easy walks up to 4200m. We will spend the night back at the same campsite at 3200m. We can also use this day as an extra climbing day in case of bad weather. Approx walking time: 5-6 hrs; Ascent/Descent: 1000m

Meals: B,L,D

This morning, we will ascend to the second campsite at height of 4200m. After reaching the campsite, we will set up our tents and have a little rest. In the afternoon, we can go for an acclimatisation walk. Approx walking time: 4 hrs; Ascent: 1000m

Meals: B,L,D

We will commence our summit attempt very early in the morning in order to reach the top in time for the sunrise. The ascent will be difficult because of the steep terrain. Depending on the season, we will have to walk with crampons for safety reasons. From the summit, depending on the weather conditions, you can see other mountains like Little Ararat, Mount Suphan and the Armenian lands. We will descend back to the first campsite (3200m) for overnight. Approx walking time: 9-10 hrs; Ascent: 937m; Descent: 1937m

Meals: B,L,D

In the morning, we will hike to the village of Eli. After lunch at a local restaurant, we will visit the Ishak Pacha palace built in the 18th Century, and located at the foot of Mount Ararat. Afterwards we will be transferred to Dogubayazit. Overnight hotel in Dogubayazit. Approx walking time: 3 hrs; Descent: ~1200m

Meals: B,L,D

Today we will drive to Van. Then we will proceed to Gevas town and take a boat to visit Akdamar Island (approx 15-20 mins one way), which is home to a 10th century Armenian Church, known as the Cathedral Church of the Holy Cross (915-921), and was the seat of Armenian Catholics from 1116 to 1895. In the afternoon, we will visit Van Castle, which was constructed in 9 BC at 80m height from the lake by the Urartian king Sardur the First. One of the most remarkable structures in the area is the rock tomb of Argisti the First, with a long inscription relating the events of his reign. Overnight hotel in Van. Approx driving time: ~3-4 hrs; ~270km

Meals: B,L,D

After breakfast, you will have a transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Your Mount Ararat adventure concludes at the airport.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

3 scheduled departures between 19 Jun 2027 and 31 Jul 2027.

  • Departs 19 Jun 2027 – ends 26 Jun 2027 (8 days)
  • Departs 10 Jul 2027 – ends 17 Jul 2027 (8 days)
  • Departs 31 Jul 2027 – ends 7 Aug 2027 (8 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • English speaking guide and camp crew
  • Licensed mountain guide for climb
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation twin share
  • 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
  • Group camping equipment for trek including two person tents & sleeping mat (sleeping bag, crampons, ice axe, harness not included)
  • Mount Ararat permit fees
  • Private vehicle transport
  • Porterage by mules and horses whilst trekking
  • Arrival and departure transfers (days 1 and 8 only)
  • Medical kit

Not included

  • Flights
  • Travel Insurance - compulsory
  • Visa if applicable
  • Airport transfers in Van if not arriving on Day 1 or departing on Day 8
  • Boat cruise to Akdamar Island (Day 7)
  • Sleeping bag
  • Crampons, ice axe, harness
  • Meals, beverages or additional services not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Entrance fees for natural and historical sites mentioned in the itinerary
  • Tips

Responsible Travel

At AMP Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Romania, rescued brown bears are given a second chance to live as they should—free to roam, forage and explore within a protected forest environment. The sanctuary provides lifelong care for bears rescued from captivity, offering a safe haven for animals that can no longer survive in the wild. Support for this project helps provide nutritious food, expert veterinary care and ongoing habitat management, ensuring every bear can live in dignity and comfort. The sanctuary also plays an important role in raising awareness about wildlife welfare, ethical tourism and the lasting impacts of animal exploitation.

Your support will help care for Jimmy, one of the sanctuary’s rescued residents. For 11 years, Jimmy was confined to a small concrete cage at a bread factory, deprived of the opportunity to behave naturally. Since his rescue, he has experienced the freedom of a natural forest habitat for the first time, feeling the earth beneath his paws and living alongside other rescued bears. By contributing to Jimmy’s ongoing care, you are helping transform the life of an individual animal while supporting the broader mission of protecting bears from cruelty and promoting compassionate wildlife conservation.

Extra trip info

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings. 

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run. 

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route. 

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

  • Licensed mountain guides and full support crew ensure expert safety, local insight and seamless logistics from trailhead to summit.
  • We've been providing active and immersive adventures since 1975.
  • We offer smaller group sizes, ensuring safety, support and authentic interactions with the destination.

Guaranteeing A Great Türkiye/Turkey Trip

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