The earliest mountain ascent in the world of which any record has been preserved is that of Mt.Ararat by the Patriarch Noah. Mt.Ararat is located in eastern Turkey near the Russian and Iranian borders. As the crow flies, it
5 about 250 km. east of Erzurum, 130 km. southeast of Kars, and 160 km. north of Van. The main road between Iran and Turkey goes from Erzurum through Dogubeyazit
(just south of Mt.Ararat) to Tabriz. The summit of Mt. Ararat is 5165 meters above sea level. It is higher than any mountain in Europe. Mt.Ararat is a dormant volcano that
last erupted on 2 June 1840. At present, the upper third of
the mountain is covered with snow year-round and the last hundred meters or so around the summit have turned to
ice. Below the snowline, the slopes are covered with huge blocks of black basalt, some as large as village houses. Over the years, many have explored Mt.Ararat in the hopes of finding the remains of Noah's Ark. Both Josephus
(about 70 A.D.) and Marco Polo (about 1300 A.D.) mention the Ark's existence on the mountain, but in both cases their reports were based on the accounts of others. Josephus states that the remains are plainly visible and easily accessible. In more recent years, many groups have searched for the Ark on Mt.Ararat. The possibilty that ancient fables may turn out to be true historical facts is intriguing and each new discovery based on previously discredited records gives new impetus to continue the search for archeological confirmation. For over thirteen years, Mt.Ararat was a restricted area for foreigners. In early 1982, the Turkish goverment lifted the restriction for officially sanctioned and organized guided groups.

ITINERARY

Day 1 - DOGUBAYAZIT

Arrive in Van Airport and transfer to Dogubeyazit.

Day 2 - DOGUBAYAZIT / Mt. AGRI (ARARAT)

Drive to Eli Village by truck. Departure to the base camp Yesil Yayala (3200m.). Transportation of equipments by pack animals. Overnight at the camp. (B.L.D.)

Day 3 - Mt. AGRI (ARARAT)

Climbing to the second camp (4200m.) transportation of equipment by pack animals. Overnight at the camp. (B.L.D.)

Day 4 - Mt. AGRI (ARARAT) / SUMMIT

Climbing to the summit (5137m.) afterwards return to the base camp. Transportation of equipment by pack animals and overnight. (B.L.D.)

Day 5 - Mt. AGRI (ARARAT) / DOGUBAYAZIT

Drive to Dogubayazit, visiting of Ishak Pasha Palace overnigth at the hotel. (B.L.D.)

Day 6 - DOGUBEYAZIT

Transfer to airport.

Terms & Conditions

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Other Reccommended Itineraries

	Kackar Mountains Trek (from/to Istanbul) - 12 DAYS
	Taurus Mountain Trek (Cappadocia & Aladag Range) - 14 DAYS
	Erciyes & Aladag Mountain Trek (from/to Kayseri) - 10 DAYS
	Olympos Mountains Trek (from/to Antalya) - 9 DAYS
	Ballooning in Mt. Erciyes - SPECIAL INTEREST PROGRAM
	Trekking in Cappadocia - 8 DAYS
	Cycling in Cappadocia
	Horseback Riding in Cappadocia
	Hot Air Balloon Rides in Cappadocia
	Flower Watching - Lake Van - 8 DAYS