Ararat is a mountain people dream about for years because of the Ark legend — and then climb within a week of holiday. 5,137 metres, no technical climbing, yet real altitude and real snow on top — a great combination for a first serious ascent.
The season runs from June to September. July–August is warmest with the most stable weather; in June there is still plenty of snow up high, in September it gets colder but quieter. Our departures run in midsummer — the window with the best summit chances.
The mountain itself requires a permit: Ararat lies in a border zone, and ascents are arranged through licensed local agencies. We arrange group permits in advance — all we need from you is a passport scan a few weeks before departure. Check your country's visa rules for Turkey; many nationalities enter visa-free.
Our programme takes 9 days including travel. The classic route goes from the south, from the village of Eli: a hike to base camp at 3,200 m, an acclimatization climb with a night at high camp (4,200 m), a descent, a rest day — and the summit push.
Summit night starts around 2 a.m.: just under a kilometre of vertical gain, crampons go on at 4,800 m where the snow-and-ice dome begins. You normally top out at sunrise, when Armenia, Iran and half of Turkey spread out below, and the mountain's shadow falls on the clouds in a perfect triangle.
The same shape as for Elbrus: 2–3 months of cardio and long hikes — the week-by-week plan is here. Technically Ararat is simpler: crampons are needed only on the dome, ropes usually are not. Horses carry loads to base camp — you walk with a light pack.
The programme costs from 1,500 $; add flights (usually via Istanbul to Iğdır or Van), insurance covering up to 5,200 m and personal expenses. The Turkish cooking at base camp, by the way, is an argument for this mountain in its own right — expeditions rarely eat this well.
Torn between Ararat and Kazbek — write to us and we will match the mountain to your experience. The general guide to choosing is in Your first summit.
Tell us about your experience — we'll match a program and help with training, gear and tickets.
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