Ararat Summit Hiking - 6 nights/ 7 days

Mount Ararat is a potent symbol for Armenians.
It is a snow-capped and dormant compound volcano in the east of Turkey (Historical Armenia). It consists of two major volcanic cones: Greater Ararat/Masis (5165m (16945ft)) and Little Ararat/Sis (3925m (12877ft)). Greater Ararat is the highest peak in the Armenian Highland․ The Ararat massif  is about 35 km (22 mi) wide at ground base. 
The mountain has been called by the name Ararat (in the West) since the Middle Ages, as it began to be identified with "mountains of Ararat" described in the Bible as the resting place of Noah's Ark, despite contention that - Genesis 8:4 does not refer specifically to a Mount Ararat. It is the principal national symbol of Armenia and has been considered a sacred mountain by Armenians. It is featured prominently in Armenian literature and art and is an icon for Armenian irredentism. It is depicted on the coat of arms of Armenia along with Noah's Ark.
 

The group will depart from Yerevan for the Armenian-Georgian border (Bavra), then via Akhaltskha city will reach the Georgian-Turkish border, after passing through Ardahan region, we will leave for Bayazet traveling through Igdir. The group will spend a night in Bayazet.
 

Climb to Mt. Ararat. 
From Bayazet the group will reach an altitude of up to 2200 meters on Mt. Ararat by vehicle, from where we will start the walking path. After 4-5 hours of walk, the group will reach an altitude of up to 3300m, where participants will spend a night in the first camp, located there.
 

Climb to Mt. Ararat. 
After breakfast, the group will continue to walk up to an altitude of 4100m, where the second camp is located. Participants will take a rest and get prepared for the next day’s climb. Overnight stay will be in the camp located at an altitude of 4100m.   
 

Climb to the Summit of Mt. Ararat 5165m.
At night, around 1:00 – 2:00am the group will continue its mission to the Summit of Mt. Ararat. Depending on weather conditions, in this segment of the climb, the temperature may vary from 0 C to -15 C.  In case of favorable weather, participants will have a chance to see territories of Armenia, Persia, Nakhichevan, Turkey, as well as to admire the scenes of Aragats Mount, Geghama mountain ranges, etc. After taking photos and celebrating a successful climb, participants will start the way down to the camp located at an altitude up to 4100m. 
Afterwards reach the height of 3300m and spend overnight stay in the camp located there
 

After the breakfast, the group will continue the way back to the foot of Mt. Ararat and will be transported to Bayazet. In the evening, the group will have an opportunity to visit the Daroink Castle and old Bayazet. Overnight stay will be held in Bayazet.

The group will depart for Van by visiting wonderful waterfalls of Berkri on the way. Participants will visit Akhtamar St. Cross Church, which is considered as the first of the seven churches of Armenian architecture by its unique architectural solutions, ornaments and sculptures. After the time of swimming and testing tarekh (fish type) of Van Lake, the group will travel to the Castle of Tushpa (Van Fortress, 9th century BC), where cuneiform inscriptions and mausoleum of kings of Sardar and Argishti are maintained. Afterwards, the tour participants will see the door of Mher. Later, the group will return from Van to Bayazet and spend the night there. 
 

In the morning, the group will have an opportunity to tour through the streets of Kars, to see the ruins of childhood home of Armenian famous poet Yeghishe Charents, as well as many buildings of Armenian architecture in the period of 19-20 century. After visits to Kars Fortress, Bridge of Vardan and St. Arakelots church, tour participants will leave for Ani; the city of a thousand and one churches. Having delightful tour throughout Ani, the group will depart for Yerevan.
 

During the climb to Mount Ararat, all the items of participants will be transported by horses. Depending on weather conditions, additional one-day overnight stay may be required, for which extra expenditures won’t be required from participants.        
To help with physical preparedness of participants, before the start of the main tour program, a few preparatory multi-climbing tours will be held to the Mounts of Ara, Hatis and Aragats. The Tour Program doesn’t encompass costs of these multi-programs.   

Participants must have their own:

1. Mountaineering pants, Jacket or Ski uniform
2. Weatherproof mountain climbing boots 
3. 2 carrying bags (big 60-80 lt and small 22-35 lt) 
4. Sleeping bag (Comfort rateing -5C)
5. Mountain climbing-sunglass 
6. Head lantern
7. 2 leyers gloves