Mt Ararat Travel Guide
Climb Ararat – Turkey’s Highest Mountain
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On the border between Turkey and Iran the 5137m giant of Ararat has recently begun to draw intrepid travellers who want to climb this non-technical peak with biblical associations.
The Bible tells of God’s wish to destroy mankind with a great flood, but that he spares Noah whom he instructs to construct a large ark. The ark survives the flood and comes to rest on Mt Ararat. The story has inspired both the pious and scholarly who have searched for remains of the ark without success. Today the peak provides a tough yet non-technical challenge for trekkers keen to climb one of Europe’s premier trekking peaks.
Attractions in Mt Ararat
The legend of Noah, his Ark and how it came to rest after the great flood on Mt Ararat is known to every Western child. Indeed the mountain seems to have an ability to conjure myth and legend in many cultures being important in the folklore of other Middle Eastern civilisations.
The Armenians believed it was where their people descended to earth from whilst Arabs it was the roof of the world and the birthplace of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The mountain sits in a sensitive border region close to the border with Iran and this, combined with this area being very remote, has meant that until recently few people have been able to climb it, which is happily now a possibility.
Often cloaked in cloud and permanently snow-capped the mountain provides some of the most impressive scenery in eastern Turkey.
Activities in Mt Ararat
Climbs should be organised through a local travel expert well in advance of departure from the UK, thus making for a smooth, safe and enjoyable climb. Most ascents start from Doğubeyazit on what is generally regarded as a 5-day expedition. The first camp is located at 3200m from where the permanently snow-capped peak dominates the surrounding landscape. Pack animals take most luggage leaving climbers free to walk unencumbered. The trek then leads on to Camp II at 4100m from where the push for the summit takes place; ice axes and crampons are strongly recommended. After a successful ascent climbers descend to Base Camp for a night then on the 5th day descend to Doğubeyazit.
Climbers often combine the ascent of Ararat with treks in the Kaçkar Mountains or white-water rafting on the Çoruh River.
Relaxing
The nearby town of Doğubeyazit has a couple of hamams – just the ticket after an ascent of the mountain.
Getting Around
Transport is usually included in the climb package
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