Ski tours · Tour overview
About Ararat Ski Tour 7-Day Expedition
The spring route begins around Lake Van, uses Mount Süphan for height adjustment, and continues to Ararat’s base camp and summit. Fully organized logistics and local mountain guidance support the expedition.
- Mount Süphan acclimatization
- Ararat summit attempt
- Spring ski descent
- Doğubayazıt cultural visit
At a glance
- Duration
- 7 days
- Difficulty
- 3/5 · Demanding
- Group size
- 1–12 requests · departure confirmed at 4 participants
- Best season
- March–May
Price from
730 EUR
Reserve first. We confirm availability and details with you before any payment.
One person may send a request. This departure is confirmed only after 4 participants are confirmed.
Departure minimum: 4 participants.
Ski tours · itinerary
Full itinerary · Ararat Ski Tour 7-Day Expedition
Read the complete route, day by day, without leaving this tour page. Weather, safety, and local operating conditions can require reasonable changes to the program.
Day 1
Arrival and transfer to Doğubayazıt
Arrive at Van, Iğdır, or Ağrı airport and transfer to the hotel in Doğubayazıt. Use the evening to prepare for the high-altitude expedition. Accommodation: hotel. Meal: dinner.
Day 2
First base camp at 2,700 metres
Drive toward Mount Ararat, continue from the lower trailhead with your ski equipment, and establish the first base camp at 2,700 metres. Accommodation: tent. Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 3
Altitude adaptation
Ascend to the second campsite at about 3,600 metres for altitude exposure, then return to the base camp at 2,700 metres to rest and prepare. Accommodation: tent. Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 4
Second base camp at 3,600 metres
Ascend to the second base camp, explore the surrounding terrain, and prepare for the early summit attempt. Accommodation: tent. Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 5
Summit day at 5,137 metres
Start around 3:00 a.m. for the final ascent of Mount Ararat. After reaching the summit, descend on skis when conditions allow, then return to the first base camp. Accommodation: tent. Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Day 6
Doğubayazıt and cultural excursion
Descend to Doğubayazıt, relax at the hotel, and visit a traditional Turkish bath and the historic İshak Paşa Palace. Accommodation: hotel. Meals: breakfast and dinner.
Day 7
Departure
Transfer to Van, Iğdır, or Ağrı airport for your onward journey. Meal: breakfast.
Printable guide
Download the current tour brief
Save the itinerary, included services, equipment, and applicable terms as a PDF. Language: English.
Ski tours · tour inclusions
What is included · Ararat Ski Tour 7-Day Expedition
- Accommodation and meals according to the program
- All transfers in Turkey according to the program
- Authorization for the Mount Ararat ascent
- Entrance fee to Ararat National Park
- Licensed German- or English-speaking mountain guide
- Full board and Kurdish cook on the mountain
- Horse transport for luggage to camp
- Two-person tent and sleeping mats; single tent available for a supplement
Not included
- Flights, available on request
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages
- Individual excursions and visits outside the program
- Personal expenses
Departure dates · Ararat Ski Tour 7-Day Expedition
2027 departure dates · Ararat Ski Tour 7-Day Expedition
One person may send a request. This departure is confirmed only after 4 participants are confirmed. Send a reservation inquiry and we will confirm availability with you before any payment.
Availability guide
Each listed departure shows its current status, kept up to date by TAF Travel.
Route-specific equipment
Pack for this itinerary, not a generic mountain.
These are ski-mountaineering itineraries, not resort ski holidays. The guide confirms ski, snow-safety and crampon requirements after checking the current conditions. This checklist follows the selected route, season, accommodation, and published inclusions. Read the four categories separately: bring, consider, provided, and confirm or rent.
Essential personal equipment
- Passport and a copy stored separately
- Travel insurance that covers the route, rescue and evacuation where relevant
- Personal medication and any prescription details
- Comfortable daypack for water, layers and personal essentials
- Water bottles or hydration system sized for the day
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Sun hat, high-SPF sunscreen and lip protection
- Glacier glasses or ski goggles with reliable UV protection
- Waterproof jacket and overtrousers
- Layered clothing with a warm mid-layer and insulated jacket
- Warm hat, neck protection and gloves with a spare pair
- Mountaineering boots compatible with the confirmed crampons
- Touring skis, skins, ski-touring boots and poles suited to the route
- Ski goggles plus glacier glasses for changing light
- Windproof and waterproof ski or alpine layers for the exposed sections
Recommended or optional
- Avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe only if required by the current plan
- Ski straps and wax suited to the snow conditions
- Thermos for early starts and cold camps
- Cold-rated sleeping bag for high camps; confirm the comfort rating with the team
- Dry bags or waterproof protection for clothing and electronics
- Personal energy snacks for long walking or summit days
- Gaiters for snow, wet grass and loose ground
- Light shoes or sandals for accommodation and rest
TAF Travel provides or arranges
- Licensed mountain guide, mountain meals, cook and camp support as listed
- Transfers in Türkiye according to the selected ski itinerary
- Mount Ararat authorization and park entrance when stated for the program
- Horse luggage support, two-person tent and sleeping mats where listed
Rent or confirm with the team
- Whether skis, skins, boots, avalanche equipment and crampons are provided or must be brought
The list is based on the published itinerary and included services. Weather, snow, access, and the guide’s final equipment check take precedence.
Not verified in the published program — ask TAF Travel before buying or packing it.
Build a combined trip
Add a Turkey extension after Mount Ararat.
Choose the Istanbul, Cappadocia, or Ephesus & Pamukkale extension below and send one combined reservation request. TAF Travel will confirm the route, dates, accommodation and current proposal before any payment.
frequently asked questions · Ararat Ski Tour 7-Day Expedition
Questions about this tour
The practical answers below cover the route, preparation, changes, and the reservation process.
What is included in the tour?
The complete included-services list appears above and follows the published itinerary for this route.
Who can join this tour?
The group policy and minimum participant number are shown in the route summary. TAF Travel confirms the final group and availability after your inquiry.
What equipment should I bring?
Use the route-specific equipment checklist on this page. The guide’s final check takes precedence when weather, snow, access, or local rules change.
Can the itinerary change?
Weather, safety, permits, access, and local operating conditions can require reasonable changes. The confirmed program and guide instructions take precedence.
How do I request a place?
Choose a listed departure or send your preferred travel window through the reservation form. TAF Travel confirms the route, availability, and next steps before payment.
No payment is taken with this inquiry.
Related tours
You may also consider
- Artos–Süphan & Ararat10 days
- Gudauri & Kazbek Ski Touring8 days
- 7-Day Climb with Acclimatization7 days
Plan your trip
Ready when you are
Plan this journey with TAF Travel.
One person may send a request. This departure is confirmed only after 4 participants are confirmed. Tell us your preferred departure and group details. This is a reservation inquiry, not an upfront payment. No payment is taken with this inquiry.