Ararat Ski Expedition – 7 Days of Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable ski adventure on the legendary slopes of Mount Ararat, the highest peak in Turkey at 5,165 meters. This 7-day expedition combines thrilling alpine skiing, breathtaking mountain landscapes, and the rich culture of Eastern Anatolia. Perfect for experienced skiers seeking both adventure and natural beauty, this journey promises memories that will last a lifetime.
Your adventure begins with a warm welcome at Van, Iğdır, or Ağrı airport and transfer to Doğubayazıt, where you’ll prepare for your high-altitude journey. Over the next several days, you’ll ascend through alpine terrain, moving from base camps at 2,700 meters up to the summit at 5,165 meters. Along the way, you’ll experience the thrill of skiing on pristine slopes, capture incredible photos of panoramic mountain vistas, and immerse yourself in the unique landscape of the Ararat region.
After reaching the summit, you’ll return to base camp to celebrate your achievement and rest, before descending to Doğubayazıt. Here, cultural highlights await: relax in a traditional Turkish bath, savor authentic local cuisine including delicious kebabs, and explore the magnificent Ishak Pasha Palace, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture.
Every step of this expedition is carefully organized: accommodation alternates between cozy hotels and well-equipped mountain tents, meals include hearty breakfasts, energizing lunches, and satisfying dinners, and experienced guides ensure safety and provide expert knowledge about the mountains and local culture.
DIFFICULTY:
Level 4: Demanding
These are demanding trekking trips with daily stages of up to 8 hours and a maximum of approx. 1,400 meters in altitude. The focus of these trips is trekking and this requires physical and mental strength. The stages are sometimes long, steep and also lead through rough terrain. Surefootedness is absolutely necessary. In addition, team spirit, camaraderie and lack of comfort contribute to the success of the vacation trip. In preparation, you should train more intensively at least 2-3 times a week.
SHORT INFORMATION:
Group size:4-12 people
Travel time: 7 days
Overnight stay in tents: 4 nights
Hotel accommodation: 2 nights
INCLUDED SERVICES:
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All overnight stays and meals according to the program
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All transfers in Turkey according to the program
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Approval for the ascent of Ararat
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Entrance fees per person to the Ararat National Park
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Licensed mountain guide in German or English
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Full board on the mountain
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Kurdish cook
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Luggage transport on the mountain by horses to the camp
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Two-person tent & sleeping mats (single tent for a surcharge)
NOT INCLUDED IN THE SERVICES:
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all flights on request
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meals not mentioned
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alcoholic beverages
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individual excursions and visits outside the program Personal expenses
Your travel specialist:
FIRAT
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Further dates on request, we will carry out your tour at your request at any time
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Our tours take place from 4 people
Tour Programm
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Doğubayazıt
Guests are welcomed at Van, Igdir, or Agri airport and transferred to the hotel in Doğubayazıt. This charming town at the foot of Mount Ararat gives you your first glimpse of the majestic mountain. Use the evening to relax and prepare for the high-altitude adventure ahead.
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Accommodation: Hotel
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Meals: - / - / Dinner
Day 2: Descent and First Base Camp (2,700 m)
After a hearty breakfast, begin your journey toward Mount Ararat. Descend gently to 1,900 meters while familiarizing yourself with the terrain. Continue to the first base camp at 2,700 meters, carrying your ski equipment. Settle in, enjoy the surrounding alpine scenery, and have dinner at the camp.
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Accommodation: Tent
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Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Overnight Altitude: 2,700 m
Day 3: Altitude Adaptation
Today is dedicated to acclimatization. Drive up to the second campsite at 3,600 meters to experience higher altitude conditions, then return to the base camp at 2,700 meters. Use the evening to rest, review your route, and enjoy a warm dinner in preparation for the summit climb.
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Accommodation: Tent
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Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Overnight Altitude: 2,700 m
Day 4: Second Base Camp (3,600 m)
After breakfast, ascend to the second base camp at 3,600 meters. Spend the day exploring the surrounding terrain and preparing for the early morning summit attempt. Enjoy dinner at the camp and rest to recharge for the most challenging day of the expedition.
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Accommodation: Tent
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Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Overnight Altitude: 3,600 m
Day 5: Summit Day (5,165 m)
Rise early at 03:00 for the final ascent to the summit of Mount Ararat. The climb takes approximately 5–6 hours. At the summit, take in panoramic views of Anatolia and the surrounding mountains, and capture unforgettable photos. After this monumental achievement, descend back to the first base camp at 2,700 meters and enjoy a well-earned rest and dinner.
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Accommodation: Tent
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Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Overnight Altitude: 2,700 m
Day 6: Return to Doğubayazıt and Cultural Excursion
After breakfast, descend to Doğubayazıt and check into the hotel. Relax and unwind before enjoying a traditional Turkish bath. Later, savor a delicious local lunch, including authentic Turkish kebabs. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Ishak Pasha Palace, an architectural gem blending Ottoman, Persian, and Armenian influences. Return to the hotel for dinner and a comfortable night’s rest.
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Accommodation: Hotel
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Meals: Breakfast / - / Dinner
Day 7: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Van, Agri, or Igdir Airport for your onward journey, taking with you unforgettable memories of your Mount Ararat adventure.
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Meals: Breakfast / - / -
Legend: B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner
Program changes: Despite careful preparation, program changes due to unforeseeable events can be expected on this trip. These can arise due to weather conditions or due to short-term changes as a result of legal regulations, political decisions or health problems of participants, etc. In any case, we will try to carry out the travel program within reasonable limits or, if not possible, to organize an equivalent replacement program.