Artos, Süphan & Ararat Ski Tour

Arrival at Van airport and transfer to a 3-star hotel on Lake Van. Over a shared dinner you meet the group and the team. Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Van. Meal: dinner.

About a 30-minute drive along the southern shore of Lake Van and a boat trip to Akdamar Island. Visit the 10th-century Armenian monastery church with its biblical stone reliefs. Depending on conditions, there is a chance to swim in the alkaline lake. After lunch, return to Van and visit the old citadel with views over the city and the ruins of Tushpa. Dinner at the hotel on Lake Van. Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Van. Meals: breakfast and dinner.

After about a 45-minute drive we reach the starting point at around 2,200 m. The ascent of Mount Artos takes about 4–5 hours, depending on the group’s fitness. The summit offers wide views over Lake Van. Ski descent, then drive to the hotel. Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Adilcevaz or Erciş. Meals: breakfast, packed lunch and dinner.

Early transfer to the starting point at about 2,600 m. Ascent to the volcanic summit of Mount Süphan, followed by a long ski descent towards the village of Aydınlar. Return to the hotel. Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Adilcevaz or Erciş. Meals: breakfast, packed lunch and dinner.

A quieter day after the first two summits: drive to Doğubayazıt at the foot of Mount Ararat, with a tea break at Muradiye Waterfall on the way. After check-in we visit the formation known as the Noah’s Ark site nearby. The rest of the day is free to rest and prepare for Ararat. Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Doğubayazıt. Meals: breakfast and dinner.

About an hour’s drive to the starting point at around 2,200 m. Horses carry the main luggage; you climb with your daypack. Depending on the snow, we go on skis or on foot to the winter season camp at approximately 3,350 m. The exact location and altitude of the camp depend entirely on the snow conditions on the mountain. In the afternoon a short exploration may be possible, or you can rest in camp. The cook prepares dinner; drinks such as beer are available separately. Accommodation: winter camp in tents. Meals: breakfast, packed lunch and dinner. About 4–5 hours, a good 1,000 m of ascent.

After breakfast you put together your packed lunch. Ascent to about 4,200 m for altitude adaptation, then ski back down the same route to camp, where tea or coffee and time to rest await before dinner. Accommodation: winter camp in tents. Meals: breakfast, packed lunch and dinner. About 4–5 hours, about 1,000 m of ascent.

After a very early breakfast the summit ascent begins. At about 4,900 m we reach the glacier. With suitable snow and wind conditions, it is possible to climb on skis all the way to the summit. In clear weather the view reaches across the plains of Türkiye to Armenia and Iran. After the summit break, ski descent over steeper slopes back to camp and a warm dinner. Accommodation: winter camp in tents. Meals: breakfast, packed lunch and dinner. About 8–10 hours, up to about 1,900 m of ascent and descent.

This day is kept as a reserve for the summit attempt in case of bad weather. If it is not needed, we pack after breakfast and ski or walk down to the valley, depending on the snow. Transfer to the hotel in Doğubayazıt, time for a shower and a lahmacun break. In the afternoon we visit İshak Paşa Palace on the historic Silk Road; a visit to a traditional carpet workshop is possible on request. Dinner at a Kurdish restaurant. Accommodation: 3-star hotel (winter camp in tents if the reserve day is used). Meals: breakfast, packed lunch and dinner. About 1,000 m of descent.

Transfer from Doğubayazıt to the airport according to your flight time. Breakfast before departure if the early departure time allows; for a very early flight, breakfast is arranged accordingly. Meal: breakfast.