ARARAT-SUPHAN Climbing - 10 DAYS

Day 1

Flight to Van (1727m). Transfer to the hotel at Lake Van. If desired you can enjoy a bathe in the very alkaline lake. In the afternoon sightseeing of the old castle complex Van Kalesi, in which can be seen several cuneiform inscriptions from the time of the Urartians. Half-board overnight stay at the Hotel. (-/-/D)

Day 2

Drive to Suphan Dagi up to 2500m and set up the camp; possible ascent up to 3100m (3,5 hours) to get used to the height; overnight stay in tents. (B/L/D)

Day 3

Still in the dark (about 4 a.m.) we will start the ascent to the Suphan summit (4058m), which is reached in about 6 hours. Depending on the season there might be snow in the summit area, in the upper regions boulders and rocks. Complete descent with rest at the camp. Continuation of journey and stop at a waterfall, ride over a pass to Dogubayazit (1950m, driving time total about 3 hours). The city is situated at the base of Noah´s Ark Mountain. Collective dinner. Overnight stay in the hotel. (B/L/D)

Day 4

In the morning sightseeing of the place where legend says that Noah´s Ark landed. In the afternoon drive up to one of the most beautiful palaces, the ishak-Pasha-Palace, located above the city. Sightseeing tour. From a cafe located on the top you have a good view over the plateau and the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon drive to the source of the river Euphrates with plenty of time for bathing in the hot sulphur springs. Picnic in the evening; return journey and overnight stay in the hotel (B/L/D)

Day 5

Ride on a bumpy road up to about 2200m to the starting point of our ascent. Ascend to camp 1 (3200m, about 4 hours); luggage will be transported by horses, so you can climb easily and quickly. Overnight stay in tents. (B/L/D)

Day 6

Ascent for acclimatisation (6 hours). If possible you will climb up on a small trail to camp 2 without luggage to test acclimatisation. During a break when you can looking past the "small Ararat" and even see into Iran. After the descent a meal is waiting for you in the camp; free time and time to relax; overnight stay again in camp 1. (B/L/D)

Day 7

Packing of the tents and ascent to camp 2 (4200m, 4 hours); luggage will be transported by horses; the tents are protected from the wind behind a wall of stones. It will be a short night, but enough time for dreams; overnight stay in tents. (B/L/D)

Day 8

Up to the peak at 5165m, start at 3 a.m. After about 4-5 hours you should have reached the highest peak if the weather conditions are fine. When icy underfoot crampons are necessary. From the summit you can see into Armenia, Iran and beyond Dogubayazit to Süphan Dagi. Noah´s ark is supposed to have beached here. Here thoughts are free. If the weather is fine there will be time for an extensive rest at the summit. After a quick descent with a rest at camp 2 and further descent to camp 1 (total about 5-6 hours) you will have enough time there to celebrate your success on this biblical mountain. Overnight stay in tents. (B/L/D)

Day 9

Descend to the starting point, drive to the hotel, overnight stay in the hotel. (B/-/D)

Day 10

After your experiences we hope you will return to your home country knowing more about our area deep in Asia. Transfer to the airport in Van. Flight home via Istanbul, Ankara or Izmir with the option of an extension (B/-/-)