In summary
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Sports
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Duration9 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationEurope / Türkiye
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AgeAccessible to all ages
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CO₂-Emissions55.72 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
In a few words
Embark on a journey to climb the majestic Mount Ararat ! Mythical for its connection to Noah's Ark , this mountain, located at the crossroads of Turkey, Iran, and Armenia, is also one of the highest peaks in Europe, reaching an altitude of 5,137 meters . From its summit, you'll have the unique opportunity to admire the Ishak Pasha Palace , renowned for its architecture and dating back to the Ottoman era. If the weather is clear, you'll also have the chance to glimpse Yerevan , the capital of Armenia, from the heights. During this trek, you'll traverse remote regions where a remarkably authentic mountain culture , centered on transhumance and rich craftsmanship , still thrives. You'll travel across wild plains, your gaze fixed on Mount Ararat , its summit capped with eternal snow .
The highlights
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Ascent of the legendary Mount Ararat, which rises to an altitude of 5137 meters.
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Discover the Ishak Pasha Palace, a former caravanserai and a true architectural gem
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Tailor-made transport: book the flights you want as an option.
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Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
For those wishing to undertake multi-day hikes involving over 6 hours of walking and an elevation gain of 700 to 1,200 meters, off-trail or over rugged terrain. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in endurance sports several times a week, hike regularly, and are in excellent physical condition.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average daily elevation gain: 500 m
- Average daily descent: 713 m
Management
During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Supervisor
Supervisor
On day 2, you will meet your French-speaking Turkish guide in Van after your flight. He was chosen for his extensive field experience, his specific knowledge of the geographical and cultural area, and his passion for sharing the country. During the trek, our guide is accompanied by an assistant guide (depending on the group size), cooks, and muleteers. On the day of the final ascent of Mount Ararat, a local high-mountain guide (often English-speaking) will take over and lead you throughout the day.
Program
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Istanbul Main Airport
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Individual arrival in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay at a hotel near historical monuments. Free day to discover the treasures of this city, a blend of Eastern and Western influences. Optional visits include: the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia Museum, the Grand Bazaar, and more. Dinner and evening at leisure. *Airport-hotel transfer included if you booked your flights with us.Day 1 -
Istanbul - Van - Dogubeyazit: Visit to Ishak Pasha's Palace
- Transportation Plane - 02h
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
In the morning, transfer to the airport and flight to Van (approximately a 2-hour flight). Upon arrival in Van, you will be met by our guide and then board our bus for a visit to the Ishak Pasha Palace. This palace is a true gem. At the end of the 17th century, the Kurdish governor of the region commissioned the construction of a summer residence on the hills, which was only completed in the following century by his son, Ishak Pasha. The architect managed to harmoniously blend architectural forms of Persian, Armenian, Georgian, Seljuk, and Ottoman origin. The result is simply magnificent. The 17th-century mosque is richly decorated in the Iranian style. Afterwards, we depart for the city of Doğubayazit. During the journey (approximately a 3-hour drive), you will have a beautiful view of Mount Ararat (5,165 m), the legendary mountain on which, according to the Bible, Noah's Ark came to rest. Dogubeyazit is one of Turkey's easternmost cities, located a few kilometers from the borders of Iran and Armenia. Overnight stay in a hotel. Note: If your departure is confirmed with the 15-day "Cappadocia, Taurus Mountains, Istanbul and Mount Ararat" trip (code TCATAR15), this second day is when you meet up with the participants who completed the first week: you will meet them in Dogubeyazit after the Istanbul-Van flight. Therefore, there is no overnight stay in a hotel; you will all head together to Camp I at 3200m. The visit to Ishak Palace will take place at the end of the trek, on the way down from the mountain, before departing for Van.Day 2 -
Dogubeyazit – Mt Ararat (Camp I, at 3200m altitude)
- Transportation Minibus - 01h
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Transfer to the village of Eli (2500m altitude) and hike to our base camp at 3200m altitude. All luggage will be transported by animals (horses and mules). Our organizing team will welcome us upon arrival at the camp. Dinner and overnight stay at Camp I.Day 3 -
Acclimatization day (Camp I at 3200 m – Camp II at 4200 m – Camp I at 3200 m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Negative elevation 900 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The second day will be dedicated to acclimatization around the campsite. Hike to the high-altitude campsite at 4200m, Camp II. Hike back to the rallying camp. Free time for preparations. Dinner and overnight stay at Camp I.Day 4 -
Camp II of Mount Ararat at 4200 m. altitude
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Hike to Camp II at 4200 meters altitude. All luggage will be loaded onto pack animals. A short introductory course will be given on the use of ice axes and crampons, and on basic mountaineering skills. Dinner and overnight stay at Camp II.Day 5 -
Ascent to the summit of Mount Ararat at 5165m altitude.
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 9h
- Negative elevation 1965 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
An early morning departure for the ascent of Mount Ararat (5165m), offering spectacular views of the Caucasus Mountains, Armenia, the Kakar Mountains, and eastern Iran. This part of the trek is optional. Technical equipment is necessary for crossing some snowfields. Afterwards, we will descend to base camp after an unforgettable day. Dinner and overnight stay at Camp I at 3200m altitude.Day 6 -
Camp I – Dogubeyazit – Van
- Transportation Minibus - 01h
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Descent towards the village of Eli. A final glimpse of Mount Ararat in the daylight, then departure for Van via a road that winds through a volcanic region nestled in idyllic landscapes. An opportunity to explore Van before the boat trip around Lake Van (1720m). Several Urartian sites and ruins of other civilizations that once inhabited the area are scattered around the lake. Religious communities sought isolation, building monasteries and churches on the lake's islands. Overnight at the hotel.Day 7 -
Van - Istanbul
- Transportation Plane - 02h
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
In the morning, transfer to the airport and flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a free day to explore the treasures of this city, a blend of Eastern and Western influences. Optional visits include the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia Museum, and the Grand Bazaar. Check-in and overnight stay at the hotel.Day 8 -
Istanbul
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Independent transfer to the airport.Day 9
Note
Depending on weather and operational conditions, the guide reserves the right to modify this itinerary or make adjustments, for your safety and that of the group.
On this trip, on some departures, you may find participants undertaking another, longer trip that includes part of this program.
Note: If your departure is confirmed with the 15-day "Cappadocia, Taurus, Istanbul and Mount Ararat" trip (code TCATAR15X), this second day is when you meet up with the participants who completed the first week: you will meet them in Dogubeyazit, after the Istanbul-Van flight. Therefore, there is no overnight stay in a hotel; you will all head together to Camp I at 3200m. The visit to Ishak Palace will take place at the end of the trek, on the way down from the mountain, before departing for Van.
Accommodation
During this stay, you will sleep in several different accommodations.
🏨 2-star hotel - Days 1 to 2, 7 to 8
- 4 nights in 3* hotels : in Istanbul and Van (selected primarily for their location)
- 4 nights camping : three-person dome tent (used for two people) and mess tent for meals and evenings
- 1 night in a mess tent to share all together (night at camp II).
No adapter is needed for the electrical outlets. Wi-Fi is only available in the hotels (no internet connection during the 4 nights in the tent).
⛺️ Bivouac / Tent - Days 3 to 6
- 4 nights in 3* hotels : in Istanbul and Van (selected primarily for their location)
- 4 nights camping : three-person dome tent (used for two people) and mess tent for meals and evenings
- 1 night in a mess tent to share all together (night at camp II).
No adapter is needed for the electrical outlets. Wi-Fi is only available in the hotels (no internet connection during the 4 nights in the tent).
Access
Departure
Istanbul
Day 1
End of stay
Istanbul
Day 9
- 10h00
Go to the starting point
The nearest airport isAéroport de Istanbul
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Price details
The price includes
- Domestic flights Istanbul - Van and return,
- Transportation during the program and luggage transfers,
- The climbing permit.
- The tour will be led by a local French-speaking guide (or an English-speaking mountain guide on the day of the summit ascent), outside of Istanbul.
- Camping equipment: two-person tents, mattresses, cooking utensils, etc...
- A local team: the cook and the muleteers,
- All meals from the morning of Day 2 to the morning of Day 9, except in major cities (Istanbul and Van).
- Accommodation: hotel and campsite,
The price does not include
- Registration fees (from age 12): €18 per person
- International flights and airport taxes,
- Airport-hotel-airport transfers (if you did not book your flights with us)
- Lunches and dinners are indicated as being at your leisure throughout the days, in Van and Istanbul.
Options
- Extra night before stay - Double room : CHF109.78 / unit
- Extra night before stay - Single room : CHF91.48 / unit
- Additional night after stay - Double room : CHF109.78 / unit
- Additional night after stay - Single room : CHF91.48 / unit
- One-way transfer: train station to accommodation : CHF45.74 / person
- Return transfer: accommodation-airport : CHF45.74 / person
- Flight booking + airport transfer : CHF86.91 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Camping equipment : two-person tents, mattresses, cooking utensils, etc...
Equipment to bring
- Earplugs
- Moistened "Calinette" type towels for washing
- 1. Notebook: Keeping a journal is a great activity for hikers
- Tweezers (for splinters)
- 1 sleeping bag (comfort temperature -10°C minimum)
- 1 sleeping bag liner
- Optional additional inflatable mattress to the one provided
- Toiletries (preferably biodegradable products)
- 1 quick-drying bath towel
- 2 insulated water bottles, CamelBaks or thermoses that can hold 3 to 4L of water in total
- 1 pair of sunglasses, high protection rating
- 1 headlamp (spare batteries and bulbs)
- 1 Swiss Army knife or equivalent (in checked baggage)
- High protection sunscreen
- Toilet paper
- Rain poncho or bag cover for you and your backpack
- A pair of telescopic trekking poles (highly recommended)
- A pair of crampons (for walking on snowfields and glaciers)
- An ice axe (recommended)
- A pair of crampon-compatible high-mountain boots (and adapted to your crampons)
Clothing to bring
- 1 cap or hat for the sun
- 1 scarf to protect the neck, "buff" type
- 1 fleece or wool hat covering the ears
- 1 balaclava covering the face
- 2 or 3 thermal undergarments (short or long-sleeved T-shirts)
- 2 t-shirts (short and long sleeves), preferably made of technical fabric
- 1 lightweight fleece or equivalent
- 1 warm fleece or equivalent
- 1 breathable waterproof jacket with hood, Gore-Tex type
- 1 down jacket or equivalent synthetic material
- 1 or 2 pairs of shorts or bermudas
- 1 pair of comfortable hiking pants
- 1 spare pair of trousers
- 1 pair of warm tights
- 1 nylon or Goretex over-trousers
- 1 pair of warm, waterproof, comfortable trekking shoes with a high top and Vibram-type sole
- 1 pair of sneakers or light shoes for the evening
- Several pairs of hiking socks, with at least two pairs synthetic and three thick wool.
- 1 pair of warm gloves or mittens
- 1 pair of lightweight gloves or glove liners
- 1 pair of gaiters or stoppers
Be aware that on the day of the final ascent and the night before, temperatures can drop well below freezing. It is essential to have appropriate clothing for these temperatures. This is a key factor in your success.
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For over 30 years, our local partner has been designing adventure walking trips around the world. Specializing in small-group treks, they cater to both casual hikers and seasoned trekkers seeking unspoiled natural environments and a return to the essentials. Their key strength? They own their own agencies in over 30 countries, guaranteeing complete trip creation from start to finish, without intermediaries. This direct, on-the-ground expertise ensures memorable active experiences and total freedom amidst breathtaking landscapes.
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