Welcome to Van, a historic city nestled on the shores of Turkey’s largest lake and the starting point of your Mount Ararat adventure. Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the city. Take the rest of the day to relax, explore the lively streets of Van, or enjoy a lakeside sunset before the journey ahead.

Travel Details: Transfer from Van Airport; Overnight in Van (B / - / -)

A morning transfer takes us to Gevaş, where we begin our acclimatization trek up Mount Artos (3,537 m). The steep but non-technical ascent rewards us with breathtaking panoramas over Lake Van. On clear days, Mount Süphan (4,058 m) comes into view, and we may even catch our first distant glimpse of Mount Ararat.

At the summit, we pause to take in the stunning alpine scenery, a perfect introduction to high-altitude trekking in Eastern Anatolia. After enjoying the views, we descend and transfer back to Van.

Highlights of the Day:

• Acclimatization trek to the summit of Mount Artos (3,537 m) with panoramic views over Lake Van

Travel Details: Expected travel distance: ~80 km; Trekking time: ~7 h; Up: +1,200 m / Down: -1,800 m; Overnight in Van (B / - / -)

Today we drive back to Gevaş, where a boat takes us across the shimmering waters of Lake Van (1,640 m) to Akdamar Island. Here, we visit the 10th-century Church of the Holy Cross, a masterpiece of Armenian architecture, its stone reliefs telling biblical tales that have stood the test of time. According to legend, the island is named after a tragic love story, where a princess named Tamar waited in vain for her lover, lost in the waves of the vast lake.

Back on the road, we follow the scenic shoreline of Turkey’s largest lake, heading toward Doğubayazıt, a frontier town at the foot of Mount Ararat. In the afternoon, we explore the Ishak Pasha Palace, an architectural gem of the Ottoman era, where Persian, Ottoman, and Armenian influences intertwine. From its hilltop perch, the palace offers a commanding view of the vast Anatolian plains, a landscape that has witnessed the passage of empires and caravans along the ancient Silk Road.

Highlights of the Day:

• Boat trip to Akdamar Island, home to the legendary Church of the Holy Cross

Travel Details: Expected travel distance: ~250 km; Overnight in Doğubayazıt (B / - / -)

After breakfast, we leave Doğubayazıt and drive toward Çevirme, the last village before the ascent. As Mount Ararat looms ever closer, its snow-capped peak rises above the vast steppe, a constant reminder of the challenge ahead.

At the trailhead, our local support team loads the equipment onto pack horses, allowing us to focus on the ascent through the gradually rising volcanic terrain toward Base Camp (3,200 m). The trail winds through rolling foothills, offering sweeping views of the Anatolian plateau as we gain altitude. Arriving at camp, we settle into our tents and take time to rest and acclimatize, preparing for the climb ahead. As night falls, the starlit sky stretches endlessly above, setting the perfect backdrop for the expedition to come.

Highlights of the Day:

• Trek through volcanic foothills as we reach Base Camp (3,200 m)
• Experience camp life on Ararat, preparing for the next stage of the climb

Travel Details: Expected travel distance: ~35 km; Trekking time: ~5 h; Up: +1,100 m; Overnight in tents at Base Camp (3,200 m) (B / L / D)

After a restful night at Base Camp, we set off in the morning for the next stage of our ascent, climbing toward High Camp (4,200 m). The trail becomes steeper as we gain altitude, moving through increasingly rugged volcanic terrain. Despite the challenge, the views expand with every step.

Upon arrival at High Camp, we take time to rest and prepare for the final summit push. The afternoon is spent relaxing, hydrating, and adjusting to the altitude. For those with extra energy, a short acclimatization walk can be taken higher up the route. As night falls, an early dinner is served before we retreat to our tents for a few hours of sleep. In the early hours of the morning, the summit attempt begins.

Highlights of the Day:

• High Camp (4,200 m), the final stop before the summit push

Travel Details: Trekking time: ~4 h; Up: +1,000 m; Overnight in tents at High Camp (4,200 m) (B / L / D)

At around 2-3 am, it is time to get up and have our breakfast. A steep climb of around 5-6h takes us to the summit. The glacier begins at an altitude of approx. 4,900m, from now on we continue with crampons. After 5 to 6h of climbing, we are standing on the highest peak in Turkey. In good weather and visibility, the view extends to Iran, Armenia and the Caucasus; Eastern Anatolia is at our feet! Then the descent begins, first to the high camp (3h). After a rest and a snack, we break off our camp and descend to the base camp. The walking time from the summit to the base camp is around 6 hours. Overnight in the base camp.

Walking for the day:

• High Camp – Mt Ararat: 5-6h, ↑1,050m
• Mt Ararat – Base Camp: 6h, ↓2,050m
• Accommodation: double tents
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

After breakfast, we begin the final descent from Base Camp (3,200 m), a steady 3-4 hour trek down to the vehicle pick-up point near Çevirme. With one last look back at Mount Ararat, we bid farewell to its towering slopes before driving back to Doğubayazıt.

The afternoon is free to explore this historically rich town, home to a vibrant Kurdish community. You may choose to relax at the hotel, wander through the lively streets, or unwind in a traditional hammam.

This day also serves as a reserve summit day in case of bad weather. 

Highlights of the Day:

• Final descent from Mount Ararat, leaving behind the high-altitude landscapes
• Free time to explore Doğubayazıt or relax at a traditional hammam

Travel Details: Expected travel distance: ~35 km; Trekking time: ~3-4 h; Down: -1,100 m; Overnight in Doğubayazıt (B / - / -)

After an unforgettable journey through the landscapes and legends of Mount Ararat, it’s time to say goodbye. At the designated time, group transfers will be arranged to Iğdır, Ağrı, or Van Airport for onward travel.

As the mountains fade into the distance, the memories of the summit, the vast Anatolian landscapes, and the bonds formed along the way will remain.

Until we meet again – güle güle! (Goodbye!)

Travel Details: Group transfer to Iğdır, Ağrı, or Van Airport (B / - / -)