Mount Ararat Summit Trek & Eastern Turkey Discovery

9 Days | Van – Mount Ararat – Van | 5,165 m Summit Adventure

Tour Overview

Welcome to Turkey! Mount Ararat (5,165 m)—the highest peak in the country and legendary resting place of Noah’s Ark—is one of the most challenging and rewarding trekking experiences in the region. Due to its remote location and restricted access until recent years, very few trekkers have successfully climbed Mount Ararat, making this ascent a truly exclusive adventure.

With over 7 years of professional Mount Ararat expedition experience, our company offers safe, well-organized, and locally enriched trekking tours led by experienced mountain guides. This journey combines high-altitude camping, acclimatization treks, and a summit attempt, along with cultural highlights of Eastern Turkey, including İshak Paşa Palace, Van Castle, Akdamar Church, and the stunning Lake Van.

This tour is ideal for adventurous travelers seeking a serious mountaineering challenge combined with deep cultural discovery.

Tour Highlights

• 🏔️ Mount Ararat Summit Ascent (5,165 m)

• 🥾 Multi-day high-altitude trekking & acclimatization

• 🏕️ Camping at Green Camp & High (Beach) Camp

• 🌋 Dramatic volcanic landscapes of Eastern Anatolia

• 🏰 İshak Paşa Palace – Ottoman architectural masterpiece

• 🌊 Lake Van & Akdamar Church

• 🏯 Van Castle panoramic viewpoints

• 👨‍🏫 Licensed, experienced local mountain guides

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Van – Doğubeyazıt | Arrival Day

Arrival at Van Airport and transfer to Doğubeyazıt, located at the foothills of Mount Ararat. En route, enjoy views of the vast Eastern Anatolian plateau. Evening briefing about the expedition and equipment check.

Overnight: Hotel in Doğubeyazıt
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Mount Ararat – Trek to Green Camp (3,200 m)

After breakfast, transfer to the starting point of the trek. Begin hiking toward Green Camp, passing volcanic slopes and grazing pastures.

Trekking: ~4–5 hours
Overnight: Camping (Green Camp)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Mount Ararat – Acclimatization Trek

Acclimatization day. Trek higher on the mountain to adapt to altitude, then descend back to Green Camp. This preparation significantly increases summit success.

Trekking: ~4–5 hours
Overnight: Camping (Green Camp)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Green Camp – High Camp (Beach Camp / 4,200 m)

Ascend to High Camp, also known as Beach Camp, following rocky trails with increasingly dramatic views. Afternoon at leisure to rest and prepare for summit day.

Trekking: ~4–6 hours
Overnight: Camping (High Camp)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Mount Ararat Summit Day (5,165 m)

Very early start (around 02:00–03:00 AM) for the summit ascent of Mount Ararat. Cross snowfields and glacier sections (crampons required). Reach the summit at sunrise for unforgettable views over Turkey, Armenia, and Iran. Descend back to High Camp, then continue to lower altitude.

Trekking: ~8–10 hours
Overnight: Camping / Hotel (depending on conditions)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Doğubeyazıt – Cultural Exploration

Return fully to Doğubeyazıt. Visit the spectacular İshak Paşa Palace, one of Turkey’s most impressive historical sites, blending Ottoman, Persian, and Seljuk architecture.

Overnight: Hotel in Doğubeyazıt
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Doğubeyazıt – Diyadin Hot Springs

Drive to Diyadin, known for its natural hot springs and waterfalls. Time to relax and recover after the demanding climb.

Overnight: Hotel / Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Van Castle & Akdamar Church (Lake Van)

Drive to Van and explore Van Castle, offering panoramic views over Lake Van. Later, take a boat trip to Akdamar Island to visit the famous 10th-century Akdamar Church, a masterpiece of Armenian architecture.

Overnight: Hotel in Van
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: Van | End of Tour

After breakfast, transfer to Van Airport. End of services.

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

✅ Accommodation (hotels & camping)
✅ Professional licensed mountain guides
✅ All meals during trekking days
✅ All ground transportation
✅ Camping equipment & logistics
✅ Climbing permits & local arrangements

Not Included

❌ Flights
❌ Travel insurance
❌ Personal mountaineering equipment
❌ Tips & personal expenses
❌ Additional services not listed

Who Is This Tour For?

✔️ Experienced trekkers & mountaineers
✔️ Adventurers seeking a Mount Ararat summit expedition
✔️ Travelers interested in Eastern Turkey’s culture & history
✔️ Those looking for a safe, guided, high-success ascent

Climb Turkey’s highest peak. Walk through legend. Discover the wild east.
Contact us now for availability, private departures, or Google Ads–optimized short versions of this Mount Ararat tour.