Mount Ararat Ascent - Exped Adventure Worldwide Ltd

Mount Ararat Ascent
Country Turkey
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Max altitude 5137m
Price £1195
Duration 9 Days
Highest mountain in Turkey Mt Ararat (5137m)
A real cultural, fascinating adventure
A remote summit but relatively easy trekking
(UIMLA) IML British leader
Close to Turkey's border with Armenia and unclimbed until the early 19th
Century, Mount Ararat (5165m) is the final resting place of Noah's Ark,
according to the Old Testament.
Whatever its place in history, this extinct volcano provides an unusual and
quite challenging mountaineering objective and is suitable for those without
any previous mountaineering experience.
We fly to Van via Istanbul and then transfer by road to the bustling frontier
town of Dogubeyazit. From here, it is a short approach to Mount Ararat,
which we climb over a period of 5 days, utilising two camps, at 3,200m and
4,200m.
We include an extra day’s acclimatisation and a spare summit day to
increase your chances of reaching the summit.
We are supported by a trek team of porters and mules which enables you to
enjoy the freedom of a day bag and the opportunity, given clear weather, to
concentrate on taking photos looking out towards Russia and Georgia.
Making a pre-dawn start from our high camp, we will be trekking across the
easy-angled snow slopes leading to the summit of Mount Ararat.
It normally takes between 6 and 8 hours to reach the summit from the top
camp. Crampons will be needed as the route is on snow and steepens in
places. From the summit it is possible to see Elbrus in Russia and Demavend
Peak in Iran.
Mount Ararat is surely one of the world's most enigmatic peaks, a short but
extremely rewarding trekking adventure in a very different corner of the
world.
Exped Adventure Worldwide Ltd, 33 Fairfield Close, Staveley, Cumbria, LA8 9RA. [email protected],
www.expedadventure.com, Registered company number - 8342816 © Copyright Exped Adventure Worldwide Ltd 2014
Participation Statement
We recognise that climbing, hill walking and mountaineering are activities with a danger of personal injury or death. Participants in these activities
should be aware of and accept these risks and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.
Accuracy of Itinerary
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, it may be necessary to make some changes as a result of flight schedules, climatic
conditions, limitations of infrastructure or other operational factors.
The itinerary is brief, due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. As a consequence, the order or location of
overnight stops and the duration of the day may vary from those outlined. You should be aware that some events are beyond our control and we
would ask for your patience.
The itineray is a general guide to the trip and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be
visited or encountered
Groups and Guides
A fully qualified British (UIMLA) International Mountain Leader will be your guide.
He/she may be assisted by an experienced in country leader.
Our leader to group ratios on this trip never exceed 1:8
Previous Experience/Fitness
The climb is not technically difficult but requires good levels of fitness and stamina. It is achievable by strong mountain walkers who
have the ability to adapt to the rigors of camping at 4,000m and trekking to over 5,000m. The trek is suitable for fit walkers who are
used to trekking on rough, sometimes rocky ground for up to eight hours, with summit day on Ararat being as long as a ten hour round
trip. If you are used to regular multi day hill-walking in the UK you will have the right level of fitness to fully enjoy your time on this
trek.
Weather
The weather should be pleasant during the day on the ascent with cooler evenings and nights. The higher you are the cooler it will be,
and we can expect sub zero temperatures at high camp. Despite of its higher altitude Dogubayazit will be very hot. Be aware however
that weather in the high mountains is unpredictable and you should be prepared for this. It will be generally cool in the evenings and
cold on the early starts on summit day.
What to Carry
The trek to Camp 2 is supported by a team of mules which will transport your main baggage. You will only need to carry a light
daypack. A 45l rucksack is a useful size to comfortably fit in essential items such as water bottle, camera, wet weather gear and extra
layers etc. Please ensure your rucksack has attachments for ice axe and crampons.
Useful Tips
Just in case your main luggage goes missing en route, it is a good idea to wear your boots on the plane, most other things can be
replaced but comfortable, well worn-in boots cannot. Whilst trekking pack important items in strong plastic bags to keep them safe
and dry.
Equipment
A detailed equipment list is provided on booking but winter trekking equipment is all that is required
Ice Axe and Crampon hire is available at £50 for the entire trip or £20 for an ice axe and £30 for crampons.
Baggage
For your own comfort, travel light. Normally airlines restrict baggage to 20kg and on trek the weight for mules and porters should be
kept to 15kg, (you will be wearing boots and one set of trekking clothes). Some items can be left at the hotel in Marrakech for your
return.
Health
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult your doctor for up-to-date medical
information well before departure. All our (UIMLA) International Mountain Leaders hold first aid certificates and carry a fully equipped
first aid kit for medical emergencies. We recommend that you carry a personal First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as
well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities,
and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When
selecting your trip please carefully read the information and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please
refer to the trek rating for trip specific information. If you have any concerns, please contact us before booking.
Exped Adventure Worldwide Ltd reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable
opinion of your guide they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to yourself and/or the rest of the group. Tap or
stream water should never be drunk without first sterilizing with chlorine dioxide tablets or by boiling.
Exped Adventure Worldwide Ltd, 33 Fairfield Close, Staveley, Cumbria, LA8 9RA. [email protected],
www.expedadventure.com, Registered company number - 8342816 © Copyright Exped Adventure Worldwide Ltd 2014
Insurance
Insurance which covers mountain rescue, evacuation and medical expenses is essential. You should note there are no official mountain
rescue services in Turkey and that any evacuation in the event of a serious medical emergency to the nearest hospital will be by land
and only in serious situations by helicopter. We will require a copy of your insurance prior to departure.
Please also ensure your insurance covers you for walking above 5000m (some will exclude this option).
Altitude
If you are new to altitude you may have concerns about the effects. On this climb we do take you straight up to Camp I at 3200m, and
you may feel the effect of this altitude. Most will acclimatise fully over the next couple of days. The best way to avoid such symptoms
is to walk at a gentle steady pace and drink plenty of fluid.
Visa and Permits
Visas for entry into Turkey are required by most nationalities including the UK, Ireland most EU countries. Visas, costing about £10,
are easily obtained on arrival in Istanbul. The cost of the climbing permit is included in the trip price and we will obtain this for you. In
order to do this we must have a copy of your passport at least 8 weeks before departure. Contact your local embassy, or consulate for
the most up-to-date visa requirements. It is your responsibility to have the correct travel documentation.
Local Costs
All accommodation and most meals are included on this trek. Additional costs would include any drinks or snacks outside of
mealtimes, tips for local staff.
Currency
The currency in Turkey is the New Turkish Lira. Lira can be obtained in the UK, or take UK sterling, Euro or US$ and exchange on
arrival. ATM’s and change bureaux are available in the airport and main towns.
Tipping
Tipping is an accepted part of life in Turkey. We generally tip our local staff as a whole and recommend around £30 per person.
Catering Arrangements
Our trek cooks pride themselves on their cooking, and ensure all food on the trek is freshly prepared using local ingredients and there
is plenty for everyone. A typical menu on this trip would be:
Breakfast: A spread including cereals, fruits, salami, fresh bread, eggs, feta cheese, yoghurt, honey, olives, dried fruit and nuts, tea and
coffee.
Lunch: You will be able to make up your own pack lunch to carry with you choosing from the selection at breakfast as well as
tomatoes, cucumber, cake, biscuits.
Dinner: A hot meal is served every night consisting of a variety of delicious Turkish dishes, barbecued meats and lots of fresh salads.
Please bring with you extra snack for during the day if required
Accommodation
In Dogubayazit you will stay in a tourist class hotel, Twin, double or single rooms are available. On the ascent you will be in two-person
tents on rocky camping areas with only basic washing and toilet facilities.
Flights and Joining Arrangements
Flights are NOT included as part of this holiday. On this trip logistics require that all clients fly out on the same flight, and we will
inform you which flight is most suited. The rendezvous for this trip is the DEPARTURES HALL AT HEATHROW OR STANSTED
AIRPORT to check in for the outbound flight on Day 1.
Exped Adventure Worldwide Ltd, 33 Fairfield Close, Staveley, Cumbria, LA8 9RA. [email protected],
www.expedadventure.com, Registered company number - 8342816 © Copyright Exped Adventure Worldwide Ltd 2014
Mount Ararat Ascent Itinerary
Day 1 Depart UK in the evening. We fly to Van via Istanbul.
Day 2 We will be met at Van airport and transferred to Dogubayazit, we can enjoy this scenic 3 hour drive, stopping en
route at magnificent Muradiye Waterfalls for photos then passing volcanic Mount Tendurek before we arrive at
Dogubeyazit and settle into our 3 star hotel.
Day 3 In the morning we complete formalities at the army checkpoint before leaving the main highway and driving for
about 1 hour to reach the road head at Eli Village (2,000m). Our kit bags are loaded onto mules by horsemen and taken
ahead of us. We trek to camp one on a level grassy site at 3,200m
3 - 4 hours walking.
Day 4 Acclimatisation day today, we plan to climb part of the way up to Camp 2 before descending to spend a second
night at Camp 1.
Day 5 We continue to gain height as we leave the grasslands behind and start to climb the rocky scree slopes. As the
track zig zags upwards it is rarely steep or difficult. In fact the pack animals are also able to negotiate the route to Camp
2. After 3-4 hours of walking we reach Camp 2 at a height of 4,200m. This is a small site in a dramatic location, set on a
rocky ridge with great views down into the surrounding valleys and upwards to the summit ice fields.
3 - 4 hours walking.
Day 6 Summit day. We are likely to make a very early start at about 2 a.m. After having a hot drink and a quick breakfast
we start trekking upwards on a rocky path. After a few hours we reach the permanent snow and ice of the summit
slopes. Here we may use crampons depending on the conditions underfoot. After about 5-6 hours of climbing we reach
to the summit. Little Ararat and the Armenian capital, Yerevan, can be seen nearby, while the high peaks of Georgia and
Iran are visible in the distance. We aim to leave the summit before the afternoon cloud builds up, we descend to spend a
second night at Camp 1.
9 - 10 hours walking.
Day 7/8 Spare summit day in case of bad weather. Cultural tours if the spare day is not needed.
Day 7/8 After descending for about 2 and a half hours we load our bags onto a truck and drive down to Dogubeyazit and
have our lunch there. Free time in the afternoon and overnight at hotel.
2 - 3 hours walking.
Day 9 Transfer to Van airport for flight home via Istanbul.
If you would like to join us on this adventure please visit
www.expedadventure.com
Exped Adventure Worldwide Ltd, 33 Fairfield Close, Staveley, Cumbria, LA8 9RA. [email protected],
www.expedadventure.com, Registered company number - 8342816 © Copyright Exped Adventure Worldwide Ltd 2014