Location:  Agri– Dogubeyazit
Transportation:   Intercity transportation is your choice.   We organize the transportation by bus.   Transportation by plane is only provided for Erzurum.  The transfers in the tour are provided by minibuses.
Accommodation:   We accommodate for four nights in tents and for two nights in a hotel.
Activity: The peak climb.
Activity time: Starts on Sunday, ends on Saturday. 
Degree: It is a tough tour.  It is necessary for the peak climbers to be conditioned.
Equipment: Crampon, pickax, security belt, carbine, headlamp, clothing that is not affected by wind, underclothing.
Number of climbers: Minimum of 5, maximum of 20 climbers.
Tour Dates: Every week between July-Agust
Guides: Professional and licensed guides from the Mountaineering Federation who will accompany our climbers.
Fee: F.B. Accommodation, transfers, meals, guidance and insurance are all included.

Intercity transportation (we organize it), alcoholic drinks, the meals during transportation and VAT are not included in the fee. 

2004 TOUR PRICES (per person)

SOUTHERN ROUTE

The Southern route is the easiest and by far the most popular one; therefore we will describe it in detail.

The Southern route of Ararat starts in Dogubayazit. It is rated 1 (easiest in the snow), but the difficulty is in acclimatization and the changeable weather conditions. Ararat, at an elevation of 5137 meters, is the highest mountain in Turkey by 1000 meters. The climb becomes very steep very fast, and most mountaineers are quickly affected by mountain sickness.

AKUT (search and rescue unit) erected sign posts at every 100 meters. These signs, which denote the altitude, irritate some of the purist climbers, but are helpful in showing the correct way up the mountain. Unfortunately, some of the signs have been damaged; it is not advisable to depend on them entirely for the climb to the peak.

It is possible to complete the climb to the peak in three days. Groups take 4-5 days generally. If you are not used to high elevations and have the time, it is advisable to get acclimated before the climb.

Your first aim after leaving Dogubayazit is the village of Eli . Eli is 2 hours by truck. From Dogubayazit, take the road to the Iranian border for 6 km, turn left and go for 12 km. This will take you to the village of Eli at an elevation of 2200m. The road is not drivable after Eli, but a path with a slight initial grade will take you to the camp at 3200 m. This walk takes about 4 hours, and the grade becomes steep only for the last hour. One can rent mules at the village of Eli . Camp 3200 m is one of the rare places where you can find greenery and water. It is generally crowded and dirty. Since there are no toilet facilities, almost all the crevices (spaces) beneath the rocks have been used as such.

From camp 3200, a 3 hour walk on a steep and rocky path will take you to camp 4200. (Notice that the small 400 m elevation difference between Eli and camp 3200 is traversed in 4 hours, and the 1000 m difference and between camps 3200 and 4200 takes and equal amount of time.) Take the path to the right beyond camp 3200m, and when you arrive at a river bed, continue on the path without taking any turns. This route will take you directly up to camp 42000. If needed, you will find a few additional places to pitch your tent at elevations of 4100 and 4300m.

The day of the climb to the peak, you should start with the first lights of dawn. The walk between camp 4200 and 4950m where the glacier starts is very steep and rocky. You put on your crampons at 4900 m. The last bit of the climb is relatively easy with a gentle grade. The first peak you will encounter when you enter the glacier is called Inonu peak. The main peak is to your left. You reach the main peak after you pass Inonu peak, enter the cone (crater) and walk a short distance on the flat and then up a slight incline. The climb from camp 4200 to the main peak takes about 5-6 hours.

The descent is almost as hard as the ascent; toes and knees suffer. The route is the same in reverse.



Sample daily schedule (the most popular):

Day 1

Arrive at Van Airport and transfer to Dogubayazit. It takes two hours. Overnight at the Sim-Er hotel.

Day 2

Transfer to Eli village 2200m.by truck. This trip takes 2 hours. Then continue by mule to the 3200 camp site. If you want you can rent a mule for yourself also. The climb takes 4s four hours. It is an easy slope. Make camp.

Day 3:

Climb to camp site at 4200m. It takes 3 hours. Rest to acclimate. Return to camp site 3200 m.

Day 4:

Transfer to camp site at 4200 m by mule. Rest to acclimate.

Day 5:

Start to climb at day break to peak at 5137m. It takes 5 to 6 hours. Return to camp at 4200 m and rest.

Day 6:

Transfer by mule to site at 2200 m. It takes 6 hours. Transfer to hotel by truck. It takes 2 hours. Visit Noah’s Arc. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7:

Transfer to Van. Visit the Akmadar Island , and carpet shops, take a city tour. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8:

Transfer to the airport.

OTHER ROUTES

You may want to use the alternate routes to the Southern route, namely the Eastern and Western routes. Beware that they are not used often; it is difficult to find guides and mules. There are no roads to drive on these alternate routes. What roads there are to the valleys and the plateaus at the lower skirts of the mountain have been poorly kept up because of infrequent use.

The eastern route, which is relatively popular, starts at the valley of Aras on the northern side. It continues through Serdarbulak through a deep pit (Mine Shaft) to the pass between the Small and Grand Ararat mountains. The route then follows a terraced slope and reaches a rock formation known as the Rock Church After that comes a long glacial slope, to the left there is a path of loose rocks, which will take you to the peak.

The Northwestern route starts at a small village between Igdir and Dogubayazit and follows the route to Lake Kup . This lake is usually used as a camp ground. You leave the vast flat ground around the lake, take a steep glacial and rocky road to first peak Inonu and then to the main peak.

The Northern route starts at Igdir; it is a difficult, technical climb on a glacial route to the right (east) of an impressively empty valley. The weather on the Northern route offers even more difficult conditions than on the Southern route. During the spring and summer months, the melted snow carries literally rivers of ice blocks and rocks into the valleys. Therefore it is strongly advised that you do not enter the valleys but keep to the ridges.

SMALL ARARAT

Small Ararat dagi is not climbed often. The route starts at a high plateau named Serdarbulak; you should drive as high up the mountain as you can. There are thick forests of oak at the skirts of the mountain, which make walking very difficult. The maximum elevation is 3896 m, and all slopes up to the top are of approximately the same grade. Up to 3000 m you will encounter frequent clumps of dwarfed trees. It is possible to climb up and down the mountain in 1 day. The best, most impressive part of the climb is the view of the majestic Grand Ararat dagi that accompanies you constantly.

Mt Ararat offers a challenging climb. Unlike the Kackars, it has no green glens, canyons, rivers, lakes, or waterfalls. It is a bare mountain with a majestic peak which is difficult to reach.

Water is sparse on the mountain. In general, it is very difficult to find water outside the designated camp grounds. Since the source for this water is melted “wormy” snow, drinking it may cause diarrhea. Therefore it is advisable to bring filters and/or disinfectants.

Agri is covered with volcanic rocks. It exhibits the characteristics of all volcanic mountains, that is, slopes with a gentle initial incline become steep very quickly as the elevation increases. There are no trees on this mountain, climbers should not dream of resting on green grass under a shade tree.

There is 2 main camp site over south route. 3200m and 4200m. The greenest area is at camp 3200m, and it is only 1000 m2. It is used for tents only. Camp 4200 m is rocky. The space for 20-30 tents is packed earth which has been cleared of rocks. If needed, one can pitch tents on leveled rocks. It is difficult to sleep at this camp, because of sulphorous emissions from the rocks.

Environmental protection is not enforced. Therefore one frequently encounters garbage. There no rest areas for toilet facilities, but the dirt accumulated in secluded spots used for bathroom purposes, is washed away with the winter snow.

The southern route from camp 3200 to the peak is equipped with signs bearing the coordinates. But most of the posts have been demolished either by people or the harsh winds.

The view from the peak, on a clear day, is extraordinary. To the east and south you can see into Iran and Armenia , the Suphan dag and sometime the Lake Van . To the north, the Kackar Mountains and the Caucuses may be visible.

Ararat Mountain generates its own weather conditions; it is not wise to depend on weather forecasts. The peak is subject to severe winds, and sudden changes in temperature. Every year several deaths have been recorded due to weather conditions. One has to be equipped for the worst, and one has to know when to quit.

After you leave Doguayazit, you can reach the village of Eli at 2200 m. In fact the road could take you to 2800 m but, in the severe winter in 2002 damaged the higher portion of the road. That is to say to one has to walk after reaching 2200m. There is however, no difficulty in finding mules. In fact, the mule packers will find you whether or not you want to find mules.

Rental prices for mules are a matter of bargain. Usually one mule carries three backpacks. The mule packers will insist on two backpacks a mule if the packs are over 25 kg. In general, the mules are rented for the whole climb, the rental is for the distances 2800-3200; 3200-4200 and 4200-2800 and should be between $100 and $120 each mule

Sometimes the packers will ask separate prices for the mules and the packers. This mode of payment is to be avoided. Bargain for a single price for the packer, the mule and for the whole trip, both the ascending and descending parts. If you provide meals for the packer, and a bit of extra money the packer may be persuaded to look after your tent while you climb. The packer may also carry you smaller bags like the sharpas.

Mount Ararat or Mount Agri
Feet: 16,945
Meter: 5,137
Longitude: 44° 18' E
Latitude: 39° 42' N
Best Season for climb: July, Agust, and mid September.
First Climb: 1829 Frederic Parot
Airports: Agri, Van, Kars, Erzurum.
Place for Accomodation: Dogubayazit.

Camping Equipment:

If you go with a tour, most of the camping equipment will be provided by the agency. For example DEEP NATURE will provide, free of charge, Expedition tents, 70 backpacks, sleeping bags that are at -18 centigrade, 2 cm thick mats, semi automatic crampons, ice picks, safety belts...

Tent: Expedition tent. Suitable for winter conditions.
Sleeping bag: Min -15C
Rucksuck: 40 and 70 lt. (If there is a mule for carrying, type of rucksuck is not important)
Mat: 2 cm thick
Gaiter: Gore-Tex will be best
Balaklava: Preserving your nose, ears and mouth
Hat: Fleece hats ara suitable.
Socks: Mountaineer socs are suitable.
Gloves: Polypropilen gloves inside the Fleece gloves. and Gore Tex cover.
Underwear: Synthetic easy dry underwears
Mid wear: Windproof fleece
Up wear: Breathable gore-tex jacket and panth
Glasses: Full protected glasses like ski glasess
Compass: GPS or claasical compasses
Survival Kit: Full equiped.

Technical Equipment
Stone: MSR Whisperlite Int 600 (If you will join a company organisation you do not need this. because all food organisation is made by them.)
Boot: Waterproof, vibram, and semi aotomatic crampon attachable boots.
Crampon: Suitable for your boots
Axe: suitable for your height
Helmet
Harness
Rope: 50m 9mm static rope
Carabin: at least 6 carabin
Perlon: 10m x 2
Ice Crew: 4 crew
Other equipments for station.

Foods
Dehidrate expedition foods
Isostar
Traditional mountain menus.

alternative tour

1^st day- Sunday: Meeting in Erzurum and departure to Dogu Beyazit, check-in at the hotel.  Visit to the Ýshakpaþa Palace and to Ani Archaeological Site with the ones who wish to see.

2^nd day- Monday:  In the morning, departure to 2500 m and with a 2-hour walk, departure to the camp at 3200 m. Rest for acclimation.  Visit to Noah's Ark and the Meteor ditch. 

3^rd day - Tuesday:  In the morning, the camp moves to the general camp around Cehennem River, which is at a height of 4200 m. Rest for acclimation.  Visit to glacier caves.

4^th day - Wednesday: Departure to the peak before sunrise.  Glacier climb at a height of 4950m, transition with rope and peak.  Return to the 4200m-camp.

5^th day - Thursday: Transfer to Dogu Beyazit from the 4200m-camp, check-in at the hotel.

6^th day - Friday:  Departure from Dogu Beyazit to Erzurum.

7^th day - Saturday:  Extra day.  Incase of unsuccessful peak climb, it’s going to be tried for the second time and the tour will end on Saturday.

The personal equipment which everyone should have:

• Clothes that are not affected by wind and rain.
• Beret, gloves, sunglasses, sun lotion and etc.
• Polar or under clothing for the climbers
• Headlamp
• One carbine
• Crampon (for the glacier climb)
• Plastic shoes or a pair of hard boots to which the crampons may attach
• Ice pickax
• Security belt

Sleeping bags, rucksacks, sleeping pads and tents are going to be provided by DEEPNATURE. 

The documents, which should also be brought, are:

·        Passport

·        A medical report, if possible.

NOTE:  The climbers of Mountain Ararat should have an experience of overnight in a tent and at a high altitude.  They should also be conditioned enough for the peak climb, so that they do not slow down the whole group.  The climb will be made from the south route, which is the safest one.

Wherever you go in this region, there is always a sublime mountain standing across to you.  It seems as if it’s watching you at all times.  You can’t flee from it.  That’s Mountain Ararat.  

In summer, the weather in Ararat is usually sunny, arid and hot.  However, one starts feeling the heavy mountain conditions above 3000m.  A cold and heavy weather is usually more dominant here.  The south side is the safest and easiest route of the mountain.   We will use this route, which is the most suitable one in terms of transportation, communication and safety.  At the 3200-m-camp, it may be 0 degrees and at the 4200-m-camp it may be about-15 degrees at night. 

It’s 270 km long between Erzurum and Dogubeyazit.  Ishakpasa Palace, which is constructed in 17^th century, is 6 km far from Dogubeyazit and Mountain Ararat is 16 km far from the Armenian border. 

Mountain Ararat is known as Koh-i Nuh in Iran, Marsis in Armenia and Ararat in Europe.  It’s an extinct volcanic mountain that has probably exploded 10000 years ago.   Above 4200 m, the mountain is covered with glacier.

Mountain Ararat is the highest mountain in Turkey with an altitude of 5137 m.  In its southeast stands Mountain Small Ararat, which is 3896 m high.  These two mountains are extended on an area of 1188 km² .  Mountain Ararat, which is an extinct volcanic mountain, has always been a legendary figure in history.   It has been regarded as sacred, therefore the sacred books have referred to it.

Many researchers or curious people have been in search of Noah’s Ark for years now.  Some have even suggested that they have taken its pictures.  After these pictures were published, many people discussed if it’s really the ark or not.  It’s strongly believed that, during the flood, Noah has taken a pair of all kinds of living things, got on his ark and later the ark was grounded on top of Mountain Ararat.  The sacred books approve this belief as well.  It is also suggested that the Irem Garden, in which Adam and Eve have lived, is located in the Aras Valley, north of Mountain Ararat. 

It is earlier stated that in the eastern regions, many stories and legends are told.  These stories, one of which is on Mountain Ararat, are detailed and well constructed.   Let us quote it shortly:

The Legend of Mountain Ararat:

Big and Small Ararat came from the family of Kafdaðý, which was the ruler of all the mountains on earth.   Sister Small Ararat was engaged with the son of Kafdaðý, named New Kafdaðý.  Since Big Ararat was the most powerful of all the mountains, he went on a 70-year-long journey with his army and within this time Sultan Kafdagi has died.  It was the right of Big Ararat to become the new ruler but since he was away, New Kafdagi attained the throne. Big Ararat, who became really upset with this injustice, took his sister Small Ararat and moved next to Aras Valley, where it is found now.  Old, upset and tired Big Ararat has put his head on his sister’s lap and fallen asleep.  After many years have passed, New Kafdagi missed his fiancé Small Ararat, therefore he sent messengers to Big Ararat asking to be forgiven.  Big Ararat expelled the messengers and fell asleep again.  This time Angry New Kafdagi took his army and attacked Big Ararat, but it was useless; powerful Big Ararat has defeated the whole army on his own.

New Kafdagi never gave up, he attacked Big Ararat seven times and each time with a bigger army.  However, he was defeated.  On the other hand, Small Ararat also missed her fiancé but was afraid of her brother. 

Being defeated so many times, New Kafdagi understood that he should do something using some kind of trick.   While Big Ararat was asleep, he pointed at Small Ararat and wanted her to come.  As she tried to flee, Big Ararat has noticed that and coughed as he squandered flames, smoke and ashes from his mouth.  New Kafdagi was so afraid that he escaped.  On the other hand, the villages nearby were burned up.  Once in every 70-80 years Small Ararat tried once more to flee but her brother didn’t let her go by coughing and shaking the earth.

Aðrý (Mt. Ararat)

Rising at the borders of Turkey and Iran, Mount Agri, an inactive volcano capped year round with ice and snow, rises to 5137 meters. The Old Testament records that it was on this mountain that Noah's Ark came to rest after the great flood. Southwest of the mountain, the Little Mount Agri (Ararat) reaches up to 3896 meters; the Serdarbulak lava plateau (2600 m) stretches out between the two pinnacles. Climbing the spectacular Agri is a challenging and rewarding experience.

The top of Ararat is covered with a large cap glacier and many valley glaciers run from the top. The worlds attention has been drawn have due to Noah's history. In the south near a village theri is a long fossil which is supposed to belong to Noah's Ark because of similarity, according to some archologists studiying this subject.

In the summer, the weather in the area and on Mount Agri is sunny, warm and dry. However, in the winter and spring, cold and harsh conditions prevail, and mountain climbers occasionally face blizzards and turbulent weather. July, August, and September are the months when most world mountain climbers come to the area. Climbing up Agri is most enjoyable during this period. However, despite the usual sunny and clear weather at that time of year, high altitude mountain weather swirls around above 3000 meters. The southern side of the mountain offers the easiest and safest climb to the summit. With this route one has access to the best route communication and transportation facilities and it is safe. It is not recommended to climb Mount Agri alone and without a guide.

Getting There The Trabzon- Erzurum- Iran International Transit Highway, an asphalt road skirts the western and southern flanks of Agri before leading into Iran. Dogubeyazit, 270 km from Erzurum and nearby Igdir, the two closest towns to the mountain, are located on this route. Planes, trains, and buses connect Erzurum with Ankara.

Regional Attractions The area surrounding Agri has retained its natural beauty. The local population still engages in a traditional life styles. In the summer months the villagers move to the yayla, the summer pastures, to find fresh grazing for their herds of sheep, goats, cattle and horses. Women continue to weave carpets and kilims in time _ honored designs; Village of Ortulu is particularly renowned as a center of beautiful handicrafts. Other nearby tourist attractions include the Ishakpasha Palace, a fabulous 18th century castle of a local potentate, and the meteor hole near the Iranian border.

Do not miss the spectacular site of the Ishak Pasa Palace, only 6 km from Dogubayazit. Ishak Pasa, Ottoman governor of the province, constructed the palace in the 17th century with a mixture of architectural styles. Nearby you can see a bas-relief of an Urartian king, and a rock tomb from the ninth century B.C. Near Dogubayazit, Turkey's most scenic natural monument, Mount Agri rises to a height of 5,137 meters. To see the place where it is believed that Noah's Ark came aground, go to Üzengili Village, 25 km east of Dogubayazit. Be sure to try the local dessert (Actually it is very widely popular all around Turkey) Asure (Noah's Pudding), believed to have first been made by Noah's wife from the last bits of food in the ark.

Ararat is the largest and highest (16,940 feet, 5,165 m) volcano in Turkey. Ararat is located at 39.7N, 44.3E. In this image, north is to the lower left. The border with Armenia is 10 miles (16 kilometers) from the summit and is roughly along the left edge of the image. Ararat has not erupted in historic time. The most recent eruption was probably in the last 10,000 years. The volcano is thought to be the resting place of Noah's ark. The observation of vessel-shaped features in aerial photographs of Ararat caused a stir in the late 1950s. Expeditions found the features to be landslides and lava flows.

The cause of volcanism in eastern Turkey has not been established. However, the region lacks moderate and deep earthquake activity common to most subduction zones. An alternative model proposes renewed subduction of continental lithosphere  A third model proposes that volcanism is related to shear along the contact of the two plates.

Mount Ararat lies in the far east of Turkey close to the borders with Iran, Iraq and Armenia. Kackar mountains, which are still accessible to visitors and in many ways more attractive to mountain walkers since they comprise a complete range of mountains, rising to 3932m, rather than the isolated volcanic cone of Ararat. Ararat is the great prize however for mountain collectors, not only because it is the highest summit in Turkey but also for its historical significance.

(Armenian Masis; Turkish Agri Dagi; Persian Koh-i-Nuh), mountain, extreme eastern Turkey, near the border with Armenia and Iran. Except on the northwest, where a spur nearly 2134 m (7000 ft) high merges with a long ridge, the mountain is completely isolated, being surrounded on all other sides by elevated plains ranging from about 760 to 1370 m (about 2500 to 4500 ft) above sea level. From an elevation of about 2680 m (about 8800 ft) Ararat rises in two peaks, known as Great Ararat (5122 m/16,804 ft) and Little Ararat (3914 m/12,840 ft). Above the 4267-m (14,000-ft) level, Great Ararat is perpetually covered with snow. Vegetation, consisting for the most part of grasses, is chiefly confined to the area between about 1525 and 3355 m (about 5000 and 11,000 ft). According to the Old Testament (see Genesis 8:4), Noah's ark landed on the “mountains of Ararat” after the deluge. On July 2, 1840, great masses of the mountain were torn loose by a violent earthquake. The resulting avalanche buried a village and the St. Jacob's Monastery on its lower slopes producing the Ahora Gorge.