Mount Ararat expedition and Van Lake

DAY 1: Baku - Nakhchivan - Igdir - Dogubeyazit

We meet the group at Baku Airport. From Baku, we set off for Nakhchivan by plane. From Nakhchivan, we will continue our journey by bus to the Dilucu border crossing in Igdir. After passing through the customs checkpoint, we will be met by a bus waiting for us to take us to our hotel in Dogubeyazit. Depending on the participants' preferences, we may visit the Ishak Pasha Palace before checking into our hotel. We complete our final preparations before the climb.

DAY 2: Dogubeyazit - 3200 m Camp

After breakfast, we leave our belongings at the hotel and take transportation to Mount Ararat. Our transportation will take us up to 2200 meters altitude, where the village of Chevirme is located (1 hour). We load our gear onto horses and bring along water and food for the journey. We then begin our trek on foot towards the 3200-meter camp. The trekking route is a moderately steep ascent towards Mount Ararat and takes approximately 3-4 hours. Upon reaching the campsite, we set up our tents and spend the night camping.

DAY 3: 3200 m - 4200 m - 3200 m (Acclimatization Hike)

After breakfast, we begin our acclimatization hike from the 3200 m camp to the 4200 m camp. The ascent will be steeper compared to the previous day. Today is dedicated to acclimatizing to the conditions at higher altitudes. We rest at the 4200 m camp before descending back to our base camp at 3200 m. We spend the night at the 3200 m camp.

DAY 4: 3200 m Camp - 4200 m Camp

After breakfast, we pack up our tents and load our gear onto the horses. We bring along water and light snacks for the journey and set off for the 4200m camp. The trekking duration is approximately 3-4 hours. We spend the remainder of the day engaging in snow training. We retire early to prepare for the summit push the next morning.

DAY 5: Summit - 3200 m Camp

We wake up at 02:00 in the night, have breakfast, and begin our ascent towards the summit at 03:00. Due to the steep terrain and high altitude, we will proceed at a slow pace. At 4900 m, we will encounter the glacier. Our guides will set a fixed line with ropes on the glacier. Participants will wear crampons during this part of the ascent. We secure ourselves to the rope with safety harnesses and continue our ascent. After completing the final steep section towards the summit, we reach the 5137 m peak. We descend using the same route, securing ourselves to the rope line on the glacier. Since it is challenging to sleep at 4200 m, we pack up our tents and descend to the 3200 m camp. We spend the night at the 3200 m camp.

DAY 6: 3200 m Camp - Dogubeyazit - Hotel

After packing up our tents at the 3200 m camp, we descend to the Chevirme village. From there, we board the waiting bus and return to our hotel in Dogubayazit. We spend the day resting. (In case of encountering adverse weather conditions during the summit program, this day will be considered a contingency day.)

DAY 7: Dogubeyazit - Nakhchivan - Baku

After having breakfast at our hotel, we set off towards the city of Van. Our first stop will be Muradiye Waterfall. Then, while crossing the Çaldıran Plain, we will see the historical sites of famous battles. Van city tour. After exploring the city, we will take a half-hour boat trip to Akdamar Island, one of the largest islands in Lake Van. Lunch by the shore of Lake Van (those interested can taste the famous pearl mullet, unique to Van). We will then visit Edremit Maiden’s Castle for sightseeing and a photo break. Finally, after visiting Van Castle, we will have some free time before returning to our hotel in Doğubayazıt.

DAY 8: Dogubeyazit - Nakhchivan - Baku

After breakfast at the hotel, we set off towards Nakhchivan.