TÜRSAB 17044 · Istanbul DMC
Mount Ararat is the highest mountain in Turkey at 5,137 metres and, in the Book of Genesis, the resting place of Noah's Ark. It is a non-technical ascent: no ropes and no climbing experience are required, only steady walking at altitude with crampons on the final snow slope. Every climber needs a Ministry permit and a local guide. The guide is ours on every programme; the permit is included in full service and added on request on the mountain-only programme.
We run three programmes on the same mountain. The seven-day expedition is full service: airport transfers, two hotel nights, the permit and a cultural day. The five-day programme is the mountain only, permit included, for people who arrange their own way to Doğubayazıt. The six-day ski touring programme climbs on skis and descends the same way, in March and April. Whichever you pick, you sleep in fixed camps with raised beds, a heated dining tent and a camp chef.
Every tour includes a daily 15-minute survival-Turkish session with your guide — order your çay, haggle at the bazaar, greet like a local. Plus free access to Eda, our AI Turkish tutor, before and after your trip.
✨ Open group departures through the season, or a private departure on your own dates.
| Mountain | Mount Ararat (Ağrı Dağı), Ağrı province, eastern Turkey |
| Summit altitude | 5,137 m (16,854 ft) |
| Total ascent | 2,937 m from Çevirme village |
| Nearest airports | Ağrı (AJI) or Iğdır (IGD), connections via Istanbul; Van (VAN) possible with an extra transfer |
| Base town | Doğubayazıt, 35 km from the trailhead |
| Permit | Ministry of Culture and Tourism, €50, plus district governorship approval — included in every programme |
| Guide | A local mountain guide accompanies every group, about one guide per nine climbers |
| Largest glacier | The summit ice cap, the largest glacier in Turkey |
| Typical summit day | 10 to 12 hours, starting before dawn |
Fly into Ağrı or Iğdır (Van is possible with an extra transfer). We meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel at about 1,600 m. Briefing, kit check and, if the light holds, sunset at İshak Paşa Palace.
A short drive to Çevirme village at 2,200 m, then roughly five hours of walking up to Base Camp at 3,200 m. Mules carry the group equipment; you walk with a daypack.
Walk up to 4,200 m and come back down to sleep low, the single biggest factor in reaching the summit. Crampon practice with your guide in the afternoon.
About four hours over rocky ground to High Camp at 4,200 m. Early dinner, kit laid out, early night.
A pre-dawn start by headlamp. The İnönü glacier plateau, crampons on from around 4,900 m, then the final snow dome and the summit at 5,137 m. Descent all the way to Base Camp.
Descend to Çevirme and transfer back to the hotel. Hot shower, then a cultural visit to İshak Paşa Palace (entry included) and the celebration dinner — the first proper night's sleep in a week.
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, or carry on with us to Istanbul or across eastern Anatolia.
We meet at our meeting point in town and drive to Çevirme village at 2,200 m, where mules take the bags. About five hours on foot to Base Camp at 2,800 m.
Up to 3,900 m in four to five hours, an hour of rest and short walks, then back down to Base Camp. This day decides the summit.
After breakfast, four to five hours up to Second Camp at 3,500 m. Gear check and bags packed for the midnight start.
Start time set by the guide; about eight hours to the summit, thirty minutes on top, then down to Second Camp for the last night on the mountain. A weather contingency day is built in.
Breakfast at camp, three to four hours down to the vehicles at 2,200 m, transfer to the meeting point in town where the programme ends.
We meet you at Iğdır or Ağrı airport (Van with an extra transfer) and drive you to your hotel.
Vehicles to Çevirme at 1,900 m, mules take the gear, then about six hours on skins to Winter Base Camp at 3,500 m.
Up to 4,000 m in about five hours, an hour of rest, then a ski descent back to camp.
Early start set by the guide; about seven hours to the summit, then the ski descent from 5,137 m back to Base Camp at 3,500 m. A weather contingency day is built in.
After breakfast, ski down to 1,900 m in about five hours, transfer to the hotel, then a short cultural tour and the celebration dinner.
Transfer to the airport for your flight.
The 5-day programme is the mountain only. It starts and ends in Doğubayazıt: you arrange your own flights, airport transfer and hotel in town, and the climbing permit is not included — we can add it for you.
Ski touring is a full-service programme, but you need to be a competent off-piste skier: you skin up and ski down from 5,137 m on 20–30° slopes. Bring your own touring setup — skis, bindings, skins and boots — or ask us to arrange rental. Groups of 2 to 15.
| 7-day summit expedition, open group departure | from €715 per person |
| 5-day mountain programme, permit included, without hotel or transfers | from €545 per person |
| 6-day ski touring, open group departure | from €1,065 per person |
| Extra private guide | €550 per group |
| Single tent, no sharing | €60 |
| Private climb on your own dates (7 days) | from €890 per person (8+); €1,650 each for 2 |
| Climbing insurance valid above 5,000 m | on request |
| Istanbul stopover: transfers and hotel | on request |
| Eastern Anatolia extension: Ani, Van and Akdamar | on request |
| Two summits (Great + Little Ararat), 7 days, open group, July–September | €1,095 per person |
| Two summits, private, 6 days, on your own dates | from €1,230 per person (8+); €2,190 each for 2 |
Per person. Fixed departure dates can be booked online with a €150 deposit per person; for private departures and extensions we confirm your exact price within 24 hours.
Pick a date and secure your place with a €150 deposit per person. The balance is due 45 days before departure.
The closing month: cold, quiet, often wet or snowy lower down, and the emptiest the mountain gets all year. After the last October departure the fixed camps come down and later ascents run privately with dome tents.
Ski touring only. The mountain is still deep in winter snow, so the route is climbed on skis with skins and descended the same way. Six-day programmes, for people who already ski off-piste.
Still a ski-mountaineering month, but with longer days and more settled snow than March. The upper slopes hold good spring snow while the lower mountain starts to clear.
The first foot ascents of the year, on snow cover that reaches low down the mountain. Camps are temporary at this stage and the weather is less predictable — the most winter-like way to reach the summit without skis.
From mid-June the fixed camps go up: raised beds, a dining tent and a camp chef at 3,200 m and 4,200 m. Snow still covers the summit dome, the crowds have not arrived, and the days are the longest of the year.
The heart of the season: the most departures, the most settled weather and the warmest days, although nights at High Camp stay below freezing. It is also the busiest month at the camps.
The most reliable summit conditions of the year and the driest ground underfoot. Full-moon departures are marked in the calendar, and the 2027 season includes departures timed for the solar eclipse of 2 August.
Fewer people, still-settled weather and long golden evenings — the best month for photographs. Nights are noticeably colder than August and the first new snow can arrive on the upper mountain.
The closing month: cold, quiet, often wet or snowy lower down, and the emptiest the mountain gets all year. After the last October departure the fixed camps come down and later ascents run privately with dome tents.
The first foot ascents of the year, on snow cover that reaches low down the mountain. Camps are temporary at this stage and the weather is less predictable — the most winter-like way to reach the summit without skis.
From mid-June the fixed camps go up: raised beds, a dining tent and a camp chef at 3,200 m and 4,200 m. Snow still covers the summit dome, the crowds have not arrived, and the days are the longest of the year.
The heart of the season: the most departures, the most settled weather and the warmest days, although nights at High Camp stay below freezing. It is also the busiest month at the camps.
The most reliable summit conditions of the year and the driest ground underfoot. Full-moon departures are marked in the calendar, and the 2027 season includes departures timed for the solar eclipse of 2 August.
Fewer people, still-settled weather and long golden evenings — the best month for photographs. Nights are noticeably colder than August and the first new snow can arrive on the upper mountain.
The closing month: cold, quiet, often wet or snowy lower down, and the emptiest the mountain gets all year. After the last October departure the fixed camps come down and later ascents run privately with dome tents.
Ski touring only. The mountain is still deep in winter snow, so the route is climbed on skis with skins and descended the same way. Six-day programmes, for people who already ski off-piste.
The first foot ascents of the year, on snow cover that reaches low down the mountain. Camps are temporary at this stage and the weather is less predictable — the most winter-like way to reach the summit without skis.
From mid-June the fixed camps go up: raised beds, a dining tent and a camp chef at 3,200 m and 4,200 m. Snow still covers the summit dome, the crowds have not arrived, and the days are the longest of the year.
The heart of the season: the most departures, the most settled weather and the warmest days, although nights at High Camp stay below freezing. It is also the busiest month at the camps.
The most reliable summit conditions of the year and the driest ground underfoot. Full-moon departures are marked in the calendar, and the 2027 season includes departures timed for the solar eclipse of 2 August.
Fewer people, still-settled weather and long golden evenings — the best month for photographs. Nights are noticeably colder than August and the first new snow can arrive on the upper mountain.
The closing month: cold, quiet, often wet or snowy lower down, and the emptiest the mountain gets all year. After the last October departure the fixed camps come down and later ascents run privately with dome tents.
The €150 per-person deposit is non-refundable. It can be moved to another departure in the same season.
Early season (March to June): camp locations change with snow and weather. Camps may be set at different altitudes, the number of camps may be reduced, and camp is pitched as high as the mules can go.
The deposit comes off your total. Departures close to the start are arranged by enquiry, because the climbing permit needs time.
For departures less than 45 days away, the full amount is paid when you book.
Every departure is capped at 10 climbers. If your date is not listed yet, join the waiting list and you will hear first when it opens.
Just you and your group, with your own guide. The 7-day full-service programme starts on any date you choose in the season, and the price per person falls as your group grows.
| Group size | Per person | Group total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | €2.990 | €2.990 |
| 2 people | €1.650 | €3.300 |
| 3 people | €1.370 | €4.110 |
| 4 people | €1.230 | €4.920 |
| 5 people | €1.095 | €5.475 |
| 6 people | €1.030 | €6.180 |
| 7 people | €960 | €6.720 |
| 8 or more | €890 | — |
Online booking is for start dates between 15 June and 9 October. For other dates, write to us.
You will receive your booking confirmation within 48 hours. Single hotel room +110 €, single tent +60 €, extra guide 550 € per group.
Climb Little Ararat (3,925 m) on day two, then go on to the main summit of Mount Ararat (5,137 m). Little Ararat doubles as an acclimatisation climb, and the route runs only in July, August and September. Choose the 7-day open group programme on a fixed date, or a 6-day private climb on your own dates.
Age 14 to 69. Climbers aged 14 to 17 can join only with a parent — to book with under-18s, write to us. The two-summit programmes are not open to anyone aged 70 or over.
We meet you at Iğdır (IGD) or Ağrı (AJI) airport and transfer you to your hotel in Doğubayazıt. Free time to rest and get ready for the climb.
About two hours by vehicle to the Biçare plateau at 2,700 m, then around five hours up to the summit of Little Ararat at 3,925 m (6 km, 1,225 m of ascent). Half an hour on top, three hours down, and about two hours' drive on to Mount Ararat Base Camp at 3,200 m.
About four hours up to High Camp at 4,200 m, an hour of rest and short walks around camp to help your body adjust, then about three hours back down to sleep at Base Camp.
About four hours (3 km, 1,000 m of ascent) up to High Camp at 4,200 m. The guides run a final check of crampons, clothing and packs; early dinner and rest before the summit push.
A night or early-morning start, about six hours to the summit of Mount Ararat, with crampons on the glacier section as conditions require. Half an hour on top, then down to High Camp and on to Base Camp. A spare weather day is built in: if conditions stop the attempt, we wait at 4,200 m and try again the next day.
About three hours down from 3,200 m to the vehicles at 2,200 m and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon cultural tour including İshak Paşa Palace, then the celebration dinner and summit certificates.
Breakfast, check-out and transfer to Iğdır or Ağrı airport in time for your flight.
Open group, 7 days: €1,095 per person. Single hotel room +30 €, single tent +60 €, extra private guide 550 € per group.
Open-group dates for the two-summit route are listed in the departure calendar above as “Two summits”, July to September only.
See two-summit datesWe meet you at Iğdır (IGD) or Ağrı (AJI) airport and transfer you to your hotel in Doğubayazıt. Free time to rest and get ready for the climb.
About two hours by vehicle to the Biçare plateau at 2,700 m, then around five hours up to the summit of Little Ararat at 3,925 m (6 km, 1,225 m of ascent). Half an hour on top, three hours down, and about two hours' drive on to Mount Ararat Base Camp at 3,200 m.
About four hours (3 km, 1,000 m of ascent) up to High Camp at 4,200 m. The guides run a final check of crampons, clothing and packs; early dinner and rest before the summit push.
A night or early-morning start, about six hours to the summit of Mount Ararat, with crampons on the glacier section as conditions require. Half an hour on top, then down to High Camp and on to Base Camp. A spare weather day is built in: if conditions stop the attempt, we wait at 4,200 m and try again the next day.
About three hours down from 3,200 m to the vehicles at 2,200 m and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon cultural tour including İshak Paşa Palace, then the celebration dinner and summit certificates.
Breakfast, check-out and transfer to Iğdır or Ağrı airport in time for your flight.
| Group size | Per person | Group total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | €3.690 | €3.690 |
| 2 people | €2.190 | €4.380 |
| 3 people | €1.780 | €5.340 |
| 4 people | €1.575 | €6.300 |
| 5 people | €1.440 | €7.200 |
| 6 people | €1.370 | €8.220 |
| 7 people | €1.300 | €9.100 |
| 8 or more | €1.230 | — |
Online booking is for start dates between 1 July and 30 September — the two-summit route does not run in other months.
You will receive your booking confirmation within 48 hours. Single hotel room +110 €, single tent +60 €, extra guide 550 € per group.
No payment now. Tell us your dates and your experience, and we will confirm availability and your exact price within 24 hours.
Yes. Every climber needs a permit from the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, €50, together with approval from the Doğubayazıt district governorship, and must be accompanied by a local guide. We apply on your behalf and pay the fee; we need your passport details well in advance. The permit is included in every programme.
No. On the south route in summer there is no roped climbing and no previous mountaineering experience is required. You put crampons on for the snow from around 4,900 metres, and your guide teaches you how to use them on the acclimatisation day.
You should be comfortable walking four to six hours a day carrying a daypack. Summit day is long, usually ten to twelve hours, and it is at altitude. Regular hill walking, running or cycling in the months beforehand is the best preparation.
The season runs from mid-June to mid-October. July, August and September bring the most stable weather and the highest summit success rates. Ski touring is possible in March and April, and winter ascents in May.
Ağrı (AJI) or Iğdır (IGD), both with domestic connections from Istanbul; Van (VAN) also works, about 2.5 hours by road. We meet you at the airport and drive you to Doğubayazıt, and we take you back on the last day.
Genesis places the Ark on the mountains of Ararat, and this peak has carried that association for centuries. Whatever you make of the story, standing on the ice cap at sunrise is why most people come.
Your guide may move the attempt earlier or add a night at camp, and safety always decides the schedule. There is an emergency extra day in the programme: if the weather makes the climb impossible, you wait at 4,200 m and try again the next day. If it is not needed, that day is used for rest at 3,200 m after the summit. Weather changes do not create a refund.
Almost certainly not. The travel incoming insurance that comes with your booking covers you in the city only — not on the mountain — and standard travel policies exclude high-altitude activity anyway. Turkish law only requires ordinary travel insurance, so a mountaineering policy is your decision rather than a rule. We recommend it strongly. Note that there is no commercial helicopter rescue on Ararat: a helicopter can only be sent by the military, at its own discretion — a good policy still covers treatment, ground evacuation and repatriation. Tell us your age and nationality and we will arrange suitable cover alongside your booking. Watch the altitude limit: most standard policies stop at 3,000 m, and an adventure add-on often stops at 4,600 m — for Ararat you need cover above 5,000 m.
There is no formal age limit. Groups climb with about one local guide per nine climbers. Over 60 we strongly recommend booking an extra private guide (€550 per group) unless you are confident in your fitness; over 70 a doctor's report is required.
In summer, yes: Base Camp at 3,200 m and High Camp at 4,200 m. In March, April, May and June snow and weather decide: camps may be set at different altitudes, the number of camps reduced, and camp is pitched as high as the mules can go.
Yes. Many of our climbers add a week of Turkish in Istanbul or Izmir before or after the expedition, and every booking includes free access to Eda, our AI Turkish tutor.
Yes. On our two-summit programmes you climb Little Ararat (3,925 m) from the Biçare plateau on day two, then continue to Mount Ararat Base Camp and the main summit at 5,137 m. They run in July, August and September only: 7 days in an open group at €1,095 per person, or 6 days private on your own dates from €1,230 per person.
Yes: 14 to 69. Climbers aged 14 to 17 can join only with a parent, and nobody aged 70 or over can join.
Turn the trip into something you keep. Royal Turkish Schools has taught Turkish in Istanbul and Izmir since 2008 — group and private courses, any level, starting every Monday.
Turkish courses in Turkey · Online Turkish courses