ARARAT SKI TOUR

Itinerary

This is a standard ski-program for Mount Ararat(5137m)
Day 1: We meet at the airport in İstanbul. We stay overnight in Istanbul-Hotel.

Day 2: Transfer to airport and fly to Van than drive to Dogubeyazit(3 hours).Visit to Ishakpasa Palace. Overnight in the Dogubeyazit-Hotel.Briefing about ski-climbing program to Ararat.

Day 3: Transfer from hotel to Mount Ararat /Eli Village at 2200 m with minibus. Carry all the luggages-skies with mules to Camp 1. 2900 m. 2-3 hours.

Day 4: Acclimatization walking with skies to 3800 m-Camp 2 site.3800 m. Downhill to Camp 1. Total 4-5 hours.

Day 5: Walking to Camp 2 with skies.The porters carry the luggages to Camp2.

Day 6: Summit day. We start ski-walking early in the morning. 5-7 hours walking to the top 5137 m. Downhill back to 3800 m camp site. Return to Camp 1 after short rest and eat lunch. Overnight in tents at Camp 1.

Day 7: Descend to Eli Village and meet with the minibus. Arrive to Dogubeyazit than drive to Van. Overnight in Van-Hotel.

Day 8: Transfer to airport and fly to İstanbul. Overnight in Istanbul-Hotel.

Day 9: Full day sightseeing in İstanbul. Visit the Sultanahmet Mosque, Ayasofia and Grand Bazaar. Shopping. Stay overnight .

Day 10: Departure..
 

Whats included the price

*All transportation in Turkey (not domestic flights)
*Accommadations
*Meals (not in Istanbul)
*Sigtseeing (entrance fees written in the program)
*English speaking mountain guide licenced from Turkish Mountaineering Federation
*Mules and porters support for luggage
*Cook service
*Tent for 2 person each, sleeping mattresses
*Technical climbing equipment: rope, sling, ice screw

Not included
*Tips *Beverages *Meals in İstanbul *Climbing permit(50 Euro) *Domestic flight(90 Euro) *Insurance

*The double room/tent per 2 person, single room-tent supplement 120 Euro
Season for ski-climbing: The best season for the ski-climbing to Ararat begins in April until end of the May. The weather is snowy in the middle of April; however, it is possible to ski-climb to the summit. Usually the snow is starting at 2800-2900 meters, this is why we pitch the tents at 2800 meters for Camp1. Snow condition is excellent quality, fresh powder sometimes hard. The skiers can downhill from the top (5137m) until 2800 meters. Some of the ski-climb skiers will need ski-krampons after Camp 2 for the summit trail.

About carrying the backpacks and camp equipment: The mules transfer from Eli Village (2200 m) to Camp 1(2900 m). All the luggage and skies are carried with the mules to Camp 1. From Camp1 to Camp2 porters will carry the backpacks and camp equipment. Normally, Camp2 site is at 4170 meters in the summer time, but the weather conditions can be diffilcult for the porters. Because of this we are using the Kum Camp (winter camp site-3800 meters). The summit climbing with skies starts from here.

Leadership-Guiding on the mountains: Our guides have recieved Mountain Guide certificites from the Turkish Mountaineering Federation. Its necessary to have a licenced mountain guide to climb Mount Ararat. Our guides have extensive experience on the mountains. They have led many groups and will lead you to the top of the mountain with skies.

Advised equipments: Good mountaineering clothes. Jacket, pants, good gloves etc. Sport shoes or leather shoes for walking to Camp1. You dont need to walk with ski boots to Camp 1.