TOUR ITINERARY

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Day 1: Van

Flight to Istanbul Flight via Istanbul to Van. Transfer to the hotel.

Day 2: Ski Tour Mt. Artos (3,537 m)

In the morning, drive to Gevaş on Lake Van and continue to the last village at the foot of the mountain, 2,100 m (depending on snow conditions, possibly lower). About 4 hours are needed to reach the summit – the view over Lake Van is unique. A spirited descent with a maximum steepness of up to 30°. Afterwards, return to Van and overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Ski Tour on Another Mountain

Today we make another ascent. The decision as to which mountain we climb will be made on site, depending on snow conditions. After the ski tour, we continue to Tatvan for the overnight stay.

Day 4: Ski Tour Mt. Süphan (4,058 m)

Early in the morning, drive up to the snow line above the village of Kışkılı. The ascent involves about 1,650 vertical meters in 5 hours, with the last 200 meters being very steep. Rightly so, Süphan is one of the most rewarding ski mountains and at the same time the third highest mountain in the country. Drive to Doğubayazıt – for the first time we catch sight of our main goal, Mount Ararat! Overnight at the hotel.

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Day 5: Doğubayazıt – Base Camp

Drive to the village of Çevirme. After the luggage is loaded onto horses, ascent depending on snow conditions to the high camp at about 3,450 m. Most of the time we go on foot without skis, but we may put them on along the way. We set up camp and overnight in tents.

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Day 6: Summit Day

Around 3 a.m. it’s time to get up and have breakfast. A roughly 6‑hour ascent takes us to the summit. At an altitude of about 4,900 m the glacier begins, from here on we continue with crampons. We’ve made it – we are standing on the highest peak in Turkey, Mount Ararat, the mountain of Noah. In good weather and clear visibility, the view extends as far as Iran and the Caucasus, with Eastern Anatolia lying at our feet!

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Descent and ski downhill, hopefully through wonderful powder or spring snow, first back to base camp and then further down to the snow line, depending on conditions, at 2,700 m. Afterwards, descent to Doğubayazıt.

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Day 7: Doğubayazıt, Reserve Day

Reserve day for another summit attempt, otherwise visit of the Ishak Pasha Palace. In the afternoon, transfer to Van, overnight at the hotel or at camp, depending on whether the reserve day was used on the mountain.

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Day 8: Return Flight

Transfer to the airport and flight home or extension in Istanbul.