Name: Ascension du Mont Ararat (5137m)
Brand: Randomania
Price: 9800.00 MAD
Availability: InStock

DESCRIPTION

Club Randomania invites you on an extraordinary adventure by joining our programme toclimb the legendary Mount Ararat. Located in the heart of Turkey, this mythical summit is not just a physical challenge: it is an immersion in breathtaking landscapes, steeped in history and mystery.

Join us for an unforgettable experience, where every stage brings you closer to Ararat's snowy peaks, while revealing the cultural and natural richness that surrounds it.

Get ready to push your limits, embrace the unknown and share an adventure where determination, wonder and surpassing yourself will be your best allies. A summit of history and legend: Mount Ararat is an ancient snow-capped volcano which, at 5,137 metres, is the highest point in Turkey. It is located in the Anatolia region, near the border with Iran and Armenia.

Its climb is not very technically demanding, but it requires good physical preparation, which makes it very suitable for a first high-altitude climb.

In the Christian tradition, Mount Ararat is where “Noah's Ark” is said to have come to rest after the Flood. Presumed remains of the Ark have been found on some of its slopes. At its base, a few Kurdish villages offer a glimpse of the traditional nomadic life of this culture.

The programme included here covers the mountain climb. It can be extended by an extra day to visit areas near the mountains or the city of Istanbul, on request.

🏔️ Goal: climb Turkey's highest summit, Mount Ararat (5137 m), a symbol of mystery and legends, for an extraordinary adventure.

📜 Expedition highlights Climbing a mythical summit: the highest in Turkey. Exceptional panorama: a spectacular sunrise at the summit. Cultural discovery: Ishak Pasha Palace, Akdamar church, Lake Van. Local immersion: nomad camps and Anatolian traditions.

OVERVIEW

Duration 8 Days 7 Nights

Price 9 800,00 MAD

Meals Full board

Deposit when booking 2 000 MAD (the balance is paid during the trip)

Loyalty points +100 points earned

Difficulty Challenging

Understand the levels →

Region Eastern Anatolia

City Doğubayazıt

Country Turkey

ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS

Accommodation

Tents in the mountains, hotel in town.

Meals

Full board.

DETAILED PROGRAMME

Day 1: Arrival in Van / Dogubeyazit

Arrival at Agri or Igdir airport and transfer to Dogubeyazit, one of Turkey's easternmost towns, on the border with Iran and Armenia. Check-in to your hotel rooms and free time at the end of the day (depending on arrival time).

Meeting with the guiding team, check-in at the hotel and presentation of the programme.

Accommodation: hotel in Dogubeyazit.

Meals included: dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Dogubeyazit – Base camp (3,300 m)

Elevation: +1000/-1000, Distance: 8 km, Walking time: 4-5 h.

The day begins with a transfer to the village of “Cevirmen”, at 2,200 metres. On arrival, we meet the team that will accompany us during the climb: cooks, muleteers and other essential members of the expedition.

We then begin a gradual climb towards camp 1. Between June and September, our route sometimes crosses nomad camps, offering a unique glimpse of the traditional way of life, where whole communities migrate with their flocks of sheep during the summer season.

Once at camp 1, we pitch our tents and take some time to relax and rest.

Walking time: 4-5 hours.

Accommodation: tent at base camp.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 3: Acclimatisation – Hike up to 4,200 m

Elevation: +900/-900, Distance: 6 km, Walking time: 4-5 h.

Acclimatisation hike above base camp (up to 4,200 m), then back to camp. This day is dedicated to acclimatising to altitude, essential to maximise our chances of success on the climb. We do a return hike to Camp 2, at 4,200 metres. After an energising breakfast, we climb a zigzag path through rocky blocks. On the way, we soon get to admire the cone of Little Ararat (3,895 metres) to the east.

At Camp 2, we share a well-deserved picnic before calmly heading back down to Camp 1. The rest of the day is free to rest and prepare for the rest of the expedition.

An essential day for adapting to altitude.

Walking time: 4-5 hours.

Accommodation: tent at base camp.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 4: Base camp (3,300 m) – High camp (4,200 m)

Elevation: +900/-900, Distance: 6 km, Walking time: 4-5 h.

Hike to the high camp (4,200 m). As on the previous day, we take the path to camp 2, below the summit, at 4,200 metres. This camp lies in a rocky setting, with only small spaces between the blocks to pitch the tents.

After lunch on site, we enjoy a well-deserved rest, followed by a short return hike higher up. This outing helps us gain altitude and optimise acclimatisation. In the late afternoon, we share a friendly dinner before going to bed early to recover.

Pitching the tents for the night.

Walking time: 4-5 hours.

Accommodation: tent at high camp.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 5: Mount Ararat climb (5,137 m) – Return to base camp

Elevation: +1000/-1800, Distance: 16 km, Walking time: 9-10 h

The long-awaited day has finally come! We set off at first light to climb Mount Ararat, rising to 5,137 metres. The climb zigzags through rocky blocks, on a sustained slope that will test our endurance. On the way, we watch a magnificent sunrise behind Little Ararat, whose majestic shadow stretches over the surroundings.

From 4,900 metres, the first patches of snow appear, marking the start of a glacier. We move carefully across a vast glacial plateau, which requires crampons, before tackling a steeper slope to the final dome. After 5 to 7 hours of effort, we reach the summit, an unforgettable moment of triumph.

The descent follows the same route, with a well-deserved stop at Camp 2 to rest, before continuing to Camp 1 where we spend the night.

Walking time: 8-10 hours.

Accommodation: tent at base camp.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Walking time: 8-10 hours.

Day 6: Base camp – Dogubeyazit

Elevation: -1000, Distance: 8 km, Walking time: 2-3 h.

After a last emotional look at Ararat, we begin our descent to the village of Cevirme, at 2,200 metres. Back at the hotel, we enjoy some free time and a well-deserved shower before continuing with an afternoon of cultural discovery.

Lunch in the town centre.

Traditional Turkish hammam with separate areas for men and women, plus a sauna session and a relaxing massage, for an unforgettable wellness experience.

Celebration dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Walking time: 4 hours.

Accommodation: hotel in Dogubeyazit.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 7: Cultural discovery day around Dogubeyazit

Possible excursions:

Lake Van and its surroundings.

Discovering the volcanic landscapes of eastern Anatolia.

On the programme: a visit to the sumptuous Ishak Pasha Palace, a former caravanserai turned architectural treasure, followed by an exploration of Akdamar church. Perched on an island in the middle of Lake Van, it offers an enchanting setting and a breathtaking view. The day ends with a celebration dinner and a comfortable night at the hotel.

Free time to enjoy the town.

Dinner on your own.

Accommodation: hotel in Dogubeyazit.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch.

INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS

What's included

✔️ Accommodation:
3 nights in a hotel in Dogubeyazit.
4 nights in tents during the expedition.
✔️ Meals:
Full board throughout the trip
(breakfasts, lunches, dinners).
✔️ Transport :
Airport transfers (Van or Igdir) – Dogubeyazit. Vehicle transfers between Dogubeyazit and the start/end points of the hikes.
✔️ Guiding:
Experienced professional local guides.
Logistics team (muleteers to carry the luggage).
✔️ Gear:
Tents for the bivouac.
Crampons for the high-altitude climb.
✔️ Other services:
Cultural visits as per the programme (e.g. Ishak Pasha Palace).
Assistance and briefings throughout the trip.

What's not included

International flights (to Van or Igdir).
Personal expenses (souvenirs, drinks, etc.).
Travel and cancellation insurance.
Tips for the local team.

RECOMMENDED GEAR

Mountain boots: waterproof trekking boots, rigid or semi-rigid, suitable for crampons.

Backpack: a pack of about 40-50 L to carry your essentials during the day.

Sleeping bag: suitable for extreme temperatures (comfort between -10°C and -20°C).

Protective accessories: warm gloves (2 pairs: one thin and one thick), warm hat or balaclava, sunglasses (UV protection category 3 or 4), high-factor sunscreen and lip balm.

Water bottle or hydration system: at least 2 litres, with protection against freezing (thermos or insulated cover).

Personal first-aid kit: personal medication, blister plasters, antiseptic and small repair tools (tape, string).

Need help with your gear? The What to wear hiking guide →

PHOTO GALLERY 8 photos

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 10 questions

What fitness level is required for this trip?

This trip is suitable for all levels. Our guides adapt to the group's pace. Level, distance and elevation gain are given above in the programme.

How does transport work during the trip?

Transport is in a comfortable vehicle with an experienced driver. The meeting point and departure time are given in the trip programme.

What type of accommodation is planned?

We select quality accommodation according to the programme.

Is insurance included?

Tourist transport and accommodation are covered by our partners. For some specific activities run by a local partner, activity insurance may be included depending on the country. However, no insurance covers the hiking itself: we strongly recommend taking out your own travel/repatriation insurance before departure, especially for high-altitude activities or trips abroad.

Can I travel alone?

Yes, many solo travellers join us. For shared-room accommodation, rooms are allocated, unless stated otherwise, between people of the same gender.

Are pets allowed?

A pet may be allowed only when the type of activity, transport and accommodation allow it, subject to Randomania's prior approval — to be mentioned when signing up.

What gear should I bring?

Shoes suitable for hiking
Clothing suited to the weather and altitude
Enough water
Suitable backpack
Walking pole if the terrain requires it

A detailed gear list will be sent to you after signing up.

Is the trip cancelled in bad weather?

No, we adapt the programme to the conditions. If there is a real risk for the group, Randomania may modify, shorten, postpone or cancel the activity — with a full refund or a postponement offered.

What is the cancellation policy if I withdraw?

30 days or more before departure: full refund (100%).
Between 15 and 30 days: 50% refund.
Less than 15 days: no refund.

Longer deadlines than for a trip in Morocco, given the commitments made with our partners abroad. No penalty if you are replaced by another participant. Details on our cancellation policy page.

How can I pay?

By bank transfer or in cash. A deposit confirms the booking, the balance is paid before departure.